Self-test "Radiology specialist HF": Is the course suitable for me?
Find out now in our self-test whether a radiology course at a university of applied sciences leading to the protected title of "Certified Radiology Specialist HF" is right for you - free of charge and without obligation.
Your advantages: In the self-test, you will receive further information that is tailored to the respective answer options "Yes", "Partly", "No". The result at the end of the self-test also provides you with an overview of suitable providers for the HF course. You will also benefit from helpful tips on finding the right school.
Note:
- Until November 2017, the HF course was called "Specialist in medical-technical radiology HF" or "Specialist in medical-technical radiology HF". Since then, it has been offered and conducted under the name "Radiology Specialist HF".
- In French-speaking Switzerland, the course can also be completed as a degree course at a university of applied sciences and thus a bachelor's degree can be obtained.
Radiology specialist HF: What is everyday working life like?
Radiology specialists HF are mainly employed in hospitals and radiology institutes. However, they can also be found in veterinary medicine, industry and research. Their field of activity mainly comprises medical radiology with the three specialist areas of "diagnostic radiology", "nuclear medicine" and "radiooncology". Radiology specialists work closely with other professional groups, such as doctors, scientists, medical physicists, nurses, IT specialists, representatives from industry and business, educational institutions, etc.
- In thediagnostic radiologythey carry out X-ray examinations of organs, bones, blood vessels and nerve tracts using imaging techniques. The results are classic X-ray images that reveal the inside of the human body.
- In theRadiation oncologytreatment is carried out with targeted radiotherapy over several weeks and under medical supervision (radiotherapy plan). The aim is to cure or alleviate tumors and cancer.
- In theNuclear medicineradiology specialists prepare radioactive substances in the laboratory and then administer them to patients in small and coordinated quantities (to be swallowed, inhaled or injected). The activity or distribution of the administered radioactive substance can then be recorded using special measuring devices. The results are compiled and forwarded to the doctors treating the patient for diagnosis.
In addition to their specialist tasks, radiology specialists are generally responsible for monitoring and caring for patients during treatment. They are also responsible for operating the high-tech equipment independently and autonomously. They are also responsible for the safety of all those involved, including, for example, compliance with radiation protection regulations.
Finally, they are also responsible for work organization, inducting new employees and providing learning support for the students assigned to them.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a qualified radiology specialist HF?
Great! Then you are in the right place with radiology training at a higher technical college to become a radiology specialist with a federally recognized HF diploma. We wish you lots of fun and success.
By the way: If you are looking for further suitable training opportunities after successfully completing your HF degree, take a look at theEducational counseling offerfrom Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
So you don't like all activities. Think about which ones interest you the most and which ones don't. Remember: in practically every job, there are activities that are less interesting. It is important to make sure that these do not predominate.
When looking for a job after this training, you will be able to choose whether you prefer to work in diagnostics or radiotherapy, for example, and to what extent you want to be involved in administrative work (e.g. making appointments with patients, managing dossiers, etc.). Overall, however, the field of work is clearly defined.
If you don't really see yourself doing this, you could also take a look at related courses in the field of medicine.Hereyou will find an overview.
If you don't like these activities at all, take a look at the numerous other further training opportunities. You will find a large selection on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch. For examplehere.
Are you still looking for your vocation? Then it's worth taking a look at ourGuide "Finding your own calling"to throw.
Target group, personal characteristics and skills: For whom is the HF training course to become a qualified radiology specialist HF suitable?
Do you enjoy working with people, but also have an affinity for technology? Are you fascinated by the world of radiology and its diverse applications in medicine? Do the enormous dynamics in medicine and the constant and rapid technological developments appeal to you? Do you like to take on responsibility and enjoy passing on your knowledge?
If you were able to answer the majority of these questions with "Yes", then you most likely belong to the target group of the HF Radiology Specialist HF course.
The radiology course at the HF is aimed at professionals, preferably from the medical field, who are interested in training with a high level of practical relevance and who subsequently want to hold a degree in their hands that provides an excellent basis for later career steps.
