What is a better path, BS in Radiologic Science or 2 year certificate to be a RT?

I am looking into the Radiology field, I will never work my way up to an actual radiologist. I am wondering would I be better served getting the 4 year degree in Radiologic Science, the first 2 years of which are only basic AS requirements to apply for the program at the 4 year college (not actual radiology tech training). Or should I look into the 2 year school that once you finish you are a certified RT and start working in the field?

I currently have a career, I am an Insurance adjuster making fine money, but looking to change into something I would really enjoy doing. I do have management aspirations so I figured I would need the 4 year degree for that.

Is one better than the other?

You should def. go to a 2 year college. With a B.S. it really serves no purpose.

Hey, I am just a first year Rad Tech student. To my understanding, after two years of school and pass your registry, you can just do the rest online for a bachelor. I rather do it this way and work as a rad tech while fishing my 3rd and 4th year.

Newguy in Livingston, New Jersey said: I am looking into the Radiology field, I will never work my way up to an actual radiologist. I am wondering would I be better served getting the 4 year degree in Radiologic Science, the first 2 years of which are only basic AS requirements to apply for the program at the 4 year college (not actual radiology tech training). Or should I look into the 2 year school that once you finish you are a certified RT and start working in the field?

I currently have a career, I am an Insurance adjuster making fine money, but looking to change into something I would really enjoy doing. I do have management aspirations so I figured I would need the 4 year degree for that.

Is one better than the other?

I have been working as an RT for almost 20 years. If you know that you will pursue management then you will be better served with the BS degree. Although, if you want to you can find a number a programs that will allow you to complete your BS degree so long as you acheive your RT with the AS program. I would steer clear of any certificate program. You wont have the college credit you need to go toward your BS degree. As far as the radiologist interest you mentioned. Becoming a radiologist requires an MD then a specialization in Radiology. It's a common misconception. We work with the radiologist, assisting them with certain exams and they diagnose based on the exams/images we perform. That is why when you have an exam performed the person performing it, the RT, can not tell you the results. The radiologist must read the exam to determine that. Wish you the best.

Newguy in Livingston, New Jersey said: I am looking into the Radiology field, I will never work my way up to an actual radiologist. I am wondering would I be better served getting the 4 year degree in Radiologic Science, the first 2 years of which are only basic AS requirements to apply for the program at the 4 year college (not actual radiology tech training). Or should I look into the 2 year school that once you finish you are a certified RT and start working in the field?

I currently have a career, I am an Insurance adjuster making fine money, but looking to change into something I would really enjoy doing. I do have management aspirations so I figured I would need the 4 year degree for that.

Is one better than the other?

i am a 1st year student in eau claire (2yr degree)...if i had to start over i would go to a 4 year college. there are more opportunities with a 4 year degree, it looks better on paper, you can apply to grad school...etc.

Still resarching this career, what is the outlook for Rad Techs 3 years from now in the Louisville metro area? Are you grads finding good positions now? Feed me some feedback and your story.

What good is a 4 yr degree in Radiologic sciences without being a tech!? What can you do with it? Its too much of a small specialty field. You must become a tech first. I became a tech and then worked as a tech m-fri and went to school on sat to finish up my BS in Health systems management- only took two more years.This than allows you to expand into other fields surrounding radiology such as medical sales, applications, pharmaceutical sales, administrative management..etc.The wages average $20,000 and up annualy. You must to start with being an RT first! Medicine tends to be insulated from the economic crunch, so when and if you get layed off from the corporate job , you can always fall back to being an RT.

js in Halethorpe, Maryland said: What good is a 4 yr degree in Radiologic sciences without being a tech!? What can you do with it? Its too much of a small specialty field. You must become a tech first. I became a tech and then worked as a tech m-fri and went to school on sat to finish up my BS in Health systems management- only took two more years.This than allows you to expand into other fields surrounding radiology such as medical sales, applications, pharmaceutical sales, administrative management..etc.The wages average $20,000 and up annualy. You must to start with being an RT first! Medicine tends to be insulated from the economic crunch, so when and if you get layed off from the corporate job , you can always fall back to being an RT.

