Radiologic Technologist Salary Information

Radiologic technologists and sometimes known as radiographers or medical radiation technologist are professionals who are tasked to take an image of a patient’s body to be able to diagnose and treat their medical condition. Most radiographers work in clinics, hospitals, medical laboratories and some in private practices. An eye for detail is what most radiologic technologists must have to be able to excel in this chosen field, they may also be given wonderful career opportunities through their perseverance and determination in years to come. Let’s take a look at the benefits of becoming a radiologic technologist.

What Is The Average Radiologic Technologist Salary In Our Current Time?

This is one of the first questions that most people ask before pursuing a career in a certain field. You will not be disappointed at the pay rate for this type of career as the job outlook for this occupation is growing 28 times faster than an average job. The entire health sector will also continue to grow until 2020 which means that you will be able to have a great radiologic technologist income for years to come. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median pay for radiographers in the country is estimated at $54,340 every year which means that they are paid $26.13 hourly on the job. 

There are different states or cities that also go beyond these figures. Knowing these states will surely earn you better compensation in the future and a stable source of income. The top states that offer a very competitive radiologic technologist salary are the metropolitan areas of California, specifically Oakland and San Jose. These areas give an average annual income of $77,000 yearly. Radiographers who are practicing in Boston, Maine and Massachusetts are looking at an annual salary of $72,000. We can also include Maryland, New Jersey and Nevada who gives radiologic technologists an average annual salary of $67,000.

Aside from geographical locations, radiologic technologists can earn a substantial salary once they are able to get a specialty in the near future. Statistics show that as of 2007 radiologic technologists who are mammographers earn a yearly income of $56,000 while specializing in nuclear medicine will bring you a very generous radiologic technologist salary of $69,000 every year. These are just some of the things that can definitely affect a professional’s future salary compensation.

Educational Requirements For A Radiologic Technologist

Aspiring radiologic technologists or radiographers can earn enroll themselves in educational institutions that offer a wide variety of programs that will help them understand this particular medical field. In the United States, most schools that are accredited offer a two year associate program which can help a student start their career in radiology. Students have to learn essential courses such as physiology, biology, terminologies in medicine and of course radiation physics which also includes radio-biology. 

There are also some students who prefer a bachelor’s degree program that lasts for four years. Choosing between an associate program and a bachelor’s degree is a big choice to make. Just remember that the education you will be acquiring will help you excel in this chosen field and it can also be a deciding factor on your future radiologic technologist wage.

After finishing a degree or program, you will then be required to undergo a license examination that is required by most states in the country to be able to work. Fresh graduates must pass a certification held by the particular state they wish to work in or by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologist or ARRT. Students will be able to learn the specifics of their current state’s requirement by contacting their state’s health board. 

After getting your license, you will be able to practice in your chosen industry. Just remember that to keep your certification, it is recommended that radiologic technologists continue their education to be updated on the current methods and technologies in the coming years and to ensure a very good radiologic technologist income.

The Work Environment Of A Radiologic Technologist

Most radiographers work full time in their chosen industry. This is quite an essential job since there are medical issues that need to be attended to immediately. There are always emergency situations that would require a trip to the MRI or CT scan, this why most radiographers work around the clock. They are also tasked with radiation therapy which means that they often give radiation treatments to shrink, eliminate or terminate cancer cells or tumors. 

It is also up to these professionals to give an assessment on the current condition of a patient who comes in with a medical problem. An eye for detail, great knowledge in radiology and a demanding work schedule is what most radiologic technologists are going to be tackling in years to come.

The demand for radiologic technologists may be quite high, especially in our current time. Although, they will also be able to fulfill their dreams as the medical world continues to find more and more ways to treat cancer and other diseases with the help of radiology. This career will certainly give you a very good radiologic technologist wage, a chance to help patients with cancer and a self-fulfillment in years to come. If you are up for a challenge, then becoming a radiologic technologist might just be the career for you.