If you’re searching for a high-paying medical career in Florida, radiology is the answer. A radiologic technologist in Florida makes an average of $56,650 per year. The top 20% of earners can make up to $85k annually.
Before you can start bringing in the big bucks, you have to earn your Florida radiologic technology license. To administer ionizing radiation to humans in Florida, professionals do need a license.
Curious about the types of radiology certificates you can pursue in Florida? Then check out this article for more information.
The 6 Types of Certifications Offered in Florida
A licensed practitioner may practice medicine in Florida. This can be podiatric medicine, chiropody, osteopathic medicine, naturopathy, or chiropractic medicine.
Meanwhile, radiological certificate holders fall under one of the following titles:
- A Basic X-Ray Machine Operator
- A Basic X-Ray Machine Operator – Podiatric Medicine
- A General Radiographer
- A Nuclear Medicine Technologist
- A Radiation Therapy Technologist
- A Radiation Assistant
To hold any of these titles, you must receive one of the six types of certificates issued in Florida. What are we talking about? We’re going more in-depth with each of the certificates next, so check it out.
1. Basic X-Ray Machine Operator Certificates
Basic X-Ray Machine Operator professionals are also known as radiologic technologists or radiographers. A certificate allows these professionals to operate x-ray machines. They use these machines to image the internal structures of the body.
These professionals work under supervision (usually by a radiologist). It’s common to see X-Ray Machine Operators assisting physicians and other medical professionals.
2. Basic X-Ray Machine Operator Certificates – Podiatric Medicine
Podiatric medicine practitioners are unique. That’s because they only operate on the feet and ankles. Imaging these areas can be complex, which is why the field uses special x-ray machines.
X-Ray certification for Podiatric Medicine is like the general career path. The difference? These professionals must learn to use special podiatric equipment.
3. General Radiologic Technology Certificates
A certificate in radiogic technology qualifies professionals for a range of positions, for example, radiology technicians, radiologic technologists, and sonographers can be considered radiologic technologists. Each of these practitioners has in common that they capture images of internal body structures.
4. Nuclear Medicine Technologist Certificates
Nuclear Medicine Technologists administer small doses of radiopharmaceuticals used for diagnosis and treatment of patients. This profession requires an advanced certification (see below for more).
CT machines and MRI scanners are also used in nuclear medicine. A certificate in Nuclear Medicine Technology will have you working around physicians. Still, this is a more autonomous role than most other certificates can offer.
5. Radiation Therapy Technologist Certificates
Radiation Therapy Technologists or Radiation Therapists are certified to administer radiation therapy. The most well-known type of Radiation Therapist is one who works with Oncologists. These professionals work together to administer radiation cancer treatments to patients.
Over-exposure to radiation can be harmful. That’s why these professionals must have excellent attention to detail. Radiation Therapists must also be comfortable in patient-facing roles. That’s because these professionals often interact with patients during treatments.
6. Radiologist Assistant Certificates
A Registered Radiologist Assistant ( R.R.A.® ) is just as it sounds: an assistant to the radiologist. The R.R.A.® helps radiologists diagnose patients and perform radiological procedures.
Only the radiologist may interpret diagnostic images, but the RA does get experience investigating them.
Getting a Registered Radiologist Assistant®’s certificate does require more strenuous requirements. For example, aspiring R.R.A®s must pass an exam and credentialing process. More information is available from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® (ARRT®).
What are the Requirements for Certification in Florida?
So, how exactly do you go about getting any of these six certifications in Florida? There are two ways to do it. You can either seek certification by taking and passing an exam or get certified through endorsement.
However, all certifications and certification pathways have the following requirements in common:
- You must be 18 years of age or older
- You must have submitted the proper application and any associated fees
- You must be of good moral character
- You must hold a high school diploma or a GED
More detailed explanations for the requirements for receiving a Florida radiologist certificate are provided below. We’ve divided them by exam and by endorsement for your convenience.
Certification by Exam
If you’re a brand new aspiring radiologic technologist, you’ll have to take an exam to qualify for your license. You must meet the general requirements we mentioned above. Plus, you must meet specific requirements for the type of certificate you’re seeking.
For example, aspiring Basic X-Ray Machine Operators must complete an accredited education program. At the least, these professionals must complete a full review of the Radiography Essentials for Limited Practice.
Radiologic Technologists, Nuclear Medicine Technologists, and Radiation Therapists also have advanced requirements. Aspiring professionals must have successfully completed a two-year accredited Radiologic Technology Program.
Certification by Endorsement
Professionals who already hold a certificate can apply for certification by endorsement. This type of certification pathway is more common among out-of-state practitioners.
The professional must have proof of their certificate or license in another state. They must then ensure that it’s equivalent to the Florida certificate they’re seeking.
Are you uncertain about whether your license is equivalent? The Florida Department of Health http://www.floridahealth.gov/ can help. They’ll assist you in determining which certification pathway is right for you.
Radiology Continuing Education in Florida
Have we inspired you to finally get your Florida radiologic technology certification? After your get that certification and start looking for continuing education, Scrubs CE wants to make getting your continuing education credits easy. Check out our Radiology Continuing Education courses !
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