I am unclear as to what the mesage it is you are trying to convey to the tech's or prospective tech's just starting out. A BS degree in radiologic science is a great thing to have for all of the career paths that you have mentioned and for the management and upward mobility potential that will limit a tech with an AS degree alone. Bottom line, as in any field, the more education you have the more qualified you are for a given position. Although, it is not the only consideration. Attention should be paid to: management training and experience, in addition to time spent functioning within the multitude of capacities expected of our career field. Do not limit yourself to one area. Be sure you are capable of doing all things at all times and you will distinguish yourself from your peers.

I am looking for a good school in the Topeka, KS area to attended for Rad Tech. I am a returning student who fell prey to our declining economy and have decided a change in career is necessary to help support my family. I have a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. I have been an HR Manager for the last 8 years and it's been almost 10 years since I graduated college.

I would like to do something in the medical field and am considering either Rad Tech (eventually learning ultrasound or nuclear med.) or Surgery Tech...I don't want to waste money in a field that is over-strength...any insight the you might have would be helpful so that I make the right decision.

My husband is active duty military, so we are only in one place about 3 years. I am considering going to a career-based school(specifically Colorado Technical University) versus a community college/university...I am not sure which route is better?

Thank you in advance for your input...it is greatly appreicated!

which field is the easiest to go into

I need to know what is the easiest radiology job to go in to.

The 2 yr program is not a certificate. It's an Associates in Applied Science. One then gets "certification " through the ARRT then licensure.
You can (I believe, get a certificate)with a mere class of 10 hrs. I think. This is not to be confused with a degreed (RT)R.
I'm not familiar with the 4 yr. program . I've heard pro's and con's.
My reccomendation MRI. pr sonography. None are "Easy". If you want Easy your in the wrong direction.
Good Luck

Sherry Peacock in Kansas City, Kansas said: I am looking for a good school in the Topeka, KS area to attended for Rad Tech. I am a returning student who fell prey to our declining economy and have decided a change in career is necessary to help support my family. I have a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. I have been an HR Manager for the last 8 years and it's been almost 10 years since I graduated college.

I would like to do something in the medical field and am considering either Rad Tech (eventually learning ultrasound or nuclear med.) or Surgery Tech...I don't want to waste money in a field that is over-strength...any insight the you might have would be helpful so that I make the right decision.

My husband is active duty military, so we are only in one place about 3 years. I am considering going to a career-based school(specifically Colorado Technical University) versus a community college/university...I am not sure which route is better?

Thank you in advance for your input...it is greatly appreicated!

did u go to colorado tech because im thinking about it?

aleis57 in Mount Vernon, Washington said: I need to know what is the easiest radiology job to go in to.

I just want to inform you that if youre planning on looking for an "easy" career, radiology is not the place to look. Most people think radiology is simple and you just simply "press a button." Well, let me inform you my friend, thats not it at all. Best of luck to you, but you may want to do a bit more research before you jump into it.

If there is a BS program, do that! There a so many opportunities in being an RT. You can work in radiology, cardiac cath labs, MRI, CT, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, echo. Getting you BS you can advance into being a radiologist assistant, or physicians assistant. Being an imaging professional has been the greatest move for me. I wouldn't do anything else. I currently work as an interventional technologist in a cardiac Cath lab, and never want to leave! The pay is great, and the work is rewarding.

Hi Busceme I heard some neg feedback about radiology tech, though I also have applied in Thomas Jeff school in philies could u please throw some more detail in this field. Thanks

What Busceme said must be taken with a grain of salt. What they fail to mention is that for each of those modalities listed is a separate license. Also your standard BS, bach degree DOES NOT get you into being a Radiologist Assistant, I have known some and in Philly you can count them on on your fingers. They are NOT the same as a PA, anybody that tells you different is in another state, doesn't know what they are talking about or knows something the ARRT isn't sharing with the rest of us. IR, interventional radiography is a great job, it does pay well and you will help the doctors make a difference in a patients life. The CT, MRI, Echo, US, NM and IR are not the sate as your R.T., they are given different letters for a reason, your R.T. can be a stepping stone or your foot in the door but it doesn't get you a seat in the room. I have worked with students from Jeff in Philly, its a VERY expensive school but you get a dual modality and your BS. The students were usually good but under prepared for life. Do your home work and ask questions, like ask Bus where they work and how long it took and what actual certs they have.

Dubsy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania said: What Busceme said must be taken with a grain of salt. What they fail to mention is that for each of those modalities listed is a separate license. Also your standard BS, bach degree DOES NOT get you into being a Radiologist Assistant, I have known some and in Philly you can count them on on your fingers. They are NOT the same as a PA, anybody that tells you different is in another state, doesn't know what they are talking about or knows something the ARRT isn't sharing with the rest of us. IR, interventional radiography is a great job, it does pay well and you will help the doctors make a difference in a patients life. The CT, MRI, Echo, US, NM and IR are not the sate as your R.T., they are given different letters for a reason, your R.T. can be a stepping stone or your foot in the door but it doesn't get you a seat in the room. I have worked with students from Jeff in Philly, its a VERY expensive school but you get a dual modality and your BS. The students were usually good but under prepared for life. Do your home work and ask questions, like ask Bus where they work and how long it took and what actual certs they have.

I would really like to understand the radiology field a bit more. Please can some of you help me ? I have been reading some of you guys concerns and fustrations but honestly i would like to get in this field for the gratification that im helping someone not for the financial incentives that tag along with radiology. There is a school in my area that is AART certified and they offer a associates in applied science. Problem is that i dont know if that degree qualifies me to get a BS degree that will in my opinion open some doors for me in the future. Please someone axplain to me what should i do. I know that the work force is ruff and sometimes a new comer seems like a problem but im willing to go thru the same fustrations and concerns as you guys in order to call my self a Rt or a RA.

Becoming an RT(R) is the first step. That stands for Registered Technologist in Radiography. You can obtain that credential by graduating from and approved radiology program and passing your initial registry exam through the ARRT. You can find a list of approved programs at www.jrcert.org/. After obtaining your registration in radiography you can work as an imaging professional. Now if working in xray is not what you want to do, you can obtain other credentials by either going through a certification program or some times on job train in other modalities like CT, MR, US, Mammography, ect... There is a full list on the ARRT web site. You can also check out the ASRT web site for more info about the profession. If I were you, I would go for the BS. It would make you more marketable. Also depending what state you are in there are mandatory licenses. All that information is on the ARRT or ASRT website.

D in Modesto, California said: I would really like to understand the radiology field a bit more. Please can some of you help me ? I have been reading some of you guys concerns and fustrations but honestly i would like to get in this field for the gratification that im helping someone not for the financial incentives that tag along with radiology. There is a school in my area that is AART certified and they offer a associates in applied science. Problem is that i dont know if that degree qualifies me to get a BS degree that will in my opinion open some doors for me in the future. Please someone axplain to me what should i do. I know that the work force is ruff and sometimes a new comer seems like a problem but im willing to go thru the same fustrations and concerns as you guys in order to call my self a Rt or a RA.

OK, you're in the right place for the answers you need. When I entered the field I spoke with a tech who graduated from Johns Hopkins program and he was able to tell me that I should only pursue a program that would allow me to take my registry (ARRT) once completed. I had already been in college and had my general education studies completed. I think it's imperative to accomplish college credits for any educational program you pursue. The reason being, you will be able to take those credits with you to another institution and accomplish the higher degree. From what you have said it sounds like you would be able to continue on to the BS program, every college has different requirements but this is where you have to look into which institutions accept transfer students and what their requirements are. Typically, an area junior college will allow you to transfer to the University that has a four year Bachelor's program. Here in Richmond,VA someone who wanted to enter the field could take the pre-requisites at the junior college for tuition savings and transfer to the University for the BS. Hope this helps.

chill in Richmond, Virginia said: I am unclear as to what the mesage it is you are trying to convey to the tech's or prospective tech's just starting out. A BS degree in radiologic science is a great thing to have for all of the career paths that you have mentioned and for the management and upward mobility potential that will limit a tech with an AS degree alone. Bottom line, as in any field, the more education you have the more qualified you are for a given position. Although, it is not the only consideration. Attention should be paid to: management training and experience, in addition to time spent functioning within the multitude of capacities expected of our career field. Do not limit yourself to one area. Be sure you are capable of doing all things at all times and you will distinguish yourself from your peers.

