If you are thinking about becoming a radiology technician, you should definitely consider radiology bachelor’s degree programs as opposed to the quicker certificate or associate’s degree programs. You may be tempted by the shorter length of the other programs; a certificate can be completed in less than a year, and an associate’s degree typically takes about two years to complete. A bachelor’s degree, however, typically takes four years. There are many benefits to taking the longer road, though, if you are looking for a higher caliber job in the field.

As a radiology technician (also known as a radiographer or x-ray technician) you will be responsible for taking x-rays, MRIs and CT scans of patients using specialized equipment, for the purpose of diagnosing and treating illnesses, diseases, injuries and other conditions. You must complete at least a certificate program and pass a rigorous examination to perform this job. Many rad techs go the extra mile and complete a two-year associate’s degree before sitting for the exam, and those who want to enter into higher level positions in this field opt for the four-year bachelor’s degree. These various programs are offered at technical or vocational schools, community colleges, online schools and traditional colleges and universities.

The Facts about Radiology Bachelor’s Degree Programs

The fact is that you will have a very difficult time qualifying for higher management positions as a radiology technician if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree. During the four-year program at a college or university, you will gain advanced knowledge in a number of academic subject areas before building up your professional skills in the field of radiology. You will also strengthen your supervising and teaching skills, preparing you for more than just entry level positions in your career. You can either enter into a four-year college or university directly after graduating from high school, which requires ACT or SAT scores, or you can complete an associate’s degree at a community college and transfer into a four-year school. There are also online colleges that offer bachelor’s degree programs for radiology students.

These are just a few of the skills and subject areas that you will strengthen in a radiology bachelor’s degree program:

• Anatomy

• Business and finances

• Human development

• Leadership skills

• Management skills

• Physics

• Physiology

• Psychology

• Radiology techniques

After graduating with your radiology bachelor’s degree, you will be qualified for the best jobs in the field.