Respiratory Therapists work in a variety of settings, from hospitals and clinics to sleep centers and home healthcare services. That means a typical day really depends on where you work. But since , let’s check out what a day in your life might be like as an RT in this clinical setting.

5:30 a.m. – Early Morning Respiratory Therapist Shift

You wake up early to prepare for the day. You might work an 8, 10, or 12-hour shift. A longer shift means fewer days and many RTs see this as a perk of the job. Right now, you work “3-on, 4-off” which means you’re on three days and then take four days off. They’re long, busy days, but four days off in a row is great for spending time with family, getting errands done, and getting away from it all.

Today, you get up before the sun, jump in the shower, get dressed, and fuel up with a healthy, protein-packed breakfast that will satisfy you until lunchtime. You even perform a few stretches and light exercises before heading out the door. This warms up your body, wakes up your brain, and gets you ready for a day of physical activity.

6:30 a.m. – RT Arrives at Work

You get to work before your shift starts to receive the handoff from the night RTs, and review patient assignments and treatment plans.

7:00 a.m. – Begin Respiratory Therapist Rounds

Once you know who’s on your floor and what they need, you make the rounds to check on your patients. How many patients you have can vary and depends on the size of the unit and the number of Respiratory Therapists on staff. You spend time with each patient, check their ventilators, and monitor their progress. You may need to adjust ventilator settings based on the patient’s lab tests. For some patients, you may need to provide nebulizer treatments, which allow medicine to enter their lungs through a mouthpiece or facemask. For others, you might need to perform cough assist treatments, which pump pressurized air into the patient’s lungs to expel mucus and air like a cough would.

10 a.m. – Assist With a Bronchoscopy

After you finish your first patient rounds, you might assist a doctor with a bronchoscopy. During this procedure, the doctor inserts a thin tube through the patient’s nostrils and down the throat to the lungs so they can see the airway. Your role is to act as the doctor’s assistant. You may need to prepare the patient for the procedure, assist the doctor with a biopsy, and monitor the patient for signs of distress.

11:30 a.m. – Break for Lunch

To stay sharp and refreshed, you need to take breaks during the day. You take short breaks in the morning and in the late afternoon, but you have a bit more time at lunch to eat, rest, or get some fresh air. Or chat with your co-workers to build your workplace relationships. Working in a hospital can challenge your emotions, so view your lunch break as a chance to shift your headspace.

12:15 p.m. – Start your Second Rounds

Some patients need treatment throughout the day, but you also perform second rounds in the afternoon or early evening. During these, you may:

• Reassess patients to monitor progress, adjust treatments, repeat therapies like nebulizers or chest physiotherapy, and recheck ventilator settings or oxygen levels.
• See new admissions or transfer patients who arrived since the morning and need an initial respiratory assessment or setup.
• Respond to new orders from physicians or nurses, such as starting new therapies or performing follow-up arterial blood gas tests.

3 p.m. – Perform a High-Flow Nasal Cannula

Throughout a typical workday, you may conduct specialized respiratory therapies in addition to the round-the-clock treatments your patients require. One procedure you might perform is a high-flow nasal cannula, which delivers humidified air to a patient’s lungs via two thin tubes that are inserted into the patient’s nostrils. You choose the tubes—or cannula—that fit the patient properly and connect a bag of sterile water to the humidifier. Then, you turn up the heater so the water can warm up before you use it. And you place the bag, so it hangs freely and is high enough to achieve a steady flow of water into the humidifier chamber.

5:30 – 7:00 p.m.—Wrapping up the Day

You continue to work with patients for the day and note any progress made in their chart. Just as an RT handed off information to you in the morning, you do the same for your relief at night. You share any pertinent info, taking particular note of changes in the patients’ health and letting the unit nurse know that you’re ready to clock out for the day.

A day in the life of a respiratory therapist is busy but rewarding. If you’re interested in becoming an Respiratory Therapist, contact Â鶹¹ÙÍø today. We offer an Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy that can prepare you for this . Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.

Vascular sonography is a form of medical imaging used to evaluate blood flow in the veins and arteries. Doctors order vascular ultrasounds if they suspect issues with a patient’s arteries or veins like blockages, blood clots, or aneurysms. Although most forms of medical imaging, like CT scans, X-rays, and MRIs, use radiation to provide an internal view of the human body, medical sonography does not. Instead, it uses sound waves to form images of internal organs and structures of the body.

