BS in Radiologic Technology in the Philippines

Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRadTech) is a four year degree

program designed to train students how to operate medical imaging equipment
such as X-rays, CT scanners, MRIs, sonogram machines, and 3D medical imaging
programs among other computer and web-based software programs. Students
are also taught how to perform associated clerical duties, including scheduling
and maintaining paperwork for office and clinical machinery.
The Commission of Higher Education (CHED) has allowed schools to offer a
ladderized curriculum for the BSRadTech program. There are also schools that
offer associate degrees in radiologic technology.
Subjects and Curriculum
The subjects in the BSRadTech curriculum are divided into three main categories:
General Education Courses:
Language/Literature/Philosophy, Mathematics/Natural Sciences/Information
Technology, Social Sciences, Mandated Subjects, Physical Education, NSTP-CWTS
Major Courses:
Human Anatomy and Physiology, Community and Public Health, Medical
Terminology, Research Writing
Professional Courses:
Radiologic Physics, Equipment and Maintenance, Radiographic Technique, Film
Processing and Analysis, Radiographic Positioning and Radiologic Procedures,
Radiologic Contrast Examinations, Patient Care and Management, Radiobiology
and Radiation Protection, Radiologic Pathology, Computed Tomography Scan,
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Ultrasonography, Nuclear Medicine
The first three years of the BSRadTech program are spent in classroom discussions
and hands-on practice. The final year is solely intended for clinical exposure/duty
in different tertiary hospitals.
As a requirement for graduation, a student must accomplish an undergraduate
research paper. This is supervised by a research adviser and culminates when
the student faces a panel composed of faculty members and an expert on the
field of radiologic technology.
BS in Radiologic Technology vs. BS in Medical Technology
As mentioned before, the focus of the BS in Radiologic Technology program is
teaching students the theory and clinical procedures in performing Radiography,
Radiation Therapy and other forms of imaging studies such as X-rays, CT
scanners, MRIs, sonogram machines, and 3D medical imaging programs.
The BS in Medical Technology program focuses on diagnostics with key areas in
Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Immunohematology (Blood
Banking), Immunology and Serology, Urinalysis and other Body Fluids (Clinical

Microscopy), Parasitology, Histopathology/Cytological techniques and other

emergent technologies.
Although these programs are very different, professionals working with both
degrees are often given equal importance in the clinical workforce.
Is Radiologic Technology a profession?
Radiologic Technology is a profession. A graduate of BSRadTech who passes the
Radiologic Technology Licensure Examination is called a Licensed Radiologic
Technologist.
The responsibilities of a Radiologic Technologist include:
Assessing patients and their clinical requirements to determine appropriate
radiographic techniques;
Performing a range of radiographic examinations on patients to produce highquality images;
Observing and maintaining contact with patients during their waiting, examination
and post-examination stay in the department;
Recording imaging identification and patient documentation quickly and accurately
and observing protocols to ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act and
patient confidentiality;
Supervising assistant practitioners, students and other staff, and delivering
appropriate education and training;
Ensuring that equipment is regularly checked for malfunctions and any faults are
reported.
What are the admission requirements for the BS in Radiologic Technology program?
Requirements at each school may differ, but these are the common requirements:
Must be a high school graduate.
Those who did not complete high school education may opt to first attend
Alternative Learning System (ALS) and pass the Philippine Educational Placement
Test (PEPT) to qualify for college. However, some universities only offer selected
courses for PEPT passers.
College entrance exam: must pass the college entrance examination with a
specified rating set by the school.
Interview: must pass the interview conducted by the college dean/faculty.
(See sources 1 and 2)
What skills, traits and attitude will help you succeed in this course?
Technical Skills the ability to learn, operate and control properly and safely an
extensive range of diagnostic imaging equipment used in the field.
Basic Mathematical skills part of the job is the need to mix the right doses of
chemicals used in imaging procedures, the ability to calculate is very important
to avoid mistakes.
Clinical Efficiency the ability to execute appropriate patient care while performing
imaging and diagnostic procedures taking into consideration different medical
conditions/diseases among patients.

Logical skills the ability to recall, evaluate, and apply information and engage in
critical thinking in the classroom and clinical setting.
Communication skills must be able to effectively explain diagnostic imaging
procedures to both the patient and family members, utilize questioning
techniques to obtain accurate clinical histories, and give directions during the
procedure.
Organization the ability to manage and prioritize different patients at a time,
efficiently giving them the same amount of attention.
Interpersonal skills the ability to deal with different kinds of patients from all ages
and walks of life and gain their cooperation.
How difficult is BS in Radiologic Technology?
BS in Radiologic Technology is not a difficult course. Although it is a medically
related course, the biological sciences integrated in its curriculum are only on a
basic level. Since the course requires you to operate imaging equipments and
perform certain procedures, you have to be able to understand and pick up
instructions easily. Strong technical skills and precision are key factors to be able
to complete this course.
How long does it take to complete the BSRadTech program in the Philippines?
The BSRadTech program takes four years to complete. The program may be
completed in less than 4 years in schools that follow the trimestral curriculum.
Internship
The entire fourth year of the BSRadTech program is spent in different tertiary
hospitals doing clinical duty. This internship program is called the Radiologic
Technology Clinical Education Training Program. The program consists of eleven
(11) months of intensive clinical training in general radiography and in the
various subspecialties of Radiology in CT-Scan, MRI, Interventional Radiology,
Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy and Ultrasonography.
Radiologic Technology interns shall undergo a minimum of eight (8) hours hospital
duty per day, five (5) days a week, and shall observe, assist, and perform in at
least eight hundred (800) general radiographic examinations and two hundred
(200) specialized radiologic procedures (CT-Scan, MRI, Radiation Therapy,
Nuclear Medicine, etc.) during the entire training period.
A record of the examinations performed/assisted shall be contained in a logbook
duly signed by the radiologic technologists-in-charge, training officer or chief
radiologic technologist of the hospital concerned and submitted at the end of
training.
The total number of hours for internship in a week is forty-eight (48) hours for a
total of two thousand one hundred twelve (2,112) hours for the 11-month
training period (See source).
Radiologic Technology Licensure Examination

