Radiography School

 

A Career as a Radiologic Technologist

 

Radiologic technologists, better known as radiographers, are the medical personnel who perform diagnostic imaging examinations, including X-rays. Radiographers who perform imaging examinations are responsible for accurately positioning patients and ensuring that a quality diagnostic image is produced. They work closely with radiologists, the physicians who interpret medical images to either diagnose or rule out disease/injury. For the images to be interpreted correctly by the radiologist, the imaging examinations must be performed properly and competently by the imaging experts, the radiographer.

 

They may specialize in specific imaging techniques such as bone densitometry, cardiovascular-interventional radiography, computed tomography, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, quality management, sonography or general diagnostic radiography.

 

Hospitals are the primary employer of radiologic technologists, but a greater number of new jobs will be found in physicians' offices and diagnostic imaging centers.

 

 

 

Radiography Program Description

 

As students in Pima's Radiography program, you'll learn the necessary skills to accurately position patients, ensuring that a quality diagnostic image is produced. You will also be educated in anatomy, examination techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety, radiation protection and basic patient care.

 

 

Radiography Technologist Program Outline:

 

Course #	Course				Theory	Lab	Extern	Credits
CSK 101	Study Skills				16			1.0
RA 100	Radiography I				48			3.0
CMT 105	Medical Terminology				16			1.0
MT 203	Math Applications				48			3.0
RA 102	Positioning I				32	32		3.0
BIO 130	Anatomy and Physiology I				32			2.0
CCM 110	Communications				48			3.0
Semester I Total					240	32		16.0
Course #	Course				Theory	Lab	Extern	Credits
RA 118	Positioning II				48	32		4.0
RA 206	Physics				48			3.0
RA 110	Principles of Exposure				48			3.0
RA 121	Methods of Patient Care				48	16		3.5
BIO 140	Anatomy and Physiology II				32			2.0
CLE 110	Medical Law & Ethics				16			1.0
Semester II Total					240	48		16.5
Course #	Course				Theory	Lab	Extern	Credits
CCL 110	Computer Literacy				24	16		2.0
RA 130	Radiographic Biology				32			2.0
RA 300	Clinical Externship I						512	11.0
Semester III Total					56	16	512	15.0
Course #	Course				Theory	Lab	Extern	Credits
RA 114	Adv. Rad Imaging & Spec. Proc				48			3.0
RA 112	Pathology I				16			1.0
RA 301	Clinical Externship II						512	11.0
Semester IV Total					64		512	15.0
Course #	Course				Theory	Lab	Extern	Credits
RA 201	Radiography II				48			3.0
RA 212	Pathology II				16			1.0
RA 302	Clinical Externship III						512	11.0
Semester V Total					64		512	15.0
Course #	Course				Theory	Lab	Extern	Credits
RA 202	Radiography III				64			4.0
RA 303	Clinical Externship IV						512	11.0
Semester VI Total					64		512	15.0
PROGRAM TOTALS					728	96	2048	92.5

 

 

Job Outlook for Radiologic Technologists

 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that job opportunities for radiographers are expected to be favorable, and employment of radiologic technologists is expected to increase by about 17 percent through 2018, faster than average for all occupations.*

 

 

Radiography Program Length

 

Approximately 2 years

 

 

For more detailed information on Pima's Radiography program specifics, financial assistance and lifetime job placement for graduates, please visit your local campus below:

Albuquerque, New Mexico
Chula Vista, California
Denver, Colorado
Houston, Texas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Mesa, Arizona
Seattle, Washington
Tucson, Arizona

 

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Radiologic Technologists and Technicians , on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos105.htm

 

 

Contact Pima Medical Institute today and request more information about radiography school programs, and other career training programs including dental assistant, veterinary assistant, pharmacy technician or medical assistant.