Radiology nurses care for patients undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic radiation sessions in general hospitals, specialty centers, and doctors’ offices. They conduct initial patient assessments, explain procedures, and assist doctors in analyzing the results. To work as a radiology nurse, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in nursing and to pass the Registered Nurse Licensure Examination. Following graduation, a nurse can enroll in a specialized hospital program that combines classroom studies and hands-on training to prepare them for a career as a radiology nurse.
In most countries, a person who wants to work as a radiology nurse must have a bachelor’s degree. While some people pursue associate’s degrees in nursing from community colleges or vocational schools, the majority of aspiring radiology nurses opt for bachelor’s degrees from four-year universities. A bachelor’s degree program, in general, provides more in-depth explanations of human health, medicine, biology, and other topics that a radiology nurse needs to know. Many schools allow nursing students to work as interns in local hospitals and clinics while pursuing their degrees, allowing them to gain valuable experience.
Following graduation, a person can sit for an exam to become a registered nurse. Exams are given by regional or national licensing boards to assess new nurses’ knowledge of medical ethics and patient care fundamentals. After earning the title of registered nurse, a professional can work independently in a hospital or critical care center while researching radiology nursing options.
Many hospitals and nursing schools have programs specifically designed for nurses interested in working in radiology. Because radiology is such a unique and complicated branch of medicine, it can take up to two years to complete a program. A nurse can learn terminology, techniques, and common procedures by working alongside experienced radiology professionals and attending lecture courses. After completing the required training, a nurse can sit for a national exam to become a certified radiology nurse. The majority of new professionals work in large hospitals, but some can find work in specialty private practices.
A person may be able to advance to a supervisory position after becoming a radiology nurse and gaining several years of experience in the field. While working in hospitals, some professionals choose to pursue master’s degrees to become nurse practitioners, which opens up many more opportunities for advancement within a radiology department. A radiology nurse practitioner may be allowed to interpret radiological test results and make final treatment decisions independently, depending on the setting.