Discover Radiologic and CT Health Sciences Schools and Careers
By the All Allied Health Schools career research team – Your link to Allied Health Career news, trends and training.
Learn About Radiologic Schools
Radiologic technology offers a broad range of career paths for students. Build your career as a radiologic technologist, radiologic assistant, radiology nurse or an M.D. But how do you know where to start your training?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2012-13 Occupational Outlook Handbook, health care careers remain in high demand with employment of radiologic technologists expected to grow at a rate of 28 percent through 2020. And radiologic technologist careers are a perfect entry-point to the field, offering you a chance to hone your skills and determine the best career direction for you.
Radiologic schools provide a number of paths for earning your credentials:
- 1-year certificate or diploma
- 2-year associate's degree
- 4-year bachelor's degree
At radiologic schools, you can expect to take classes in the following areas:
- Patient care procedures
- Radiation protection
- Principles of imaging
- Medical ethics
You'll also complete a significant number of hours of hands-on practical training. Of course, your radiologic school will also provide rigorous specialized training in the focus area of your choice.
Common specialties that radiologic schools offer include the following:
- Computed Tomography (CT) – combines computer technology with traditional x-rays to produce 3D images of bones, blood vessels and internal organs.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images of bones, organs, soft tissue and other internal parts of the body.
- Mammography – employs a specific type of x-ray technology to examine breast tissue for disease.
- Cardiac- and Vascular-Interventional Radiography – use catheter-type instruments to inject dye into the heart or blood vessels to create contrast images of internal organs as a means of identifying abnormalities or blockages.
Radiologic technology is a fascinating medical field that continues to grow even in the midst of a struggling economy. And radiologic schools provide the in-depth, hands-on training that future radiologic technologists need to work in one of the most important roles on a health care team.
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