What Happens During a Vascular Ultrasound?

During a vascular ultrasound, you lie down on a medical exam table while Ultrasound Technician applies apply gel to the target area and uses a mechanical wand called a transducer to generate the images of the blood vessels. As they pass the transducer over the surface of the body, the sound waves it creates bounce off of the blood vessels and produces images on a monitor. The Tech will check the images for quality and clarity and then submit them to the doctor for an official diagnosis.

What Does Vascular Sonography Detect?

Vascular sonography shows doctors how blood flows through the veins and arteries of the neck, arms and legs. It provides detailed images of the blood vessels and soft tissue surrounding them, which can provide markers for conditions such as:

• Blood clots, particularly those present in deep vein thrombosis, which affects the legs
• Atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup in the arteries
• Aneurysms, which are bulging or weakening blood vessels
• Chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where the veins in the legs become damaged and cannot pump blood back up to the heart
• Varicose veins, or weakened veins that become enlarged and twisted

Vascular sonography is also used to monitor patient progress, particularly after angioplasty, which is a surgical procedure used to open narrow blood vessels. And if you had an organ transplant, vascular sonography would be used to check the flow of blood to the new organ.

Who Performs the Vascular Ultrasound?

A Medical Sonographer with advanced training in vascular sonography performs the sonography exams. The Vascular Sonographer prepares the patient, manages and calibrates equipment, and performs the actual ultrasound. The images and data collected from the scans are passed on to the doctor and are analyzed for abnormalities. Vascular Sonographers may also be responsible for providing patients with details about their procedure and if any follow-up visits are needed.

What are the Benefits of Vascular Sonography?

One of the benefits of vascular sonography is the fact that it requires no radiation, which makes them an ideal procedure for pregnant women or patients who can’t endure radiation. They’re also noninvasive and painless procedures that don’t require the use of contrast dyes, which some patients may be allergic to. And they’re more cost-effective procedures than other types of medical imaging, such as MRIs or CT scans. But sometimes CT scans or MRIs may be necessary after vascular sonography. For example, a doctor may need images of blood vessels located deep inside the body, or calcified blood vessels may prevent an ultrasound from being effective.

Vascular sonography is a specialized area of medical imaging that uses high-frequency sound waves and can help physicians diagnose circulatory issues early. It’s a critical part of modern medicine and the . If you’re interested in becoming a Vascular Sonographer, contact Â鶹¹ÙÍø today! We offer an Advanced Certificate in Vascular Sonography that can prepare you for a career in this specialization. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.

To be a Respiratory Therapist, you need to possess a combination of medical knowledge, technical expertise, and soft skills like critical thinking and attention to detail. As a Respiratory Therapist, you perform diagnostic tests to assess patient lung health and provide treatment such as oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, or chest physiotherapy. To do your job well and ensure your patients receive the best care possible, consider the 8 most valuable skills you should possess as an RT.

1. Respiratory Therapists Need Medical Knowledge

Medical knowledge is the foundation for your technical skills and is primarily gained through your respiratory therapy coursework. Before you begin working with patients, you need to understand human anatomy and physiology, especially of the lungs and heart. You need to know the most common respiratory conditions and how they are diagnosed and treated. You also need an understanding of pharmacology, what medications treat lung issues, and how they can affect patients. Over the course of your degree program, you gain additional medical and clinical insights from your experience working with patients.

2. Respiratory Therapists: Understanding the Technology

To be a successful Respiratory Therapist, you need to know how to perform diagnostic exams, like pulmonary function tests, and treatments such as chest physiotherapy. Your technical expertise enables you to use advanced equipment such as ventilators, nebulizers, nasal cannula, and oxygen concentrators. You need to know how to troubleshoot issues with the equipment and how to teach your patients to use basic devices like inhalers or portable ventilators.

3. RTs and Patient Assessment

Among your most important skills is the ability to understand what’s going on with your patient’s health. When a patient visits for the first time, you take a complete medical history and ask questions about their symptoms. You assess their condition by evaluating breathing and lung function and then observing breathing patterns, chest movement, and oxygen levels. Using tools like pulse oximeters and spirometers, you measure oxygen saturation and lung capacity.
And you listen to breath sounds with a stethoscope to detect wheezing, crackles, or diminished airflow. A doctor might also order arterial blood gas tests to assess oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. You use all these findings to help determine the severity of respiratory issues and to develop or adjust treatment plans for optimal patient care.

