Radiography schools train students to perform various tasks necessary in capturing x-rays for diagnostic purposes. A radiographer learns the skills necessary to administer non-radioactive materials for diagnostic procedures, prepare and position patients for x ray, and explain the various radiography procedures to patients. In addition to standard x-ray techniques, many radiography schools now offer courses in specialized technologies such as computerized tomography scanning (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Programs offered at most radiology tech schools can be 2 or 4 years long and lead to an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree. For experienced radiographer or medical professionals who want to change fields or specialize in CT or MRI, one-year certificate programs are also available. To work in administrative or teaching positions in radiology, bachelor’s or master’s degrees from accredited radiology tech schools are required. Courses found from accredited radiography schools include radiation protection, radiation physics, anatomy, physiology, patient care, imaging processes, radiobiology, and pathology.

To be employed by a hospital, a radiographer must formally train by one of the many accredited radiography schools in the United States. There is also hospital, college, university, or vocational-technical institute programs that offer training programs in radiography. Of course, only a radiography school gives you the skills to succeed in almost any environment that requires a radiographer. Opportunities in radiography can be easily accessed with the proper training from accredited radiography schools.

Most Radiology Technology programs are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. There are currently over 600 accredited programs in the United States offered at various vocational schools, technical colleges, and universities. Training programs may take one to four years to complete, depending on level of degree. Training programs consist of coursework and clinical instruction in anatomy, physiology, pathology, medical terminology, radiation physics, radiation protection, principles of imaging, and positioning of patients.

A Radiology Technician when training can choose to specialize on mammography which involves the use of low dose x-ray to take images of breasts, computed tomography or the magnetic resonance both take a cross section of three dimension viewing. They also manage a radiology department. For a full time radiologic technician, they work estimated 40 hours a week, though part time opportunities are also available. They are also required to have good and strong muscles, this is because most of the time they lift or turn disabled patient.

Radiation hazards exist in this occupation, but it is minimized by the use of lead apron, gloves and other shielding devices, together with equipment that are used to monitor radiation exposure. Radiologist technicians have badges that they wear that help them to measure radiation levels in the radiation area. This guides them to know if the radiation area is safe for them and patient or not.

Preparation for radiology technician training is offered in hospital, colleges, university and vocational training, formal training of which is mostly the key requirement takes a period of between 1-4 years. After the training, you get first a certificate, then an associate degree or bachelor degree. But two year associate degree programs are most common. If you have majored in other programs or medical fields, you can get a 1 year certificate program for you to become a radiographer.

Radiology technician are trained to be sensitive to patients’ physical and psychological needs. They are advised to pay attention to details, follow each instruction carefully and work as a team. After they have gained enough experience, they can perform CT scanning and then can be promoted to be supervisors of that department but depending on the courses and the master’s degree that they would have acquired.