Radiology Programs in Utah

Receiving your Radiologic Technologist Training in Utah

In Utah, individuals who are interested in becoming a radiologist technician can attend several of the state’s schools. Options include the University of Utah, Weber State University, Dixie College and the Salt Lake Community College. The first step in acquiring a radiology degree is to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent education. Once students reach the University of Utah, they’ll need to gain an initial college degree before moving into one of the school’s specialty courses. Radiology specialties include magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, computerized tomography or nuclear medicine and mammography.

For the computerized tomography certificate, you can expect your training to last for six months. Classes will include a combination of clinical and didactic educational experiences. The courses will ensure that you know how to perform the tasks required by a computerized tomography technologist. For instance, technicians must image routine and trauma patients. Additional tasks include assisting during biopsies and processing routine exams. The MRI program takes students six months to complete. Courses will teach you about magnetic fields, atomic structure and electromagnets. If you are interested in the field of nuclear medicine and mammography, you will need to train for 15 months to gain certification. Instructors will teach you how to image a patient’s body and treat disease.

Radiology Technician Licensing in Utah

To gain employment in the radiology field in Utah, according to the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, graduates must take the Radiologic Technologist exam. The cost is $70. Educational requirements include a two-year associate’s or four-year bachelor’s degree in radiology along with the school’s specialized training in the field. In addition, interested individuals must first complete the qualifying questionnaire. You will also need to pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, or ARRT, exam to gain employment in radiology. Test applicants will receive a helpful handbook with exam details such as the number and type of questions that are on the test.

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In Utah, if you have your MRI certification, you must take the MRI examination to be considered competent and knowledgeable in the field. The test features 200 multiple choice questions about the career specialty.

Career Outlook for Radiology Tech Jobs in Utah

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the radiology technician salary varies as students who complete their radiologic technologist degree will earn around $46,000 while MRI technicians receive about $62,000 in the state. Radiologists with a medical degree will make around $262,000. Career opportunities are vast, and graduates can work in hospitals, imaging clinics and physicians’ offices. People who choose to become radiology techs will work closely with patients. Therefore, good interpersonal skills are important. Also, individuals who work in radiology must have a comprehensive understanding of anatomy and physiology. Chemistry skills will also come in handy because the job may require the proper blending of substances for imaging procedures. Technicians should be prepared for long hours on their feet, and they must consider their strength as they will likely have to lift patients.

Career growth for the field is likely to accelerate due to the country’s aging population. In fact, the organization predicts that the field’s growth from 2010 through 2020 will be at 28 percent, which is faster than the average.