Radiography Programs in Florida

Radiography in Florida – Becoming a Radiography Technician

Studying radiography is a must for those wish to become x-ray technicians. Professionals who perform x-rays are also called radiography technologists, radiography technicians, radiologic technicians, and radiologic technologists. $56,760 is the mean annual wage nationally for radiology technicians, and professionals in radiography in Florida earn an average of $52,570, only slightly lower than the national average. Florida has more radiologic technicians employed than every state except for California and Texas. When you want to know how to become a radiography technologist in Florida, you will need to know how to care for and operate imaging equipment, understand and follow orders from physicians, prepare patients, safely administer radiology, assess whether more images are needed or not, and keep accurate patient records.

Radiologic technologists in the Sunshine State must be licensed by the Florida Department of Health. For Florida state licensure, radiography technicians must attain an associate’s degree in radiography. Associate degree radiography programs in Florida should be accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education of Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). An accredited program is a must, because students cannot take the national certifying exam without having trained in this environment. The national certifying exam is administered by the AART, American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Students can get an application and handbook that provides ample information about the exam from the leadership in their radiography programs in Florida schools. The exam costs $200, so it is wise to prepare properly prior to testing.

Associate degree programs in Radiography include training in human anatomy and physiology, human biology, diagnostic imaging and radiography. So, the three steps to becoming a radiologic technologist in Florida are getting your associate’s degree in radiography, passing the certification exam, and getting licensed by the state of Florida. The job outlook for this profession is excellent, as the number of positions is expected to grow by twenty-eight percent by 2020.

The prospects for graduates of radiography programs in Florida are especially good. The increasing older population in the state and the recent legislation ensuring insurance coverage for more procedures combine for the perfect storm of new job openings in Florida. Jobs are available at hospitals, doctor offices, diagnostic laboratories, outpatient centers, and with the government. The personal skill sets needed to work in radiography include interpersonal skills for calming nervous patients and acquiring cooperation, precision with detailed instructions from physicians, technical skills in imaging equipment, and strength and stamina to stay on feet and move patients who need assistance.