(Prospective) radiology specialists should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Technical affinity
- Physical and mental resilience
- Manual dexterity
- Spatial imagination
- Meticulous way of working
- Empathy
- Sense of responsibility
- Reliability
- Ability to work in a team
- Social competence
- Good communication skills
- Independence
- Willingness to work irregular hours and at night
Question 2:
Do you belong to the target group for this radiology training course and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great! Find out in the next step whether you meet the admission requirements to start training as a radiology specialist HF.
- If you have the feeling that you do not belong to the target group for training to become a qualified radiology specialist HF, the question arises as to which points make you skeptical. Are you worried that the high-tech equipment might be too complex for you? Or is it because of the work with radioactive radiation/substances? Or are you not interested in taking on a management role?
- Remember, with an HF degree you are qualified to work at management level - but you don't have to or can only take the step when you feel ready and an opportunity arises at your place of work.
- Working with radioactive radiation / substances: There are strict safety regulations so that you do not have to fear any health consequences. Please also read the following pagehere.
- Don't worry about the complexity of the devices: you will be given a thorough, step-by-step introduction to operating the devices during your training. If you still have any questions, your colleagues will be happy to help you.
- If you are interested in the subject but do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, it will be difficult. You are unlikely to meet the requirements of the job, which will sooner or later affect your motivation and enjoyment of the job as well as your performance. Perhaps you can use your skills in another area of the healthcare sector? Look out for other further training opportunities that offer a professional specialization or specialization that better suits your skills. You can find inspirationhere.
- If you are unsure whether you are well suited to such a role, it is best to discuss this with your line manager or career advisor. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
Requirements for admission to radiology specialist training at a higher technical college:
Admission to the "Radiology Specialist" HF program is generally* subject to the following requirements:
- Completed basic vocational training (EFZ), an apprenticeship in the medical or technical field is an advantage.
Or
- Technical secondary school certificate, vocational baccalaureate, high school baccalaureate or equivalent certificate
And
- Passed aptitude assessment (the schools decide for themselves exactly what this looks like and how it is carried out; there may therefore be differences. In most cases, a personal dossier with CV and letter of motivation must be submitted in advance, followed by a personal interview and an aptitude test on professional and personal competence as well as an aptitude internship lasting several days).
- Professional experience in the medical or technical field
In addition:
- Very good written and oral German language skills (at least level C1 according to the European Language Reference Framework)
Note: Have you been studying chemistry, physics and mathematics for a while? Don't worry, many schools offer corresponding preparatory courses so that you are optimally prepared for your radiology training.
* The universities of applied sciences (HF) decide independently on the admission procedure. There may therefore be differences between the providers. The admission procedure is set out and regulated in the study regulations of the respective HF. It must comply with the relevant legal requirements. More information on this can be found in the answers.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great! Then you can start the HF course to become a radiology specialist with a federally recognized HF diploma.
The courses of higher technical colleges (HF):
The courses offered by the universities of applied sciences (HF) are based on framework curricula that have been jointly developed by education providers and industry associations (they are the sponsors of the framework curriculum) and approved by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). If the universities of applied sciences adhere to existing framework curricula in the detailed design of their courses, their HF courses are federally recognized and lead to a protected title.Hereyou will find a list of recognized HF degree courses.
- If you do not have the necessary basic vocational training with a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ), then look for a suitable training opportunity. It is also possible to obtain the EFZ or an equivalent qualification as an adult. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
- If you have a foreign qualification, please contact SERI, which is responsible for checking the equivalence of foreign qualifications.Hereyou will receive helpful information.
- Not sure whether your German language skills meet the required level? Then take aLanguage placement test.
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as work experience for the radiology training course for radiology specialists at a university of applied sciences (HF), clarify your chances directly with the school of your choice.
- If you have too little or no relevant professional experience, you have the following options:
- You can use professional job boards to search for suitable job offers where you can gain the necessary experience. You can find out how best to proceed herehere.