In response to Chill in VA, I apologize to you and future RT's about my confused response 29 months ago. How the question read I was under the impression that the BS would not be attached or eligible for RT licensing. I am 100% pro education (MBA grad 2011) and absolutely recommend the four year BS (RT), of course there are pros and cons of both programs. A BS is more marketable and desired over an AS degree yet a BS takes two years longer. The AS degree is an accelleradated program, with little or no time to cross train, while the BS is more thorough and gives you time to find your strengths and likes of other modalities within the dept to cross over into. The more licences you have the more desirable you are to employers, and the more job security you have. A very important difference between the programs is price. An AS is junior college, a BS is university. If you aren't eligible for grants or scholarships and the BS is not financially feasible but you are set on being a tech with a BS...go the AS route and find an employer who will agree to tuition reembursement. That is the route i took, and I graduated debt free.

im currently finishing up my general education and am going to be going to san francisco city colleges DMI program where i will graduate in radiologic sciences. they also offer a 2 year program in radiation therapy, will it be more beneficial to pursue a BS in radiologic sciences or would it be more beneficial for me to get the 2 year radiation therapy after i am done with their DMI program

An AS and a BS in Radiological Sciences are essentially the same thing. Both degrees will take 4 years to complete.

If you attend a University to get a BS degree, it's a four year program where the first two years are undergrad classes and the last two years are the radiology classes. For an AS at a community college, you complete 2 years of prerequisite classes on your own before being admitted into the 2 year radiology program.

The advantages to a BS degree is that management positions require a Bachelors degree. So if you ever wanted to apply to a management position in the future, the BS degree would make you eligible. But if you already had a BS or BA, then it doesn't really matter. Also some BS programs include training in advanced modalities like CT and MRI.

The advantage to an AS at a community college is cheaper units.

When you are looking for a job, employers do not care whether you have a BS or an AS. It will not influence your pay either. People with a BS will start as the same pay as a person with an AS and you will work side by side and it won't make a difference in the field.

Private schools that offer rad tech programs that are less than 2 years are limited license programs and I strongly advise to stay away from those programs.

If you ask me, between a BS and AS program, I suggest you go with which ever one you can get into first.

to Franko from LA: do u work in a medical imaging field by any chance?

Franko in Los Angeles, California said: An AS and a BS in Radiological Sciences are essentially the same thing. Both degrees will take 4 years to complete.

If you attend a University to get a BS degree, it's a four year program where the first two years are undergrad classes and the last two years are the radiology classes. For an AS at a community college, you complete 2 years of prerequisite classes on your own before being admitted into the 2 year radiology program.

The advantages to a BS degree is that management positions require a Bachelors degree. So if you ever wanted to apply to a management position in the future, the BS degree would make you eligible. But if you already had a BS or BA, then it doesn't really matter. Also some BS programs include training in advanced modalities like CT and MRI.

The advantage to an AS at a community college is cheaper units.

When you are looking for a job, employers do not care whether you have a BS or an AS. It will not influence your pay either. People with a BS will start as the same pay as a person with an AS and you will work side by side and it won't make a difference in the field.

Private schools that offer rad tech programs that are less than 2 years are limited license programs and I strongly advise to stay away from those programs.

If you ask me, between a BS and AS program, I suggest you go with which ever one you can get into first.

just in case u didnt get a notification, my question for u is down below

CJ said: just in case u didnt get a notification, my question for u is down below

i mean the reply box before this. Sorry

Hi

Does anyone know any two year certificate rad tech programs that accept international students than also provide student housing?

Okay so, my options right now are as follows: Stay at a community college and get my AA and finish the prerequisite while I am on a 2 year waiting list. Then, transfer to another community college to get my 2 year in radiology. OR go for my four year degree at a university. I like the first option because it means i have a back up plan, and is cheaper. But, I like the second option as well because then I can move to management later on, and if I'm going for 4 years anyway, why not? Helppp!!! How hard is it to get my BS later on in life if I have a 2 year degree?

I currently have a BBA and am considering a career change. I am torn as to how I should approach this. Since I already have a bachelors degree will there be much of an advantage to getting an Associates in Radiology over a certificate in radiological sciences? I was looking at an associates degree at a community college and a certificate program at Baylor University medical center. Which would be better? I have read that the hospital programs provide a better education than the communicty college route, is this true?