How Do You Become a Rad Tech in Utah?
Do some research on radiologic technology and decide if it’s the right career path for you and then consider what you need to do to make it happen. To become a Radiologic Technician in Utah, you need a high school diploma or GED, and then you need to complete an accredited radiologic technology program. Upon successful completion of it, you need to pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam before applying for your license. And once you are a Rad Tech, you need to stay current on the profession through continuing education to maintain your license.
Why Do You Need a High School Diploma to Become a Rad Tech in Utah?
A high school diploma or its equivalent is required to become a Radiologic Technologist in Utah because it provides you with foundational knowledge and academic readiness. The skills you develop in high school in math, science, and reading are critical for learning anatomy, radiation safety, and medical terminology. State-approved programs and Utah’s licensure board also require a high school diploma or GED as a baseline for admission. Your diploma demonstrates that you’re ready for the rigorous academic and clinical demands of the Rad Tech profession.
Enroll in a Radiologic Technician Training Program in Utah
To become a Rad Tech in Utah, you need an associate degree in Radiologic Technology. Enroll in an accredited Rad Tech program and dedicate yourself to developing the skills you need for a successful career. Your program introduces you to medical imaging equipment, healthcare delivery, safety protocols, regulations, and patient care. Through the program, you learn how to properly position patients, operate and maintain the equipment, and how to tell the difference between an abnormality and an error in an image. You should also hone your soft skills like attention to detail, organization, communication, compassion, and empathy.
Earn Your American Registry Radiology Technician Certification
All Radiologic Technicians in Utah must pass the American Registry Radiology Technician Certification Exam before you can apply for licensure. You can apply for the exam up to three months prior to graduation. Schedule your exam with Pearson Vue when you are ready. The ARRT exam tests your knowledge of patient care, safety, procedures, and image production. You take the exam on the computer over four hours, and it includes approximately 200 questions in a variety of formats. At the end of the exam, you will receive a preliminary score. Your final score will be mailed within 30 days of the exam date. If you pass, you’re ready to apply for your Utah state license.
Apply for a Utah State Radiologic Technician License
The State of Utah requires all Rad Techs to be licensed before they can work. You need to submit an application for a Radiologic Technician license through the Division of Professional Licensing. Fill out the application form, submit the $70 processing fee, and provide any supporting documentation related to potential legal issues that may need to be disclosed. Once your application has been processed, you will receive your license and can begin your job search.
Look for Rad Tech Jobs in Utah
Once you’ve received your license, you can get excited about the next step – finding your dream job. Update your resume with your training, qualifications, and credentials. Include relevant skills or experience you may have gained from your training. Build out a template for a cover letter but be sure to customize it for each job application you submit.
You can look for Rad Tech jobs on sites like Indeed or Simply Hired, or you can use industry job sites like the American Society of Radiologic Technicians to look for open positions. You should also create a LinkedIn account and search for open jobs with healthcare facilities in the state. Or you can directly visit the websites of area facilities, such as:
If you’re ready to become a Rad Tech in the state of Utah, contact Charter College today. We offer an Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology at our Salt Lake location that can prepare you for an entry-level job in the field. The program is offered in a blended learning format for convenience and can help prepare you to sit for the American Registry Radiology Technician Certification Exam. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.