Radiologic Technologist Schools | Radiology Technologist Schools

Radiologic Technologist Schools: Specialization Is Key

Radiologic Technologist Schools

In the area of radiology tech schools, how are radiologic technologist schools different from radiology technician schools? The level of complexity involved in mastering the technology and the procedures used is the main difference. A radiologic technologist handles more complex imaging procedures than a radiology technician.

While employers prefer to hire those with at least two-year associate degrees to work either as radiology technician or radiographer and radiologic technologist, the latter’s training is confined to equipment such as x-rays, CT (computed tomography) scans and mammograms. As you work towards specializations like MRI, nuclear medicine or echocardiography, then you will eventually become a radiologic technologist.

Focusing your career

Your chances for career growth are increased with continuing education. From technologist, you can become a radiologist assistant and be promoted to supervisor or chief radiologic technologist in the department. While job opportunities are available in private clinics, clinical laboratories and other medical facilities, radiologic technologists are mostly employed in hospitals.

Radiologic technologist schools may be in the form of MRI schools, ultrasound tech schools or nuclear medicine technology schools which offer specialized training programs for the specific technology. X-ray schools are usually technical or community schools. But many radiology technologist schools, especially colleges or universities, offer several programs in their line-up.

As the field becomes more competitive, many in the industry prefer to be proficient in more than one diagnostic imaging procedure. With the additional training and skills from a radiology technologist schools, you stand a better chance for advancement.

Types of rad-techs

Among the diagnostic imaging area specializations for radiologic technologists are:

Bone Densitometry Technologist – uses a specialized x-ray to measure bone mineral density
Cardiovascular-Interventional Technologist – uses sophisticated techniques to treat or correct problems without open surgery
Computed Tomography Technologist – uses rotating x-ray units to view slices of the anatomy
Magnetic Resonance Technologist – is specially trained to use the MR for scanning anatomy using radiofrequency pulses.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist – uses radiopharmaceuticals to obtain functional data about organs, tissues and bones with a gamma camera.
Ultrasound Technologist – uses sound waves to obtain images of the organs and tissues of the body.

With sophisticated and advanced digital imaging equipment, it has also become possible to treat certain conditions like tumors or cancers. There are also specialized radiologic technologists to assist in these procedures like radiation therapists or medical dosimetrists.

There are several radiologic technology schools or radiologic technologists schools around the United States today. They usually offer not just one program in this field but several or all. In California, Florida, Arizona, Washington, Tennessee and Oregon, there are schools with radiologic technology programs, some online but mostly onsite for the added benefit of strong clinical training.

You may inquire from the following radiologic technologist schools below, or look for others nearest your location.