The field of radiologic technology is growing each year, and job prospects in this field are excellent for the future. If you work as a rad tech, you know that continuing education is an important part of the job.
Radiologic technologists are a critical part of a healthcare team. They assist patients as they undergo imaging, x-rays, and other procedures. Taking continuing education courses in radiology allows you to stay current with your license as you advance in your skills and your career.
The field of radiology is evolving, and participating in CE courses helps you grow in this rapidly advancing field. Here are 9 reasons to choose continuing education in Arizona.
1. Provide High-Quality Patient Care
Continuing education helps you stay on top of the latest advances in radiologic technology. It also teaches you how to provide up-to-date compassionate patient care.
As a radiologic technologist, you see patients at a vulnerable time. They are often worried or nervous about the tests their doctor has ordered.
They depend on you for your expertise and compassion when they need it the most. Learning new ways to care for your patients and tend to their needs can help you improve the patient’s overall experience.
Continuing education courses provide you with the updates you need to administer highly sensitive tests, making it easier for doctors to diagnose and treat their patients.
2. Remain Marketable
Employers in hospitals and other healthcare settings look for employees who have advanced skills in more than one area. Continuing your education can help you maintain your current position and stay marketable for future opportunities or advancement.
Working and continuing your training demonstrates a high level of professionalism and dedication to your career and your industry. Advancing your knowledge in radiology could lead to better opportunities and more choices for you in your field.
Specializing in one or more fields can increase your marketability. These are a few options available.
- CT
- Nuclear medicine
- Mammography
- MRI
- Radiation therapy
- Sonography
- Cardiac cath
Arizona radiologic technologists, CRT’s, are not limited in the type of radiographic or fluoroscopic examinations they may perform.
CPTRs are strictly limited to performing radiographic only examinations of the chest and extremities. The chest may only be imaged to visualize the heart and lungs only. Extremities are defined as the shoulder girdle to the phalanges and the lower two thirds of the femur to the phalanges. Practical technologists are prohibited from performing any examination involving the use of contrast media or fluoroscopy.
Arizona Computed Tomography Licensure: • An applicant must possess certification in radiologic technology,nuclear medicine, or radiation therapy AND… • Have at least 2 years documented computed tomography experience with at least 12 continuing education hours specific to CT over the past 2 years OR • Possess an advanced post-primary certification from a Board-recognized, certification issuing agency in computed tomography.
Advancing your education now will help you expand your career opportunities in the future.
3. Update Your Skills
Your initial courses in radiologic technology were valuable and prepared you for the job. But this industry is constantly changing and advancing, and you want your skills to advance as well.
Continuing your education helps you stay current in the field. You’ll learn about the latest techniques, systems, technologies, and advances in patient care.
The more you learn, the more opportunities you’ll have to help patients receive the best possible care. And updating your skills is good for your career and the potential for future advancement in the healthcare industry.
4. Improve Your Professional Standing
As a radiologic technologist, you are a valuable member of the healthcare community. You collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide excellent patient care and improved outcomes.
Staying current and advancing your knowledge will only improve your professional standing in your field. Continuing education courses are necessary to maintain your license, but they can also serve to expand your credentials.
As you advance in your education, you’ll gain the respect of your peers for your knowledge in your chosen field. Advancing your skills builds your reputation and may open many doors in the future.
5. Earn a Healthy Income
The median salary for a radiologic technologist is around $60,000. That’s well above the national average for most jobs.
Choosing to advance your education and specialize in a specific modality can increase your earning potential even more. Specialized positions in the radiology field typically pay more and come with better benefits as well.
If you decide to move or change jobs, your education and advanced training can help you get a better job with higher pay. Continuing your education can boost your career and your earning potential.
6. Reduce the Risks
As a radiologic technologist, you must keep yourself and your patients safe during imaging procedures. There are radiation dose dangers, and one mistake can put a patient in harm’s way.
Continuing your training helps you stay up-to-date on the latest systems, technology, and safety procedures. This allows you to provide the best and safest patient care possible.
7. Learn About the Latest Technology
In radiologic technology courses, students learn about current technologies in the field. They also learn about cutting edge technologies on the horizon.
Imaging technology is always changing and advancing. Continuing education helps you understand the latest trends and protocols in your field.
Staying on top of the latest advances in your field will help you perform your job better, keep your patents safe, and prepare you for career advancement.
8. Enhances Job Security
The healthcare field offers excellent job security. The more capable you are, the more likely you are to have a job and hold on to your position over time.
Employers want employees with advanced training and are more likely to retain these workers in difficult times. Continuing your education strengthens your skills in your field and makes you more marketable in the healthcare industry.
Even if you lose a job as a radiologic technologist, your skills and training make it likely you can find a new and better job in the field.
9. Work in a Variety of Settings
As a radiologic technologist, you aren’t limited to one geographic area or healthcare setting. Although most rad techs work in hospitals, these healthcare professionals can work in a variety of healthcare settings.
Many doctors, clinics, urgent care centers, diagnostic labs, and others need radiologic technologists. Experience along with continuing education makes it easier for you to find a job in a setting you will love.
Continue Your Radiology Education in Arizona
The job outlook for radiologic technologists is bright in Arizona and around the country. Furthering your radiology education can lead to better patient care and a bright future in this growing profession.
If you need information about the right continuing education courses for you, contact us today to learn more.
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