by A Radiology program is a medical degree that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating disease using imaging techniques. They typically include in-depth instruction on x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine techniques. The field of Radiology is highly competitive with an average annual salary of $133,000.
Radiology programs curriculum prepare students in patient care, medical ethics, psychology, radiology procedures, techniques, etc. The average course length lasts four years, with some exceptions made where it takes only one or two semesters initially before graduating as opposed to other medical imaging fields.
Types of Radiology Programs
There are two types of radiology programs; the first is an undergraduate program, which takes place on campus at a college or university. The second type is a postgraduate residency training program that is located in a hospital setting where you will learn about patient care and how to work in a medical environment.
Undergraduate Radiology Programs
The programs can be completed on campus at a college or university or through an online Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree program that is linked to an accredited college. The prerequisite for undergraduate radiology programs varies, but you should check with the specific program to find out what you need. A biology course with lab is required in most radiology programs and medical school, and general physics and math courses.
Postgraduate Radiology Programs
After receiving a bachelor’s degree in radiology or a related area, postgraduate residency training programs take three to five years to complete. Students in postgraduate radiology programs will learn about the human body and how different diseases affect it, radiology techniques and imaging equipment use, patient care, communication with patients and personnel, etc.
In addition to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, students in a postgraduate radiology program must have a medical degree (i.e., MD or DO), which takes four years to complete after obtaining a bachelor’s degree, and then go on for three to five years of training in radiology programs.
Types of Radiologists
The two main types are diagnostic radiologists and therapeutic radiologists.
Diagnostic radiologists will diagnose patients’ injuries or health through x-ray examinations, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds imaging, or nuclear medicine.
Therapeutic radiologists use ionizing radiation to treat different illnesses using other procedures like surgery and chemotherapy.
Workplace Settings: Radiology programs prepare students for careers in hospitals, clinics, outpatient settings, private practices, government agencies, and private companies.
Technology Used
Radiology programs teach students about patient care, imaging equipment like x-ray machines, CT scanners, MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), ultrasound imaging technology, or nuclear medicine applications.
There are Radiology programs that offer hands-on experience as you shadow physicians and attend conferences, where you will be able to learn from your peers on the job and attend workshops and get practical training. And there are Radiology programs that provide you with classroom instruction while allowing you to work in the field.
Top 10 Schools Radiology Programs
Listed below are the top ten schools that offer Radiology programs:
1. Harvard University School of Medicine
2. Washington University in St. Louis-Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery
3. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
4. Yale University School of Medicine-Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery
5. Northwestern University-Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery
6. University of Rochester Medical Center
7. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery
8. University of New Mexico-Research Institute in Otolaryngology
9. University of Pennsylvania-Internal Medicine
10. University of Kentucky -Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Radiologic Technologist
They are in charge of taking x-rays and CAT scans to create images of organs like the heart and brain, administering contrast mediums during MRI or CT scans; or planning and delivering radiotherapy treatments to ill patients.
Radiologic technologists must be able to communicate effectively, clearly with physicians and other team members, including nurses and technicians who prepare imaging equipments, supplies, x-ray and nuclear medicine.
Radiologic technologists often work long hours, especially in emergency rooms or surgery settings where patients need to be imaged immediately. Additionally, the clinical setting, full of patients and their concerns, can be stressful. The job requires radiologic technologists to work quickly and accurately, under pressure.
This career requires extensive on-the-job training, including developing radiation safety programs. These are essential components of working with scanners and certain types of therapeutic equipment.
Everyone knows about surgeons, but a radiologist’s job is a lot tougher. They have to make sure their patients are safe when they’re under the knife and will have to deal with all types of blood, bone, tissue and organ challenges when operating.
This means that radiologists will encounter many different types of disease at work and be exposed to different kinds of medications that could affect their abilities. Many employers prefer to hire graduates of accredited programs, but certification is also required in most states.
The primary organization that provides certification is the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).The ARRT test consists of two parts: a written knowledge section and an evaluation during the performance.
Radiologic Specialties
There are ample specialties in the field of Radiologic Technology, including:
● Diagnostic Medical Sonography (2-year degree)
● Radiation Therapy (4-year degree)
Although each area of specialization has its entry requirements and expectations for continuing education, all positions require a strong aptitude for anatomy and physics, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to react quickly.
● Magnetic Resonance Imaging (2-year degree)
● Computed Tomography (2-year degree)
● Radiation Therapy (4-year degree)
● Nuclear Medicine Technology (2-year degree)
● Radiographer (no formal degree)
Students interested in Radiologic Technology should consider courses that will prepare them for the job during high school. These include:
● Biology
● Anatomy and Physiology
● Chemistry
● Physics
In Conclusion
A radiology program can give students the chance to work in a medically rewarding field to help people. A successful applicant into a radiology program shows the following attributes: interest in learning new things, ability to multi-task, high level of integrity, curiosity, not being easily rattled by stressful situations, attention to detail but the ability to “think outside the box,” ability to communicate with various levels of medical professionals, and a sense of compassion for patients.
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Sources
Radiologic Technology | GateWay Community College (gatewaycc.edu)
