Medicine, like every other field of science, is constantly evolving in new ways. New innovations and discoveries are made while older ones are refined. Technology has become a very integral part of modern medicine as it has made diagnosis and treatment very easy. So, if you are someone who is handy with tech, and wishes to make a positive change in people’s lives, Radiology might just be the field for you.
This blog will walk you through how to make a career in Radiology by answering questions like “Where should I get a degree from”? or “How much money can I make in a year?”.
Why Study Radiology?
You might be wondering what is so important about radiology? Well, let us paint you a picture. You walk into a hospital with a severe injury, and seek out a doctor; instead of getting answers about your condition, the doctors end up guessing what’s wrong… sounds unsettling, does it not?
To ensure this doesn’t happen is the job of a Radiology Technician. You might be thinking “what exactly is Radiology”?. As you may have guessed already, the field known as radiology is related to medicine, and has its own study and career paths.
Basically, Radiology makes use of what is called imaging technology, like X-Rays, MRIs, CT Scans, etc. to create clear images of the human body, so that doctors can diagnose and treat any problem that a patient might have.
There’s been an increase in reliance of medical imaging in modern medicine and as a result of that, skilled Radiology Technicians and Technologists are the need of the hour. So, if you are passionate about technology and healthcare, and wish to make the lives of many people better, alongside making a good salary, Radiology is the field for you.
Steps on How to Become a Radiologist Technician in India?
Build a Solid Foundation
The stepping stone in your journey of becoming a Radiology Technician is by focusing on the right subjects from the get-go to get a head start by building a strong foundation. You can do this by opting for the Science Stream with Biology. While it is not mandatory, as you can shift streams when enrolling in colleges, it is advised to ensure a seamless transition from schooling to college and career.
Choose the Right Undergraduate Degree
Once you are done with your schooling, the next step is to enroll in a Radiology program. You have a few options, including but not limited to
the following undergraduate degrees, be it bachelor’s degrees like B.Sc in Radiology and Imaging Technology and B.Sc in Medical Technology (Radiography), or a Diploma in Radiology
These courses combine classical learning with real-word experience through hospital internships. While a diploma can get you started, a B.Sc degree is the better choice as it offers more career opportunities and better long term growth.
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Consider Higher Studies for Further Growth
You may be thinking "ok, I have a bachelor's degree now what?
Anyway, you can begin work as a Radiology Technician, but the wages would not be as adequate and pleasing as desired. It is recommended that after completion of bachelors, you pursue a postgraduate diploma OR degree in Radiology for specializing in certain fields such as X-Ray, MRI or CT Scan and opening up new opportunities as a Radiology Technologist and X-Ray Technician with much higher salary options.
Additionally, if you are inclined towards research and academics, you can think of acquiring a doctorate because it further broadens your knowledge and helps in innovation in the field.
Get License and Registration
Before you enter the working world of Radiology, there is one more thing you need to do, get a license. In India, to legally practice as a Radiology Technologist, you need to get a license from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).
Get Hands on Experience
Practical experience is essential for Radiology Technicians and Radiology Technologists since they have to be competent in operating advanced imaging machines and maintaining patient safety during procedures.
Several undergraduate and postgraduate courses incorporate internships, wherein students receive hands-on experience in hospitals and diagnostic centers.
Internships are a great addition to any student's life since the practical world experience renders the candidates more marketable and allows for their easy transition into full-time employment after graduation.
Key Subjects in Radiology
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Imaging Technology
- Radiation Safety
- Diagnostic Techniques
- Patient Care Procedures
Job Opportunities for Radiology Technicians in India
Radiology Technicians, Radiology Technologists and X-Ray Technologists in India can work in the following places:
- Hospitals
- Diagnostic Centers
- Research Facilities
Top Indian Institutions
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences(AIIMS), New Delhi: The Department of Radio Diagnosis at AIIMS New Delhi offers a B.Sc in Radiography, M.Sc in Radio-Diagnosis Technology and Ph.D in Radiology.
- Kasturba Medical College, Manipal: Kasturba Medical College’s Department of Radio Diagnosis offers B.Sc in Medical Imaging Technology and MD in Radiodiagnosis.
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research: They offer M.D. in Radio-Diagnosis, D.M. in Neuro-Radiology and M.Sc in Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology (5-year integrated)
- Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER): JIPMER’s Department of Radio-Diagnosis offers MD in Radio-Diagnosis and PDCC in Radio-Diagnosis
Qualities to be a Radiology Technician
- Technical Expertise in Imaging Equipment: Ability to operate and maintain imaging machines, essential for becoming a Radiology Technologist and X-Ray Technologist.
- Analytical and Critical Thinking: Skill in interpreting medical images appropriately
- Good Communication Skills: Clearly explaining procedures to patients and collaborating with physicians.
- Patient Positioning and Handling: Maintaining proper imaging results while maintaining patients' comfort.
- Knowledge of Radiation Protection: Ensuring the safety protocol is in place for patients and workers.
Salary of Radiology Technician in India
As a beginner, you will usually earn an average annual salary of around ₹2 Lakhs. Although initial salaries appear to be low, the potential for growth in this profession is high. After 3 to 5 years of experience, Radiology Technicians and X-Ray Technicians can earn anything between ₹4 to ₹6 Lakhs a year as they develop skills of handling sophisticated equipment, and with over 10 years of experience in the field, veteran Radiology Professionals can even earn over ₹8 Lakhs a year if they are placed in top-line hospitals, diagnostic centers or research institutions.
Radiology in India’s Future
The field of radiology is in a transition phase where technology is dominating the scene as far as accuracy of diagnosis, efficiency and improvement in patient outcome are concerned. The need for talented Radiology Technicians in India will rise further as hospitals and diagnostic centers go on investing in advanced imaging machines. As there has been expanding growth in the Indian healthcare market and corporate hospital development, more and more skilled personnel trained in working with high-end imaging instruments and facilitating right diagnosis are demanded. Individuals starting practice now will also get a chance to handle medical technology of the latest state and help shape diagnostic medicine's future.
