Radiographers are educated in anatomy, patient positioning, examination techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety, radiation protection and basic patient care. To become a registered technologist in radiography, RT(R), students must complete an accredited program, earn an academic degree and pass a national certification examination. To remain registered, they must earn continuing education credits.

Career Opportunities

Most radiographers or radiologic technologists work in hospitals, physicians’ offices and clinics, and diagnostic imaging centers. Multi-skilled RT(R)s who are educated and credentialed in more than one type of imaging technique are the most marketable. With experience and additional education, radiographers may become specialists in CT, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, angiography and quality management. Typically, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy and sonography require additional specialized education in a dedicated training program.

The Program

A Bachelor of Science degree with a major in radiologic sciences from North Dakota State University includes two or more years of rigorous academic course work on campus and a two year full-time internship in an affiliated hospital-based radiography program. Transfer students need to successfully complete a minimum of 20 resident credits at NDSU prior to starting an internship. A strong science and math aptitude is important for radiologic science majors to possess, since academic course work includes chemistry, physics, human anatomy and physiology, trigonometry, microbiology and computer science. Upon satisfactory completion of the educational and clinical experience, NDSU awards a degree and graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination.