About the Profession of Radiography

Radiographers produce images by performing procedures and collaborating with radiologists, the physicians responsible for interpreting these images.

As medicine has become more technical and physicians’ training programs have lengthened, radiographers’ training has also evolved. Early practitioners, known as X-ray technicians, had minimal training and produced simple images on glass plates using archaic equipment. With increased knowledge of radiation, more sophisticated equipment, and enhanced education, they became radiologic technologists. The advent of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, vascular interventional imaging, cardiac interventional, mammography and digital imaging expanded the profession and led to the evolution of radiographers.

What Makes a Good Radiographer?

Radiographers must excel both independently and as part of a team alongside other health care professionals. They must be highly motivated and able to remain calm in high-pressure situations. A good radiographer is caring and supportive, committed to providing quality care to patients. They must demonstrate professionalism, empathy and ethical behavior in their practice.

Radiographers should be confident working with cutting-edge technology and adaptable to learning new skills as radiography continues to evolve. Producing high-quality radiographic images requires excellent technical skills and the ability to think creatively.

UAMS student radiographers study plain and sectional radiographic anatomy, radiation physics, exposure theory, equipment instrumentation, patient care, radiologic pathology, radiation protection, radiobiology and more. They gain hands-on experience in the energized laboratory and interact with patients across various clinical settings. This comprehensive training prepares them to become professional medical imagers or radiographers, who play a crucial role in the patient care team.

The UAMS Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging Sciences Program offers a comprehensive and robust education, enabling students to earn two clinical credentials upon graduation: registered technologist and an advanced specialty.

Earning a bachelor’s degree provides numerous benefits, such as a higher level of education that stands out when securing employment, the potential for higher lifetime earnings with career advancement, and preparation for diverse career opportunities within health care, including management, supervision, pharmaceutical sales, research and education.

The program is offered at two locations, Little Rock and Fayetteville, and features a unique, cohort-based, lockstep, full-time curriculum that includes a didactic phase and diverse clinical rotations, ensuring well-rounded training. Students gain hands-on clinical experience in radiologic technology and advanced imaging modalities such as mammography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and cardiovascular interventional radiography. A diagnostic leadership track is also available.

Radiography graduates have a broad spectrum of employment opportunities in various health care settings. They can work as radiologic technologists in hospitals, clinics and diagnostic imaging centers, performing a wide range of X-rays. Additionally, they can specialize in areas such as mammography, cardiovascular interventional radiography, CT, MRI and other imaging modalities. Employment opportunities also exist in outpatient care centers, urgent care facilities and private medical practices.

Beyond clinical roles, radiography graduates can pursue careers in education, research, equipment sales, and technical support within the medical imaging industry. Many advance to supervisory or administrative positions or further specialize through advanced certifications and continuing education.

The career outlook for radiographers is highly favorable, with strong demand for their skills in the health care industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of radiologic technologists is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.

Advances in medical imaging technology further drive the demand for skilled radiographers. Those with specialized skills in MRI, CT, mammography, cardiovascular interventional radiography, or multiple certifications often enjoy even better job prospects.

Overall, the field offers stable employment opportunities, competitive salaries and significant potential for career advancement.

The career earnings outlook for radiographers is favorable, with competitive salaries that can increase with experience, specialization and advanced certifications. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2022, the median annual wage for radiologic technologists was approximately $64,840.

Radiographers working in certain settings, such as outpatient care centers and specialty hospitals, tend to earn higher wages compared to those in general medical and surgical hospitals. Additionally, those specializing in advanced imaging techniques like MRI, CT, mammography or cardiovascular interventional radiography often command higher salaries.

Opportunities for salary growth are substantial, particularly for those who pursue advanced certifications, take on supervisory or administrative roles or specialize in high-demand areas of radiography. Overall, the earnings outlook for radiographers is strong, with the potential for significant financial advancement throughout their careers.

Prospective students can learn more about the radiologic technology profession by visiting the resources on our Professional Links page. The organizations listed there provide extensive information on radiographers’ roles, certifications, educational standards and professional development opportunities.

Additional resources include websites of hospitals, clinics and diagnostic imaging centers, which offer insights into radiography roles, job descriptions, and requirements. Websites like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET Online provide detailed job descriptions, salary information, and employment outlook for radiologic technologists.

Platforms such as Coursera, edX, and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists offer online courses and webinars on medical imaging and radiography. Shadowing radiographers or volunteering in health care settings can also provide valuable firsthand insights into the profession.