5 Well-Paid Careers for Registered Radiographers
What would you call a career path that requires just a two-year degree and can lead to an average annual salary of over $80,000?1 You'd call it radiography - and that specific salary is just the average for radiologic technologists in the state of New York. You can earn your Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology degree and be ready for licensure in less than two years. Then, with diploma in hand, and license secured, you'll have many options available to you in a job market projected to grow much faster than average, with nearly 16,000 new jobs available every year through 2032.2 These include well-paid and personally rewarding roles such as:
- Computed Tomography Scan Technologist
Working in hospitals, outpatient treatment centers, clinics, or labs, CT scan technologists capture various angles to produce cross-section images of patients' internal organs. The average annual salary for CT scan technologists in the U.S. is $80,700 as of 2022.3 - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists work in similar settings as CT techs, creating highly detailed 3D images of internal organs for diagnostic and assessment purposes. They earn an average annual salary of $107,418 in the U.S.4 - Mammographer
As a mammographer, or mammography technician, you'll oversee specialized x-ray equipment that examines breast tissue for abnormalities and learn how to position patients correctly and comfortably to make clear detailed images. Mammographers are employed in private practices, clinics, and large medical centers, earning an average U.S. salary of $81,274 (with salaries in major urban areas often exceeding six figures).5 - Nuclear Medicine Technologist
As a Nuclear Medicine Technologist you may work in specialized imaging and/or the preparation and administering of radiopharmaceuticals (used for diagnostic studies as well as therapies). You'll help collect biological samples and prepare data for physicians and researchers, among other important duties. The median U.S. annual salary is $92,153 with experienced senior nuclear medicine technologists earning considerably more.6 - Cardiovascular Interventional Technologist (CVIT)
Collaborating closely with cardiologists, CVITs contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac and vascular diseases. Tasks include injecting dye into blood vessels, capturing specialized images, running tests, and delivering results, with an average annual U.S. salary of $150,680.7
While some roles may require additional training beyond a two-year degree, entering the field of radiography opens up a world of career potential. To explore the jobs available for AAS graduates in Radiologic Technology, we turn to Roger Weeden, the director of the imaging sciences programs at Northeast College of Health Sciences.
Radiography or Sonography: What's Right for You?
Cross-Training Opportunities
According to Weeden, "There are quite a few exciting job opportunities for a student who has achieved their Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology degree at Northeast College and completed their licensing requirements."
A distinctive feature of Northeast College's program is cross-training within the clinical environment itself. Students not only train in basic radiography but also have opportunities to participate in CT scanning, MRI, ultrasound or sonography, interventional cardiac catheterization, and other aspects of medical imaging. This exposure provides a significant advantage and qualification to pursue specialized licensure in these fields after graduation.
Day-to-Day as a Radiographer
A licensed radiologic technologist's typical day varies based on the work environment. Weeden explains that in a hospital setting, "the day-to-day is based on patients and their needs." For instance, days may involve severe care issues from the emergency room or outpatient clinic environments with people referred for various types of imaging.
Hospitals typically operate with three 8-hour shifts per day. Depending on whether you work the day, evening, or night shift, your day-to-day responsibilities may vary. Weeden highlights the predictability of day shifts, starting with workspace inspection and reviewing the day's schedule.
In outpatient clinic settings, routines are more structured, with broader responsibilities in specialized clinics. In smaller settings like these, radiographers may serve not only as technologists but also as medical assistants, collecting intake information and communicating with care providers.
Weeden also dispels confusion over the term "technologist" in the job title "radiologic technologist." In practice, he believes, radiographers play an essential part in a healthcare team, delivering very human care that goes beyond technical and technological aspects of the role.
Career Satisfaction
Weeden emphasizes the personal rewards available to radiologic technologists, in addition to the strong job market and income potential. "As a healthcare field, radiographers are in a position to help render a certain level of care," he says. Satisfaction comes from being part of a team that maintains, improves, and treats a person's health. To Weeden, there's satisfaction in supporting your community, knowing that your patients are also your neighbors, friends, loved ones, and co-workers.
While acknowledging the perks of a strong employment outlook and income potential, Weeden stresses that there's more to the career than money. "Money is nice. Job satisfaction is great. It's never a boring career because there's always variety. The technology is ever-changing, and no two cases are exactly alike. There's always that puzzle in diagnosis that you're figuring out."
The advantage of earning your AAS at Northeast
With an AAS in Radiologic Technology, you're qualified to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam. Beyond that initial credentialing step, there are still other opportunities for furthering your education and career in radiography. For example, a qualified radiographer can undergo cross-training in CT to achieve credentialing.
Northeast College of Health Sciences offers a distinct advantage compared to other radiologic technology programs, Weeden explained. "Northeast College has a course in the last trimester called Specialized Imaging. It's designed for students who know they want to be a CT technologist, an MRI technologist or perhaps a Cardiovascular Interventional Technologist. We fine tune what's delivered to each student so they receive their 16 hours post-primary education before they graduate." He goes on to note, "We can also build dedicated clinical rotations in other areas of interest, whether it be MRI, mammography or beyond."
"One of the benefits of going to Northeast College," Weeden concluded, "is that you'll graduate qualified for the radiologic technology exam, but you'll also be set up for the next step before you ever leave school."
Your first step toward a career as a radiologic technologist
A rewarding career as a radiologic technologist starts with a great education. To find out how the AAS in Radiologic Technology program at Northeast College of Health Sciences can fit your individual goals and needs directly for one-on-one input.
Suggestions for further reading:
- AAS in Radiologic Technology at Northeast College
- Radiography or Sonography: What's the best career for you?
Sources
- U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics
- U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Salary.com
- Indeed.com
- Salary.com
- Salary.com
- Salary.com