4. Critical Thinking Skills

As a Respiratory Therapist, critical thinking helps you analyze objective and subjective information to identify the cause of a patient’s lung conditions and decide how to treat it. As you make your rounds, you continuously assess patient progress and make timely decisions if further intervention is needed. Critical thinking also helps you solve problems related to the equipment. For example, if a piece of equipment malfunctions, you need to quickly figure out what the problem is, if it can be fixed, or if it needs to be repaired or replaced.

5. Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is a crucial skill for anyone in healthcare. When you observe the minor details, you can prevent errors. And in medicine, the smallest error can have grave consequences. Keen attention to detail can also help you provide a thorough patient assessment and an accurate treatment plan. And it helps you notice subtle changes in your patients’ health, ensuring you detect the warning signs of a crisis before it occurs.

6. Time Management

Whether you work in a hospital unit, an assisted living facility, or a sleep center, you need to manage your time well. You may have multiple patients, and some will require more attention than others. You need to prioritize your patient needs and develop a consistent routine that can help you stay on schedule. You may encounter emergencies that require you to act quickly. If a patient stops breathing or is having trouble breathing, you may need to quickly intubate them or hook them up to a ventilator. Pro tip: Don’t multitask. Although multitasking can be an essential skill for some jobs, this job requires you to pay full attention to the task at hand. Remaining focused on one patient at a time and one task at a time can help you be efficient and accurate, which is critical for your patients’ health.

7. Communication

While much of your work is completed independently, you still work as part of a medical team. That means you need to have good communication skills to work effectively with others. When you start your shift, you communicate with the RT who is going off duty so you can learn how the patients have progressed, what patients were discharged, and how many new patients were moved into the unit. You also need to communicate with your health unit coordinator when taking breaks or when a problem occurs. At the end of your shift, you provide updates to the next staff member taking over your rounds. And when speaking to your patients and their families, good communication skills can put them at ease and foster trust and confidence in your skills.

8. Physical Stamina

You might not realize it, but the job of a Respiratory Therapist can be physically taxing. You’re often on your feet all day, making the rounds from patient to patient. As you perform tests and treatments, you may need to bend, crouch, or lean over your patients. Some days, your only down time may be when you’re on a break or taking a meal. Physical stamina is something you can build up over time, but incorporating stretching or light cardio into your morning routine can help you warm up for the day.

If you’re ready to pursue a career in respiratory therapy, contact Â鶹¹ÙÍø today. We offer an Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy that can prepare you for an entry-level job in this field. Our program can be completed online with in-person labs and a clinical practicum at a medical facility near you. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.

Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s Anchorage, AK Nursing program was recently named the . This recognition highlights our mission to train the next generation of skilled, compassionate nurses who are ready to make a difference across the diverse communities in Alaska and beyond.

Â鶹¹ÙÍø Nursing Recognized by RegisteredNursing.org

Each year, RegisteredNursing.org publishes rankings of nursing schools across the United States, helping prospective nursing students evaluate the quality of programs in their area. The organization’s 10th annual rankings placed Â鶹¹ÙÍø as the number three nursing school in Alaska for 2026, based primarily on pass rates for the NCLEX exams.

Because the NCLEX pass rate helps indicate how well a program prepares its graduates for real-world nursing roles, the recognition from RegisteredNursing.org showcases the strength of Charter’s Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program. This honor would not have been achieved without the entire Â鶹¹ÙÍø family dedicating their time, energy, and passion to prepare the next generation of professional nurses.

