Radiology Technician Salary Adviser

The major problem with radiology tech jobs is the lack of qualified people available to meet the growing demand. Many hospitals across the country are facing shortages of staff. They are having to fill vacant radiology technician jobs with temporary staff in order to meet their expanding healthcare needs. If your considering a career in this particular medical field it is definitely a role that is growing in demand.

Radiology Tech Job Description

The Role

The role of the radiology technician is to operate very specialized equipment and machines to provide diagnostic imaging of examination for physicians and surgeons. Diagnostic imaging in its simplest terms means taking images of the body’s  bones and internal organs  with the use of x rays.

Other radiologic procedures can also involve other types of examination procedures that include tomography,magnetic resonance, CT scans, sonogram’s and MRI scans. Diagnostic imaging is a very highly skilled and technical procedure that must be carried out correctly to ensure an accurate diagnosis can be made. For this reason, radiology tech jobs carry a high level of responsibility.

The Qualifications You Will Need

To become qualified as a radiology technician there are a number of routes you can take depending on your current educational requirements. If your deciding to attend college there are degree and associate degree courses you can apply for.

Bachelor degree courses can last up to four years depending on the radiology tech school you want to attend. However, for a technicians role a bachelor degree is not absolutely necessary. A more popular route among aspiring technicians is to apply for an associate degree which only takes 2 years to complete.

The associate degree qualification will enable you to be eligible for level entry technician jobs within general hospital and healthcare centers.

Those who are already working within a radiological or nursing role have the option of pursuing a certificate course to improve their existing skills or to move into a particular specialization such as full-time vascular sonographer.  Other specialiaztions include the following:

• vascular radiology
• paediatric radiology
• radiation therapy

Radiology certification programs commonly last for a period of one year.

Job Responsibilities

Radiology tech jobs involve working closely with patients therefore, an important requisite of being a radiologists is to have good communication and compassionate patient care skills. When conducting diagnostic imaging procedures the radiology technician should be able to explain clearly how the patient should position themselves in order to take the x ray taken.

As a key part of the job is involved with operating x-ray equipment the technician will have to advise and to assist the patient in wearing the necessary protective clothing. This protective clothing is heavy due to the lead plates that are used to prevent the risk of radiation exposure.

The radiology technologist will also have an expert knowledge of anatomy which will be needed to position the x-ray equipment on the correct parts of the body.

The technician also operates specialized equipment such as the fluoroscope. This procedure begins with the patient swallowing a liquid contrasting solution that enables the fluoroscope to identify different parts of the bodies tissue. In this way any abnormalities within the tissue can easily be identified.

As well as operating highly specialized equipment the radiology technician responsibilities will also involve the interpretation of  diagnostic images with the ability to communicate effectively these test results to their supervisor or physician.

Working Hours And Salaries

A radiological technician salary can be determined by a number of factors that include experience, qualifications, type of employer and even the state they work in. In terms of hours worked a technician can expect to work a minimum of 40 hours per week depending on demand and staff rotation systems. As with many radiology tech jobs there is also the requirement to work shifts and be available for emergency call outs.

If your looking for radiology tech schools in Maryland you have come to the right place. As a student in Maryland you have a number of options to help you begin your education in radiology. One of the best ways to start is studying for an associate degree course in applied science. These  type of degrees programs can be based on either radiology or radiologic technology.

With an Associate Applied Science (AAS) degree under your belt you will be better prepared for career as a radiographer or technician in either a hospital, clinic or medical department. AAS radiology Degree courses can be taken at a number of community colleges in the state of Maryland.

Montgomery College

One such college is Montgomery College which has 4 campuses based in Maryland.  The college runs a 2 year Associate Applied Science (AAS) degree program and according to their prospectus,

“this curriculum requires a minimum of two years of didactic and clinical experience. It offers a basic general education as well as an in-depth study of adiologic technology (including assessment of critical thinking skills) which is supported by extensive clinical experience. The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and course objectives are mandated by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).”

“Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will receive the A.A.S. and will be eligible to apply to take the certification examination given by the American Registry of   Radiologic Technologists.Radiographers are eligible for employment in the radiology departments of hospitals,clinics, and doctors’ offices. The curriculum has been designed to provide a transfer option for students who elect to continue studies beyond the A.A.S.”

After completing their degree course in Radiologic (x ray) Technology Montgomery College outlines what students will able to do,

• “Obtain success in the clinical and didactic component of the program based on an environment that
  promotes fair and equal educational opportunity.
• Use effective cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills in the clinical site as a registered radiographer.
• Demonstrate through performance their competency in radiographic and patient care skills.
• Value and respect patient and peer diversity.
• Communicate effectively.
• Pass the ARRT National registry on the first attempt.
• Contribute to the health care field as a competent, ethical health care provider.”
  

Montgomery College  also provide a 2 year Radiologic Technology program that also leads to the ARRT examination. Graduation of this program is only granted upon passing the ARRT examination. After graduation students will be prepared to enter employment as an entry level radiographer.

The radiology department is based on the Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus.

Contact Details:

Montgomery College
Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus
7600 Takoma Avenue
Takoma Park, Maryland  20912
240.557.1300

Community College Balitmore County

The CCBC have educating students to become radiographers for 30 years. The college offer a 2 year Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program in radiology. The program offers students both theory and practical learning. In relation to their degree program the CCBC state that,

“Through a combination of classroom and clinical education, students learn to operate x-ray equipment, produce x-ray images of human anatomy, position patients for x-ray procedures, practice radiation safety and deliver patient care.

Radiographers are employed in hospitals, imaging centers and physician offices. The curriculum is designed to meet the accreditation standards of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Graduates of the Radiography program are eligible to apply to take the national certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).”

In the Fall of 2011 the CCBC added a new CT and MRI certificate programs. The schedule of these two programs have been designed around students who work full time.

Contact Details

900 Hungerford Dr., Rockville, MD 20850

(240) 567-5000

More Radiology Schools in Maryland

The following is another list of radiology tech schools in Maryland state:

Anne Arundel Community College

The AACC offers an affordable  2 year degree program in radiologic technology. The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. There is also the opportunity to extend your studies to gain certification in either MRI and tomography (CT) specializations. The college posted a 100% pass rate of students from last years class.

Howard Community College

HCC started their Radiologic Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree Program during the summer of 2008. Admission to their AAS program is selective and will be based on the number of seats that are available at the time. If the initial application for seats is over subscribed a lottery will take place to select prospective students into the program.

Allegany College of Maryland

The ACM have Radiologic Technology associate degree is a hands on practical program that offers students an amalgamation of classes,lectures, laboratory, and clinical experiences, plus over 1,600 hours of undertaking supervised training on radiologic procedures in clinical and healthcare  environments.

Other radiology schools in Maryland include:

• College of Notre Dame of Maryland
• Chesapeake College
• Wor-Wic Community College
• Hagerstown Community College

Radiology Career Salaries In Maryland*

The expected radiology salary in Maryland for the following specializations is as follows:

Radiologist – (physician)             –  $166,000

Radiology Technician salary   - $59,000

Radiologic Technician                  - $63,000

Ultrasound Technician                - $70,000

X Ray technician                               – $48,000

Cardiovascular technician         -  $43,000

MRI Technician salary                  – $66,000

As you can see, there are a number of choices of radiology schools in Maryland to choose from. Take the time to through each one of their prospectuses to help you decide if they meet your specific requirements and aspirations.

References:

Montgomery College – www.montgomerycollege.edu/

Community College Baltimore County -  http://www.ccbcmd.edu/

* Indeed.com 2011 radiology salary data.

A well written radiologic technologist resume will enable you to pass the first obstacle which is getting that first  interview. However, if there are many candidates competing for the same position you will need to ensure your resume stands out. If not,  any chance of impressing prospective employers will be slim indeed.

To write an impressive and professional looking resume you need to learn how to order, summarize and present your work experience, education and core competencies in an effective manner. For your resume to stand out you need to present your skills and accomplishments in a way that catches the employers attention. Therefore, try and think out of the box.

