Why RAD Tech in Demand:
As the baby boomer population (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baby_boomers) of USA grows older, there will be
more medical conditions, such as breaks and fractures caused by
osteoporosis, which mostly require imaging to diagnose them. Radiologic and MRI
technologists will be needed to maintain and use the diagnostic equipment. Employment of radiologic technologists is
projected to grow 21 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all
occupations. Employment of MRI technologists is projected to grow 24 percent
from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. (According
to the bureau of labor statistics, the median annual wage for radiologic
technologists was $54,620 in May 2012. The median annual wage for MRI technologists
was $65,360 in May 2012. Ref: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm
Step 1: Why JRCRT Accredited Program:
Ever since the demand for these two occupations grew significantly, many schools started offering these programs. There are many post-secondary education programs in radiography and MRI that lead to graduate certificates, associate’s degrees, or bachelor’s degrees. Associate’s degree programs are the most common. Education programs typically include both classroom training and clinical training. Coursework includes anatomy, pathology, patient care, radiation physics and protection, and image evaluation. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredits programs in radiography. High school students who are interested in radiologic or MRI technology should take courses that focus on science and math. Suggested courses include anatomy, biology, chemistry, physiology, mathematics, and physics.
Why does JRCERT accreditation matter?
The JRCERT is the only organization recognized by United
Stated Department of Education (www.ed.gov) and
Council for Higher Education Accreditation (www.chea.org)
to accredit traditional and distance delivery educational programs in
radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance, and medical dosimetry. (You should review the JRCERT module that
focuses on the benefits of programmatic accreditation prior to beginning your
educational endeavor. It is located under the Students link on main webpage, www.jrcert.org). Graduation from a JRCERT - Accredited program
assures:
- Your chosen program has met a standard of excellence established by the profession to provide the knowledge, skills, and professional values required to deliver safe, high quality diagnostic or therapeutic radiologic services to patients.
- You will be eligible for employment in all 50 states – in some states, only graduates of JRCERT - accredited programs are eligible for state licensure and employment. Additionally, most Veterans Administration (VA) facilities and many other facilities will only employ graduates of JRCERT - accredited programs. To become licensed, technologists must graduate from an accredited program and must pass a certification exam from the state or from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
- You will enhance your eligibility for admission into modality - specific (i.e., computed tomography, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, etc.) and/or higher degree programs in the radiologic sciences.
Many
MRI technologists are first licensed or certified radiologic technologists who
have the required amount of work experience in magnetic resonance imaging to
meet certification standards, which includes a set number of documented imaging
examinations. Those who are not radiologic technologists need to complete a
formal education program before taking the certification exam. MRI
certification is available from the ARRT and is accepted by most states for
licensure.
- Here is a link to search for JRCRT
accredited programs in your state:
https://portal.jrcertaccreditation.org/summary/accreditedprogramsearch.aspx
Be aware of Diploma mill:
Diploma or degree mills come in
many guises. Some degree mills blatantly offer to sell a degree and perhaps a
transcript from a legitimate school. Others can be easily recognized by
promising that an applicant can receive a degree in a very short period of
time, sometimes as little as five days. Another type of degree mill will
purport to look at an applicant’s life experience and award a degree based
solely on a description of this experience. Others may require the student to
submit papers or other assignments, but still will provide the degree in a
short period of time with much less work than would be required by legitimate
institutions. An advertisement that claims a student can “earn” a degree in
much less time than it would take at a legitimate institution is likely
evidence that the school is a degree mill.
Step 2: Check the Program Effectiveness Data for your desired school:
The JRCERT collects
data using current information provided by accredited programs.
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- Here is the link for complete list for program
effectiveness:
https://portal.jrcertaccreditation.org/summary/programannualreportlist.aspx
- Here is the link for list of programs who are under
probation:
http://www.jrcert.org/accreditation-actions/accredited-programs-on-probation/
Step 3: Why pay more, check the affordability of the program:
Congratulations! You are at the last step to find
the right program for you. As we all know that college education requires
investment of your time and money. It is very important to find out the college
which has reasonable tuition and also has great completion and placement rate.
Once you make a list of colleges (JRCRT accredited) that you are considering,
you click the link below to find out each college’ net tuition and graduation
rate. This will help you to find out the
right college that saves you thousands of dollars in tuition and fees.