“This recognition of our Nursing program truly highlights the collective effort from our students and staff here at Â鶹¹ÙÍø,â€� said Â鶹¹ÙÍø President, Joshua Swayne. “At Â鶹¹ÙÍø, we provide our students with a balance of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and clinical experience to prepare them for their futures in nursing. To be honored as one of the best nursing schools in Alaska affirms that we do our jobs well and that our dedicated students will go on to become professional nurses who have a positive impact in their communities.â€�

Inside the Â鶹¹ÙÍø Nursing Program

Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s A.A.S. in Nursing degree program takes a career-focused approach that balances classroom instruction with hands-on practice on equipment used in real healthcare settings. Students of this program gain a strong foundation in areas like anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals, while we help them get the interpersonal, critical-thinking, and other soft skills also required in healthcare. According to Swayne, what truly differentiates the Â鶹¹ÙÍø program from others is the faculty who all have extensive healthcare experience. “Not only are they passionate about their profession,â€� said Swayne, “but they also care deeply about these future nurses.â€�

Another key component that helps the Â鶹¹ÙÍø program stand out is its blended learning format, which combines online coursework with in-person instruction. Students can complete some academic work online to help them better balance school with jobs and family life. At the same time, they participate in face-to-face classes, labs, and clinical experiences so they can apply the knowledge they learn.

Clinical Rotations in Â鶹¹ÙÍø Nursing Program

Clinical rotations are a vital part of the program, as they give students opportunities to work directly with patients in real-world healthcare settings. These experiences not only prepare them for the NCLEX-RN exam but also help them develop the confidence to transition into professional nursing roles after graduation. Â鶹¹ÙÍø partners with many facilities across Alaska, and they often hire our grads right from their clinical rotations!

Our graduates of the Anchorage nursing program enter the workforce with the skills and knowledge they need to serve in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations throughout the state.

Are you ready to take the first step toward becoming a nurse in Alaska and want to learn from a nationally recognized program? Â鶹¹ÙÍø can prepare you to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam in as few as 19 months. Call 888-200-9942 today or complete the online form to learn more about how Â鶹¹ÙÍø can help you begin your journey toward a nursing career.

Whether you work in retail, hospitality, or the service industry, customer service skills are critical to success. But did you know those very same skills that might earn you tips and a minimum wage paycheck can also be transferred to healthcare? Skills like patience and problem solving, and pleasantness under pressure, can all be transferred to patient care. Find out how the skills you already possess might help you transfer to a rewarding career in healthcare.

What Is Customer Service in Healthcare?

If you work in retail, you already understand that quality customer service means clear communication, paying attention to the customer, and answering any questions they have. Now consider the patient to be your “customer.� You create positive patient experiences through compassionate communication, respect, and support at every touchpoint. Just like you once listened to customer concerns, you now listen to patient concerns, explaining care clearly and making sure patients feel valued and understood. Strong patient service builds trust, improves satisfaction, and supports better overall health outcomes.

Customer Greeting Skills for Patients

Whether you aspire to become a Nurse, work as a Medical Assistant, or in some form of healthcare administration, your customer service skills—now turned patient care skills—set the tone for an office visit, medical emergency, and everything in-between. You may be the first person that a patient or family member interacts with. How you engage with them can put them at ease and make them feel like they’re in good hands or make them feel like it’s time to find another doctor’s office or healthcare facility. A friendly greeting and an empathetic conversation can calm patient anxiety and prepare them for next steps. Your attentiveness also shows them that at your facility, staff care about their patients, and they can expect the same attentiveness from whomever they interact with.

Transfer Interpersonal Skills to Patient Care to Improve Outcomes

Everything you’ve learned about relating to the public can be brought into the healthcare industry. Your patient care skills ensure your patients feel heard, respected, and supported throughout their care. Interpersonal skills, like communication, compassion, empathy, and teamwork, foster positive patient interactions and better adherence to treatments. Your ability to p. The better you interact with your patients, the better they’ll feel and heal.

Your Attention to Detail Skills Builds Trust and Loyalty

Just as attention to details gets customers to come back to a business over and over again, performing your healthcare job with care can improve the patient experience and reputation of your medical office or facility. You already know attention to detail reduces mistakes—and this is critical in medicine—but it also makes patients feel safer. Good customer service builds loyalty and repeat visits from your patients and may lead them to refer other patients to you.

