As the population grows and ages, the demand for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic technology increases. Thus, employment opportunities are expected to grow at least through 2012. Most technologists are employed at hospitals but because of a shifting focus to outpatient care and insurance there is strong growth in doctor’s offices, clinics, and diagnostic imaging centers.

For additional occupational information visit the U. S. department of Labor – Occupational Outlook Handbook at: http://www.bls.gov/oco097.htm#outlook

Licenses – Certifications
Most Radiologic technologists must be licensed by the State in which they practice. Licensure is required in the State of Connecticut and national certification as well as state licensure must be obtained to be able to take x-rays in a medical setting. To qualify for licensure, a candidate must complete an approved radiologic technology program and pass the ARRT’s examination in Radiography.

For additional information on licensing in the State of Connecticut visit:
http://www.ct-clic.com/trantype.asp?code=848

It is strongly advised that “all persons applying for examination and certification by the AART in order to become a Registered Technologist” refer to the “Rules of Ethics” at www.arrt.org.

There are a variety of educational opportunities available in radiologic technology. Most programs are two years in length but may vary depending on the individual’s initial preparation and the type of program that you have chosen. Education is available in a two-year hospital based program, two-year associate degree program and four year bachelor degree program.

Middlesex Hospital and Middlesex Community College offer a 27 month associate degree program in Radiologic Technology. This program is designed to prepare graduates to pass the national certification test for radiographers which allow them to enter the workforce and qualify for state licensure. Important links for this program are:

www.mxcc.commnet.edu
www.radiologyschool.com
www.xrayschool.com

A bachelor’s or master’s degree usually is required for research, teaching, or working as a sale’s rep. Staff technologists may also receive additional training and experience in specialty areas such as CT scan, MRIs, and angiography.

Students who successfully complete the Radiologic Technology Program graduate from Middlesex Community College (MxCC) with their associate’s degree. As graduates of this program, MxCC students are able to take advantage of several special opportunities. MxCC has articulations (agreements) with Quinnipiac University, University of Hartford and the University of Connecticut for those students interested in earning a bachelor’s degree in Radiology or Allied Health. Please speak with an advisor for specific details.
Disciplines related to radiologic technology include diagnostic medical sonography, nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy. Additional information regarding these programs can be found on the main website for GCC.

Professional Associations and Organizations
American Society of Radiologic Technologists – http://www.ASRT.org
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists – http://www.ARRT.org
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology- http://www.JRCERT.org

The following is a list of courses that are available at MxCC that are required core courses for the Associate of Science program at Middlesex Community College (MxCC) as well as Capital Community College (CCC), Gateway Community College (GCC), and Naugatuck Valley Community College (NVCC).

CSC - Introduction to Computers
ENG 101 – Composition
MAT 137 – Intermediate Algebra
PSY111 – General Psychology
Social Science Elective
Bio 211 – Anatomy and Physiology I
Bio 212 – Anatomy and Physiology II

Middlesex Community College also offers courses that are not required in the MxCC program but may be required at the programs offered at the other Connecticut community colleges. They include:
CHE 111 – Concepts of Chemistry (GCC)
ENG 102 – Literature and Composition (NVCC, CCC)
PSY 204 – Child & Adolescent Psychology (NVCC)
Humanities Elective - (GCC, CCC)

Please visit MxCC – Radiologic Technology Program at:
http://www.mxcc.commnet.edu/programs_degree/radiologic.shtml

It is important to note that the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists has a Standard of Ethics and Rules of Ethics that are mandatory and enforceable. These rules shall apply to all technologists and those "persons applying for examination and certification by ARRT in order to become Registered Technologists." Applicants for the program may be subject to background checks. < view documentation here >