What are the MAIN COURSES a person needs to take to become a RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST?

Question

My 25 year old cousin is interested in this field and is currently enrolled at a community college (but he was taking classes for something different). He just recently told me he wanted to become a radiologic technologist and was wondering what kind of courses he should be taking. I told him to talk to a career counselor but he just wants to have a little head start before he talks to one.

If anyone here has any info they can give me so I can help him out, I would appreciate it. Also, does he need to take a lot of math or science courses or is it more biology/anatomy type classes?

Is psychology a required field or not?

Answer 1

What school is he going to? Where does he live?

Possible prerequisites:

Elementary Algebra - This course is an introduction to basic algebra. It covers arithmetic operations, literal numbers, algebraic exponents, inequalities and an introduction to quadratic equations.

Intermediate Algebra - This course reviews elementary algebraic operations, polynomials, factoring, linear and quadratic equations, exponents, and logarithms.

Human Anatomy/Physiology I - This course includes general organizational features of the body, cellular and tissue organization, and anatomic and physiologic characteristics of the body systems.

Anatomy and Physiology for Health Care Professionals - This course is designed for health care professionals and deals with the structures and functions of the human body. The emphasis is placed on the application of the principles of human anatomy and physiology to help provide students with an adequate background to carry out health care duties.

English Composition I - This course involves a study of English usage, intensive practice in composition, and encouragement of the student’s ability to express ideas clearly.

English Composition II - This course reviews writing practices, use of composition, and critical thinking skills. Students will practice analytical and interpretative writing, use of the library, and research techniques.

Speech Communication - This course deals with human communication, speaking before an audience, and one to one communication. The student learns knowledge in speech,
psychology, organization, practice of speeches, and listening.

Introduction to Political Science - This course includes information on institutions and principles of government, American experience at the national, state and local levels. It covers international organizations and global interrelationships.

Principles of Sociology - This course covers the study of the human groups, culture, socialization, institutions, deviant behavior, social control, and social change.

Microcomputer Applications - This course provides the student with hands-on experience with microcomputers, including word processing, electronic spreadsheets, and database management. The course will cover computer systems, application software, computer hardware, file management, and problem solving methodologies.

Additional courses recommended: Geometry, Medical Terminology, Physics, Psychology

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Types of classes taken in rad tech school:

Anatomy and Physiology: general anatomy and anatomical relationships, organ and system functions and relationships, and cross sectional anatomy in order to perform accurate radiographic examinations.

Medical Ethics: ethical and legal considerations which impact upon the practice.

Medical Terminology: an understanding of abbreviations, symbols, terms, and phrases necessary to communicate with other professionals involved in patient care.

Patient Care: attention to and concern for, the physical and psychological needs of the patient undergoing the radiographic examination.

Radiologic Positioning: proper beam-part-film alignment with respect to source of radiation and area to be examined.

Radiographic Exposure: appropriate selection of all technical factors to produce a diagnostic quality radiograph.

Radiographic Pathology: knowledge of disease, anomalies and abnormalities which influence performance of radiographic procedures.

Radiographic Physics: atomic structure, beam quality, radiation interactions, the function and operation of various generator components.

Radiation Protection: the use of beam restrictive devices, patient shielding techniques, proper screenfilm combinations, accurate assessment and implementation of appropriate exposure factors as well as a working understanding of governmental regulations.

Radiation Biology: understanding of beam formation and radiation interaction with matter as it relates to genetic and somatic effects.