Also called a radiographer, an x-ray technician operates the x-ray machine to produce an image necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of an illness, disorder or injury. Additionally, x-ray technicians perform computerized tomography scans (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as mammography. X-ray technicians work under the supervision of a radiologist who is a physician that specializes in the many areas of radiology science; it is the radiologist who actually reads the films that the x-ray technician takes.
An x-ray technician job also includes assisting the patient in preparation for the x-ray procedure, removing materials that the x-ray beams can’t penetrate such as jewelry, positioning the patient for the x-ray, protecting the patient and staff from harmful radiation levels, protecting sensitive areas of the body from unwanted radiation by lead shielding, and then taking the x-ray. They also perform maintenance measures for the machines, document all procedures, develop x-ray films, prepare contrast media, and maintain records.
Here are some tips on how to become an x-ray technician and how to decide which x-ray tech schools are best for you:
- Complete an x-ray technician training program. X-ray technician programs are usually offered as a certificate program, associate's degree and bachelor's degree. These are offered at x-ray technician schools that are usually associated with hospitals, universities and community colleges. You can enroll in an online school which offers x-ray technician training as well. A certificate program is ideal for health professionals who want only to have additional training. An associate's degree, on the other hand, is for those targeting an entry-level position. A bachelor's degree is required for administrative and supervisory positions. Coursework for x-ray technician programs should be approved by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and should include subjects like anatomy, physiology, radiographic positioning, imaging technology, medical terminology and patient care procedures. To qualify for an x-ray technician program, you need to at least have a high school diploma.
- Check with your state about licensure rules. Each state has its own regulation regarding licensure for x-ray technicians. Not every state requires licensure, so be sure to check the rules for your state.
- Earn x-ray technician certification. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) issues certification after you have passed the exam and satisfied educational requirements. ARRT certification is a requirement in most states for securing a state license. To maintain certification, you need to complete 24 credits of continuing education every two years.
- Choose a specialization. When reviewing x-ray technician requirements, you need to understand that a specialization is not required, but can improve your career credentials and therefore help advance your career. Specializations include MRI, CT, mammography and ultrasound. You can complete the corresponding training for the specialization of your choice and take a certification exam, which is also administered by ARRT.
- Develop the required traits and skills. Because you will be dealing with patients most of the time, you need to have particularly good communication skills, practice good medical ethics and be respectful of patients. Some of the patients may have a condition that may make them generally aggressive and irritated, so learn to be extra understanding. Also, you need to have manual dexterity to operate the machines correctly. If you work in a stressful environment, like a trauma center, your ability to work under stress and pressure will come in handy.
- Consider the job prospects and annual salary. There is currently a high demand for x-ray technicians. The job rate is expected to grow by around 15% by 2020 which is faster than the national employment outlook. The future is bright for x-ray technicians, especially if you can operate more complicated machines and are certified. Jobs are especially abundant in hospitals, diagnostic and treatment facilities, laboratories, physicians’ offices and outpatient care agencies. Work schedules are different from one facility to another. Wherever you are employed, you might be required to work in a shift schedule (days, evenings, nights and/or weekends) and may even be on-call. Annual salaries for x-ray technicians usually range from $45,000 to $70,000, depending on expertise, specialization, location of work and employer. Doctors’ offices usually pay less than larger medical centers.
X-ray technicians’ jobs are multi-faceted with lots of areas for specialization. With so many different areas to work in one department, the learning opportunities are almost endless. New areas of technology are almost certain to be developed within the field. This makes for a truly fascinating job.