Diagnostic Radiology Technicians

Diagnostic radiology technicians are professionals who take x-rays of various parts of patients’ bodies to determine whether the patient is ill or injured. Radiographs are generated via x-ray to help the diagnostician study bony and soft tissue components.

An education in Diagnostic Radiology might refer to a radiologic degree program with a focus on diagnostic services or a medical specialty learned in a residency. Graduates of radiologic technology programs can find job as computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists, while physicians who complete a residency in Diagnostic Radiology are prepared to work as radiologists.

If you want to pursue a career in diagnostic radiology, you can earn an Associate of Applied Science in Radiography or an Associate of Science in Radiography degree.

Associate Degree in Radiography

Diagnostic Radiology Degree

Successful completion of an Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Science in Radiography degree program prepares the graduate to become x-ray technicians and to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) registry examination.

During their education, students usually take core courses and electives on campus and work in the radiology departments of local hospitals to gain clinical experience. They learn about anatomy and physiology, communications, humanities, mathematics, microcomputers, physics, social sciences and radiographic theories. An A.S. degree may be designed for transfer to a 4-year institution while an AAS typically prepares students to enter the work force immediately after graduation.

Educational Prerequisites

Every applicant must have a high school transcript or GED. Some schools require ACT or SAT scores. Schools often require a specific grade point average (GPA) for admission. Under federal guidelines, students must be 18 or above to begin a clinical education. Certificate programs, associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees are all available for diagnostic radiology technicians. All degree programs must be certified by the Joint Review Committee on Education of Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

After an education program is completed, the graduate must take an examination from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, which is a standard examination for those who wish to practice radiology in the United States.

Program Coursework

Students learn proper x-ray techniques and theory. They learn how to protect a patient from excessive radiation. Proper positioning of the patient is taught. Students also learn how to apply mathematical knowledge to determine exposure factors. Students are taught the professional ethics of radiology and how to comply with the profession’s scope of practice.

Program Coursework includes the following courses: