Certification

Radiologic Technologist (RT)

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists

Median earnings
Cost
Duration
Completion

When you become a medical imaging or radiation therapy professional, patients will be at the heart of everything you do. It’s important to always have the knowledge and skills needed to provide the best possible care to those you serve.

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Skills taught

Apply ethical and legal standards including patient rights, consent, confidentiality, and ARRT standards of ethics in radiographic practiceCommunicate effectively with patients across diverse populations by adapting to language, cultural, sensory, and cognitive barriersMonitor patients and manage medical equipment including infusion systems, oxygen delivery, and urinary catheters during radiographic proceduresApply infection control principles including standard precautions, transmission-based precautions, and aseptic techniques in the radiography settingAdminister and document contrast media and pharmacological agents while recognizing and responding to adverse reactions and medical emergenciesApply ergonomic and safe patient handling techniques during patient transfer and positioning for radiographic examinationsApply principles of radiation physics including x-ray production, beam characteristics, and photon interactions with matterIdentify biological effects of radiation including somatic, carcinogenic, and embryo/fetal effects using appropriate SI units of measurementMinimize patient radiation exposure through appropriate selection of exposure factors, beam restriction, filtration, and image receptorsApply ALARA principles and personnel radiation protection methods including time, distance, shielding, and dosimetry monitoringSelect and apply exposure factors and technique charts to optimize radiographic image quality across varied patient conditionsEvaluate digital imaging characteristics including spatial resolution, contrast resolution, and image signal to assess image qualityOperate radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment including generators, x-ray tubes, AEC systems, and digital imaging receptorsProcess, display, and manage digital radiographic images using post-processing tools, PACS, and imaging informatics systemsPerform quality control testing on imaging equipment and accessories to maintain system performance and regulatory compliancePosition patients and adapt radiographic procedures for the head, spine, and pelvis to demonstrate required anatomical structuresPerform thorax and abdomen radiographic procedures including chest, GI, and GU studies using appropriate projections and contrast techniquesPerform upper and lower extremity radiographic procedures using correct positioning, projections, and anatomical evaluation criteria
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