Radiology nurses care for patients undergoing radiation sessions, requiring a bachelor’s degree in nursing and passing a licensure exam. Specialized hospital programs provide hands-on training, leading to certification as a radiology nurse. Advancement opportunities include supervisory positions and pursuing a master’s degree.
Radiology nurses work in general hospitals, specialist centers and physicians’ offices to care for patients undergoing therapeutic or diagnostic radiation sessions. They provide initial patient assessments, explain procedures, and help physicians analyze results. A person who wants to become a radiology nurse usually needs to first earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing and pass a nurse licensure exam. After graduating, a registered nurse can attend a specialized hospital program that combines classroom study and hands-on training to gain the skills needed to become a radiology nurse.
In most countries, a person who wants to become a radiology nurse is required to obtain a university degree. Some people pursue nursing degrees at community colleges or professional schools, although most would-be radiology nurses choose to attend four-year universities to earn a bachelor’s degree. In general, a bachelor’s degree program provides more in-depth explanations of human health, medicine, biology, and other topics that a radiology nurse needs to understand in depth. Many schools offer nursing students the opportunity to become interns at local hospitals and clinics while earning their degrees to gain hands-on experience.
Upon graduation, an individual can take an exam to obtain registered nurse credentials. The exams are administered by regional or national licensing boards and test new nurses’ understanding of the fundamentals of medical ethics and patient care. After earning a nurse’s degree, a professional can begin working independently in a hospital or critical care facility while looking for options to become a radiology nurse.
Many hospitals and nursing schools offer programs designed specifically for nurses who want to work in radiology. As radiology is a unique and complicated branch of healthcare, a program can take up to two years to complete. A nurse has the opportunity to work alongside experienced radiology professionals, while also attending courses to learn common terminology, techniques and procedures. A nurse who completes training can take a national exam to become a certified radiology nurse. Most new professionals work in large hospitals, although some manage to find jobs in private practices.
When a person is able to become a radiology nurse and has gained several years of experience in the field, he or she can advance to a supervisory position. Some professionals choose to pursue a master’s degree while working in hospitals to become a nursing professional, opening up many more opportunities for advancement within a radiology department. Depending on the setting, a radiology nurse practitioner may be permitted to independently interpret radiologic test results and make final decisions about treatment.
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