Rhode Island Radiology Tech Careers and Degrees

Receiving your Radiologic Technologist Training in Rhode Island

Radiologic technologists may also be known as radiologist technicians and radiology techs. As assistants to radiologists they must be highly skilled in performing imaging examinations on any part of the human body. They must practice medical ethics and show compassion for their patients. Training begins with college courses toward a Bachelor of Science degree. The first two years will include general education requirements and introductory courses for radiology. Final semesters will be spent mastering curriculum in anatomy, radiology physics, radiographic procedures and a clinical study. In the clinical study, you will begin with observations then progress to performing basic positioning of the major adult body areas like the chest, upper and lower extremities and abdomen. As you gain experience you will advance to completing radiography on facial bones and the skull and pediatric radiography. Two semesters, or about 30 hours, are devoted to clinical study.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing in Rhode Island

The American Society of Radiologic Technicians keeps users up-to-date on legislative news and information for radiology techs. Currently, after earning a bachelor’s degree, technicians are required to pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam for licensure. The license is good for two years. For renewal, 24 hours of continuing education credits are required to be earned in the intervening two year period. Rhode Island makes the renewal process simple by sending all license applications in odd numbered years on July 1. The radiologic tech then completes the application for return with the current application fee by July 31 of the same year. Fees costs in 2013 range from $60 to $85 for initial licensing and renewal.

Career Outlook for Radiologic Technologist Jobs in Rhode Island

Rhode Island is listed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as the fifth highest state in the nation for concentration of jobs as a radiology tech. The annual mean salary of $65,750 is almost $10,000 above the national mean. The heath care field continues to grow despite the slow economy and job outlook in other industries. The BLS projects a 28% increase in jobs by 2020.

Institutions that hire significant numbers of radiologist technicians are medical and diagnostic laboratories, general medical and surgical hospitals, offices of physicians, insurance carriers, federal government, and outpatient care centers. Experienced radiologic technicians may seek employment with a radiological supply company or manufacturer as technical advisors or sales representatives. Radiologic techs can further their education and obtain specializations in such areas as health services management, bone densitometry, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammography and even research. Increased salaries and responsibilities for those who prefer to challenge themselves are advantages to pursuing additional credentials.