In today’s turbulent job market, aspiring healthcare workers crave the promise of security and career advancement available in the medical field. While predictions of market climates should always be taken with a grain of salt, the anticipation of growth in the radiology field is well grounded. For individuals wondering what a radiographer does, this article will paint a picture of what a position in the radiology field could look like. It will also define some of the reasons the radiology field expects healthy growth in the coming years. Individuals interested in becoming a radiographer should consider pursuing an advanced degree in the field after initial certification, such as a Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences.
What Does a Radiographer Do?
Radiographers are primarily responsible for operating X-ray equipment to produce high-quality diagnostic images that aid in the diagnosis of various patient conditions. They can specialize in certain areas of imaging, including sonography, MRI, mammography, computed tomography, and vascular interventional radiography.
While job descriptions vary widely from role to role, a significant aspect of what a radiographer does revolves around preparing patients for procedures and then using their specialized knowledge and skills to perform imaging exams to produce diagnostic images. They explain the imaging process to patients, screening for any contraindication, help position patients for the exam, and manipulate imaging equipment to get the desired image. A wide range of jobs is available to suit any radiographer’s preference, including positions that entail spending a lot of time with patients, positions that involve analyzing images for quality control, and leadership positions at the departmental or facility level.
How to Become a Radiographer
While the term “radiologist” refers to a fully licensed physician who, after completing medical school, went on to complete a residency in radiology for four to seven years, a radiographer can complete all necessary certifications (specific requirements for employment vary by state) for employment in a much shorter time. A radiographer may be able to complete all necessary training in as little as two to three years after high school.
It is important to distinguish that a radiologist is a physician that interprets diagnostic tests and recommends a course of treatment for the patient, while a radiographer or radiologic technologist is the person performing the imaging tests on the patients (CT scans, MRI’s, x-rays, and ultrasounds), who then submits them to a radiologist for interpretation.
If you are interested in how to become a radiographer, consider these steps.
Step 1: Pursue Training and Education
The paths that can produce a certified radiographer are varied and flexible. A prospective radiographer can begin by earning an associate degree in the field to qualify for certification. Programs that train radiographers are often abundant and can be completed at universities, community colleges, hospitals, and other education providers. All prospective radiography students must ensure that the program they choose is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) in order to qualify to sit for their credentialing exam from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
After completing an associate degree, radiographers should strongly consider earning a more advanced degree, such as an online Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences. Radiographers with such a degree may gain a competitive advantage, qualify for leadership roles, and command higher salaries.
Step 2: Gain Certification
After completing either an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in radiography, individuals should begin pursuing certification. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) — one of the largest certification associations in the country — facilitates national certification examinations for the medical imaging professions. To remain certified, radiographers must take a certain amount of continuing education credits every few years to stay up-to-date with changes in the field.
Step 3: Apply for Jobs
After receiving all necessary certifications, a radiographer can find employment in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, imaging centers, outpatient clinics, and mobile X-ray companies. The details of what a radiographer does daily depend on the specific job location.
Radiography Job Outlook
Several observable trends in the United States indicate favorable prospects for the radiology field in the coming years. The first trend is the aging population. The projection is that the national median age will increase, boosting the demand for medical technologies and services. The use of radiologic imaging will only rise as more patients seek treatment for various ailments.
The second trend is revealed by the advancing nature of the radiology field. New technologies are plentiful, and the field is developing at a rapid pace. Because of this attention and focused development, chances are high that new treatments and preventative screenings will further solidify radiology’s value to the healthcare community.
Based on these trends, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 7% growth in the radiology job market between 2019 and 2029, faster growth than the projection for all job markets nationwide.
Salary of Radiographers
In addition to potential job security, a few other appealing perks come with being a radiographer. The relatively short amount of training required allows students to complete their certifications and enter the workforce much quicker than other healthcare professions. The abundance of radiology specializations allows radiographers to not only tailor their job preferences and pursue particular interests within the field, but also increase their pay rates and job prospects by completing additional training and certifications.
The pay available to radiographers and similar positions within the radiology field can be lucrative. According to the BLS, the median annual income for radiographers and technologists (across a wide variety of positions and job types) was $62,280 as of May 2019.
Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree in Imaging Sciences
Those who choose to become a radiographer will discover a world of possibility. Operating scientific equipment, conducting research, interacting with patients, managing an imaging department — radiology offers something for everyone. The radiology field shows signs of robust growth and advancement in the coming years and will provide ample prospects for anyone looking for a promising career.
AdventHealth University Online’s Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences degree offers working imaging professionals an expanded opportunity to learn the technical, medical, and people skills to help them continue their professional growth. Whether your goal is to provide a higher level of patient care or to advance your career by moving into management, education, consulting, or industry, the place to begin is with a Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences degree. With six specialty tracks available, explore how the program can help you achieve your career goals.
Recommended Readings
- How to Become an MRI Technologist
- Radiologic Technologist vs. Ultrasound Technologist
- The Most Common Medical Radiation Myths Dispelled
Sources:
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, Credential Options
- American Society of Radiologic Technologists, Careers in Radiologic Technology
- Houston Chronicle, “Radiology vs. Radiography”
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Radiation Therapists
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Radiologic and MRI Technologists
