Choosing a career path can represent a really tough decision-making process. After all, when you make a decision about the rest of your life, it’s naturally very important that it be a smart one.
You want to make a choice that will provide an avenue to a solid, reliable salary that will cover a high standard of living. You want job security, as no one wants to do the work to cultivate a budding career only to have their field become obsolete in a few years. You want to do something rewarding that will contribute something back to society as well.
That’s why radiologic technology presents such a wonderful opportunity. Radiologic technicians make incredibly substantial salaries right from the get-go, which is amazing considering they’re able to qualify for the position with only an associate’s degree in hand. They also enjoy a high degree of job security while working in an exciting, fast-paced field with a bright future.
A Look at Radiology Technology Programs
Radiology technology programs are educational programs that will help prepare a would-be radiologic technician for their soon-to-be career. Which radiology technology programs will ultimately be the best choice for you will depend on what your ultimate goals are for the future. However, whichever decision you make, you can expect to undergo training in physiology, patient care, medical terminology, operation of radiology equipment, and physics.
Certificate or Associate’s Degree
The quickest and most affordable radiology technology programs generally take about two years to complete and result in either a certificate or associate’s degree. A certificate will definitely get you into the field quickly and inexpensively, but it’s important to note that it will be hard to build on it into the future without any backtracking. Going for at least an associate’s degree from an accredited school is generally considered to be the better way to go. Plus, it is easy to build on your associate’s degree if you decide you’d like to pursue your master’s or bachelor’s later.
Bachelor’s or Master’s Degrees
For those who want to maximize their own potential for opportunity and upward career mobility into the future may want to consider going for their bachelor’s or master’s degrees through appropriate radiology technology programs. Neither is necessary in order to become a technician. However, either will make you extremely attractive in comparison to the competition as far as employment goes. You’ll also be eligible for higher salaries and various additional opportunities.
