Radiology Technician Schools in Tennessee
Receiving your Radiologic Technologist Training in Tennessee
Radiologic technology is a field that offers careers as radiologic technologists or technicians. To work in Tennessee as a radiologist technician, you must complete an approved training program in radiologic technology or radiologic science and become certified. As of January 2015, radiologic technologist training programsmust result in at least a 2-year associate degree, according to American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Currently, Tennessee has more than a dozen radiology technician schools; you can choose from universities or community colleges. The training programs provide the instruction and hands-on training required to become radiologic technicians, while also preparing you to take and pass a certification exam.
You will learn about human anatomy and physiology, radiographic positioning, medical and surgical diseases, radiation physics and radiographic special procedures. Additionally, you will complete practicum courses working in clinical sites to obtain experience working in radiology. Radiologic technology programs have a limited admissions policy so all requirements must be met to be eligible for acceptance into the program. Admission requirements may include proof of health insurance, malpractice insurance, current immunizations, criminal background check, drug screening and CPR certification, among others.
Radiology Technician Licensing in Tennessee
The State of Tennessee requires that radiologic technologists or technicians be licensed through the Tennessee Department of Health Board of Medical Examiners. The ARRT states that only radiologic technologists who work outside of hospitals must be licensed. To be eligible for licensure, the candidate must show proof that he or she completed an approved training program and must pass a state or American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) certification exam. Licensure is good for two years. Renewal notices are sent to the applicants 120 days prior to the expiration date; renewal can be completed online.
Limited radiology technicians must complete a training program and pass the ARRT certification exam but can only perform chest, bone densitometry, lumbar spine, extremities and skull/sinuses procedures. To maintain licensure, the radiology technician (full and limited) must complete 20 hours of continuing education in a two-year period. The ARRT certification exam can only be taken by individuals who have complete an approved training program, pass an ethics test and can demonstrate their competency in performing radiologic procedures as required by the ARRT.
Tennessee Radiologic Technology Association
Tennessee Society of Radiologic Technologists
Career Outlook for Radiology Tech Jobs in Tennessee
The career outlook for radiology techs looks very promising. Radiology technician schools in Tennessee report that around 96% of graduates find employment within six months of graduation. Radiologic technologists may experience a starting wage of $30,000 to $36,000 or more, depending on location, facility and shift worked. Tennessee is the 11th-highest state in terms of the highest employment level for this occupation. This information came from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, who also reported that Tennessee had 5,540 radiologic technicians as of May 2012, and they earned an annual wage of $48,150.
Radiology techs can look forward to an employment growth of about 28%, according to the BLS. This projected growth, which is above average, was for the period of 2010-2020. Graduates who are certified may find employment in hospitals, physicians’ offices, outpatient centers or may pursue careers as instructors, educators or technical sales representatives. Those who enjoy the patient contact may wish to advance their careers into other areas of radiology, such as computed tomography, radiation therapy, ultrasound, angiography or magnetic resonance imaging, among others. Some of these careers can be obtained through on-the-job training or by completing short-term certificate programs in these fields. These fields all include various certification exams, which can also improve wages and job positions.