Did you know that the national job outlook for X-ray technologists will be very good for the next decade? More people now need procedures to diagnose health conditions. So, you can expect to find many employers who appreciate your radiology skills.
To become an X-ray technologist, you already went through a certificate or degree program, but your education doesn’t end there. Continuing education is a requirement to stay in a radiology career.
So, why is continuing education important? You probably think of it as a means to maintain your licensure or learn something new. But its benefits go beyond these key purposes.
Read on to learn all about the importance of continuing education for X-ray technologists.
1. You’ll Need Continuing Education to Renew Your License or Certification
To keep your license or certification, you must complete radiology continuing education courses. You’ll also need to pursue continuing education to prepare for periodic evaluations.
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® (ARRT®) has rules for keeping your certification. You’ll need to complete at least 24 continuing education credits every two years.
If you don’t meet this requirement, you’ll find yourself on probation. You can even lose your license to practice as an X-ray technologist.
The ARRT® accepts a variety of continuing education options to meet this requirement.
For example, you can take regular classes online, attend approved professional seminars, or learn through self-study or attend lectures.
The ARRT® also has continuing qualifications requirements. If you can’t meet them, you risk losing certification.
This process includes an assessment that happens every 10 years. The continuing qualifications process involves testing your current skills to find any gaps you may have.
If your X-ray technology skills don’t meet the standards, the ARRT® will require some specific continuing education courses.
2. Continuing Education Can Help You Further Your Medical Career
The importance of CE for healthcare professionals goes beyond your current job. It can also prepare you for new career paths in medicine or allow for specialization.
After working a while as an X-ray technologist, you might consider a leadership role. Becoming a lead X-ray technologist or radiology manager is a common career path. This job involves overseeing other X-ray technologists, handling scheduling, and coordinating procedures.
If management interests you, consider taking some business classes alongside radiology courses. Earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in healthcare management is an option.
You can also use continuing education as a chance to expand your radiology skill set. To do so, you might pursue other certifications from the ARRT® in imaging or radiology.
For example, you could take some continuing education courses to prepare for MRI technologist certification or mammography.
Having multiple specialties can help in the job market and make it easier to find a new position. You’ll want to check on your state licensure and the ARRT® requirements to make sure your continuing education is in line with your future goals.
3. Continuing Education Helps You Keep Up With New Developments in Radiology
Your initial radiology education prepared you for the job. But it didn’t teach you developments that would come after graduation.
The past years have led to new digital X-ray technologies that reduce radiation which helps protect patients. Imaging tools can now provide an alternative to surgery in some cases. There are even systems that allow medical professionals to evaluate patients’ X-rays remotely.
By pursuing healthcare continuing education, you stay informed about new developments.
4. Continuing Education Helps You Do Better Work
The importance of continuing education is also seen in how it helps you do a better job. This leads to better patient care and higher patient satisfaction.
You might have forgetten some of the stuff you learned while studying to become a radiologic technologist, but continuing education can keep you current with advancing technologies.
Continuing education can also teach you the best practices in X-ray technology and patient care. For example, you may read case studies of veteran X-ray technologists and researchers. Learning of their experiences can give you valuable insight and some new techniques to try.
Your employer will also take notice when they do your performance evaluations. Your dedication and improved skills can lead to pay increases, awards, or even a promotion.
5. Continuing Education Can Improve Your Image
Healthcare continuing education can also improve your reputation as an x-ray technologist.
You’ll find more confidence in working with patients and other medical professionals. Others will see you as more authoritative and trust in your work.
When you express professional confidence in your work, patients will feel more comfortable during procedures.
Meeting continuing education requirements can also help you join professional organizations in radiology. Joining these organizations can help further boost your image as a professional in X-ray technology.
Now You Understand the Importance of Continuing Education
As you’ve learned, the importance of continuing education goes beyond allowing you to keep your credentials.
It helps you care better for your patients and improve your professional skills. It also gives you better career prospects and keeps you informed of the latest X-ray technology trends.
So, get started looking for continuing education options. You might start reading professional journals or signing up for online radiology courses.
Feel free to reach out to us to learn more about our continuing education courses.
Recent Comments