- Do you know someone in your private or professional environment who works in the field of radiology? Then you could ask him/her for tips, perhaps he/she would also be willing to support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
The courses of higher technical colleges (HF):
The courses offered by the universities of applied sciences (HF) are based on framework curricula developed jointly by education providers and industry associations and approved by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). If the PET colleges adhere to existing framework curricula in the detailed design of their courses, their PET courses are federally recognized and lead to a protected title.Hereyou will find a list of recognized HF degree courses.
- If you do not have the necessary basic vocational training with a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ), then look for a suitable apprenticeship. It is also possible to obtain the EFZ or an equivalent qualification as an adult. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
- If you have a foreign qualification, please contact SERI, which is responsible for checking the equivalence of foreign qualifications.Hereyou will receive helpful information.
- You are not sure whether your German language skills meet the required level? Then take aLanguage placement test.
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as work experience for the radiology training course for radiology specialists at a university of applied sciences (HF), clarify your chances directly with the school of your choice.
- If you have too little or no relevant professional experience, you have the following options:
- You can use professional job boards to search for suitable job offers where you can gain the necessary experience. You can find out how best to proceed herehere.
- Do you know someone in your private or professional environment who works in the field of radiology? Then you could ask him/her for tips, perhaps he/she would also be willing to support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
The courses of higher technical colleges (HF):
The courses offered by the universities of applied sciences (HF) are based on framework curricula developed jointly by education providers and industry associations and approved by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). If the PET colleges adhere to existing framework curricula in the detailed design of their courses, their PET courses are federally recognized and lead to a protected title.Hereyou will find a list of recognized HF degree courses.
Subject matter and content of the training
The following learning content and topics are covered in training at a higher technical college to become a radiology specialist HF:
- Radiation protection
- Radiation physics
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Pathology
- Psychosociology
- Medical informatics
- Diagnostic radiology
- Cross-sectional imaging
- Radiation oncology
- Nuclear medicine
- Hygiene and infection prevention
- Hazard management
The course content listed here is not an exhaustive list. Although the universities of applied sciences follow the corresponding framework curriculum* when designing their radiology training programs, they have a certain amount of leeway when it comes to designing their continuing education programs. Which learning content is ultimately covered and how it is structured and deepened can therefore vary from HF to HF.
Note: In view of the rapid (technical) developments and findings in medicine, it is mandatory for radiology specialists to undergo further training at least every five years. You can find out more about compulsory further traininghere.
* This is the "Medical-technical radiology" framework curriculum. It is backed by a sponsoring body that is responsible for creating the framework curriculum and periodically (every seven years) reviews it to ensure that it is up to date and of high quality. The sponsoring body is the national umbrella organization of the working world of health (OdASanté).
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Great! An interest in the subject is the best prerequisite for successfully completing further training to become a qualified radiology specialist HF.
You can look forward to exciting and informative hours in which you will broaden your knowledge horizon and skills - aspects that are in demand on the job market and increase your career and salary opportunities.
Are there just a few subjects or topics that you don't find so exciting and could do without? That's not a bad thing and is the case for most people. Perhaps you could form a study group with other people from your class? It's usually easier to learn together in a group, as you can motivate each other and master even boring and/or difficult subjects.
However, if you cannot identify with many topics or even an entire learning area, you should attend an information event on the radiology training course for radiology specialists HF and clarify your questions with the school management. Find out what is really taught and how deeply you need to familiarize yourself with the subject matter.
If the course content really doesn't match your interests, you should take a look at related training courses in the healthcare sector.Hereyou will find an overview.
If you struggle with many of these subjects, this may not be the right course for you. Take a look at other further training courses or attend an information event on the HF course to become a Radiology Specialist HF and clarify whether these subjects are really right for you.
Costs and financing of further training
You should expect the following costs for the 3-year full-time training course to become a radiology specialist HF:
- Tuition fees:The semester fee depends on the school and your place of residence/canton. For students residing in the canton where they are studying, you can expect to pay an average of around CHF 750 per semester*.
