Radiography careers include jobs in a variety of medical imaging fields, including X-Ray technicians, MRI technicians, ultrasound technicians, and more. In short, any job that involves ionizing radiation for imaging purposes can be considered part of the radiography field. This article will offer an overview of the education needed for radiography careers, as well as salary expectations, job outlook, and more.
Job Duties
Radiologists work in a medical setting, preparing patients for a variety of diagnostic tests. They must be capable of explaining procedures to patients, performing the tests, and documenting results appropriately.
Education Necessary
Education depends on the exact radiology degree you wish to obtain. Basic certifications, two year degrees, and advanced degrees are available. Salary generally increases with education and/or experience in the field. Before beginning classes toward a radiology degree or certification, do your research and make sure that the school you’ve chosen is accredited in your state.
Career Prospects
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, radiology careers are expected to be in high demand for the next few years. Applicants who have advanced degrees or who have experience with more than one type of diagnostic imaging will have more career options available to them in a tight economy. As the Baby Boomers age, the medical field must grow to accommodate the increased number of patients who need advanced care. Individual job markets will depend on geographic location, as well as the saturation of the market in your area.
Salary Range
The pay rate for individual positions will vary based on your local job market and the medical setting you choose (private vs. public), but hourly entry level rates range from $20 to $36. Applicants with multiple skill sets or foreign language experience may be able to command a higher rate. Applicants in economically recessed areas or working in the public or nonprofit sector may be offered a lower rate.
Radiography careers offer graduates a way to break into the medical field at the ground floor, without a nursing license or the need to attend medical school. If you want to work in medicine, but would prefer to attend a two year or four year degree program, this may be a good option for you.