Degrees for Radiation Technicians and Careers
Leah Felderman
Great Degrees for Portable Careers: Medical Radiologic Technology
A degree in medical radiologic technology can lead to a job as a radiologic therapist, radiologic technician, or a number of other specialized diagnostic positions in the health and wellness field.
Most medical radiologic technology education programs lead to an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree while also qualifying the graduates for state and national certifications. Radiologic technicians and radiologic therapists must be licensed or certified in most states.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in medical radiologic technology is projected to grow almost 10% from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. Thanks in part to the aging of the Baby Boomer generation, an increase in the elderly population of the US will lead to an increased need for medical radiologic technology jobs and qualified employees.
Medical radiologic technology is an especially great career path for military spouses as job opportunities can be found across all 50 states and overseas. There are a variety of places that employ qualified medical radiologic technology graduates with generous salaries. Don’t forget about the MyCAA Program for military spouses; for more info click here.
Places Where Medical Radiologic Technology Graduates Can Find Employment
- General medical hospitals: Average salary $88,000
- Specialty hospitals: Average salary $94,000
- Physician offices: Average salary $96,000
- Outpatient care centers: Average salary $104,000
Some medical radiologic technology graduates choose not to work directly in health care. Instead graduates are qualified to work a variety of related jobs such as medical equipment manufacturing, medical radiologic technology marketing positions, and in educational institutions.
Associate Degree in Medical Radiologic Technology
An Associate Degree in Medical Radiologic Technology is a great starting point for those interested in health sciences. Earning an Associate Degree in Medical Radiologic Technology can set one on a successful career path and prepare for further education and certification.
Radiologic technologists, MRI technologists, and radiologic therapists typically need an associate’s degree.Many MRI technologists start out as radiologic technologists and specialize later in their career. Radiologic technologists must be licensed or certified in most states.
Jobs For Those With An Associate Degree in Medical Radiologic Technology
Radiologic technologist performs diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. Average annual salary: $60,000.
MRI technologist operates magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images. Average annual salary: $73,000.
Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Radiologic Technology
A Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Radiologic Technology helps students advance their knowledge in radiation technology while learning vital leaderships skills that can lead to management and other leadership positions. These bachelor degree programs are usually designed for working professionals already in the field. Many programs offer an option to enhance knowledge in clinical specializations such as : Computed Tomography, Mammography, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Jobs With a Bachelor’s in Medical Radiologic Technology
Postsecondary teacher instructs medical radiologic technology classes. Average annual salary: $80,000.
Radiation therapist treats cancer and other diseases in patients by administering radiation treatments. Average annual salary: $86,000.
Health services manager plans, directs, and coordinates the business activities of healthcare providers. Average annual salary: $101,000.
Schools With Medical Radiologic Technology Degree Programs
Ready to start your degree in Medical Radiologic Technology? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools.
Please note listed schools may have paid for promotional consideration.
Lone Star College
Offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree for Medical Radiologic Technology. Completion of this degree qualifies the student to pursue the Advanced Technical Certificates in Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Lone Star College does not participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Northwest Missouri State University
Offers a Bachelor of Science in Radiological Science. Northwest Missouri State offers a unique two-year program that provides students with the foundation knowledge in requirements for the admission to radiologic schools. Students then attend a radiology school for an additional two years to complete their bachelor’s degree.
Northwest has matriculation agreements with a number of premier radiology schools. Northwest Missouri State University does not participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
University of Cincinnati Online
Offers a fully online Bachelor of Radiation Science Technology. The University of Cincinnati participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
*All average annual salaries adapted and calculated from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. For more information click here.
RELATED:
About the author
Born in SoCal yet raised Tampa, Florida - Leah earned her undergraduate BA in Liberal Studies from the University of Central Florida. Leah earned her MA in the MALAS at San Diego State University, while also completing a graduate teaching certificate in English for Secondary Education. An avid traveler, she has visited more than 60 countries. With the birth of her son Spencer in 2012, Leah embarked on her biggest adventure (yet) as parent and Coast Guard wife.