- Registration and admission fee:approx. CHF 150
- Other extra costs:At some schools, you will have to expect additional costs for the radiology course, for example for books, teaching materials, external study days and/or the diploma thesis. The school of your choice will be happy to provide you with detailed information on this.
- Wages for students:Practical work during training is remunerated. The wage rates are regulated cantonally and internally. Please contact the provider of your choice directly.
* Courses at universities of applied sciences are financially supported (subsidized) by the cantons. Students from outside the canton pay higher tuition fees. The following requirements apply in order to receive cantonal subsidies:
- at least two years of residence in the canton
- The course is listed on the EDK (Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education) list of eligible courses (you will find the link to the list in the answer texts).
The cantonal subsidies are usually regulated by the school, and these subsidies are usually already included in the tuition fees stated by the schools.
Question 5:
Are you able to finance around CHF 4,650 for the radiology specialist training course?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the entire amount for the radiology training course at a higher vocational school for radiology specialists in advance, ask the school of your choice whether they offer a special discount if you pay in full in advance. Some schools also offer a special price if you book very early.
- You can find information on financial support options from your employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from the EducaSwiss Foundation in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
- Aboutthis linkto access the EDK list of HF courses eligible for funding.
- Ask the schools first about the actual costs (including extra costs) and the possibility of paying in installments. The schools usually charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
- Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs of radiology specialist training.
- Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
- You can find information on financial support options from your employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from the EducaSwiss Foundation in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
- Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
- Aboutthis linkto access the EDK list of HF courses eligible for funding.
- First ask the schools about the actual costs for the HF radiology training course for radiology specialists and the possibility of paying in installments. The schools usually charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
- Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
- Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
- You can find information on financial support options from your employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from the EducaSwiss Foundation in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
- Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
- Aboutthis linkto access the EDK list of HF courses eligible for funding.
Duration of study, number of learning hours, forms of learning, teaching times, teaching format and learning effort
- Duration of studyRadiology training to become a radiology specialist HF at a university of applied sciences takes three years and is only offered full-time.
- Number of learning hoursThe course comprises 5400 learning hours. At least 40% to a maximum of 50% of this takes place at school. The other at least 50% to max. 60% are spent in practice.
- Forms of learningThe learning hours are divided into the following academic and practical educational components:
- School as a place of learning: This is where the relevant theoretical knowledge is taught.
- Practice learning location: This is where students receive their clinical training, which involves working directly with patients.
- There are training and transfer sequences at both the school and practice learning venues, in which, for example, the necessary skills are practiced on the equipment.
- Lesson timesAs this radiology specialist training course is a full-time course, lessons generally take place every day. When exactly the individual theoretical and practical sequences are carried out at school and in the company is very individual and depends on the school and the company, among other things. This is because they can create their own timetables.
- Teaching formatSchool lessons usually take place on site.
- Learning effort: You should allow sufficient time for preparation and follow-up of the lessons as well as for self-study - how much depends on your previous knowledge, working style, learning speed and chosen training model.
Note: Some schools offer so-called "taster lessons"/"trial lessons". This gives you the opportunity to gain an insight into the lessons and the learning atmosphere. Important aspects on the way to a successful graduation. Take advantage of this opportunity and contact the school of your choice directly.
Question 6:
Can you find the time for lessons and self-study?
Great!
Tip for self-study: Set yourself realistic daily or weekly targets and think about a small reward when you have achieved them. A good study strategy not only motivates you, but also protects you from chaotic, stressful study days and nights shortly before the exam.
Perhaps you could also get together with other course participants from the class to form a learning group? The exchange with like-minded people and the commitment to meet at a fixed time to learn together can be very motivating.
If you do not have enough time for the full-time training to become a qualified radiology specialist HF, contact the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the training over more than six semesters.
If you still don't have enough time, check whether you can create space for yourself elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your training?
Degree, diploma and title
During the radiology specialist training course, you will generally have to achieve various qualifications. These can take the form of examinations, for example semester or intermediate examinations, or independent work, for example semester or project work and presentations. The grades for these qualification achievements are then incorporated directly into the final grades.
