Earn an Associate’s Degree in Radiologic Technology
Majors Overview March 6, 2014The role of radiologic technologists is to assist radiologists with medical equipment to create diagnostic pictures of the interior organs of patients. Associate of Science (A.S.) degree programs in radiologic technology can provide students with a background in all of the different modalities in the field.
A.S. Programs in Radiologic Technology
Students enrolled in an associate’s degree program in radiologic technology are provided with basic knowledge of radiologic science. Coursework in the first year covers radiographic techniques, human anatomy and basic medical terminology. In the second year, Coursework includes a clinical component whereby students are provided with first-hand training to help them learn to position patients, prepare patients for diagnostic exams, employ radiation safety procedures and perform diagnostic tests. Students are also imparted knowledge of healthcare facility standards, intrapersonal communication and medical ethics.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria related to 2-year radiologic technology degree programs require incoming students to first complete prerequisite courses in laboratory science, math and English, with a minimum GPA of 2.0 before they are allowed to begin core coursework.
Coursework
Coursework related to an associate’s degree program in radiologic technology is devised to ensure the passage by students of the radiologic technologist certification exam. Coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Introduction to radiology
•Radiographic pathology
•Radiographic exposure and safety
•Radiographic processing
•Medical terminology
•Anatomy and physiology
•Clinical radiology
•Radiographic positioning
Job and Wage Outlook
In 2012, there were over 229,300 radiologic technologists working in healthcare facilities and other settings across the U.S. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)). In 2012, radiologic technologists took home an average annual wage of $55,910. The highest annual wages were earned by individuals who were employed with professional schools, universities and colleges (BLS).
Certification Choices
Certification and registration choices for prospective radiologic technologists are provided by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Completion of an associate’s degree in radiologic technology among other formal education programs will allow students to become eligible for such certification. Students are also expected to pass an exam and submit to a criminal background investigation.