Try and avoid including a list of credentials because that is what the vast majority of resumes will have. Employers want to know how you took the initiative , solved problems, how your past or current working environment and colleagues benefited from you being there.

You need to elaborate on how your credentials will make you excel as a radiologic technologists. You can do this by taking time to research the role and identity how your previous experience can make a real difference.

Roles within the radiology field are in high demand due to an aging population and increased pressure on health services. This demand can also be reflected in the lucrative radiologic technologist salary packages and benefits that are currently available.

The following radiologic technologist resume template will help guide you in designing your very own resume:

(Radiologic technologist resume example)

(At the top your resume put your full name is bold letters with your address and contact details running below it)

John G.W. Smith

24 Acacia Avenue | New York| NY 345223|Phone: 72537258|e-mail: John@gwsmith .com

Radiologic Technologist

Optimizing  Top Notch Technical Ability Combined With Excellent

Communication Skills To Deliver Quality Patient Care 

Highly qualified technologist with practical hands on experience obtained within a demanding and dynamic environment. Fully versed and experienced in the latest diagnostic imaging procedures and equipment. Gained excellent reputation as a reliable and adaptable professional specializing in fluoroscopic procedures. Exceptional analytic skills and collaborative abilities. Deep interest in patient care and MRI scanning. ARRT certified and a current active member of the ARST.

Skills and Core Competencies

(In this section list in bullet form the skills you have acquired from your previous employment including areas where you especially excel. Make sure these skills and core competencies relate to the role you are applying for.)

• Fluoroscopy procedures – Expert level – 4 years experience.
• Diagnostic imaging procedures - intermediate level – 2 years experience.
• Computerized tomography (CT) scans -  intermediate level – 3 years experience.
• Radiation protection –  Expert level - 3 years experience
• X rays – expert level – 4 years experience
• Ultrasounds – Expert level – 4 years experience
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – Intermediate level – 3 years

Employment History And Work Experience

(In this section you will want to relate you work experience to the key requirements of the role. State  the number of years you have worked with clear and accurate time lines and dates. Keep each description as brief as you can with emphasis on how your past duties are relevant to the core competencies of the role.)

The following are key points that you can include:

• Past and current working environments eg. ER, trauma centers, lab
• Types of patients
• The amount of work loads you have managed in the past
• The types of equipment used while in the role
• Encountering problems and solutions used
• Give examples where you have either made or being involved in making improvements.

An example would be:

Collaborated with administrative staff to streamline and improve the accuracy and curation of patient records.

Professional Qualifications

(In this part of the radiologic technologist resume you will want to list your certifications, accreditations and any professional training you have received.)

• CRT/Flouro license
• ARRT certification
•  BLS certification
• Associate Radiology Degree – New Jersey State University

Radiologic Technologist Resume Tips

When writing up your resume keep it brief and concise as possible. It should be no longer than 2 pages. Use a layout and font that is easy to read such as times new roman. Avoid sending out generic resumes as you should always tailor the resume to the specific role being advertised. Make sure the information is accurate and up to date and explain the reasons for any gaps in your work experience.

If you are distributing your radiologic technologist resume online make sure you use keywords that are relevant to a radiologic technologist job description. These would include, MRI, radiography and fluoroscopic procedures, mammography,radiation safety,x-ray exams, cat scan, PACS and RIS systems etc. Also make sure you include a radiologic technologist cover letter with your resume.

Many people are interested in finding out how to become a radiologist. This is not at all surprising as this particular career path is in very high demand. Radiologists are highly trained medical professionals who play a vital role in conducting a variety of radiological tests. These include x rays and cat scans in order to diagnose and treat ailments, disease and injuries.

The basic requirements  on how to become a radiologist do not begin in college or university.They begin in the formative years at high school. A key attribute of a budding a radiologist is to have an inquisitive mind and a passion for learning. This passion is essential because the training involved can take between 12 to 15 years.

Key Attributes Of A Successful Radiologist

A preference and love for the sciences and mathematics is essential as being a radiologist requires an intuitive scientific mindset. A radiologist needs to be an excellent communicator who can explain complex analysis in a way that is simple to understand. As radiologist is also dealing with the diagnosis of disease they need to be sympathetic and compassionate in their approach when dealing with patients and their family members.

