A Rewarding Health Care Career , Become An MRI Technician
October 5, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Careers in medical fields are full of responsibilities and opportunities . Medical careers are perfect for people who enjoy helping others. Health care careers are not affected by economic downturns that affect any other industry. Health care and medical careers are very popular right now. Medical careers are some of the most personally rewarding, and stable, in the job market today. One of those careers in a MRI Technician.
The demand for MRI Technicians is at an all-time high. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technicians are trained to administer MRI procedures to patients. MRI technicians use imaging equipment with patients to acquire images of body tissue. The MRI images are examined by doctors to assess, diagnose and determine a course of action for their patients. Technicians need to be trained first in a Magnetic resonance imaging school before working in hospitals and clinics as MRI specialist.
Depending on what life stage you are presently the baseline for becoming an MRI technician is first obtaining an Associate Degree in radiology. High school students should prepare by taking courses in anatomy, biology and physiology. This will provide the foundation necessary for completing the training required for becoming an MRI technician. However, if you are past your high school days, most associate programs will provide this course work in your first year.
Upon completion and graduation from a radiology technology degree program you then must also complete certification programs that provide one to two years of specific training in MRI technology. Most states require licensing and at the end of your training you will earn your license by successfully passing an exam, similar to what the nurses do and your career as a MRI Technician will be underway. Those presently working the health care field may find employers eager to help with continuing education for becoming a MRI Technician
Not only will you be enjoying your work, but also financially MRI Techs and X-ray Techs can expect to earn a very respectable wage. The American Society of Radiologic Technologists completed a salary survey. A MRI Technician salary varies, depending on your experience, training and geographical location. For example, ‘the annual income of a RT in Arkansas is $46.000. With additional training, and licensing in MRI scanning, the salary is $57.424. In New York the average RT salary is $58,063. With MRI licensing, it is $64.136.As a bonus you will do what you love and love what you are doing.
Choosing Radiology Schools
Perhaps one of the more explosive health care careers today is that of a radiologist. Radiology now is a popular career choice because most hospitals have made it clear that the need for more radiology technicians is growing at a rapid pace. Likewise there is no shortage of radiology schools to choose from. When choosing a radiology school, one should determine their career goals and aspirations. Radiology schools are not all the same. Radiology schools were traditionally offered at community colleges and universities. Today many online opportunities exist for attending radiology schools. A clear understanding your own needs and expectations is important when choosing and selecting radiology schools. Many prospective employers will hire those with radiology certificates while other will require more formal 4 years degrees s a prerequisite. Knowing where you want to work after completing school can help you decide.
Radiology is a filed that has many different career choices and one must understand the job market before deciding on what type of radiology training is needed to complete your training. Do you want to be a radiologist or a radiology technician? Radiology Technicians take the x-rays, develop them, and pass them along to a radiologist , a physician who interprets radiographs for diagnosis. Deciding will help you choose the proper radiology school and program.
Many choose some form of online training, but radiology training requires clinical assignments so it is wise to look for radiology schools that address those issues before enrolling. As with all formal education, financial considerations may affect your radiology school decision.
Radiology school scholarships programs are available. Contact radiology organizations such as the American Healthcare Radiology Administrators for available opportunities. Organizations such as these cane help find radiology schools in your area to help facilitate your individual needs. Choosing radiology technician school ahead of becoming a radiologist is a popular choice among people choosing a radiology school. Many hospitals and clinics will help pay for continuing education for radiology techs to become radiologists. There are many radiology schools and programs to choose from no matter your field of choice. Check with U.S. Radiology School Directories for making the best choice for you and your family.
Radiology Technologists and Technicians In High Demand
August 5, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Radiology Technologists and Technicians
A popular, rewarding and fast growing career in the Health Care field is in Radiology or specifically Radiologic Technologists and Technicians. According to the Department of Labor, employment opportunities in Radiologic Technology are highly favorable and projected to be in large demand and grow at a greater than average pace. Although hospitals remain the primary employers for Radiologic Technicians and Technologists, a number of new jobs will be found in emerging diagnostic imaging offices and physicians’ offices.
The primary responsibility of a Radiologic technologist is to take x-rays and administer non-radioactive materials into patients’ bloodstreams for diagnostic purposes. They produce x-ray films or radiographs for physicians to use in diagnosing medical problems. They fully prepare the patient for their radiologic examination by explaining the procedure step-by-step and ensuring all preparations are completed prior to administering the radiologic tests.
Technicians must adhere to physicians’ orders precisely and conform to regulations regarding the use of radiation to protect themselves, their patients, and their fellow coworkers from unnecessary exposure to x-rays. Not only do Radiologic technologists perform x-rays, they also are responsible to keep patient records and adjust and maintain the equipment. They may also prepare work schedules, evaluate equipment purchases or even manage a radiology department.
Some radiographers specialize in (CT) or Computed Tomography, x-rays that produce multiple cross-sectional x-rays of an area of the body. Radiographers can also specialize in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) which produces a three dimensional image of the x-rayed area in multiple cross-sectional x-rays similar to CT. Mammography is another popular specialization, which utilizes low dose x-rays systems to produce images of the breast. Physical stamina is important too as radiology technicians may be on their feet for extended periods and may also be required to move and turn patients who are disabled or incapacitated.
Certification
Formal training programs in radiography are offered in hospitals, colleges and universities, and less frequently at vocational-technical institutes and can range in length from 1 to 4 years. These programs lead to a certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree, depending on the program you choose.
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers voluntary certification for Radiologic Technologists. Additionally, thirty-five states currently use ARRT administered exams for State licensing purposes. To be eligible for certification the technologist must graduate from an accredited program and pass the State examination. Also, to be re-certified, radiographers must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years.
Advancement
As with any career, experience and additional training will open doors which will allow the technologist to advance and become specialists performing CT, MRI, Angiographies, and other related procedures. They may also promoted to supervisory positions within their specific department; chief Radiologic technologist and ultimately a department director or administrator. Some technologists specialize in a specific occupation and become instructors or directors in radiologic technology programs, or may even work as sales representatives with radiologic equipment manufacturers.
