Degree Overview: Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Radiography
Majors Overview March 18, 2015Get information about bachelor’s degree programs in radiography and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Radiography
An associate’s degree training program in radiography must be completed by individuals that aspire to become professional radiographers (also called radiologic technologists or technicians) before they can seek entry-level careers in the healthcare industry. Some four-year programs are also available in the field; these include a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Radiography. Radiographers make use of X-ray equipment for the diagnosis of diseases in healthcare centers and hospitals.
Professional radiographers who complete these programs can seek advanced positions in the healthcare field, such as in laboratory organization, administration, and management. Students enrolled in most bachelor’s degree programs in radiography are required to transfer over credits earned previously from a two-year associate’s degree program. Hence, an additional two years of study would suffice to complete the majority of bachelor’s degree programs in radiography. Coursework in a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Radiography degree program often covers topic areas in business administration and organizational skills to augment advanced radiography skills.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to have completed an accredited associate’s degree in radiography. Licensure as radiographers is a mandatory requirement to be satisfied by applicants to a four-year degree program.
Coursework
Coursework in a bachelor’s degree program in radiography typically combines business-related seminars and instruction related to practical X-ray techniques. Core coursework may include topic areas such as the following:
•Radiation biology
•Advanced patient care techniques
•Organizational management
•Healthcare and computer systems
•Human anatomy
•Radiographic procedures
•Radiographic exposure
•Ethical medical imaging
•Pathology
•Business administration
•Physiology
Career Choices
In 2012, about 229,300 radiographers were employed in the country (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Most of them were employed directly in hospitals, while most of the remainder worked for medical laboratories or private physicians’ offices.
Job and Wage Outlook
A faster-than-average job growth rate of 21% have been predicted for radiographers over the 2012 – 2022 decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, these professionals brought in an average annual wage of $55,910 (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
After completion of a bachelor’s degree, some graduates may opt for continuing education to boost their career prospects as radiologic assistants (RAs), educators, or administrators. They may pursue master’s degree programs such as a Master of Science (M.S.) in Radiologic Technology or Master of Science (M.S.) in Radiologic Science. Coursework in such programs may include advanced clinical procedures, research methods, advanced patient communications, and legal aspects of the field.
