Radiography Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a radiographer?
- How can I become a radiographer?
- What credentials are necessary to work as a radiographer?
- Where do radiographers work?
- What are radiographers' salaries like?
- Are there advancement opportunities in this field?
- What is the outlook for jobs in the future?
- What should an interested student do to prepare for entry into the program?
- Is radiation a health hazard for those who work as radiographers?
- What is the typical cost of this program?
- Whom may I contact for more information?
Q: What is a radiographer?
A: A radiographer is a person who uses x-radiation, a knowledge of anatomy, and imaging principles to aid physicians in the diagnosis of disease, in monitoring patient progress, in controlled screenings for early detection, or in research.
Q: How can I become a radiographer?
A: The education required for a radiographer is specified and approved by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL, 60606, phone 312-704-5300). After completing the prerequisite coursework, it is a two-year program (six semesters) that incorporates college classes with clinical practice. The Community College of Rhode Island offers a fully-accredited program in Radiography. Graduates earn an Associate Degree in Applied Science.
Q: What kind of credentials are necessary to work as a radiographer?
A: The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) credentials radiographers. Candidates applying for certification must successfully complete an accredited program in Radiography and hold a minimum of an associate degree. A state license is required to work as a radiographer in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
Q: Where do radiographers work?
A: Radiographers work in hospitals, clinics, physicians' offices, and private emergency rooms. Radiographers work all shifts, part-time or full-time. Flexible hours are often available.
Q: What are radiographers' salaries like?
A: Starting salaries at the present time average $25.73 per hour. Hospital benefit packages are excellent and include health care, dental coverage, insurance, vacation and sick time. Private facilities may vary somewhat in the benefits they offer.
Q: Are there advanced placement opportunities in this field?
There are numerous opportunities for advancement. Areas include computed tomography (CT), mammography and angiography. With one year of additional education there are opportunities in medical ultrasonography (computer assisted imaging with sound waves), nuclear medicine, computer assisted imaging using radioisotopes, radiation therapy (treatment of disease with radiation) and magnetic resonance imaging (computer assisted imaging using magnets and radiowaves).
Q: What is the outlook for jobs in the future?
A: According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, job opportunities in the field will continue into the twenty-first century.
Q: What should an interested student do to prepare for entry into a radiography program?
A: Have a good background in math and science, including two years of high school math (algebra, geometry) and two years of high school science (biology, anatomy, chemistry or physics). Develop good reading and communication skills. Take courses required for admission. Take the placement exams in math and English as early as possible. Graduates of other educational programs may be able to transfer general education courses.
Q: Is the radiation a health hazard for those who work as radiographers?
A: The answer is yes. Radiation is a health hazard to everyone. A large part of the educational process is devoted to preparing students to work with radiation in a safe manner. If safety procedures are carefully observed, there is virtually no threat to the health or well-being of a radiographer
Q: What is the typical cost of this program?
A: The typical cost of the program for a full-time student is the current CCRI tuition and fees, laboratory fees, books, uniforms and travel expenses to the clinical sites. Additional information can be found on the Bursar website at www.ccri.edu/bursar.
Q: Whom may I contact for more information?
Contact The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists for certification requirements: www.arrt.org
Contact Michael Hynes, Enrollment Services, at the Warwick Campus for information about the Radiography Program at CCRI:
Michael Hynes
Office of Enrollment Services
Community College of Rhode Island
400 East Avenue
Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 825-2266
Email: [email protected]
CCRI Website: www.ccri.edu
If more specific information is needed, contact Mrs. Pat Lucas, Radiography Program Director, at the above address, or at (401) 333-7025, email: [email protected]