In the recent months i have been considering going back to school to achieve my degree in radiology technology. Radiologic technologists produce x-ray films of parts of the human body for doctors to properly diagnose medical problems. Radiologic technologists must follow the physicians’ orders precisely and know regulations to protect themselves and thier patients.

While researching what is required for this degree, I have discovered that there are many trade schools that will train you in this medical field. The programs offered will take from 1 year up to 4 years to achieve a certificate, an associates degree, or a bachelor’s degree. The two year associates degree programs are the most prevalent. I will be attending the 4 year degree plan to recieve my bachelors degree, to ensure that i will be able to receive promotions as i gain more experience.

Those that choose to receive a 1-year certificate are typically individuals that are already in the medical field such as technologists and registered nurses who want to change fields,a individuals that achieve a bachelors or master’s degree are eligible for supervisory, administrative, or teaching positions.To gain admission to a radiography program in a trade school you will need to have a minimum of a high school diploma or the equivalent diploma. If you took high school courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology will prove to be very beneficial in your advanced schooling.

Once you have completed your schooling you can get a job in hospitals, in private physician offices, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and in outpatient care centers. Radiologic technologists employment is increasing and job opportunities are expected to continue to increase. Those with degrees in this field held about 196,000 jobs in 2006, and more then 60 percent of all jobs were held in hospitals. The annual radiology technician salary will help you earn anywhere between $32,700 and $68,900 with most individuals earning between $39,800 and $57,900 annually. Of course money is not all that I look at when considering my career choice, but Ill touch more on that later.

With the growth in job opportunities and amount of additional schooling involved I can be assured that my decision to attend a trade school to get my degree in radiology technology will prove to be beneficial to me and my family. This degree will help me earn more annual income while giving me an occupation i can love while helping others. This is one aspect in choosing a career that my counselor could not stress enough to me. Whats that you ask?

Choose a Career that not only pays the bills, but is a career that I can see myself doing my entire life and not hating it. It is one thing to make a good living, but taking the time to research different education programs and really seeing what is involved on a day to day basis preforming the tasks that a particular job requires, can sway you one way or another towards making a better educated decision. I love helping people, and I love to make money! I am a people person, and realize that I will spend a lot of time interacting with different kinds of people on a daily basis. Some will be hurt while others are simply getting a looking over. I know that in any given situation I will be able to help a person to get them into the correct mindset to perform the x ray without hurting anyone, and getting the best shot possible.