Radiological Sciences Careers: Is More Education the Next Step for Me?
You don't need a bachelor's degree in radiological sciences to begin your career. An associate's degree will get you started. But there are advantages in this field to advancing your education to the next level.
Do you want to progress in your field? Do you want to qualify for more jobs that will earn you a higher salary? Are you looking to go beyond merely being a technician, and perhaps advancing to a managerial or other more position with more responsibilities? If you've answered yes to these questions, then earning a bachelor's degree in this field may be the next step.
What Jobs in Radiological Sciences Require More Than an Associate's Degree?
A number of different careers are available in the radiological sciences beyond that of radiologic technician, which requires an associate's degree. These jobs usually require a minimum of bachelor's degree.
Radiologic Technologist. This job is similar to the technician job. However, technologists, also known as radiographers, in addition to using x-ray, CT, or mammography technologist, also use MRI technology to create digital images of bones, tissue, and internal organs. Generally, technologists hold bachelor's degrees and may be supervisors. The student typically will study biology, anatomy, chemistry, physiology, and medical terminology.
Radiology Assistant. This is a newer field that is now recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, which is the national certification organization of radiologic technologists. To enter this field you need to have advanced education in the field and to have worked under radiologists. Radiology assistants are qualified to manage patients, conduct tests, and to make preliminary judgments of the test results, but cannot make written diagnoses from radiologic images.
Radiology Nurse. To enter this field you will need to be a registered nurse, and to have completed training for treating radiology patients. Some duties a radiology nurse might perform include assisting patients during testing, ensuring safety, and supervising recovery from pain or complications. In most cases, radiology nurses will complete more than the typical two years of education needed for an associate's degree, as well as extra study in radiology. They must pass the RN certification exam and obtain a radiology nurse certification.
Specializations within Radiology
Another field you might specialize is that of pediatric radiographer, which includes performing the same duties as a radiologic technologist, but also fluoroscopies, where a liquid solution is given to patients to drink to allow for real-time images. The field of cardiovascular radiologic technician, which requires a bachelor's degree in radiology, is yet another prominent specialization.
Technologists in this field test the patient's heart, using electrocardiograms to provide a 3-D image of the heart. They might also perform chart filing, updating files, and scheduling. Technologists in this field might also specialize in echocardiography, invasive cardiology, or vascular technology.
In addition, as mentioned above, a technologist working toward a four-year degree might specialize in ultrasound, using diagnostic imagery to test for obstetric, gynecologic, cardiac, abdominal, and other purposes, as well as to determine the condition of a fetus.
Another field for those with bachelor's degrees in radiology could be that of MRI technologist, who supports radiologists and physicians using a Magnetic Resonance Scanner, creating two-dimensional and three-dimensional maps of tissue in a patient's body. MRI technologists might also maintain and use advanced technology to provide advice and support for patients, and to ensure that diagnostic images are accurate and of good quality.
Advancing in the Radiology Field
If you are already working in the radiology field and are looking to advance in one of the career specializations mentioned above, it's wise to get a couple of years of experience in the field first, and then embark on your bachelor's studies.
When you're ready to start your bachelor's program, online education could be valuable to you as well. This type of study can facilitate your ability to balance work and school, along with your family and other personal commitments. For those with the discipline and ability to stay focused for successful completion of an online degree program, staying home and doing your coursework on a computer is a tremendous time saver.
Are you working in radiology with an associate's degree and want to earn your bachelor's? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Radiologic Sciences, ECPI University offers this program at an accelerated rate. For more information about this exciting opportunity, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Radiologic Sciences – Bachelor's
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