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A student examining an x-ray image in the Aims radiologic technology program

Radiologic Technology

Earn a Radiologic Technologist Associate Degree at Aims

Turn your desire to help others by using technology into a fulfilling career in the medical field. Earn a radiologic technologist degree at Aims and get a job working as a radiologic technologist at a medical office, clinic or hospital. 

Also known as radiographers, radiology technologists are responsible for safely creating clear and accurate x-ray images of the body. These x-ray images help doctors make an accurate diagnosis and decide on a course of treatment. With a radiologic technologist associate degree, you can become a vital part of a medical team that helps patients navigate difficult health situations.

In this two-year degree program that takes five semesters to complete, learn the medical, technological and safety information required to become a radiologic technologist. Gain hands-on skills both in a lab setting and during several immersive internships. Get practice in applying critical thinking skills, delivering patient care and multi-tasking in a busy work environment.
 
During each semester in the rad tech degree program, you’ll spend half the week in the classroom and labs and half the week in an internship in the community working directly with patients. Your instructors will support you every step of the way, guiding you through practice sessions and “what if” scenarios designed to teach you how to work with patients in a professional and compassionate manner. You’ll also gain experience using a variety of high-tech equipment comparable to what you’ll use in the field.

Study subjects including:

  • Fundamentals of radiologic equipment
  • Anatomy and disease pathology
  • Radiographic terminology
  • Safety standards and techniques
  • Specific radiologic procedures for different areas of the body
  • Radiographic specialties including pediatrics, geriatrics and trauma

The Aims radiologic technologist degree program abides by current standards and guidelines adopted by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)

If you enjoy problem-solving, working with people and being challenged in a fast-paced setting with plenty of variety, earning a radiologic technologist degree can set you on a path to a rewarding career.

I would encourage anyone interested in the medical field to look into the Aims Radiology Program. You get the opportunity to visit numerous clinical sites and shadow other areas such as MRI, CT, etc. The instructors are amazing and really are rooting for your success.

Laura
Aims radiologic technology student
Aims radiologic technology students

Turn Your Passion for Helping People Into a Fulfilling Career as a Radiologic Technologist

Aims Degree Video - Allied Health - Radiologic Technology

Jeanette McDonough, department chair of the radiologic technology program, describes the hands-on learning environment you’ll experience in the radiologic technologist degree program at Aims.

Gain the Skills You Need To Prepare for a Career as a Radiologic Technologist

The radiologic technologist associate degree program at Aims combines lectures, labs and internships to give you the medical knowledge and hands-on training you need to start your rad tech career.

While earning your degree, you’ll learn how to:

  • Properly position patients for imaging
  • Operate a variety of x-ray equipment
  • Produce clear and accurate images
  • Apply radiation safety techniques
  • Communicate effectively with patients
  • Assess patients' safety and potential need for accommodation
  • Build skills in critical thinking, decisive judgment and performance under pressure
  • Evaluate radiographic exposures and images

The radiologic technology program also teaches you essential soft skills that employers are seeking. Gain practice developing rapport with patients and thinking on your feet. Learn how to present a professional demeanor and remain calm in a variety of medical situations. Build your critical thinking, teamwork and communication skills.

During your final semester, you’ll take a capstone course that trains you for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam to become a certified radiologic technologist. According to ARRT, many employers require that technicians are certified before hiring. Additionally, preparing for this exam allows you to review and apply the knowledge you’ve acquired throughout your degree program, and it shows potential employers that you’re committed to your profession.

Many rad techs also go on to become certified in advanced radiology modalities, including CT, MRI, mammography and radiation therapy.

Get a Sneak Peek at Aims Radiologic Technology Lectures and Lab Demonstrations

Gain Additional Skills with a Mammography Technologist Certificate

Certificate programs offer an affordable route to develop new career skills quickly. Many radiology technology students go on to study other types of radiography, including mammography. Note: The Aims mammography certificate is only available to students with a radiologic technology degree and current ARRT certification

If you are interested in pursuing mammography and are a current graduate or rad tech and would like to be placed on the waitlist, please email your contact information to: erin.miyoshi@aims.edu.

  • Mammography Technologist Certificate

Launch Your Career as a Radiologic Technologist

Radiologic technologists work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics and medical offices.

Upon completing your radiologic technologist associate degree, you’ll be prepared to sit for the ARRT competency exam and become a certified Radiographer.

After that, you can pursue further training and obtain certification in other areas of radiology, including:

  • Radiation therapy
  • Computed Tomography (CT)
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Mammography
$58,406 Median salary w/associate Source: salary.com

Radiologic Technology Faculty and Staff

Many of the rad tech faculty are Aims alumni who returned to teach students interested in a radiologic technologist career. Smaller class and lab sizes offer ample opportunities for one-on-one instruction and guided practice learning new skills.

It's fulfilling to be able to see students graduate, pass their registry exam and get a great job that earns them the income that they’re seeking. And to give them the fulfillment that they are helping people and changing people's lives for the better.

--Jeanette McDonough, Aims Radiologic Technology Department chair and instructor

  • Jeanette McDonough headshot

    Jeanette McDonough

    Department Chair, Radiologic Technology
  • Headshot of Erin Miyoshi

    Erin Miyoshi

    Program Coordinator, Radiologic Technology, Surgical Technology and Sterile Processing
  • Headshot of Monica Hinze

    Monica Hinze

    Professor, Radiologic Technology
  • Portrait of Marna Juarez

    Marna Juarez

    Part-time Professor, Radiologic Technology
  • Headshot of Tracey Warner

    Tracey Warner

    Part-time Professor, Radiologic Technology
  • Roberta Eckdahl headshot

    Roberta Eckdahl

    Part-time Assistant Instructor, Radiologic Technology
  • Headshot of Megan Kossuth

    Megan Pritchard

    Full-time Radiologic Technology Instructor
  • Joey Sanchez headshot

    Joey Sanchez

    Full-time Radiologic Technology Instructor