To become a Licensed Radiologic Technologist in the Philippines, a graduate of BS in

Radiologic Technology needs to pass the Radiologic Technology Licensure
Examination. The examination is conducted by the Board of Radiologic
Technology under the supervision of the Professional Regulations Commission
(PRC). As of 2014, the exam is conducted once a year, in July. The following
subjects with their corresponding weights cover the exam:
Radiation Physics and Equipment Maintenance - 10%
Radiobiology and Radiation Protection - 10%
Radiographic Positioning - 10%
Radiographic Technique - 10%
Special Procedures - 10%
Anatomy, Physiology and Medical Terminology - 10%
Photochemistry and Film Analysis - 10%
Nursing and Department Procedures in Radiology and Professional Ethics - 5%
Ultrasound - 5%
Radiation Therapy - 5%
Nuclear Medicine - 5%
Radiologic Pathology - 5%
Computed Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging - 5%
In order to pass the examination, a candidate must obtain a weighted average of at
least 75% with no rating below 60% in any subject. The results are usually
released after 2 to 4 days.(See source)
The passing rates of the Radiologic Technology Licensure Exam can be viewed here.
Career opportunities for BS in Radiologic Technology graduates
Jobs for licensed Radiologic Technologists (board exam passers)
Radiologic Technologist/X-ray Technologist review and evaluate developed x-rays,
video tape, or computer generated information to determine if images are
satisfactory for diagnostic purposes. Explains procedure and observe patients to
ensure safety and comfort during scan.
Computed Tomography (CT) Technologist certified radiologic technologists who
have completed additional education in CT technology. These specialized techs
operate CT equipment, which produces cross-sectional images of patients'
bones, organs and tissue that are used to diagnose medical conditions.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist perform diagnostic testing by
taking images of patients' bodies using computerized MRI scanners. They
generally work under the supervision of physicians and other medical personnel.
Diagnostic medical sonographers/Ultrasound Technologists conduct tests by
pressing a device called a transducer against the patient's skin or in some cases
by inserting it into the patient's body.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Technologist highly skilled professionals who
perform body scanning to check for areas showing signs of abnormality. PET
Technologists also keep a track of safety measures to protect patients while
performing scans.
Cardiovascular technologists monitor patients' blood pressure and heart rate using
electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment during diagnostic and therapeutic
procedures in order to notify the physician if something appears wrong.

Mammography Technologist perform a variety of technical activities associated

with the performance of screening and diagnostic mammography procedures.
Angiographic technologists/Interventional radiologic technologists operates
diagnostic imaging equipment to produce contrast enhanced radiographs of
blood vessels to aid Physician in diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Nuclear medicine technologists prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals,
radioactive drugs, to a patient in order to treat or diagnose disease. He or she
then uses a camera to create images that will track how the drug metabolizes in
the patient's body.
Radiation therapy technologist administers radiation therapy by exposing specific
areas of the patient's body to prescribed doses of radiation. Maintain detailed
records of all therapy sessions, noting on the patient's chart such information as
the area treated, the radiation dosage, equipment control settings, the patient's
reactions, and the total amount of radiation received to date.
Digital Subtraction Angiography Technologist performs fluoroscopy procedures
used in interventional radiology to clearly visualize blood vessels in a bony or
dense soft tissue environment.
Jobs for Non-Board Passers:
Radiographer Radiographers are assistants to Radiology Technologists, otherwise
known as Radiology Technicians. They assist radiologists with advanced
preparation and testing to administrative tasks, such as organizing work
schedules and maintaining patient records.
Medical Assistant perform routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the
offices of physicians and other health practitioners running smoothly. The duties
of medical assistants vary from office to office, depending on the location and
size of the practice and the practitioner's specialty.
Scope Technician/Scheduler answers phones, greets patients and prepares charts
for the physician. Schedules appointments for Radiology, ACC, Cardio, Rehab
Services, Sleep Lab and Non-Invasive Lab utilizing the Central Scheduling
system.
Radiation Safety Officers overseers of Quality Assurance (e.g. Licensing/ Technical
division of Department of Health)
Radiologic Equipment maintenance specialists inspects and tests malfunctioning
equipment to determine cause of malfunction, following learned procedures and
repair manual instructions, using specialized test and analysis instruments and
manufacturers' specifications.
Career Opportunities Abroad
Filipino Radiologists are in demand in several countries abroad. Depending on the
country, an applicant must complete additional requirements or trainings before
he/she can practice the profession there.
According to the Association of Filipino Radiographers in the United Kingdom
(AFRUK), Radiologic technologists are among the highly skilled professions that
have been very much in demand in the UK since 2000 (see source).
Salary Levels
A Radiologic Technologist in the Philippines can expect a monthly salary of P11,000
to P15,000 (see source).