Becoming an ARRT Technician
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Technicians, also known as Radiologic Technologists or Diagnostic Radiographers, play a key role in imaging of human anatomy for the diagnosis and treatment of pathology. They are dedicated to produce clear and accurate images of the body that enable doctors to identify and diagnose injury or disease and carry out required treatment of human beings.
ARRT Technicians take the responsibilities to prepare the patients before the medical imaging process. They instruct the patients to remove jewelry, clothing or other items that could interfere with the equipment. Since the radiations of the machines are powerful and can be dangerous, they position the patients properly and protect them from overexposure. They also update patients’ records, maintain equipment and monitor levels of X-ray supplies.
ARRT Technicians operate sophisticated equipment such as X-Ray, mammography, computerized axial tomography (CAT), nuclear medicine technology and positron emission tomography (PET) scan devices etc. for imaging human body.
ARRT Technicians work in both public and private healthcare institutions. They are employed at radiography department, oncology center, outpatient clinics, accident and emergency wards, operating theatres, mobile imaging service centers etc.
Educational Requirements:
To become an ARRT Technician, the aspiring candidates need to hold a two-year associate’s degree, or a four-year bachelor’s degree in Radiologic technologies.
Radiologic Technology students study Anatomy and Physiology, Pathology, Biology, Physics, Diagnosis, Emergency medical procedures, Medical imaging techniques, Computer programming, Patient care, Medical ethics etc.
Skill Set:
Besides clinical knowledge, ARRT Technicians possess various skills such as pleasant communications and interpersonal skills, high medical ethics, basic computer knowledge, ability to work on their feet for long duration, assist the patients emotionally and physically, work with compassion etc.
Licensure:
Since many states of USA require ARRT Technicians to be licensed, the aspiring candidates must obtain a License after completing an approved training program and pass a certification exam, administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or the state.
Salary & Job Outlook:
The job outlook for an ARRT Technician remains excellent across the USA. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 28 per cent during 2010-2020. The average annual salary of an ARRT Technician was $56,450 in May 2012.