Other Customer Service Skills to Transfer to Patient Care

• Active listening – understanding patient concerns and accurately capturing their needs
• Patience – managing stressful or time-consuming interactions calmly and respectfully
• Problem-solving – addressing issues quickly, whether with appointments, treatment questions, or paperwork
• Professionalism – maintaining a respectful, supportive attitude in every patient interaction
• Empathy – showing compassion and sensitivity to patients’ emotions and situations
• Clear communication – explaining procedures, instructions, or billing in simple, patient-friendly terms

How to Improve Customer Service in Your Healthcare Facility

So you understand how important good customer service is in healthcare, but how do you make sure it’s a top priority at your facility? There are many ways; here are just a few:

• Streamline patient scheduling and check-in to help reduce wait times. Many facilities have online registration. Does yours?
• Ensure all patient-facing staff members wear nametags. Being able to match a name to a face is important and can help you build stronger rapport with patients.
• Always prioritize patient comfort by maintaining clean, welcoming spaces with small amenities like reading materials and drinking water.
• Encourage teamwork so all departments coordinate to provide the best patient care possible.
• Simplify billing to make charges exactly match procedures and services and ensure all staff can explain them.
• Seek feedback, listen to your patients, and act upon their input to identify issues and create improvements.
• Provide multiple channels of communication. Make sure your facility’s website is updated and that your contact information is easy to find. Consider a chat bot on your website that can answer frequently asked questions, schedule appointments, and direct patients to you for more complex queries.
• Provide follow-up communication to check in after visits, reinforce care instructions, and demonstrate your concern for the individual patient.

Do you have well-honed customer service skills? You may be able to transfer those skills to a healthcare career. Â鶹¹ÙÍø offers multiple healthcare career options including many for in-demand imaging programs. Fill out the form to find out more.

Before you can become a Computed Tomography (CT) Technician in California, you first need to be a licensed Radiologic Technologist. Then you can complete specialized CT training, gain clinical experience, and become certified through the . Whether you’re already a Rad Tech looking to advance your career or are just considering a healthcare path, check out the 7 steps you need to take to be a CT Tech in California and decide if it’s for you.

Step 1: Earn Your Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology

An AART-approved Radiologic Technology program helps you prepare for a career as a CT Technician. Your RT program teaches you fundamental skills in medical imaging. You learn about CT scanners, X-ray machines, and MRI scanners. More importantly, you hone the necessary techniques to capture quality images and learn to identify abnormalities and errors in those images. You also learn how to position patients properly and to maintain a clean and sterile environment for all patients. Toward the end of your program, you complete a clinical rotation that allows you to work in a local facility under the guidance of licensed Rad Techs. The curriculum should also prepare you to sit for the American Registry Radiology Technician (ARRT) Certification Exam.

Step 2: Pass the ARRT Exam

Before you can earn your California state license, you need to pass the ARRT exam. This test validates your knowledge of basic radiography practices including image production and procedures, safety, and patient care. You can find important documentation, including a handbook and sample questions, on the . You register for the exam through Pearson VUE and schedule it for just before your graduation date. You need a score of at least 75 percent to pass the exam.

Step 3: Apply for a CA State License in Radiologic Technology

To apply for your license in California, you must , your ARRT test scores, and a $112 application fee. Your application can take up to 30 days to process.

Step 4: Get Classroom and Clinical Experience as a CT Tech

As a candidate for CT certification, you need to attend CT classes and document at least 125 computed tomography procedures. Fill out the and complete the necessary forms to document, verify, and submit your procedures.

Step 5: Pursue a CT Certification

Just as you registered and studied for the ARRT exam, do the same for the . The test is also administered through ARRT and proctored by Pearson VUE. The CT test also asks questions about image quality, safety, and patient care, and requires a passing score of 75 or higher.

Step 6: Find a CT Tech Job in California

With experience as an RT and CT, you may land a job directly from one of your clinical rotations. But you can also look at medical facilities like , , or the for a position as a CT Tech. Check online job boards for available positions and create a LinkedIn profile to search for jobs and connect with employers.

Step 7: Continue Your Education

To maintain your license, you need to complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years. This includes at least four hours of digital radiography. You can take these courses through local colleges or through ARRT.

Are you ready to become a CT Tech in California? You can earn both your Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology and your Advanced Certification in Computed Tomography at Â鶹¹ÙÍø. Our instructors have years of experience in the medical field and are dedicated to your success. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form for more info.

