There is a reason for the uptick in students inquiring about Radiology Schools. Radiology increasingly is being regarded as a critically important tool in the fight against cancer.
Within the medical sector, there are certain programs, information technology and healthcare services that have evolved and improved with the increase in the number of cancer patients.
As a net result, cancerous tumors and malignant cells are being destroyed by the science and technology of radiation therapy.
Hence, Radiology schools have become more popular. In fact, there has been a rise in the need for radiologists and radiographers across the board. Hence, the salaries of these professionals have also increased.
Finding Good Accredited Radiology Schools
Radiology, just like many other sensitive professions is regulated in terms of the curriculum as well as the colleges and universities that can offer the course that lead to the career.
When it comes to accreditation, Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is the only body mandated by the Department of Education to vet colleges in this respect.
When searching for a college to attend for any of the radiology-related course, checking the JRCERT database is the best place to start. To be crystal clear, if a school is not accredited by JRCERT, do not proceed any further with the thought of attending that school.
Courses Provided By Radiology Schools
Different colleges and universities across the world and the United States offer a wide range of radiology courses. These courses will in one way or another lead you to becoming a radiology expert or a scholar in the field.
Below are some of the courses and programs you should expect to find in the accredited schools;
- Medical Terminology
- Introduction To Radiologic Technology
- Radiologic Physics And Equipment
- Radiation Protection And Safety
- Advanced Imaging Procedures
- Radiation Biology
- Diagnostic Ultrasound
- Obstetric Sonography
- Sonography Physics
- Ultrasound Physics
- Neurosonography
How To Pick The Right Radiology Program
These types of programs and courses carry stringent guidelines for admission. This means that high school children have to be extra careful and more importantly informed when choosing their career paths.
Admittedly, radiology is one of the many popular courses among students. It is, therefore, important that students familiarize themselves with the basics about radiology and what radiographers, as well as radiologic technologists, do for a living.
Still, the most basic things that the students should familiarize themselves with include;
- Look for an expert counselor who will help you pick the right program
- Math and the sciences are very important, especially at the high school level because admission requirements in colleges focus on them
- Math and the sciences are very important, especially at the high school level because admission requirements in colleges focus on them
- There are numerous colleges and universities that offer a wide range of radiology programs. Wisely choose the program you wish to pursue and the college you want to pursue it in
- After making the final list of universities or colleges that appeal to you, consider factors such as cost, class size, and reputation of the school, curriculum and location to make your final decision
- From the start, especially when you are visiting colleges and universities, establish what coursework is needed for you to get a radiology degree. Sometimes overlooking this simple aspect can lead you to pursuing the ‘wrong’ course(s)
- It is important to start the process of picking your preferred program early. That way you will have some leeway in terms of the course you can pick and also flexibility if a change is necessary
The Different Certificates And Degrees
Depending on the course you opt for, you will acquire a certificate that will let you do so much in radiology but not other things. It is very important to lay the options before you prior to enrolling in any radiology school. Here are some of the certificates you can acquire;
Radiology Certificate
This is normally pursued by working professionals who want to advance their career or take on a specialty. Such a certificate would include MRI, CT or Ultrasound. It often takes between six months to one year.
Associate’s Degree
Most health facilities require that one has a minimum of an associate degree in radiology. Associate’s degree forms an entry level ground for radiologic technologists. On average, it takes 2 years to complete this degree. This degree is offered in most of the community colleges and technical education institutions.
Bachelor’s Degree
There are several degree certificates that you can get under the Bachelor’s headship. Most of the health care based colleges and universities offer radiology bachelor’s degrees.
The bachelor’s degree is generally regarded as the highest academic requirement for one to become a radiologic technologist.
The course takes four years to complete. Its completion comes with more patient care responsibilities, but with more salary. You will be required to be licensed in order to practice as a radiologic technologist.
Master’s Degree
Radiologist assistants normally hold a master’s degree. Like in a majority of fields, the master’s degree in radiology is meant to be held by a person who has acquired a Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, the degree will take you two years if you are studying part-time, but one year if you opt to study full-time.
PhD
This is the epitome of radiology academically. This is pursued by radiologists who want to participate in research and furtherance of the radiology technology.
As you can see, Radiology Schools affords you opportunities that other healthcare fields cannot compete with.
