Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen was experimenting with a piece of medical equipment called the Crookes tube when he noticed the tube was also emitting radiation. What would come to be known as Roentgen’s Crookes tube was the forerunner to the neon sign and fluorescent lights. The result of Roentgen’s experiments resulted in the discovery of X-rays on November 8, 1895.
The Field of Radiology Expands
Fast forward to the late 1970s and the field of radiology now included ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) machines. Considered cutting edge at the time, these types of diagnostic equipment had undergone several upgrades to allow them to produce immediate images on a computer screen. Now, as diagnostic equipment becomes more sophisticated and the demand for testing increases, doctors rely on Radiologic Technologists (RTs) to help them serve patients in a safe and efficient manner.
What is an LMRT?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) describes Radiologic Technologists and Technicians as people who take X-rays and CT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into a patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. This description includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.
The BLS does not specifically identify the roles of the Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist (LMRT), but as the name implies they function as radiologic technologists within a limited scope. In Texas, LMRTs are regulated and licensed by the Texas Medical Board, who also defines the training requirements and scope of practice for the LMRT.
A typical day for a CHCP Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist with Medical Assisting Skills program graduate may include the following:
- Preparing patients for the procedure by reviewing their medical history, helping them get comfortable on the imaging table, and shielding parts of their body that do not require imaging
- Asking the patient to lie in a certain way to ensure the diagnostic equipment captures accurate images
- Working in coordination with doctors to produce quality images
- Inspecting and maintaining imaging equipment … and notifying the medical equipment department when it requires repair
- Taking detailed images using a computer program
- Maintaining written records of every procedure
- Performing MA skills, such as Lab work, Vital Signs and Phlebotomy
If you are looking for a well-paying career with steady growth potential, you should consider becoming an LMRT. The BLS projects an annual job growth rate of seven percent, which is higher than the average rate of growth for all types of occupations combined.
The BLS updated statistics for 2020 show more than 254,000 people working in the radiologic technologist field, and a job growth outlook of 9% from 2020- 2030.
As an LMRT, you will face exposure to radiation and infectious disease. However, these occupational risks are well known, so professionals wear personal protective equipment to minimize the risks of these occupational hazards. The federal government also mandates that anyone who works with radiation wear a badge that measures and reports radiation levels to a central database that calculates cumulative lifetime exposure. With these preventive measures your actual risk of harm is negligible.
About CHCP’s Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist (LMRT) with Medical Assisting Skills Certificate Program
In order to obtain a state license, the state of Texas requires LMRTs to have post-secondary training and complete either a certificate program or an associate degree from an accredited school. Your first step in completing this requirement should be to enroll in the LMRT with MA skills certificate program at the College of Health Care Professions (CHCP).
At CHCP, we have earned accreditation from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, indicating our facility provides high-quality training for people interested in pursuing work in the allied health care field. In our programs, you will gain proficiency as an LMRT through lecture-based in person and online coursework and hands-on practice using proven techniques with actual medical equipment.
The LMRT program has received joint state approval from both the Texas Workforce Commission Career Schools and Colleges, and the Texas Medical Board. CHCP offers a blended program that includes both on-campus and online course work. Our program takes 58 weeks (a little over a year) to complete.
There are a total of twelve modules in the program. The first ten modules, each consist of two to three courses. The first module starts with an introduction to Radiologic Science/Ethics and Law/Radiographic Terminology, human anatomy and physiology, infection control, and patient privacy. Since many adult learners last attended school several years ago, the first module will also refresh you on topics such as study skills and professionalism on the job.
The eleventh module consists of a 60-hour comprehensive review course to prepare you to take the Texas Limited Examination in Radiologic Technology, the certification exam to qualify for work as an LMRT in the state of Texas. You will have the opportunity to take several practice exams during the comprehensive review class to help build your confidence in preparation for the state certification exam.
Your final module In the program Is an externship that provides 500 hours of supervised practice as a Limited Radiologic Technologist. CHCP has numerous affiliation agreements with diagnostic facilities within the community that have agreed to give our students the opportunity to demonstrate and practice skills learned in the laboratory and classroom.
Skills You’ll Learn
The following is only a partial list of the skills and knowledge you will have mastered by completing the LMRT certificate training program at CHCP:
- Effect of radiation on the human body
- Exam techniques
- High-quality patient care
- In-depth understanding of human anatomy
- Medical terminology
- Professional communication and behavior when interacting with patients and staff
- Proper operation of X-ray equipment
- Proper patient positioning
- Radiation safety for yourself and your patients
- X-ray procedures
- CPR training as well as basic Medical Assisting skills such as Phlebotomy
Licensure and Certification
Texas requires Radiologic Technologists to pass the state exam to obtain a license. The current fee to obtain your state license through the Texas Medical Board is $80. CHCP pays for all licensing related fees.
Are You Ready to Train for a Rewarding and Well-Paying Career?
Feel free to contact CHCP with additional questions or apply for enrollment today.
State Licensing - ARRT
Texas Medical Board (state.tx.us)