A towards breaking the barriers: the professionalization of the radiologic sciences

Radiologic science and technology has developed at a tremendous rate over the past century. However, the training of personnel (radiologic technologists/therapists) to operate this complex equipment and to perform the medical procedures is not uniform across the United States, nor is licensure required in all states. Evidence suggests that expanded technological responsibilities also have increasingly pressured technologists/therapists to perform on levels for which they have not been prepared. Thus, the need for restructured and expanded educational and training programs in the radiologic sciences is being increasingly recognized. This paper presents a rationale for the development of educational programs in the radiologic sciences, and it concludes that a baccalaureate degree is a requirement for entry-level practice.