Online Colleges for Radiologic Science

When it comes to providing quality health care, many medical professionals would be in the dark without the services of a radiological specialist. These individuals provide vital diagnostic services that are used to identify medical conditions and guide the course of treatment. Radiological workers are trained to use sophisticated equipment including machines for x-rays, MRIs, EKGs and CT scans. While these workers are not the ones actually making the assessments and diagnoses from reports -- only trained physicians called radiologists do that -- online radiologic science degrees do help them to prepare to become certified for jobs in diagnostic testing and related health care occupations.

Radiologic Science Online Colleges

Radiologic science programs can result in a certificate, associate degree or bachelor's degree. Advanced radiologic science degrees are also being offered by some institutions. At the master's degree level, students learn about how to work as administrators and educators in the radiologic field. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an associate degree may be the most common choice for those interested in working in clinical settings. Online radiologic science degrees can also allow students to specialize in a particular aspect of diagnostics rather than a general application of these skills. For example, degree programs for nurse midwifery or family nurse practitioners can include training in the use of diagnostic equipment for prenatal care. Other programs focus on a specific type of imaging such as electrocardiographs.

Online radiologic science degrees can lead to employment as a radiologic technologist or technician. The BLS reports job growth of 17 percent from 2008-2018 in this field, and the annual mean wages for professionals employed as technologists and technicians were $55,730 in 2010. Certified electrocardiograph technicians specialize in cardiovascular diagnostics and should be in even greater demand with 24 percent job growth. Cardiovascular technicians earned mean annual wages of $50,720 in 2010, according to the BLS. Other specialties requiring the use of specialized diagnostic equipment include those for diagnostic medical sonographers, radiation therapists, and nuclear medical technologists. However, those interested in radiologic science careers don't need to limit themselves to these jobs. Online radiologic science programs can be the first step toward a career in a related health care occupation. For example, work as a respiratory therapist can complement the skills learned in the curriculum for radiologic science degrees. Radiologic science degrees could also prepare students to work as a nurse midwife or nurse practitioner. Overall, online radiologic science programs can offer students versatile skills that help prepare them for a variety of hot health care careers all the way from diagnostic testing to nursing.