Featured Program at Lake Michigan College - Radiologic Technology
(March 2008)
Radiologic Technology
– more than just broken bones
For
most people, the first meeting with a radiologic technologist was after a
childhood mishap. Maybe you were introduced to one for a broken wrist from a
bicycle accident or a broken leg from tree-climbing gone bad. That pleasant,
careful and compassionate person who covered you with the lead blanket and
“took pictures” of your fracture was a radiologic technologist, also
known as an X-ray technician or a medical imaging professional.
Beyond X-rays
A
career in radiologic technology can take many paths. There are many practice
areas for radiologic technologists, including general radiography.
Radiographers use diagnostic imaging equipment (X-rays) to produce images of
the tissue, organs, vessels and bones. Some radiographers seek specialized
training in mammography, computed tomography (CT scans), magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) or other types of imaging.
Is that the liver or
a kidney?
Operating
sophisticated medical equipment is a large part of what rad tech’s do in their
daily work, but along with being tech savvy and showing concern for patients, having
a thorough understanding of the human anatomy and medical imaging physics is also
extremely important.
“Students
must be proficient at the internal workings of the human body as well as understanding
the inner workings of the high tech imaging equipment to be a good professional
radiographer,” explained Kerry Mohney, LMC’s radiologic technology program
coordinator. “In their daily work they properly administer radiation to produce
images for physicians and their patients. Care, precision and knowledge are of
utmost importance to assure patient and technologist safety while at the same
time producing images of diagnostic quality.”
Why LMC?
LMC’s
rad tech program is one of only 13 accredited educational programs in
Michigan and the only one in the southwestern Michigan region.
The success rate of LMC graduates on the national certification
examination is
proof of a strong and vibrant program. Over the past five years, 96
percent of
LMC grads have passed the national certification exam, including 100
percent in
2006 and 2007. Nationally, the pass rate average is about 90 percent.
“Curriculum
modifications have helped us to reinforce the critical thinking skills of our
graduates, which has made a difference during the national certification
process,” explained Ms. Mohney. “And we continually review our program to make
sure it is in line with industry trends.”
Competitive salaries
+ new technology = great career
According
to Ms. Mohney, the field is attractive because of good salaries and the interaction
with cutting edge technology. Recent salary surveys indicate that the median
annual earnings of radiologic technologists were $48,170. Additional salary increases
are available as technologists advance in their education and training.
LMC
has hosted regional advanced training workshops for RTs in areas such as
digital mammography – a rapidly growing field and an important development in
the fight against breast cancer.
Career market is
booming
The
national Bureau of Labor Statistics cites the aging U.S. population and growth in
specialized care as two key factors for the increase in employment of RTs. Jobs
are expected to grow by about 15 percent in the next eight years, faster than the average
for all occupations.
Jobs
primarily exist in hospitals, physicians’ offices, and diagnostic imaging
centers. For those interested in cutting edge advancements, specialized
training is available in areas such as ultrasound, nuclear medicine, bone
density and more. Careers outside of patient care are also available, such as
technical advisor or representative to equipment manufacturers.
“More
than half of our graduates over the past four years are working in specialty
areas now,” Ms. Mohney stated. “This is an important time in the history of
medical imaging and an exciting time to get into the field for those who are
committed to making a difference.”
For more information about the LMC Radiologic
Technology program, contact Ms. Mohney at (800) 252-1562 ext. 5093.
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