Major: Medical Radiologic Technology
CDC/Dr. Thomas Hooten
If you’ve ever broken a bone, you’ve been helped by a radiologic technologist, or x-ray tech. Though you may not have realized it, these techs are well-rounded medical professionals. Doctors do the diagnosing, but techs have to read and understand x-rays, too. Their fast-paced work challenges their ability to be accurate under pressure. And to top it off, a tech’s caring approach can mean a lot to a fearful patient.
Radiologic technology majors learn how to use x-ray equipment to make images of the body, which are used to identify injury and illness. They may also specialize in radiation therapy, giving prescribed doses of radiation to cancer patients.
Did You Know?
- The job is not always neat and clean. A technologist sometimes has to do unpleasant exams and must be strong enough to lift patients.
Are You Ready To...?
- Spend forty hours observing in a hospital imaging department before committing to the major
- Study anatomy and physics
- Follow radiation safety guidelines
- Intern in a hospital after your first year of study
It Helps to Be...
Good with detail, aware of spatial relationships, precise and analytical, and a productive team member. You’ll use complex medical equipment to help locate the source of a patient’s complaint.
College Checklist
- Is the program recognized by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)?
- Will you be able to specialize in radiation therapy, other uses of radiation, or other imaging methods?
- How much time will you spend in an internship?
Did You Know?
- Every year you’re exposed to naturally occurring radiation -- from the atmosphere, the earth\’s crust, and cosmic rays -- 50 times stronger than a dental x-ray.
Course Spotlight
Clinical rotation will be a vital part of your training. You’ll apply what you’ve learned in class and lab while working alongside professional radiographers, doctors, and nurses in a hospital or other health care settings. You’ll practice patient care skills, solve problems, and fine-tune your technical knowledge.
