Degree Overview: Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in Radiography
Majors Overview June 26, 2014Those interested in a career as a registered radiologic technologist should look into associate’s degree programs in radiography. Preparing x-rays and other images for diagnosing and treating medical issues is the role that these professionals play.
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree Programs in Radiography
Students enrolled in an associate’s degree program in radiography receive training in the performance of various professional tasks, including the administration of diagnostic imaging procedures such as x-rays, maintenance of inpatient records, and creation of work schedules. Students can also use the program to prepare for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam.
Apart from classroom instruction, supervised training is commonly imparted to students in clinical settings, such as health centers and area hospitals. This degree program typically spans two years.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require applicants to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma in addition to submitting college and/or high school grades and transcripts related to select developmental courses taken in college or high school, including English, science, and math.
Coursework
Apart from general education courses, coursework in the associate’s degree program may include core courses that include the following topic areas:
•Anatomy
•Physiology
•Radiology
•Medical terminology
•Radiation imaging
Job and Wage Outlook
A high job growth rate of 17% has been predicted for radiologic technologists and technicians during the period from 2008 to 2018 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)); specialization in different imaging technologies, such as computed tomography (CT) scanning and mammography, can give these professionals a competitive edge in the job market. In 2011, radiographers earned an average hourly wage ranging between $16.62 and $28.35 in the 10th–90th percentiles (BLS).
Certification and Continuing Education Choices
Biannual completion of 24 hours of continuing education will help radiologic technologists acquire voluntary certification (ARRT). Certification is also available in an array of radiology specializations, such as sonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and mammography. Passage of the exam in another discipline every alternate year and the acquisition of a designated number of continuing education credits is usually needed in order to renew licensure.
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