Minnesota Radiology Tech Careers and Degrees
Earning a degree as a radiology technician can open many career opportunities in Minnesota. From taking x-rays to assisting with patient diagnosis, radiology technologists need to obtain the required educational and clinical training to be successful in the medical industry. Let UltrasoundTechnicianSchools.com get you started on your path to a new career!
Receiving Your Radiologic Technologist Training in Minnesota
If you wish to start a new career as a radiology tech, you can earn a certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree in radiology. In order to obtain a good position at an upstanding medical facility in Minnesota, aspiring radiologic technologists need to attend a college or university that is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Certificate programs take between one and two years to complete, associate’s degrees take at least two years to complete, and bachelor’s degrees take a minimum of four years to complete. You should expect coursework in medical terminology, radiologic image production, image assessment, radiologic pharmacology, and techniques of radiology, which will prepare you for your certification examination. In order to graduate with a radiology degree, you will need both classroom education and clinical experience, which provides the proper knowledge and training in patient care and radiology techniques. Radiology technician schools that you should consider attending in Minnesota include Century College, Lake Superior College, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, or Minnesota State Community and Technical College.
Radiology Technician Licensing in Minnesota
Once you have earned your degree in radiology, you should consider obtaining licensure and certification. Minnesota law does not require radiology technicians to be licensed, but most employers prefer to hire those who have obtained these credentials in order to demonstrate successful competency in radiology, which can be completed through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART). You can qualify to take the AART examination when you have completed the required educational requirement as well as demonstrated didactic competency in this field. Radiologists need to renew their licensure every two years, which requires 24 hours of continuing education through accredited organizations and programs.
Minnesota Radiologic Technology Association
Minnesota Society of Radiologic Technologists
Career Outlook for Radiology Tech Jobs in Minnesota
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that approximately 3,780 radiology techs work in Minnesota. With so many career opportunities available in Minnesota, radiology technicians can specialize in certain sectors of the medical industry. According to the BLS, the mean radiology technician salary in Minnesota is about $59,330 annually, depending on their educational training, previous experience, place of employment, position, and location. Most UTS technicians work full-time hours, weekends, evenings, and on call. Upon graduating from an accredited school, aspiring radiological technicians can seek employment in radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, MRI, sonography, and radiography. Most radiologists work in hospitals, but they can also find employment in medical laboratories, the federal government, and physician offices. Most employers wish to hire licensed radiologist technicians who are proficient in radiology equipment maintenance, film processing, medicine administration, patient care, and patient records. Registering with employee associations and state-affiliated organizations like the American Society of Radiologic Technologists will increase one’s chances of obtaining a higher paid position in Minnesota. By earning additional certification through the AART, radiologists can open up more job options, such as bone densitometry, computed tornography, MRI, mammography, and vascular sonography.