The radiology field has not only grown in demand in the past years, but is expected to keep on increasing in demand in the coming years. If you are looking for a job in the medical field that offers high job security and a good yearly salary, a radiology technician position may be for you. Like with any career choice, it is important that you research the job description, the amount of technical schooling that is required and what your annual salary will most likely be.
As an x ray tech, it will be your job to use radiation to explore the human body from the inside. Exploring internal organs along with bones and tissue. You’ll use this radiation to diagnose problems such as broken bones, soft tissue problems and diagnosing foreign objects. It is highly important that you are a people person, as you will be dealing with people or patients on a daily basis.
Preparation for a radiology career can start as early as high school. Choosing to take such courses as biology and anatomy can help jumpstart your college or technical school education. There are many x ray technician schools and universities that offer radiology technician programs, however there are also many vocational and technical schools that offer fast track career training. These fast track programs allow you to learn only the skills needed for the career at hand. This allows you as a student, to enroll in school and graduate with a certificate or a degree faster than you might have thought possible in the past.
Depending on your degree and or certification, the salary of a radiology technician can vary quite a bit. There are several factors that play a large role in determining how much you can expect to see on your weekly paycheck. Such factors are that of your physical geographic location along with where you are employed. Other factors include that of your background and schooling along with your experience in the field.
With less than two years of experience, you can expect your radiology tech salary to be on average $35,000 per year. Just as with any job, you can expect promotions and pay raises as your experience level and education level improves. With time and experience, you can live quite nicely on the salary of a radiology technician, and expect to see an average yearly salary of about $65,000 per year.
Research is key when choosing any career, so be sure to do your research thoroughly. Talk to school counselors, use the Internet and even physically talk to people who have chosen a career in the radiology field. If possible, even tag along for a day or two and see what all is involved to get a better understanding of a lifelong decision you have in front of you.