Patient care is really at the heart of your job as a Sonographer. After all, it doesn’t matter what kind of ultrasound you perform; your goal is to make patients as comfortable as possible as you provide critical insights that help doctors make diagnoses and treatment plans. You’re an important part of a healthcare team and taking care of patients is your number one priority. To provide those patients with the best care possible, you need to adhere to safety and security protocols, explain procedures, and treat them with respect and compassion. Check out the 7 patient care tips you need to follow as a sonographer:

1. Sonographers Confirm Patient Information

Even before you begin taking images, it’s critical to make sure that you have the right patient in for the right procedure. This first step helps to prevent errors and reassures patients that their care is handled with professionalism. Verify the patient’s name, date of birth, and the specific procedure. Cross-check this information against the physician’s order.

2. Explain Sonography Procedures

To provide knowledge and ease patient anxiety, introduce yourself and explain the sonography procedure you will perform. Describe how the ultrasound works, what body areas will be examined, and any sensations the patient may feel. Encourage the patient to ask questions. Provide as much information as possible so the patient can focus less on their emotions and make sound, informed decisions. At the end of the procedure, discuss possible next steps and when they can expect to receive the results.

3. Sonographers Show Patients Empathy and Compassion

Remember your past visits to the doctor’s office? Even if it was only for a routine check-up, you might have felt some anxiety or discomfort waiting for the visit to begin. Draw upon those past experiences to show empathy and compassion to your patients. Listen to your patients’ concerns, take cues from their body language, and communicate clearly. When you notice signs of distress, offer words of encouragement or ask the patient what you can do to make them more comfortable.

4. Ensure Patient Comfort During the Sonography

Make sure the patient is as physically comfortable as possible. Keep the room at a temperature that isn’t too hot or cold. Offer them a pillow for support or a blanket for comfort. Warm up the ultrasound gel before you apply it and continue to monitor the patient. If necessary, adjust the pressure or position of the transducer to alleviate pain or discomfort.

5. Medical Sonographers Respect Patient Privacy

Sonograms can be conducted on different parts of the body, from the thyroid to the pelvis. For you to properly perform a sonogram, the patient needs to remove some of their clothing. This can make some patients uncomfortable. Respect their privacy and ensure the exam door room is fully closed and use dividers to shield them, if necessary. Make sure the patient is draped so that only the pertinent body part is exposed. Explain to the patient what you are doing as you conduct the sonogram and respect their right to stop it at any time.

6. Sonographers Create a Calm Environment

The atmosphere you create can influence the patient’s feelings and ability to stay still during the procedure. A cold, sterile environment can make the patient anxious, while a calm environment can put the patient at ease. Consider the lighting in the exam room and the tone and volume of your own voice.

7. Follow Infection Control Procedures as a Sonographer

Patient safety depends on strict adherence to infection-control practices. Always wash your hands before and after each exam, use gloves when appropriate, and properly disinfect transducers, cables, and exam tables. Following protocols prevents the spread of infection and also reassures patients that their well-being is your top priority.

Are you interested in a career as a Sonographer? Â鶹¹ÙÍø offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography that can prepare you for an entry-level job in the field. Our instructors have years of experience in the medical field and are dedicated to your success. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.

In today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, technology is a critical component to maintain standards, increase efficiencies, and save lives. Whether you work in direct patient care or behind the scenes, there are computer skills you need to do your job well. Computer hardware and software not only enhance patient care but also ensure healthcare facilities run efficiently and effectively. It doesn’t matter if you’re a medical assistant, nurse, or administrator; having a strong grasp of healthcare-specific technology can set you apart and improve your career prospects. Here are some of the systems you’re likely to encounter on the job and why having the skills to work with them is so important:

1. Communication Technologies for Healthcare

From telephone, email, text messaging, and even fax machines, when you work in health care, you need the ability to communicate across a wide variety of systems and technologies. You may need to use paging systems and video conferencing or access patient portals. The technology that helps you communicate also helps coordinate care, and ensures accuracy, privacy, and efficiency in patient care.

2. Using Healthcare Scheduling and Appointment Software

Being skilled in appointment software is critical to maintain a smooth workflow in healthcare settings. Tools like Athenahealth, Zocdoc, or Practice Fusion allow you to manage appointments, send reminders, and perform cancellations and rescheduling quickly while minimizing disruptions to the provider’s day. Familiarity with these systems improves patient satisfaction, reduces no-shows, and optimizes provider schedules.

