What You Can Do With Associate Degrees In Radiology
The principle thing to be done with an associate degree in radiology is to practice as a radiology technician or technologist. Sources indicate that an associate degree is the most prevalent type of education among radiologic technicians and technologists.
This fact can also be demonstrated by a brief look at the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, which is the principle accrediting agency for formal training programs in radiography, and has 397 associate degree programs across the country that have been accredited in 2009. This number is significantly higher than accredited programs for other types of educational attainment (BLS).
This level of education will prepare radiologic technicians to perform diagnostic imaging examinations which may include x-rays, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and mammography. Virtually all of these technicians will take part in the intricacies related to the process of producing x-rays, on varying parts of the human body to assist with the diagnosing of medical conditions. In addition to counseling patients about the process for x-rays, these professionals also properly position the patients while surrounding areas that may potentially be exposed to radiation with protection devices and limit the size of the x-ray to ensure that no harm is wrought (BLS).
They then must operate the controls of the x ray machine to produce images with the appropriate density, detail and contrast necessary for medical diagnosis. When involved with radiation imaging, it is essential that these professionals follow the orders of physicians very specifically in order to protect everyone involved in the process. The patient, the technician, and any co-workers must be protected from any potentially noxious effects of radiation treatment.
Other job duties associated with work at this level include maintaining and cleaning the equipment that is used to produce radiation imaging, as well as a significant amount of paperwork that pertains to record keeping for patients. Some radiation technologists are responsible for evaluating equipment both and before and after it has been purchased, preparing work schedules, or actually managing a radiology department (BLS).
Coursework
It should be noted that the coursework covered in associate’s degree programs in radiology are often similar to those for bachelor’s degrees and certificates. Typically there is both laboratory and classroom instruction for in subjects such as physiology and anatomy, radiation physics, patient care procedures, radiation protection, pathology, medical terminology, principles of imaging, positioning of patients and medical ethics. Students looking to prepare for post-secondary education in radiology, such as in the earning of an associate degree in this subject, are best served by taking high school classes in math biology, chemistry, and physics (BLS).