As pointed out earlier preparation in how to become a radiologist commences at high school with an interest in the sciences such as  biology, chemistry and physics. A high school education should lead to a bachelor degree program specializing in any of the sciences or radiology.

A bachelor degree in radiology will provide essential experience and knowledge in the necessary techniques to use radiation equipment safely. The degree course will cover a number of subjects including oncology, physiology,pathology etc. As being a radiologist requires good communication skills a degree course will also cover key subjects relating to patient care, communication skills, data collection and  patient record  administration.

Doctoral Or A Master Degree Program

After acquiring a bachelor degree the next step is to apply for a doctoral or a master degree program in medicine. As well as coursework in specialized subjects such as radio-biology and patient assessment a masters will also include a period of residential and practical internship. This internship is usually completed within a hospital environment.

The next stage is to pass the United States Medical Licensing Exam. This particular exam is split into two parts which are taken at different times during studies. The first part of the licensing exam is taken within the first 2 years of studying at med school and the second part taken after year 4.

When you have attained your licence the next stage in how to become a radiologist begins with a 1 year intern-ship followed by a 4 year residency. After the completion of your 4 year residency you can safely say that you are a fully qualified radiologist. However, if you are really ambitious and want to take advantage of higher monetary rewards then you may wish to consider further training in a specific specialization. For example, training to specialize in Ultrasound or MRI would take approximately another 3 years training. This would take the total length of training up to 15 years therefore, it is a very good idea to start your training as early as possible.

When looking at a radiologic technologist salary there are a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration. These can include education, experience and training and specialization. Each of these factors can to a certain degree influence the rate of pay you will receive.

The technologists role is a cross between a detective and photographer. They take images of what is happening underneath the skin of the human body and interpret these images in the identification, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. A radiologic technologist will liaise closely with patients. Therefore,  they will need excellent communication skills to advise patients on how to position themselves correctly when they are having an x ray or a scan.

The Median And Average Salary

The median annual salary for radiologic technologists is $52,000. As taken as an average, salaries can range between $42,000 and $63,000 per year. However, if we look at a radiologic technologist salary from the top and bottom of the pay scale there is quite a wide difference. Entry level salaries start at around $30,000 per year while at the highest level earnings can go up to as much as $70,000 per annum.

Your Place Of Work

As with many medical professions the role of the radiologic technologist can vary in both the specialization and working environment. If we take the place of work a radiologic technologist can work within a variety of  industries from healthcare and academic research. In terms of a radiologic technologist salary the rate of pay does not differ greatly in relation to the place of work. However, higher salaries can be earned while working within medical diagnostic laboratories than compared to outpatient care centers.

The geographical location of where you practice can also have a bearing on the annual salary that is paid. For example, the highest paying state for the role of a radiologic tech is in Massachusetts where the expected earnings are in the region of $67,000. In contrast, a radiologic technologist in California would expect to receive a salary of approximately $62,000.

Qualifications And Specializations

However, the most influential factor in determining a technologists salary is experience and the level of qualifications achieved. The duties of a radiologic technician require a high level of technical expertise and involve complex x-ray and imaging procedures.

With enough experience radiologic technologists and technicians have the option to train for key specializations such as CT scans or magnetic resonance imaging. Most states require that a technologist is licensed. With more experience in using a variety of imaging and scanning equipment a radiologic technologist can expect greater  employment opportunities.

You can work in certain states without a license however, a radiologic technologist salary will be lower if they are not  licensed. To qualify for a licence a person will need to study and gain a certification from a certification program that is accredited by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. As well as having a higher a salary a certified technologists are in greater demand because employers prefer to hire them compared to technologists who are not certified.

There are several x ray technician requirements  you need to consider before you embark on this career path. Whether you know it are not an x ray technician is a highly skilled and demanding role that will challenge you mentally as well as physically.

