Radiologic technologists play a crucial role in the healthcare industry. They are professionals who work with medical imaging machines to test and detect a wide variety of medical conditions. These professionals work with various equipment, such as MRI scanners, CT scanners, and other diagnostic imaging equipment.
They also work in many healthcare settings, like diagnostic imaging centers, clinics, and hospitals. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is the top credentialing institute for radiologic technologists in the US.
The ARRT certification is the gold standard for radiologic technologists. This certification shows that a radiologic technologist has met the ethical and educational standards necessary to provide effective and safe care for patients.
What Does It Take to Be an ARRT-Certified Radiologic Technologist
To become an ARRT-certified radiologic technologist, one must write and pass the ARRT examination. The exam is pretty tough, but many have learned to beat it with dedication, hard work. Some also take a practice test to get familiar with the format. Once you’re done with all the studying and preparation, you can take up a radiography practice test online to see how well-prepared you are for the exams.
Once you pass the exam and earn your ARRT certification, you have many career pathways from which to choose. In this article, we will walk you through some career pathways available that you can take.
Career Pathways for ARRT-Certified Radiologic Technologists
If you have decided to become a radiologic technologist, here are some of the career pathways that you can explore. Every journey is different, so it’s up to you which career suits you best.
Become a Radiographer
Becoming a radiographer is one of the most popular career choices for certified radiologic technologists. X-ray technologists, commonly known as radiographers, are in charge of operating X-ray equipment to produce diagnostic images of the body. They work with other healthcare professionals like physicians to determine the best imaging approaches to produce high-quality images.
- If you like working with patients and have good communication skills, becoming a radiographer is an excellent career option for you. Radiographers work in different healthcare departments, including hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic imaging centers.
Work as a Computed Tomography (CT) Technologist
Computed Tomography (CT) is a unique aspect of radiologic technology that uses X-ray machines to produce slices of information-rich images of the body. Patients often get CT scans to diagnose and monitor their health conditions like heart disease, cancer, and neurological disorders.
- Become a computed Tomography technologist and work with physicians and other healthcare professionals to determine the best imaging approaches to produce the best quality images possible.
Their job also includes ensuring the safety of patients during imaging procedures. It is a great career pathway for radiologic technologists with ARRT certification.
Become a Sonographer
Becoming a sonographer is another common career pathway for ARRT-certified radiologic technologists. Sonography is a specialized aspect of radiologic technology that involves producing images of the body with high-frequency sound waves.
- Sonographers work with other professionals like physicians and doctors. They work with them to produce diagnostic images of different structures and organs in the body.
- If you have excellent communication skills and enjoy working with patients, it is a good idea to explore this career path.
Pursuing a career in sonography comes with many benefits, which is why many are considering it. However, you would need to pass the ARRT sonography exam to qualify as a sonographer. Adequate preparation and taking an ARRT sonography practice test online have helped many pass the exams with good scores.
Become Involved in Nuclear Medicine
With an ARRT certification, a radiologic technologist can pursue a career in nuclear medicine. Nuclear medicine is a specialized aspect of radiologic technology that diagnoses and treats several medical conditions with radioactive materials.
- Nuclear medicine technologists work with physicians to produce high-quality diagnostic images of the body and administer radioactive materials to patients.
- Nuclear medicine is one of the best career choices for people who love and want to explore the science behind radiologic technology. As a nuclear medicine technologist, you can work in various healthcare settings, such as diagnostic imaging centers, clinics, and hospitals.
Work as a Radiation Therapist
If you like to help patients who are usually experiencing severe emotional and physical distress, you can pursue a career in radiation therapy. Radiation therapists use ionizing radiation to treat various medical conditions like cancer.
- Work with doctors to create and administer radiation treatment plans for patients.
- In addition to creating and administering treatment plans, radiation therapists are responsible for the safety of patients during the radiation treatment, as ionizing radiation can be dangerous if not properly used.
Become a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist
MRI, which is short for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a well-known area of radiologic technology. This field involves the use of radio waves and magnetic fields to produce detailed and high-quality images of the body.
Magnetic resonance imaging scans are often used to diagnose and monitor various conditions such as joint injuries, neurological disorders, and cancer.
- As an MRI technologists, you can work with other health professionals to determine optimal imaging approaches and ensure the produced images are of good quality.
- MRI scans with strong magnetic fields, so MRI technologists also ensure the safety of their patients during the imaging procedure.
Work as a Mammographer
Becoming a mammographer is another essential and highly rewarding career pathway for radiologic technologists. Mammography is an aspect of radiologic technology that involves the use of X-ray machines to produce detailed images of the breast.
- Mammographers use mammograms to diagnose and detect breast cancer.
- Good communication skills and the ability to work with patients experiencing severe emotional and physical distress are important traits mammography technologists must have to work in this field.
Get Involved in Radiologic Technology Management
An ARRT-certified radiologic technologist can also pursue a career in radiologic technology management. The responsibilities of radiologic technology managers involve supervising the operations of radiologic technology departments. Managerial and good communication skills are essential in this industry.
- An individual must also deeply understand radiologic technology and its application in the medical field.
- A radiologic technology manager must stay up-to-date with the latest trends in technology and management methods.
Conclusion
Radiologic technologists have many options to explore when it comes to choosing a career pathway. There are many specialization areas within this field that offer rewarding and exciting career opportunities. However, you need the right training, education, and ARRT certification to enjoy those rewards. Taking the examination can be challenging, but people have been able to pass it with in-depth study. As a certified radiologic technologist, you can pursue careers in various healthcare settings and in academic institutions.