3. Managing Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are at the core of modern healthcare systems. Proficiency in managing EHRs involves creating, updating, and securely maintaining patient records. This skill ensures accurate documentation and supports seamless communication among healthcare providers. Familiarity with EHR software like Epic, Cerner, or Allscripts is often required in healthcare roles. Proper usage of EHRs improves patient outcomes and streamlines administrative tasks and compliance with legal requirements.

4. Being Adept with Medical Billing and Coding Software

At first glance, it might seem difficult to learn medical billing and coding, but understanding the technology is essential to a well-run healthcare system. These tools ensure accurate insurance claims and timely reimbursements. Knowledge of coding systems like ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS is a must, along with familiarity with platforms like Kareo, NextGen, or AdvancedMD. Errors in coding or billing can lead to claim denials, legal issues, and financial losses for healthcare organizations. That’s why across the country.

5. Understanding the Importance of Healthcare Tech Security

Regardless of your role in health care, you likely have access to sensitive patient information stored in your medical facility’s computer system. It’s critical that you understand the importance of patient confidentiality and that you keep all data secure. When you work with any system that stores sensitive information, make sure passwords are secure, you log out of your credentials after use, and report any suspicious activity you come across. It’s also important to be aware of common cyber attacks and ways you can prevent them.

6. Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring

Telehealth technology has become a cornerstone of modern healthcare, allowing providers to consult with patients remotely. Skills in using telehealth platforms such as Doxy.me, Amwell, or Zoom for Healthcare are invaluable. These platforms often integrate video conferencing, patient record access, and prescription management. Remote patient monitoring systems, such as wearable devices, are also increasingly prevalent. Understanding how to use these technologies to interpret data from the devices and integrate it into patient care plans can set you apart in the job market.

7. Data Analytics and Reporting Tools

Data analytics in healthcare is more than just a buzzword; it’s a vital tool to improve patient outcomes and organizational performance. Proficiency in data analytics can lead to roles in healthcare administration, quality improvement, or public health. It also helps in understanding population health trends and how to best allocate resources.

Healthcare professionals with strong medical computer skills are better equipped to handle the complexities of modern patient care and administrative tasks. Are you ready to step into a dynamic career in the medical field? Â鶹¹ÙÍø offers a variety of healthcare career training programs that teach you the best practices you need to succeed in whatever role you choose. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.

To get ready for the (ARRT) exam, you need to understand the test, use the resources that ARRT provides, and allow yourself plenty of prep time. But even before you hit study mode, it’s important to excel in your Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. That’s where you learn what you need to pass the test and build a career as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. Are you ready to get started? Follow this plan to prepare for the AART exam:

Understand the ARRT Exam and its Content

Before exam day, check out the ARRT exam and its format. The AART exam is a multiple-choice, online test that validates your knowledge of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The exam is backed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, a credentialing organization that offers certification in a variety of radiologic disciplines. The exam includes a total of 400 questions, with 360 contributing to your score. The exam takes just over seven hours to complete, so it is given in two separate test sessions. Test session 1 focuses on procedures while Test session 2 focuses on patient care and image production.

Excel in Your Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

Passing your ARRT exam proves that you are qualified to perform the tasks of a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer—and you learn those in school. Be sure to pay close attention during lectures and hands-on activities, taking organized notes that you can refer back to later. Note-taking can also help you comprehend and retain the information well because it encourages active listening and engagement with the material.

Check out the and highlight areas you struggle with. If you come across a topic that you don’t fully understand, ask your instructors to clarify. Chances are, other students may have a hard time with similar areas. Asking questions can spark classroom discussion that helps you remember the materials and helps other students in the process. If you still have trouble grasping a topic, don’t hesitate to schedule some one-on-one time with your instructor.

Create an ARRT Study Plan

Studying can easily be pushed to the side when you’re a busy adult, so start reviewing material at least three months ahead of the exam. Grab a planner or download a calendar app and incorporate studying into your weekly schedule. Block off three to four hours a week—even if that’s in 20- to 30-minute increments—for studying. Set notifications or reminders so you don’t forget. And find a quiet place in your home or at your local library to dive in. Use diagrams, flashcards, and charts to memorize the material. Discover the methods that work best for you and repeat.