Effective Communication Is Important

One of key requirements is having excellent communication skills. An important role of the job is to explain to patients and their concerned families the results from the x rays taken. In serious cases of illness the technician will need to be compassionate when advising the results to a patient especially if the results are negative.

X ray technician requirements also include having a good level of fitness and stamina. Many jobs within the health care require you to work long hours. This is no different with an X ray technician who spends long hours standing or walking between departments. They will need to have the  physical strength to cope with long hours on their feet and to be able to stave off tiredness and fatigue during long shifts.

X-Ray Technician Education Requirements

To become qualified as and x ray technician a person will need to have at least a high school diploma. This will benefit the potential applicant if they have a keen interest in the sciences that include chemistry, biology physics and mathematics. Having a good grounding in math’s and the sciences will prepare them for the intensive course work ahead.

Formal Training  & Certification Programs

One of the most important x ray technician requirements is to earn a technician certification. The requirement for a certified qualification can vary between states. In general a certificate program will last for about 2 years and during these 24 months the study and course work will be very intensive.

The training program is designed to train the student in subjects relating and not limited to pathology, physiology,anatomy, radiology and x ray imaging techniques. As well as classroom theory a good certification program will also require the student to take up a short term residency in a hospital or clinic environment.

Many state certification programs are available at local colleges or medical schools that are accepted by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). At this stage of training the student can also decide to qualify for either a certificate or an Associates degree.

X Ray Technician License Requirements

The majority of states in the US have a licence that is required to work as an x ray technician. To earn a licence the applicant will have to successfully complete their formal training and then apply for the states licensing test. The minimum pass score is 75. If you achieve a score that is below 75 then you will have to retake the test. You will have a three attempts to retake the licensing test. If you fail after three attempts then you will have to begin your formal training again.

When you have met all the x ray technician requirements and passed the license test you can then look for employment in the state that issued your licence. Employment opportunities can be found within many local hospitals, clinics and laboratories.

A radiology technician salary is an important factor you need to consider before committing to the intensive and long years of study to become qualified. An important aspect of choosing any career is to have a passion for it however, this will not necessarily put the food on your table and pay your bills. Therefore, knowing how much you can expect to earn and the future earning potential of your medical career of choice is an important consideration to make before embarking on the long road of study.

Starting Salary

The starting salary a radiology technician with less that one years experience can expect is between $28,000 and $34,000 per year. The difference in the salary range is due to the geographical location and the industry you practice your trade. These two factors can have a bearing on the amount of salary you will eventually achieve.

Improve Your Pay Packet By Specializing

As with the vast majority of medical job pay scales a radiology technician salary will rise incrementally with more experience and training. As the technicians role is technically demanding with a lot of responsibility the entry level requirements in terms of qualifications include a high school diploma, certification or an associates degree.

With more experience a radiology tech salary range can reach as high as $50,000 per year. However, targeting a specific specialization and expanding their skills a radiology technician can expect to earn a salary of up to $65,000 per annum.

Place Of Work Does Not Necessarily Make A Difference

As pointed out earlier it is not only the length of time in the role that can have an influence on the salary you can achieve. As with many medical professions there is a large variety of specialist fields that one can enter. Certain specializations can attract a different range of salaries however, the variations are not that different between industries.

For example, from the payscale.com website a radiology technician salary for being based in a hospital is between $18.54 – $25.58 per hour whereas plying your trade in  an orthopaedic surgery would net you between $17.88  and $24.50 per hour. Not a huge difference. We can surmise from these findings that the employer you work for does not have a huge influence on how much you are paid as a radiologic technologist.

More Experience And Higher Salary Go Hand In Hand

The main key factor that can have the greatest influence on a radiology technician salary seems to be experience. The more experience or time on the job puts you in a better position to earn a higher rate of pay. This also relates to employers giving more preference to technicians who have more work experience and are willing to pay them a higher salary in order to secure their skills. Therefore, if you have aspirations to earn the maximum salary as a radiology technician you should gain as much experience and skills as you can. The minimum qualification requirement at entry level should be a certificate ( although, not all states require this) and also a licence. This will give you the best start to a fast-track career.

