Joco Today

Do You Want a Healthcare Career? Radiologic Technology Degree!

For many with a desire to help others, a healthcare career suggests the idea of becoming a doctor or nurse, but there are more healthcare options than those roles. One profession many like you find appealing is that of a radiologic technologist. How do you get there? By completing a two-year A.A.S. in Radiologic Technology degree.

Important Role Of A “Rad Tech”

Radiologic technologists learn anatomy, patient positioning, patient care, examination techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety, and radiation protection.

Typically, completing a radiologic technologist degree takes as little as two years. That two-year degree is the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Radiologic Technology – it’s as much about taking good care of patients as it is about learning to use some of the newest medical technology.

Diagnostic Imaging Technologists Are In Demand

Radiologic technologists provide the interior body images medical doctors need for accurate, efficient diagnosis and treatment. Becoming a radiologic technologist opens the door to a career with staying power because rad techs often add other imaging competencies to their skill set, such as

•    Mammography

•    Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

•    Computed Tomography (CAT)

•    Cardiac-Interventional Radiology

•    Radiation Therapy

•    Nuclear Medicine.

Who’s A Good Match For An A.A.S. Degree In Radiologic Technology?

Rad tech program directors will tell you that it takes someone uniquely talented. They have to be naturally aware of a patient’s comfort level, communicate clearly with people of all ages, know the value of showing empathy, love working with technology, and understand how to work effectively with physicians.  

The scope of a radiologic technology degree encompasses the following:

•    Mastering imaging equipment and procedures

•    Properly position patients with precision and care

•    Working efficiently in a trauma scenario

•    Evaluating and ensuring image quality

•    Monitoring the safety of the patient and team members during procedures

•    Satisfying the specific image requests of physicians.

A Bright Career Outlook For “Rad Techs”

With so many new advances in imaging, it’s no surprise the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data show the need for radiologic technologists will be very strong over the next 10 years.

The demand for rad techs is happening because:

•    The capabilities of diagnostic medical imaging are expanding

•    Methods for non-invasive diagnosis are safer

•    There’s on-campus access to imaging facilities

•    Imaging is less risky than surgeries and other invasive procedures.

Even better, radiologic technologists are finding wide-scale employment. More than half of those with radiologic technology degree work in hospitals. Many others work in diagnostic clinics, physician group practices, mobile imaging facilities, and surgery centers.

A.A.S. Program: 2 Years To The Radiologic Technology Degree

In a typical A.A.S. in Radiologic Technology program, students complete about 24 hours of foundational classes that prepare them for success in the professional rad tech coursework. These foundational courses include English, communication techniques, psychology, anatomy, and physiology (learning how the human body functions).

Because the A.A.S. degree format is decidedly hands-on, many remaining classes, labs, and experiences focus on practical skills and abilities a radiologic technologist will use daily in the rad tech workforce.

This focused learning goes well beyond diagnostic imaging concepts and procedures. Students can sharpen their abilities by using anatomically correct body replicas, doing imaging simulations, and practicing on imaging equipment that’s representative of what employers use.

The A.A.S. Degree In Radiologic Technology At CUKC

Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a 100-year-old, nonprofit, private, chiropractic and health sciences university in Overland Park, Kansas, the largest suburban city within the Kansas City metro. Our radiologic technology degree is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

The design of our A.A.S. in Radiologic Technology program came from imaging center professionals. CUKC instructors have real-life experience doing the imaging work they are teaching, and qualified students can practice patient care as early as the third academic term.

The CUKC program puts an equal emphasis on patient interaction skills and technical competency, which helps our graduates meet employer expectations.

Primary features of our program:

•    On-campus radiologic technology equipment rooms and demonstration suites

•    Instruction in stationary and portable X-ray equipment and C-arm technology

•    Skills practice in positioning/imaging using human body phantoms

•    Real-world clinical experiences in partner clinics throughout Kansas City and surrounding areas

•    Classes for our program begin in the spring and fall of each year.

Original source can be found here.