If you would like to work in the health industry, a career in radiology is a decent career option. Radiologists work in healthcare facilities such as hospitals and suburban outpatient clinics. The work involves preparing patients for X-rays, maintaining imaging equipment, and following orders from physicians on body areas to shield from exposure to X-rays. Of course, you cannot work as a radiologist if you do not have the right education qualifications. Keep reading to learn what it takes to earn bachelors of radiologic sciences degree.
What is Studied Within the Program?
The aim of the online bachelors in radiology program is to equip students with knowledge and skills required to succeed at the workplace. Take note that radiography involves more than preparing patients for X-ray, MRI, or CT scans. Students learn radiography theory and practice, how imaging equipment work, examination techniques, radiation safety, and patient care techniques. Studies take anywhere from two to four years to complete. Factors that determine the length of studies include program objectives and design.
Why Should Someone Pursue This Degree?
The demand for health industry professionals will continue to grow as baby boomers age. These senior citizens will require medical attention for medical conditions such as bone fractures, osteoporosis, and broken bones. According to a report published by the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce, the healthcare industry will have a shortfall of 5.6 million workers by 2020. In addition, 24% of all the available jobs will require a bachelor’s degree. The good news for radiologic technologists is figures published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show employment opportunities will grow by 28% through 2020. The median pay for professional radiologists stands at $54,340 every year. Depending on employer, work experience, and job title, one can earn as much as $101,000 annually. For example, CAT scan radiologists bank $66,000 while supervisory diagnostic radiologic technologists take home $73,000 every year.
What Standard Courses Are Taken?
Students who enroll in bachelors of radiologic sciences take a wide range of courses. These include anatomy and physiology, radiologic procedures, principles of radiographic exposure, medical imaging, mammography, bone density imaging, CT scanning, pharmacology, MRI imaging techniques and procedures, legal aspects of healthcare, and healthcare management.
What Career Opportunities are Available Once Completed?
After completing your studies, you can work for healthcare providers. Statistics published by the BLS show that 61% of radiologic technologists work in public and private hospitals. Physicians who have set up their own practices employ a further 21% while medical and diagnostic laboratories have absorbed 9% of qualified radiologists. Outpatient care centers and the Federal government account for 3% and 2% respectively of radiologists working in the health sector. You too can be part of this workforce.
Why Should Someone Pursue This Degree Online?
Although you can opt to take class based bachelors of radiologic sciences, studying online has several benefits. Firstly, you can schedule classes to take place whenever you are free. This means that you do not have to give up your job to study. Secondly, you do not have to relocate to a new location in order to study because the classes take place online. This comes in handy if your work involves a lot of travelling. You can even continue with studies abroad as long as you can access the internet. Thirdly, studying online is cheaper than enrolling in a class-based bachelor’s program. Learning institutions that offer studies online do not incur huge overheads associated with traditional schools and colleges. For example, students who attend physical classes have to factor library fees and accommodation expenses into their tuition expenses. If you choose an online bachelor’s program, you will never have to worry about such costs.
What Type Of Requirements Are Needed For Admission?
The majority of online programs require students to be registered radiologic technologists by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Some schools also require students to have working experience and submit two letters of recommendation. It is important to note that there are no standard admission requirements. You will have to confirm program pre-requisites and criteria with your school before enrolling.
Finding a job in today’s competitive job market is not easy even for someone with an undergraduate degree. However, if you pick a smart degree option such as online bachelors in radiology, you may not have a hard time finding a job. With a bachelor’s in radiology degree, you would be able to work in the healthcare industry and potential earn over $60,000 per year, depending on your education qualifications and job title. When you gain more experience, you can work your way into top management positions or even work for yourself as a consultant.