If you are working as a radiologic technologist or ultrasound tech, you spend long hours on your feet and on hard floors. Footwear is an important part of your life and we all know that if we skimp on quality in this area, we will end up with sore feet every day in the short run and serious foot, knee, and back problems in the long run. In addition, an X-ray tech’s shoes need to be spill, sharps, and slip resistant, and need to be easily cleanable on the outside. But that doesn’t mean they have to be ugly. Standard tennis or running shoes can be comfortable, but they don’t look professional. The soft pourus top makes them unsafe for dropped sharps or spilled fluids. Also, sneakers are hard to clean and shoe laces can come untied and get dragged across a contaminated hospital floor. But shoes are a personal trial and error thing. One person’s best shoe ever may not work for someone else. What are your favorite work shoes?
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® (ARRT®*) has implemented a system of Structured Education and Continuing Qualification Requirements (CQR). If you were certified as a Radiologic Technologist before January 1, 2011, the new requirements will not apply to you. However, technologists who first earned their certificate on or after this date have a license that is time-limited to 10 years. Renewing certification for an additional 10 years requires completion of the CQR process. Also, moving forward as of now, R.T.’s who pursue additional credentials using the ARRT®‘s* postprimary pathway will need CE credits based on specific subjects. This is known as structured education.
To ensure quality healthcare, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® (ARRT®) has implemented a system of periodic evaluation consisting of Structured Education and Continuing Qualification Requirements (CQR). Radiologic Technologists certified before January 1, 2011, are not affected by these new requirements. Technologists who were certificate on or after 1/1/2011 receive a time-limited 10-year license. Once the 10 years are up, certification can be renewed for another 10 years by completing the CQR process. In addition, compliance with the ARRT® rules and regulations includes an annual renewal process and biennial continuing education requirements. R.T.®s in Nuclear Medicine require specific CE credits related to their certification. The ARRT® calls this structured education.
For Radiologic Technologists, navigating career advancement might feel limited, especially for those committed to specific modalities like X-ray, nuclear medicine, or sonography. However, there are several effective strategies to enhance career and income potential within these specialized fields.
Pursue Advanced Certifications
One of the most effective ways to demonstrate expertise and dedication is by obtaining advanced certifications. These credentials can make technologists more competitive and eligible for higher-paying roles. For example:
Computed Tomography (CT) Certification: Specializing in CT can open doors to advanced imaging positions.
MRI Certification: Expertise in MRI technology is highly valued and can lead to significant career advancements.
Interventional Radiology Certification: Specializing in interventional procedures can increase job prospects and salary.
Step into Supervisory or Managerial Roles
Moving into supervisory or managerial positions offers significant professional growth and financial benefits. These roles typically involve overseeing department operations, managing staff, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Advancing into leadership positions not only boosts income potential but also enhances skills in management and administration.
Specialize Further Within a Chosen Modality
Deepening expertise within a chosen modality can open new avenues for career progression. For instance:
Mammography: Specializing in mammography can lead to roles focused on women’s health and breast cancer detection.
Nuclear Medicine: Advanced skills in nuclear medicine can lead to positions in advanced diagnostics and therapy.
Sonography: Focusing on specific areas like vascular or cardiac sonography can lead to specialized roles with higher pay.
Benefits of Advanced Career Strategies
Implementing these strategies not only expands professional capabilities but also increases earning potential. Radiologic Technologists can ensure they continue to thrive in their chosen paths by:
Enhancing their qualifications with advanced certifications.
Taking on leadership roles that offer new challenges and rewards.
Specializing further to become experts in their fields.
By pursuing these career advancement opportunities, Radiologic Technologists can significantly enhance their professional growth and income potential, ensuring a dynamic and rewarding career trajectory.
For more information on advanced certifications and career strategies, visit the [American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)](https://www.asrt.org/).
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