Radiologic Technologist Schools
Once you have decided on a career path, you'll need to investigate radiologic technologist schools. There may be good educational programs in the city where you live, but if you're not lucky enough to live near a school that offers radiologic tech degrees, you can broaden your search to other cities and consider online learning options.
Traditional radiologic technologist schools
There are a number of community colleges and universities that offer radiologic technologist degrees via two-year and four-year curriculums. They're a good choice for students who prefer personal contact with teachers and with other students in a classroom or study group setting. Sometimes these programs are connected to local hospitals or clinics and offer volunteer or paid training opportunities. Students who have to work while learning sometimes find that the biggest drawback to traditional schools is their often rigid scheduling for classes and lab work.
Program costs can be similar to those offered online, but if the school you're considering is located far from where you live, remember to factor in the costs of transportation and housing. Of course, if the school you want to attend is nearby, there will be no additional cost for housing, and transportation expenses won't be a significant financial factor.
Online radiologic technologist schools
During the past decade, there's been a huge increase in the number of degrees available by accredited schools via distance learning. The biggest benefits to students are the geographic and scheduling flexibility. Not all students live in cities with schools that offer radiologic technologist degrees, so online learning is a good way to live at home while taking classes. For students who have to work to support themselves while earning their degree, distance learning may be the best solution.
However, successful distance learning students need to be sufficiently self-motivated. The lack of personal contact with teachers and other students along with the lack of built-in local training opportunities could be serious drawbacks.
What to look for when choosing a radiologic technologist school
Prospective students should look for an institution that offers a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The JRCERT accreditation is the only one officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for both traditional and distance learning programs in radiologic technology specialties including radiography, radiation therapy, and other related disciplines.
The JRCERT accreditation requires schools to adhere to curriculum standards created by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) and ensures students that they'll graduate with the knowledge and skills they need in order to perform on the job with competence and confidence. It also assures students that prospective employers will recognize and value their professional degree.
