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The X-Ray Technician field is one that is in high demand, and expected to grow even more in the coming years. If you’re looking to get into this field, you might be wondering what degree you need to become an X-Ray Technician. We’ve got the details on what education and training is required, so read on to find out more.
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What is an X-Ray Technician?
An x-ray technician is a medical professional who uses imaging technology to capture diagnostic images of the human body. X-ray technicians must have a thorough understanding of human anatomy and physiology in order to produce high-quality images. They must also be able to operate complex medical equipment and understand the technical aspects of diagnostic imaging.
Job Description
An X-ray technician, also called a radiographer, is a healthcare professional who uses medical imaging technologies to produce images of the human body. These images are used by physicians to diagnose and treat injuries and diseases.
X-ray technicians typically work in hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices. They may also work in mobile units that provide imaging services to patients in remote locations. X-ray technicians typically work full time and may be required to work evenings, weekends, or holidays.
The job duties of an X-ray technician can vary depending on the employer and the size of the facility in which they work. In larger facilities, X-ray technicians may specialize in one area of diagnostic imaging, such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasound. In smaller facilities, they may be responsible for providing all types of imaging services.
In addition to performing X-rays, X-ray techniciansmay also be responsible for preparing patients for procedures, positioning them correctly on the X-ray table or gurney, operating the X-ray equipment, and keeping the patient calm and comfortable during the procedure. After the images have been taken, they may also be responsible for processing them and sending them to a physician for interpretation.
X-ray technicians must follow strict safety protocols to protect themselves from exposure to radiation. They typically wear lead aprons or gowns when performing procedures and often use lead shields to protect sensitive areas of the body from radiation exposure.
Salary
An entry-level X-Ray Technician with less than 1 year experience can expect to earn an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of $19.37 based on 32 salaries. An early career X-Ray Technician with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $21.43 based on 153 salaries. A mid-career X-Ray Technician with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $25.00 based on 92 salaries. An experienced X-Ray Technician with 10-19 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $30.16 based on 65 salaries. In their late career (20 years and higher), employees earn an average total compensation of $33.
What Education is Needed to Become an X-Ray Technician?
There are a few different paths you can take to become an X-Ray Technician. The most common way is to complete an accredited radiology program and earn an associate’s degree in radiography. Alternatively, you could complete a certificate program or a bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology.
High School
In order to become an X-ray technician, you will need to complete high school or earn an equivalent diploma. During your high school years, you should take courses in math and science to prepare for the rigors of college coursework. After completing high school, you can then enroll in a certified X-ray technician program at a community college or trade school.
Associate’s Degree
An Associate’s Degree in Radiology is the most common type of education obtained by X-Ray Technicians. This type of degree can be earned at many community colleges and takes approximately two years to complete. Programs typically include general education courses in addition to those specific to the field of radiography.
Bachelor’s Degree
In order to become an X-ray technician, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology. This type of program will prepare you for a career in the medical field by teaching you how to use X-ray machines and other imaging equipment. You will also learn about patient care, human anatomy, and medical ethics. Once you have completed your degree, you will be eligible to take the national certification exam.
What Certification is Needed to Become an X-Ray Technician?
There are two main types of X-Ray Technician certification: Registered Radiologic Technologist (RT) and Registered Radiographer (RG). You need to pass an exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to become a Registered Radiologic Technologist. To become a Registered Radiographer, you need to pass an exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians (ARRT).
ARRT Certification
ARRT certification is the most common form of certification for X-ray technicians. To become certified by the ARRT, technicians must complete an accredited educational program and pass a rigorous exam. Certification must be renewed every few years through continuing education and retesting.
State Licensure
Most states require X-ray technicians to be licensed. Specific licensure requirements vary by state, but all states require passing an exam. A few states have reciprocity agreements with other states, which allow technicians who are already licensed in one state to become licensed in another state without having to retake the exam.
In order to sit for the licensing exam, most states require X-ray technicians to have completed an accredited training program and to have earned a passing score on a general radiography exam, such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam. A few states have additional requirements, such as continuing education courses or passing a state-specific jurisprudence exam.
What Are the Job Prospects for X-Ray Technicians?
X-Ray technicians are in high demand and the job prospects are good. Technicians can find work in hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, and other health care facilities. The median annual wage for X-ray technicians was $60,070 in May 2019, and the employment of X-ray technicians is projected to grow 7% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
Employment Outlook
The job outlook for X-ray technicians is excellent. Employment of X-ray technicians is projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.1 Hospitals, physician’s offices, and diagnostic laboratories will continue to be the major employers of X-ray technicians.
As the baby-boom population ages, there will be an increase in medical tests, which will require more X-rays. In addition, as new technologies are developed—such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and PET scans—the demand for X-ray technicians who are trained in these modalities will also grow.
Top States for X-Ray Technician Employment
There are many reasons to pursue a career in radiography. For one, x-ray technician jobs are expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations between 2016 and 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual salary for x-ray techs was $58,120 in 2017, meaning that half of all technologists earned more than that while half earned less (www.bls.gov).
If you’re looking for the best state in which to pursue your career, you might want to consider Texas. The Lone Star State is projected to create the most new jobs for x-ray techs of any state between 2016 and 2026, according to the BLS. Other top states for employment growth include Arizona, Florida and Georgia.
