Career prospects are very bright for radiology technicians, also called X-ray technicians, even though it is a competitive profession. Radiology technicians belong to the health care industry and handle medical imaging equipment used to diagnose and evaluate patients. They need a background in biology, chemistry and other health care related subjects through an accredited college degree followed by specific on the job training. Thus, at the time of exploring schools for radiology technician courses, it is necessary to find programs that focus on radiology specialization and training with the latest equipment. This equipment includes:

* X-Ray machines

* Scanners

* MRIs

* 3D medical imaging programs

* High tech cameras used in surgery

* Sonogram machines

* Other related web based software

The most critical aspect of radiology technician education is the training aspect.

Career Prospects For Radiology Technicians

As the job market for radiology technicians is competitive, students often opt to study for a bachelor's degree in medical assisting or radiology technicians even though it is not mandatory. The radiology technology program can take from one to two years to complete. After this program, students take up a one-year internship before getting a job as an X-Ray technician. They go through various rotations on the job to gain experience in different areas of radiology. Following the training, radiology technicians can choose to go for another certification if they wish to specialize further. After this they can opt to appear before the radiology technician board for certification, which when they pass, will allow them to practice as licensed radiology technicians.

Types Of Radiologist Technician Programs

Radiology can be part of a medical program or an independent program based on certain eligibility criteria. Many medical health schools offer radiology technician programs where students can choose to specialize in the following areas:

* Medical imaging

* Musculoskeletal radiology

* Neuro radiology

* Nuclear medicine

* Cellular imaging

* Medical sonography

* Computed tomography

* Paediatric radiology

* Magnetic resonance imaging

* Mammography

Medical schools allow students to opt for radiology technician's courses and after they graduate. They pursue a certificate course or graduate diploma if they want to get ahead and get good job placements. It is possible to earn the certificate and diploma through residency programs or standalone courses. The programs can be full or part time depending on the student's convenience. While some schools offer the general certificate program, some have a well-equipped radiology department where students can specialize further. The duration of the program would depend on the type of course being offered. The full residency programs can integrate the specialization and general residency and extend to two years, while certificate programs can range between six and eight months. The accredited programs help the students get ready for the board certification exam in radiology.

Salaries for radiology technicians range between $35,000 to almost $75,000 annually depending on where the job is located, the technician's education, experience and specialization.