The A-B-C’s of RT: Getting Started With a Rad Tech Program

Date: August 15, 2022

A-B-C’s and ‘A-to-Z’s of All Things RT

Think you’d have better luck tossing up the alphabet ‘n guessing where it lands,
Than forming a DIY career or some educational plans?  

Want a new situation, as your GPS begs new navigation? 
Your vocation requests a strong SOS for its serious stagnation. 

Do you have a forgotten GPA or an unfinished AA?
Perhaps you’ve got a good I-Q, but your academic degree went MIA?    

Are you getting D-level results, and is your vocation temporarily AWOL?
Then, you need a new destination, ETA, and a complete overhaul. 

Of all things RT within Gurnick Academy,
This glossary can help navigate an academic trajectory. 

What RTs Do

FYI, trained in the “art and science” of creating images of the human body, using ionizing radiation for healthcare imaging, Radiologic Technologists (RTs) work closely with doctors who specialize in radiologic diagnosis (radiologists) and other MDs. While playing vital roles as professional members of medical teams, X-ray Technicians and RTs perform diagnostic X-ray procedures to help isolate injury and ascertain and prevent disease.

A = Apply to an Academic Program

The “A” in our RT ABCs stands for apply. Begin by applying to an accredited academic program and having a carefully planned SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats). Gurnick Academy offers several medical imaging programs, including two associate degree radiologic technology courses, accredited by The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). These include the following:

• • Associate of Occupational Science (A.O.S.) in Radiologic Technology, taking *23 months or 94 weeks to complete. 
  • Associate of Science (A.S.) in Radiologic Technology, taking *24 months or 96 weeks to complete. 

Commitment to the Profession

This is a challenging program requiring commitment to the profession. Yet, one should allow some R&R (rest and relaxation) en route within any academic trajectory. While studying, planning, working, and juggling work-study-life balances, remember to use the acronym KISS as a guide—keep it simple, student. Gurnick’s Student Services Department offers work/life/balance tips and various events and activities that contribute to one’s time in the program. The Department assists students with materials, clinical immunizations, inquiries, support, resources, and more throughout their education. 

B = Be Open, Be Prepared, Be Teachable

The “B” in our RT ABCs stands for being open, prepared, and teachable. You may want to adopt SMART objectives (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, time-bound goals). Always BOLO for programs with clinical experience and a syllabus containing a mixture of theoretical and practical skills. Gurnick Academy RT program coursework will have you:

• Exhibit the positioning skills of an entry-level technologist;
• Evaluate images for diagnostic quality;
• Demonstrate practical communication skills with healthcare teams, patients, and the public;
• Adapt to patients’ conditions that deviate from routine exams;
• Utilize proper safety and CDC ALARA practices.

BTW

BTW, our A.S. in Radiologic Technology Program goals and objectives seek to:

• Graduate students with the clinical competence required to be entry-level technologists.
• Produce students who will demonstrate effective interpersonal skills with the entire healthcare team and the public.
• Enable students to employ appropriate critical thinking and problem-solving skills in preparation for being entry-level technologists in the clinical setting.

While our A.O.S. in Radiologic Technology Program goals and objectives seek to: 

• Instill practical communication skills.
• Convey the importance of professional development and lifelong learning.
• Impart knowledge and skills to demonstrate clinical competence.
• Teach problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Prepare qualified RTs to serve the surrounding employment community.

We Help You Succeed

If you struggle academically, our teachers will work to help you succeed. They are trained to provide educational resources and find places for academic support. You might call on them when you need academic “CPR.”

C = Complete Certification

The “C” in our RT ABCs stands for complete certification. To become fully vetted, Radiologic Technologists must sit for The National Registry Examination. This is a Q&A outlining major content categories.²  FAQs on the exam include basic concepts such as definitions and procedures. It also tests knowledge from the following four most heavily represented content areas: 

• Patient Care
• Safety
• Image Production
• Procedures. 

For future RTs to become certified and registered, they must display acumen and thoroughly understand and apply these core principles.³

FYI

FYI, successfully passing said exam allows you to add the designation RT to your name as a registered Radiologic Technologist. The abbreviation signifies mastery of the knowledge, skills, and entry-level competencies appropriate for examinations required by the California Department of Public Health (CA.gov), Radiologic Health Branch, and a regulatory body. BTW, some US states also require state licensure and CECs (continuing education credits).      

A-to-Z: ‘Oh, The Places You’ll Go!’ 

YOLO, so perhaps radiologic technology training is a noble investment for you. You may contribute a valuable societal service, IRL—capturing images of a patient’s internal organs, soft tissues, and bones. Your attitude and altitude remain TBD as your success remains TBA, but you may make lasting differences! 

Enroll ASAP 

PS, This blog was a creative attempt to say, “Don’t trust your future to toss up the alphabet. Instead, follow a Gurnick Academy pathway by EOD today, OK?” For RT program FAQs, see this link ASAP.~

*Indicates Approved Instructional Weeks

Citations
¹ “Careers in Radiologic Technology–ASRT.” Asrt.org, American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). 2019. (Accessed Aug. 3, 2022).
² “State Licensing Exam FAQ Section.” ARRT.^® American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.^® (Accessed Feb. 11, 2022).
³ Board Vitals. “FAQs About the Radiography Exam.” Board Vitals Blog. Jan. 6, 2021. (Accessed Feb. 11, 2022).

Note:
ARRT,^® the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists,^® and R.T. (MR) (ARRT)^® are registered trademarks owned by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.^® Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is not licensed by, endorsed by, or affiliated with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.^® 

Glossary:
AA……….Associate of Arts Degree
AKA …… Also Known As
ALARA… As Low as Reasonably Achievable
ASAP……….As Soon As Possible
AWOL……….Absence Without Leave
BA……….Bachelor of Arts Degree
BTW……….By The Way
BOLO……….Be On the Lookout 
CA.Gov………..State of California
CDC……….Centers for Disease Control
CECs……….Continuing Education Credits
D-level……….Barely passing
CPR……….Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (revive)
DIY……….Do It Yourself 
EOD……….End of Day  
ETA……….Estimated Time of Arrival
FAQs……….Frequently asked questions   
FYI……….For Your Information
GPA……….Grade Point Average  
GPS……….Global Positioning System (direction/s)
IQ……….Intelligence Quadrant
IRL……….In Real Life   
JRCERT^{Ⓡ……….}The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology^Ⓡ
KISS……….Keep It Simple, Sweetie/Student 
MD……….Medical Doctor
MIA……….Missing in Action
PS……….Post Script
Q&A……….Questions and Answers
RT……….Radiologic Technology 
SMART……….Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-bound Goals
SOS……….Save Our Ship (cry for help)
SWOT……….Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats 
TBD……….To Be Determined
TBA……….To Be Announced
X-ray……….The unknown nature of a ray, termed by German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, is now a procedure.
YOLO……….You Only Live Once

Categories:

• Radiologic Technology