Considering a career as a radiologic technologist and wondering about the length of the required education? If you’re looking into the Radiography program at American Career College (ACC), you’re likely curious about the time commitment involved in starting this rewarding healthcare profession. Let’s delve into the details of the program duration and what you can expect on your path to becoming a radiologic technologist.
What Does a Radiologic Technologist Do?
Before we discuss program length, it’s important to understand the role of a radiologic technologist. These healthcare professionals are essential members of medical teams, playing a critical role in diagnostics. Radiologic technologists are experts in operating sophisticated medical imaging equipment, such as X-ray machines, to create images of the human body’s internal structures. These images are vital for physicians to diagnose injuries and illnesses effectively.
Here’s a closer look at the daily responsibilities of a radiologic technologist:
- Patient Preparation: A crucial aspect of the job involves preparing patients for their imaging examinations. This includes explaining the procedure in a clear and understandable manner, answering any questions they might have, and ensuring their comfort and safety throughout the process.
- Procedure Explanation and Positioning: Technologists must be able to clearly explain the imaging procedure to patients, detailing what will happen and what is expected of them. They also expertly position patients to obtain the precise images requested by the physician, sometimes requiring patients to hold uncomfortable positions for short periods.
- Radiation Safety: Patient safety is paramount. Radiologic technologists are responsible for protecting patients from unnecessary radiation exposure. This involves using protective shields to cover areas of the body not being imaged, minimizing radiation dose while ensuring image clarity.
- Performing X-rays and Imaging Procedures: The core function is to perform the X-ray examinations and other diagnostic imaging procedures. This requires precision and expertise in operating the equipment and following established protocols.
- Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Radiologic technologists are not just operators; they are also responsible for the upkeep of the complex imaging equipment. This includes operating, adjusting, and performing basic maintenance to ensure the equipment functions correctly and safely.
Is the Radiography Program at ACC Right for You?
If you’re drawn to the intersection of technology and patient care, a career in radiography could be an excellent fit. The Radiography program at American Career College is designed for individuals who are detail-oriented, possess strong technical aptitude, and have a genuine desire to help people.
Key skills and attributes that contribute to success in this field include:
- Active Listening: Radiologic technologists must be attentive listeners to understand patient needs, anxieties, and follow physician instructions accurately. Effective listening ensures patient comfort and the acquisition of necessary diagnostic information.
- Clear Communication: Communicating effectively with patients is essential. Technologists need to explain procedures, give instructions, and reassure patients who may be nervous or in pain. Good communication skills build trust and cooperation.
- Operational Monitoring: Operating radiographic equipment requires constant monitoring of machinery. Technologists must pay close attention to gauges, dials, and indicators to ensure the equipment is functioning correctly and producing high-quality images.
- Customer and Personal Service Skills: Radiologic technologists interact directly with patients, often in vulnerable situations. Strong customer service skills, empathy, and a caring demeanor are crucial for providing excellent patient care and a positive experience.
- Service Orientation: A genuine desire to help patients and contribute to their well-being is a fundamental attribute. Radiologic technologists play a vital role in the diagnostic process, directly impacting patient care and treatment plans.
Diverse Work Environments for Radiologic Technologists
Radiologic technologists are needed in various healthcare settings, offering diverse work environments and experiences. Graduates of the Radiography program can find opportunities in:
- Hospitals: Hospitals are major employers of radiologic technologists, with opportunities in various departments, including emergency rooms, operating rooms, and radiology departments.
- Medical Clinics: Many clinics, including primary care and specialist clinics, employ radiologic technologists to provide on-site imaging services to their patients.
- Medical Laboratories: Diagnostic laboratories often require radiologic technologists to perform imaging procedures as part of their comprehensive testing services.
- Outpatient Imaging Centers: Freestanding imaging centers specializing in radiology services are another common workplace for radiologic technologists, providing a focused and often faster-paced environment.
- Physicians’ Offices: Some larger physicians’ offices, particularly orthopedic or chiropractic practices, may have radiologic equipment and employ technologists to provide convenient imaging services for their patients.
Comprehensive Curriculum in the Radiography Program
American Career College’s Radiography program is meticulously structured to provide students with a robust education, blending theoretical knowledge with extensive hands-on experience. The curriculum is designed to ensure graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the profession and the ARRT certification exam.
The program encompasses a range of courses, including:
General Education Foundation:
- Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology Classes & Lab: Provides a fundamental understanding of the human body’s structure and function, essential for interpreting medical images.
- Written Communications I: Develops essential written communication skills for professional documentation and interaction within healthcare settings.