If you meet all the previous qualifications, you will be admitted to the final diploma examination. This consists of a practice-oriented diploma thesis or a practice-oriented project as well as an internship qualification and a technical interview.
The details of implementation are regulated by the respective HF in its study regulations.
Diploma and title
Graduates of radiology training at a university of applied sciences receive an HF diploma and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected professional title "dipl. Radiologiefachfrau / dipl. Radiologiefachmann HF".
- In French: "Technicienne en radiologie médicale diplômée ES / Technicien en radiologie médicale diplômé ES"
- In Italian: "Tecnica di radiologia medica dipl. SSS / Tecnico di radiologia medica dipl. SSS"
- The recommended translation in English is as follows: "Registered Radiographer, Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education". This is not a protected title.
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to complete the higher technical college for the federally recognized HF diploma "Radiology Specialist HF"?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to the new qualification as a Radiology Specialist HF:
- Regular class attendance
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active class participation
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Learning group participation for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are unsure, we recommend that you attend an information event on this course for qualified radiology specialists.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school management about support options. Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training.
You can find suitable offers here:
Do you suffer from exam anxiety and is this possibly the reason for your insecurity? Here, too, you can get appropriate support to learn suitable techniques and also experience the positive sides of exam anxiety. You can find suitable providershere.
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular class attendance
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active class participation
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Learning group participation for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are not at all confident that you can pass the final examination, but would like to complete the training to become a qualified radiology specialist HF, it is best to arrange a personal consultation appointment with a school. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school of your choice whether there are any support options for you.
You should also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training or by learning appropriate mindfulness and relaxation techniques, which can be helpful if you have exam anxiety, for example. You can find suitable offers here:
No, training to become a Radiology Specialist HF does not suit you. What a pity? - Maybe not, because there are so many other options for further training. One or the other will certainly suit you much better.
Check which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Radiology specialist with an HF diploma is probably not the right further training goal for you.
Are you surprised or disappointed? Perhaps take the test again and see where your ideas or possibilities deviate from the ideal job. Perhaps this will point you in the direction of more suitable further training.
Then see which other further training courses interest you. ToEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
This is a half-hearted result: working as a qualified radiology specialist HF does not seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't appeal to you or isn't a good organizational fit?
See which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Radiology specialist training at a university of applied sciences (HF) is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the providers' information events. There you can find out more about further training and discuss your personal options and questions directly with the specialist representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
"Radiology training to become a radiology specialist HF"
How do I find the school that suits me?
- You can find helpful information and tips in ourGuide: "How to choose the right training provider".You benefit from a helpful checklist with the most important points to be clarified, so you can keep an overview.
- Also take a look at ourEvaluation toolwith numerous reviews from former participants of various courses. Thanks to the numerous filter options, including the number of stars, region, year or school, you can view exactly the reviews that interest you.
This HF training course to become a radiology specialist seems to suit you.
As a next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and obtain details of the exact costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
"Radiology training to become a radiology specialist HF"
How do I find the school that suits me?
- You can find helpful information and tips in ourGuide: "How to choose the right training provider". You benefit from a helpful checklist with the most important points to be clarified, so you can keep an overview.
- Also take a look at ourEvaluation toolwith numerous reviews from former participants of various courses. Thanks to the numerous filter options, including the number of stars, region, year or school, you can view exactly the reviews that interest you.
This course seems to be made for you!
The best thing to do now is to attend information events at the schools you are interested in and find out everything you need to know about the specific content, costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
"Radiology training to become a radiology specialist HF"
How do I find the school that suits me?
- You can find helpful information and tips in ourGuide: "How to choose the right training provider". You benefit from a helpful checklist with the most important points to be clarified, so you can keep an overview.
- Also take a look at ourEvaluation toolwith numerous reviews from former participants of various courses. Thanks to the numerous filter options, including the number of stars, region, year or school, you can view exactly the reviews that interest you.