Careers with a Bachelor's in Radiology
- Radiologic Technologist
- Cardiovascular Technologist
- MRI Technician
- Ultrasound Technologist
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Earning a Bachelor's in Radiology is a great way to jump start a career in the healthcare industry. Radiology is a field that offers many career options to individuals who obtain sufficient training, experience, and certification. Although radiologists are the ones reading the diagnostic imaging, it's the technologists and radiographers who are creating the images. A Bachelor's in Radiology graduate generally has more career options than an individual with an associate degree or less education. Here are some career options for Bachelor's in Radiology graduates.
1. Radiologic Technologist
Also known as X-ray technicians or radiographers, radiologic technologists take x-rays and CAT scans using medical imaging equipment. A student who has a bachelor's degree in another field may become a radiologic technologist by completing a post-graduate certificate program, but the most common path towards this career is by earning a bachelor's or associate degree. Those with a Bachelor's in Radiology typically earn higher wages than those with associate degrees. Radiologic technologists are projected to see an employment growth of 12 percent between 2016 and 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
2. Cardiovascular Technologist
Cardiovascular technologists conduct tests and create images revolving around the heart and lungs. They monitor a patient's heart rate; assist with cardiac catheterization; monitor and prepare patients for pacemaker insertion and open-heart surgery; and monitor the patient's heart rate and blood pressure during surgery. Examples of cardiovascular technologists are electrocardiogram or cardiographic technicians, pulmonary function technicians and cardiovascular invasive specialists. In addition to earning the bachelor's degree, cardiovascular technologists should be certified. A employment growth of 17 percent is predicated for these technologists.
3. MRI Technician
MRI technologists are radiological technologists who take high-definition images of internal tissues and organs using magnetic resonance imaging equipment. MRI technologists must have a good knowledge of magnetic resonance physics and the ability to pay close attention to details. Many patients have difficulty remaining calm during an MRI procedure, so the MRI technologist must be compassionate and willing to work with the patient to keep the patient calm. In addition to earning a bachelor's degree, the aspiring MRI technologist must also have training in MRI technology. MRI technologists are expected to see a job growth of 13 percent from 2016-2026, according to the BLS.
4. Ultrasound Technologist
Ultrasound technologists generally fall under the category of diagnostic medical sonographers. They're trained professionals who use diagnostic imagery to run tests on various body parts. Ultrasounds are most often used to determine the condition and sex of a fetus, but sonography exams are also used for abdominal, gynecologic, obstetric, and cardiac exams, among others. A Bachelor's in Radiology graduate who wishes to work as an ultrasound technologist can earn certification in each of these specialty areas. The BLS predicts ultrasound technologists should see a job growth of 23 percent between 2016 and 2026.
5. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Nuclear medicine technologists are medical professionals who assist oncologists with operating diagnostic equipment and administering radiopharmaceuticals. After administering the medicine, the technologist uses radiation and highly-specialized imaging equipment to determine a diagnosis. In many states, nuclear medicine technologists, in addition to having a degree, must be certified and/or licensed. Because of the use of radiation, nuclear medicine technologists must have a strong knowledge of nuclear technology. The BLS predicts nuclear medicine technologists should see a 10 percent job growth during the 2016-2026 decade.
Earning a Bachelor's in Radiology is a wise decision on several levels. Radiology is a field that's growing and continually needs qualified employees. An individual will not only be in a position to help others but will also have great career options available after graduation.