- College Mathematics I: Builds foundational math skills necessary for various aspects of radiography, including calculations related to radiation dosage and equipment settings.
- Introduction to Psychology: Offers insights into human behavior and psychology, enhancing patient interaction and care skills.
Core Radiography and Specialized Courses:
- Introduction to Radiologic Sciences: Provides an overview of the field of radiologic technology, its history, and its role in modern healthcare.
- Medical Terminology: Develops a strong vocabulary of medical terms, crucial for effective communication with healthcare professionals and accurate documentation.
- Radiographic Physics: Explores the principles of physics underlying X-ray production and imaging, providing a deeper understanding of how equipment works.
- Principles of Image Production: Covers the techniques and factors involved in creating high-quality radiographic images, ensuring diagnostic accuracy.
- Patient Care: Focuses on essential patient care skills, including communication, comfort measures, safety protocols, and ethical considerations.
- Radiographic Positioning I, II, & III: Provides in-depth training on patient positioning techniques for various radiographic examinations, ensuring accurate anatomical visualization.
- Principles of Radiation and Radiation Biology: Explores the nature of radiation, its effects on living tissues, and the biological principles of radiation safety.
- Radiation Protection: Covers essential radiation safety practices and regulations to minimize radiation exposure for patients and healthcare professionals.
- Clinical Practicum I, II, III, IV, V, & VI: Offers extensive hands-on clinical experience in real healthcare settings, applying learned knowledge and skills under the supervision of experienced professionals.
- Digital Imaging: Covers the principles and techniques of digital radiography, a rapidly evolving area in medical imaging.
- Law and Ethics in Imaging: Addresses legal and ethical considerations relevant to radiologic practice, ensuring professional conduct and patient rights.
- Introduction to Computed Tomography: Introduces the principles of computed tomography (CT) scanning, a more advanced imaging modality.
- Cross-Sectional Anatomy: Focuses on anatomical structures as visualized in cross-sectional images, crucial for interpreting CT and other advanced imaging studies.
- Pharmacology/Venipuncture: Provides training in pharmacology and venipuncture techniques, skills that may be required in certain imaging procedures.
- Career Advantage & Radiology Seminar: Prepares students for career entry, including resume building, job searching, and professional development in the field of radiology.
This comprehensive curriculum is specifically designed to prepare students for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification and registration exam, a crucial step in becoming a certified radiologic technologist. For detailed information on each course, the ACC Catalog is a valuable resource.
Program Duration: How Long Will You Be in School?
The Radiography program at American Career College is designed to be completed efficiently, allowing you to enter the workforce sooner. Students can earn their Associate of Occupational Studies degree in Radiography in as little as 25 months. This accelerated timeline allows you to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to start your career in approximately two years.
Understanding the Program Costs and Financial Aid Options
Planning for the financial aspects of your education is essential. American Career College provides resources to help you understand the costs associated with the Radiography program and explore available financial aid options.
To get detailed information about the Radiography program cost, you can access the tuition information in the ACC Catalog. For personalized guidance, ACC’s admissions advisors and financial aid advisors are available to provide support. They can help you navigate the program costs, explore financial aid eligibility, and understand scholarship opportunities.
Financial aid and scholarships are indeed available for those who qualify, making the Radiography program accessible to a wider range of students.
Real-World Clinical Training: A Cornerstone of the Program
A significant advantage of ACC’s Radiography program is its emphasis on practical, real-world training. The program includes over 1,800 hours of clinical practicums. This extensive clinical component provides invaluable opportunities for students to apply their classroom knowledge in actual healthcare settings.
Clinical training allows students to:
- Gain Hands-on Experience: Students work directly with patients and equipment in hospitals, clinics, and other imaging facilities.
- Reinforce Learned Skills: Clinical practicums solidify the skills and techniques learned in the classroom and labs.
- Develop Professional Competence: Students build confidence and competence by performing radiographic procedures under the supervision of experienced radiologic technologists.
- Network in the Field: Clinical rotations provide opportunities to network with healthcare professionals and gain insights into different work environments.
This substantial clinical experience ensures that graduates are not just academically prepared but also practically ready to excel as radiologic technologists from day one.
Take the First Step Towards Your Radiography Career
If you are passionate about healthcare, technology, and helping others, the Radiography program at American Career College offers a direct path to a fulfilling and in-demand career. With a program duration of just 25 months, you can quickly gain the education and skills needed to become a certified radiologic technologist.
Contact American Career College today to speak with an admissions advisor and learn more about how to get started on your journey in radiography. Explore the ACC website for further details about the program, financial aid, and upcoming class schedules.