A medical laboratory technician salary can vary due to a number of factors. These can involve the length of experience, the level of qualifications, the employer and even the geographical location. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the median  salary for a medical laboratory technician is $53,380 per year. This median annual salary is based on earning figures from May 2008.

Clinical or medical lab technicians have the responsibility of undertaking the diagnostic tests that are essential in finding, diagnosing and the treatment of disease and injury. One of the lab technicians key roles is the analysis of blood cells as well as identifying the right blood type for patients who require a transfusions due to the loss of blood. The lab technician provides a vital and highly responsible role in the care of patients and the fight against disease.

Factors That Can Influence A Lab Technicians Earnings

From the website indeed.com the average medical laboratory technician salary in 2010 is a $43,000 per year. It is also interesting to point out that $45,000 is 39% lower that the average  annual salary of all jobs posted throughout the country. Although not the best paid job at an entry level the role of the medical lab technician does provide a number of opportunities to increase your earning power.

The geographical area where you ply your trade can also have an influence on your earning power as a lab technician. For example, if you worked in the state of Texas you would expect to receive an hourly rate of between $16.40 to $21.40 whereas, working in California you could expect double the hourly rate you would receive in Texas. If you are not concerned to moving from home then, the decision to work in another state can offer you a higher salary.

The employer that you choose to work for can also have a bearing on the medical laboratory technician salary that you can expect to earn. Laboratory technicians can work within general and surgical hospitals, private hospitals, universities and research departments, private  clinics and physicians offices. In general a medical laboratory technician can expect a slightly higher hourly rate working within a private practice compared to a general hospital or physicians office.

Increase Earning Power Through Specialization

Although medical laboratory technicians (MLT’s) can be trained and experienced in a wide variety of  lab skills there is still the opportunity to increase their earning power by opting to specialize in a certain discipline. This can be attained through an educational undergraduate program or on the job residential training that involves the study and analysis of specialized disciplines that can involve microbiology, genetics, bacteriology, immunology etc.

Even though a medical laboratory technician salary is not the highest  paid medical profession the outlook in terms of growth and demand looks promising. Overall laboratory technician jobs are expected to grow by nearly 14% over the next 10 years according to the Bureau Of Labor Statistics. With an aging population the demand for lab techs is sure to increase. These job opportunities will not be limited to just surgical hospitals as increased demand will also come from the private sector and medical care services.

An MRI technician salary payout depends on a number of different factors. These can  include the amount of experience one has gained, the qualifications, the industry and even the geographical location can have a bearing on the amount of salary that is earned.

As with most medical professions in healthcare annual salaries start from a low base and increase over period of time. Therefore, it is important to realize that the formative years will not pay out a salary that is above the national average. However, with increased experience and accredited qualifications annul salaries will rise incrementally.

How Experience Influences Your Earning Power

Lets look at how the years of experience can influence earning. The average MRI technician salary when starting out at an entry level can range between $39,000 to $49,500. Having completed their first 3 years in residency the salary range increases between $32,000 and $53,000.

In five years time working as an MRI technician can net you an annual salary of between $50,000 and $62,000. With ten years experience the salary range increases to between $51,250 and $72,000. The longest serving technicians with up to 20 or more years service can demand a salary range between $60,000 and $77,000 per annum.

Salary By Employer

As well a experience, the type of employer can also have an influence on the MRI technician salary that is awarded. As an example, working as an MRI technician for government and federal run department can attract a salary range between $36,000 and $51,000. Whereas. a technician working within a general or surgical hospital setting can expect an annual salary range of between $41,000 and $62,000. Private hospitals and clinics can offer the MRI technician the highest salary range which is currently in the region of $47,000 and $70,000 per year.

As pointed out earlier the state in which you work can have an influence on the the annual wage that you are paid. Salaries can differ between states. For example, an MRI technician practicing in the state of California can expect to earn one of the highest annual salaries with upper limits reaching as high as $88,000 per year whereas, the ceiling limit in the state of Florida is just under $60,000.

