Trending Now, Radiologic Technology Training Programs

Date: June 29, 2022

As a whole, career options are available to anyone willing to learn and work hard. Generally, individuals who complete Radiologic Technology (RT) training programs can enter positions within the allied-healthcare field. Because imaging growth and its efficiencies have expanded exponentially, adventurous students will likely see these academic programs trend. 

For this reason, one might ask, “What is a Radiologic Technologist?” By definition, a Radiologic Technologist (RT), also known as a radiographer, performs diagnostic imaging examinations on patients for healthcare purposes.¹ Moreover, “Radiologic Technologists are professionals who use X-rays to capture dynamic and static images of the human body. A radiologist or other medical specialist then interprets,” says Dr. James Murrell, Dean of Imaging for Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts.

Notably, RT professionals perform procedures within hospitals, physician offices, and outpatient imaging centers. All the while, Radiologic Technologists utilize proper safety and ALARA practices for routine and non-routine exams. Correspondingly, as imaging demands increase, so does the need for proper training. 

The Profession Begins with a Course

As a rule, the profession typically begins by attending an accredited Radiologic Technology training program. In particular, associate-level Radiologic Technology courses provide an overview of radiologic procedures. Explicitly these are defined by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists Practice Standards. All in all, students receive didactic, laboratory, and clinical experience. Moreover, such Radiologic Technology programs stress professionalism and ethics consistent with the Principles of Professional Conduct for Radiologic Technologists and the Code of Ethics.

Typically, course completion from an accredited program makes one eligible to earn certification and registration. Hence, graduates do this in part by passing an examination in radiography.² By and large, students receive instruction in infection control, sterile technique, body mechanics, and patient privacy. While accredited courses cover the following areas of study:

• Physics and Anatomy;
• Radiation Safety;
• Proper Patient Positioning;
• Technique;
• Quality Control;
• Darkroom Skills.

It Continues with Certification

On the whole, RT certification is achieved within several pathways. Two common pathways include (a) primary and (b) postprimary certifications. 

(a) Primary Pathway

Generally, one may earn their first credential by obtaining primary certification. Accordingly, a regulatory body lists one may earn primary credentials in the following disciplines. These include:

• MRI;
• Nuclear Medicine;
• Radiation Therapy;
• Radiography;
• Sonography;
• Vascular Sonography.²

Upon successful primary certification, one may then sit for postprimary pathway certification.

(b) Postprimary Pathway

As a whole, a postprimary pathway is for those who are currently certified and registered but would like to pursue an additional credential. The postprimary pathway may also be used by those who hold a credential from ARDMS or NMTCB.² Accordingly, postprimary certification encompasses several core areas. Among these are: 

• Bone Densitometry;
• Breast Sonography;
• Cardiac Interventional Radiography;
• Computed Tomography;
• MRI;
• Mammography;
• Vascular Interventional Radiography;
• Vascular Sonography.²

Our Offerings

All in all, Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts has two associate degree radiologic programs. These include the following:

• Associate of Occupational Science (A.O.S.) in Radiologic Technology
• Associate of Science (A.S.) in Radiologic Technology.

Of note, both of our programs are accredited by The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Additionally, our programs seek to prepare students for employment as certified Radiologic Technologists. Simultaneously, we emphasize the knowledge, skills, and entry-level competencies appropriate for examinations as required by the California Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch, and other regulatory bodies.

Be part of this imaging trend. Check out one of our programs today.~

Citations:
¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Radiologic and MRI Technologists. (Accessed Feb. 3, 2022.)
^{2^a, b, c, d}  “Initial Requirements for Earning ARRT^® Credentials.” Www.arrt.org,^® The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists^® (ARRT).^® (Accessed Oct. 6, 2022.)

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.^® 

Categories:

• Radiologic Technology