If you are thinking about starting a career in Radiology, then you have landed on the right page. Skim through this informative article to learn about different Radiology Degrees being offered in the U.S.
What Is Radiology?
The branch of medicine that makes use of imaging technology to treat and diagnose diseases is called Radiology. Professionals working in this field are expected to have an in-depth knowledge of patient care, physics, and anatomy. These professionals use their advanced knowledge of non-invasive technology to help improve the treatment and diagnoses of various kinds of ailments.
What Can You Do with a Radiology Degree?
After completing a Radiology Degree, individuals can purse a number of career paths. They can choose to work as Radiologists, Radiology Technicians/Technologists, Radiology Assistants, Ultrasound Technicians/Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, MRI Technologists, and CT Scan Technologists. The growth and income data for some of these positions has been mentioned in this section. These occupational statistics have been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
These professionals are responsible for performing diagnostic imaging examinations on individuals. They mostly work in hospitals and healthcare facilities.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $60,510 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 9% (Radiologic and MRI Technologists) | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $63,120 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 17,390 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | California | $86,120 |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
They are responsible for operating MRI scanners to create diagnostic images.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $73,410 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 9% (Radiologic and MRI Technologists) | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $74,270 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 3,150 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | California | $97,180 |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
These professionals operate imaging equipment to conduct tests or to create images. Most of these workers are employed by diagnostic and medical laboratories or physician’s offices.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $74,320 (Diagnostic Medical Sonographers) | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 14% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $75,780 (Diagnostic Medical Sonographers) | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 6,650 (Diagnostic Medical Sonographers) |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | Hawaii | $102,140 (Diagnostic Medical Sonographers) |
What to Expect from a Radiology Degree?
The Associate of Science (A.S) in Radiologic Technology or Radiography usually takes around 24 months to complete. The program’s curriculum covers a wide range of topics such as Introduction to Clinical Radiography, Principles of Radiography, Radiographic Positioning and Anatomy, Radiographic Procedures, Human Anatomy & Physiology, and Pathology.
The Bachelor of Science (B.S) in Radiology Technology or Radiologic Sciences may take around 4 years to complete. As part of the program, students have to study a range of courses such as Radiation Biology, X-Ray Physics, Clinical Education, and Cross-Sectional Anatomy.
The Master of Science (M.S) program in Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences can be completed within 1 year. In order to graduate from the program, students have to study a long list of modules, which include, Noninvasive Testing Principles & Procedures, Invasive Procedures, Radiographic Physics & Instrumentation, and Invasive Principles.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Radiological Sciences is an advanced program that offers a number of specialization tracks, including Human Imaging, Neuroscience Imaging, Radiation Biology, and Medical Physics. The doctoral program incorporates hands-on research experiences, seminars, and classroom sessions.
How to Choose a Radiology Degree?
Some of the factors that should be considered before applying for admission in a Radiology program include, cost of the program, reputation of the teaching faculty, accreditation status of the program, and flexible learning opportunities.
Radiology Degree Admission Requirements
In order to get into a Radiology program, you will be required to submit an admissions application to the school of your choice along with your official transcripts, recommendation letters, and an application fee. Some schools might also require American College Testing (ACT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores. Moreover, the CGPA score requirements might also vary from one school to another. Therefore, we would recommend that you do thorough research and check the admission requirements of the degree you want to apply to before starting the application process.