Overall the average salary for an MRI technician is approximately $51,000 per year. This amount is just over the national average annual salary. As you can see time and experience can have a huge affect on how much you can earn as an MRI technician. Other factors can have an influence such as the employer you work for and the state you work in. However, it is the length of time that you stay in the role that is the biggest factor in increasing a technicians salary.

As with most medical professions having earned a certificate and license a practitioner can demand a higher MRI technician salary compared to a person who has no license. In certain states it is not compulsory to have a license however, it will improve your chances of employment if you do.  It is also important to point out that on top their annual salary an MRI technician can also earn bonuses as well as other employment benefits that include free allowances and expense account compensations.

Before we go into details about a radiology technician salary you may be interested in  the following facts regarding this particular health profession.

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the employment opportunities in the field of radiology is growing well above average.
• According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) this career choice offers a promising future, job stability and a good salary
• The ASRT also say there is growing demand for services of radiology technicians and technologists and this is expected to increase as the human populations ages.
• As with many health professions many shortages exist within radiology for example, a recent survey revealed that up to 42 percent of hospitals surveyed did not have enough sonographer’s and 40 percent had a shortage of  radiographers.

Expected Earnings

A radiology technician salary can vary depending on which industry you practice. Based on the 2010 ASRT wage survey the average yearly salary is in the region of $44,500 for a entry level radiographers. This annual can increase substantially up to a level of $85,000 per annum with more experience, training and management responsibilities.

As pointed out earlier the industry that you decide to practice in can also determine your level of salary. For example, based on 2008 figures you could expect to earn in the region of $55,210 if you were employed in medical and diagnostic laboratories whereas, a slightly lower $52,890 salary is offered if you decided to work in  a general or surgical hospital.

Training and Education

A radiology technician salary can increase with further training and development. There are a variety of ways in which you can train to become a radiology technician. You could decide to qualify either through hospital universities, college or medical school. For example, an associate degree will take two years of study either based in a hospital or college. Alternatively, many universities and colleges offer 4 year bachelor degree courses.

Many employers prefer to employ certified radiologists. Organizations such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) provide certification programs which will prove to future employers that you can demonstrate your abilities and qualifications. It is important to point out that after December 14 th 2014 the ARRT will only accept graduates who have an associate degree as a minimum.

Career Opportunities

As you can see a radiology technician salary is quite competitive. If we take into consideration that we are living longer the need for radiology, medical imaging and x-ray will continue to increase in demand. This means the outlook is very good for this chosen profession. There are many opportunities for a technician to advance their careers in to more specialized areas with more experience and further training. They can specialize in areas such as the following:

• Bone Densitometry – special x ray machines are used to determine the mineral density of certain areas of the body that can include the spine, wrist, hip or heel. Physicians can use these results to determine for example, the risk of that person of getting a fracture or even the rate of bone loss due to conditions such as osteoporosis.
• Mammography – is used to create diagnostic imagery of breasts and breast tissue. Within this speciality mammographers need to meet high educational standards in order to conduct mammographic procedures on patients.
• Cardiovascular-Interventional -  this is where specialized equipment and magnetic resonance imaging to guide instruments such as catheters through the body. This is a unique approach that enables treatment without the need for evasive open style surgery.
• Computed Tomography – the introduction of CT technology has enabled specialized x ray machines to create thin sections of the human body to create 3D images of major organs such as the heart and brain.

Future Job Market

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the demand for radiology technologist and technicians will increase by 17% by 2018. This forecasted figure is predicted due to an ever growing ageing population. As the human body ages the occurrence of injury and chronic diseases will increase resulting in a higher demand for  qualified x-ray technicians in the future. It is also important to point out that radiology plays a vital role in the monitoring of diseases during and after treatment. The effectiveness of diagnostic imaging will mean it will continue to be in high demand.

To take full advantage of this specialist field you should consider training in more than one diagnostic imaging procedure. This will make you more attractive and sought after in the market place. A person who has experience  of using both CT, Magnetic Resonance and Mammography will be much less expensive to employ than having an employer hire 3 technicians to perform  each procedure separately.

With more skills you can also expect your radiology technician salary to rise accordingly.