Join a Study Group to Prepare for the ARRT Exam

A study group for the ARRT exam can boost your motivation and provide accountability. When you’re working with others, you’re more likely to be prepared. If your peers haven’t already formed a group that you can join, don’t be afraid to set up one. You and your classmates can quiz each other, clarify complex topics, and share study resources, making the material more engaging and easier to retain. When you explain concepts out loud to one another, you reinforce your understanding and discover gaps in your knowledge. Study groups can also reduce stress by creating a supportive environment and breaking the isolation of solo study. Group study can improve comprehension and confidence heading into exam day.

Use Study ARRT Prep Tools

Use the ARRT Examination Content Specifications as a study guide and be sure to take advantage of other online resources. ARRT provides an exam handbook, a list of exam requirements, and a task inventory that includes the duties of a sonographer. Download these materials early and keep them handy as you work through your sonography program. Use quizlets and take practice exams so you know where you stand before test day.

Physically Prep the Day Before Your ARRT Exam

You do your best when you feel your best. Be sure to get plenty of rest the night before the exam, have breakfast, and bring two forms of ID to the testing site. Arrive early and take a breath. You’ve got this!

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Do some research on radiologic technology and decide if it’s the right career path for you and then consider what you need to do to make it happen. To become a Radiologic Technician in Utah, you need a high school diploma or GED, and then you need to complete an accredited radiologic technology program. Upon successful completion of it, you need to pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam before applying for your license. And once you are a Rad Tech, you need to stay current on the profession through continuing education to maintain your license.

Why Do You Need a High School Diploma to Become a Rad Tech in Utah?

A high school diploma or its equivalent is required to become a Radiologic Technologist in Utah because it provides you with foundational knowledge and academic readiness. The skills you develop in high school in math, science, and reading are critical for learning anatomy, radiation safety, and medical terminology. State-approved programs and Utah’s licensure board also require a high school diploma or GED as a baseline for admission. Your diploma demonstrates that you’re ready for the rigorous academic and clinical demands of the Rad Tech profession.

Enroll in a Radiologic Technician Training Program in Utah

To become a Rad Tech in Utah, you need an associate degree in Radiologic Technology. Enroll in an accredited Rad Tech program and dedicate yourself to developing the skills you need for a successful career. Your program introduces you to medical imaging equipment, healthcare delivery, safety protocols, regulations, and patient care. Through the program, you learn how to properly position patients, operate and maintain the equipment, and how to tell the difference between an abnormality and an error in an image. You should also hone your soft skills like attention to detail, organization, communication, compassion, and empathy.

Earn Your American Registry Radiology Technician Certification

All Radiologic Technicians in Utah must pass the American Registry Radiology Technician Certification Exam before you can apply for licensure. You can apply for the exam up to three months prior to graduation. Schedule your exam with when you are ready. The tests your knowledge of patient care, safety, procedures, and image production. You take the exam on the computer over four hours, and it includes approximately 200 questions in a variety of formats. At the end of the exam, you will receive a preliminary score. Your final score will be mailed within 30 days of the exam date. If you pass, you’re ready to apply for your Utah state license.

Apply for a Utah State Radiologic Technician License

The State of Utah requires all Rad Techs to be licensed before they can work. You need to for a Radiologic Technician license through the Division of Professional Licensing. Fill out the application form, submit the $70 processing fee, and provide any supporting documentation related to potential legal issues that may need to be disclosed. Once your application has been processed, you will receive your license and can begin your job search.

Look for Rad Tech Jobs in Utah

Once you’ve received your license, you can get excited about the next step – finding your dream job. Update your resume with your training, qualifications, and credentials. Include relevant skills or experience you may have gained from your training. Build out a template for a cover letter but be sure to customize it for each job application you submit.

You can look for Rad Tech jobs on sites like Indeed or Simply Hired, or you can use industry job sites like the to look for open positions. You should also create a LinkedIn account and search for open jobs with healthcare facilities in the state. Or you can directly visit the websites of area facilities, such as:

If you’re ready to become a Rad Tech in the state of Utah, contact Â鶹¹ÙÍø today. We offer an Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology at our Salt Lake location that can prepare you for an entry-level job in the field. The program is offered in a blended learning format for convenience and can help prepare you to sit for the American Registry Radiology Technician Certification Exam. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.