4 Top Radiology Universities For Radiology Technicians
According to the United States Department of Labor, radiology technology
is becoming one of the fastest growing jobs today with more than
200,000 radiology technologists currently holding jobs in hospitals,
doctor's offices, and diagnostic imaging laboratories. Since there is an
estimated increase of 17% employment within the next 8-10 years and a
stable average salary of $40,000 to $50,000, more people are seeking
formal education and clinical training to become a radiology technician.
To accommodate students, more colleges, universities, distance learning
centers and vocational schools are starting radiology technology
programs. According to the Joint Review Committee on Education in
Radiologic Technology, there were approximately 675 accredited radiology
technology schools nationwide in 2009. These schools offer one-year
certificate programs, 2-year degree programs, and four-year degree
programs.
There are a lot of accessible radiology schools for
those who want to have a career in radiology. However, for students who
want to experience extensive training, there are several schools that
offer a more competitive academic setting. Students should know how to
choose the right school and how to determine where they can get the best
radiology training. To be considered a good radiology program, the
school must first be an accredited college by the JCERT. It is also
important that the school offers hands-on training in direct patient
care and in maintaining radiology equipment. With so many options, it is
easy to be overwhelmed with choices but the following schools are
considered by many to be the top radiology technician schools in the
United States:
Spencerian College offers a limited medical
radiography diploma and Associate of Applied Science-Radiologic
Technologist degree. The Spencerian curriculum consists of theory and
clinical-based instruction that is approved by the ASRT (American
Society of Radiology Technology) and ARRT (American Registry of
Radiology Technologists). The clinical classes at Spencerian are usually
held during the day with a few occasional evening clinical rotations.
Colorado
Technical University (CTU) offers an Associate in Applied Science in
Radiologic Technology degree. Their program has an intensive clinical
rotation which provides the students the opportunity to experience the
different radiology clinical settings such as general radiology, trauma,
and surgery. The radiology technology program also includes a CPR
certificate from the American Heart Association. CTU also offers a
Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology that will gear students
towards an advanced career in healthcare with positions in human
resource, education, and management.
Kaplan College offers a
radiology program which consists of classroom instructions,
participation in laboratories, and clinical rotations. Kaplan College
offers an occupational Associate in Applied Science in Radiologic
Technology degree and a diploma in radiologic technology.
The
Mayo School of Health Sciences (MSHS) also offers a 2-year radiography
program which confers a certificate of completion from MSHS and an
Associate in Applied Science degree from Florida State College in
Jacksonville or Gateway Community College in Phoenix. Florida State
College and Gateway Community College are affiliate schools of MSHS. The
radiology program is housed in the Mayo Clinic Department of Radiology
and training courses are conducted in the Mayo Clinic Hospitals.
