Radiologic (X-Ray) Technology: Start a fast-paced, well paying medical career in two years!

Summary

This video explains the role of radiologic technologists—professionals who produce diagnostic X-ray images for radiologists—and highlights the skills and environments involved, from hospitals and urgent care centers to travel work and nursing homes. It describes Montgomery College’s intensive two-year program, which combines classroom coursework with 1,560 clinical hours at sites like Holy Cross and Georgetown, preparing students for the ARRT national registry (with a strong first-time pass record). The program emphasizes patient care, critical thinking, teamwork, and flexibility. Graduates can pursue licensure and diverse career paths such as CT/MRI cross-training, administration, or education, offering long-term job security and growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 Radiologic technologists perform imaging exams, such as X-rays, to aid in the diagnosis and interpretation by doctors.
• 😀 These professionals can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, doctor's offices, urgent care centers, and even travel to locations with staffing shortages.
• 😀 Radiologic technologists can also bring imaging equipment to nursing homes for patients who cannot leave.
• 😀 Successful candidates for the field should enjoy working with technology, patients, and fast-paced environments, while being able to think critically and adapt to unique situations.
• 😀 Critical thinking skills are essential as each patient and situation is different, requiring flexibility and problem-solving on the job.
• 😀 Montgomery College offers a two-year, intense program to train radiologic technologists, which involves both classroom learning and extensive clinical practice.
• 😀 The program requires clinical hours, including rotations at hospitals like Holy Cross and Georgetown University, preparing students to meet real-world expectations.
• 😀 Students complete 1560 clinical hours, ensuring they are well-prepared and capable by the time they graduate, with many employers seeking out Montgomery College graduates.
• 😀 After completing the program, graduates must pass the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) national certification exam, which the program has a 100% first-time pass rate for over the past seven years.
• 😀 Upon certification, graduates may apply for state licensure depending on where they wish to work, such as in Maryland.
• 😀 Radiologic technology offers opportunities for advancement, including specializing in CT or MRI, moving into administrative roles, or pursuing further education in healthcare administration or teaching.

Q & A

What is the primary role of a radiologic technologist?

Radiologic technologists perform examinations that produce images, such as X-rays, for radiologists to interpret. They are responsible for positioning patients correctly and applying the correct technical factors to obtain quality images.

What different work environments are available for radiologic technologists?

Radiologic technologists can work in various environments, including hospitals, doctor's offices, urgent care centers, as travel techs in different parts of the country or even the world, or in nursing homes where they take X-rays for patients who cannot leave.

What qualities are important for someone interested in becoming a radiologic technologist?

Important qualities include enjoying working with patients, being comfortable with technology, thriving in fast-paced environments, being patient and tolerant, and having good critical thinking skills to adapt to different patient situations.

What is critical thinking’s role in radiologic technology?

Critical thinking is essential because no two patients or situations are the same. Radiologic technologists must be able to think on their feet and adapt to unexpected challenges, such as adjusting the imaging technique when a patient is unable to comply with standard procedures.

What kind of education is required to become a radiologic technologist?

Becoming a radiologic technologist typically involves enrolling in a two-year program that includes both classroom coursework and clinical rotations. After completing the program, students must pass the national registry exam to become certified.

What is the clinical experience required for radiologic technology students at Montgomery College?

At Montgomery College, radiologic technology students complete 1,560 hours of clinical experience, which includes rotations at various medical facilities, providing them with hands-on experience in patient care and imaging techniques.

How does the clinical training at Montgomery College prepare students for their careers?

The clinical training at Montgomery College prepares students by exposing them to real-world environments and teaching them the standards required by medical institutions. Graduates are highly regarded for their well-rounded education and ability to work both technically and in patient care.

What is the certification process for radiologic technologists after graduation?

After graduating from a program, radiologic technologists must pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam. Once certified, they can apply for state licenses if required, such as in Maryland, to work legally as a radiographer.

Can radiologic technologists specialize or advance in their careers?

Yes, radiologic technologists can specialize in fields like CT and MRI without returning to school for a full program, as clinicals and additional courses are typically offered on the job. They can also move into administrative roles or pursue education or healthcare administration.

What makes Montgomery College's radiologic technology program stand out?

Montgomery College’s program is known for its strong reputation, high first-time pass rates on the ARRT certification exam, and its ability to provide students with a solid foundation in both technical skills and patient care, making its graduates highly sought after by employers.