How to Get Your First Radiology Technologist Job

radiology technologist positioning patient

Are you a recent radiology technologist graduate? If so, you might feel a bit lost as to how to find your first radiology technologist job. Fortunately, the field of radiology technologists is continually expanding which means there are new job opportunities opening up regularly. However, as with any well-paying field, there are a lot of people competing for the same jobs as you, many of which have more experience than you. Because of this, we’ve put together some tips to help you overcome the hurdle of getting your first radiology technologist job.

Get Specialized Certifications

You can get certified and registered through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Normally, you will get a credential in the area closely related to your studies, such as:

  • Radiography
  • Nuclear Medicine Technology
  • Radiation Therapy
  • MRI
  • Sonography

After getting the initial certification, you can advance your career by getting additional certifications, such as:

  • Mammography
  • Computed Tomography
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Quality Management (new credentials offered through June 30, 2018)
  • Bone Densitometry
  • Cardiac Interventional Radiography
  • Vascular Interventional Radiography
  • Sonography
  • Vascular Sonography
  • Breast Sonography

If you would like to be placed in a radiology technologist job within the United States, please fill out the form below or call us at 602-468-6300.

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Obtain an Externship

A radiology technologist externship is on-the-job training available to those who have either completed a radiologic technologist training program or are a senior in their program. Typically, you will assist other radiology technologists by transporting patients, patient setup, performing clerical duties, and shadowing the radiology technologists with the goal of transitioning into a radiology technologist.

In addition to shadowing the radiology technologist, you will gain first-hand knowledge of the facility within which you have your externship. This means you’ll know if you want to work there permanently and your odds of getting hired at the facility will be much higher than they will be for someone who hasn’t externed there. You’ll also have an excellent opportunity to network with other health professionals.

Prepare Your Resume & Ace the Interview

Make sure your resume and cover letter clearly define your specific training and be sure to mention any industry experience you have that directly relates to what you will be doing on the job, including internship experience and specialized education.

If you are lucky enough to land an interview, you will want to make a great impression. Show up early and present yourself in a professional manner. Make eye contact and exude confidence. A great way to boost your confidence is by practicing for the interview ahead of time. What do people get asked during a radiology technologist interview? Ideally, your school will help you prepare. Additionally, get to know the people you intern with and extern with because they already have successfully interviewed and been hired. Find out from others in the industry what their interviewing experience was like.

Lastly, if you work with a hiring agency, choose an agency that specializes in healthcare, as we do at Desert Medical Careers. Agencies like ours have helped thousands of people get hired and can thoroughly prepare you for every step of the hiring process.

Are You Looking for a job as a Radiology Technologist?

Desert Medical Careers has a high demand for clinical radiology technologists. We are typically able to easily place rad techs in full-time and part-time positions throughout the Phoenix Metro Area. With over 20 years’ experience placing healthcare employees throughout the Valley, DMC is an expert at matching healthcare workers with their ideal work environment. Contact DMC today at (602) 468-6300.

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