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What Does it Take to Become an X-Ray Technician?
If you’re interested in a career in healthcare, you may be wondering what it takes to become an X-ray technician. X-ray technicians are responsible for performing diagnostic imaging exams, such as X-rays, on patients.
Becoming an X-ray technician typically requires completing an accredited radiography program and passing a state-administered certification exam. Some states also require licensure. Once you have the
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The X-Ray Technician Job
An X-ray technician is a medical professional who uses X-ray equipment to produce images of the human body for diagnostic purposes. X-ray techs typically work in hospitals, clinics, and medical laboratories. They may also work in private practices, imaging centers, or other healthcare facilities. To become an X-ray technician, one must complete an accredited X-ray technician program and obtain a state license.
What Does an X-Ray Technician Do?
An X-ray technician, also known as a radiographer, is a health professional who uses imaging technology to create diagnostic images of the human body. X-ray techs work in hospitals, clinics and private practices, and their job duties includePositioning patients for X-rays,Operating X-ray equipment,Developing X-ray film,Maintaining records of patients’ images and keeping patient files confidential.
In order to become an X-ray technician, one must complete an accredited radiography program and earn a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science. After completing the educational requirements, x-ray techs must obtain a state license in order to practice.
What are the X-Ray Technician Job Requirements?
To become an X-Ray Technician, one must complete an accredited program and earn an Associate’s Degree or Certificate in Radiologic Technology. Although not required, many employers prefer those who have completed a Bachelor’s Degree program in Radiologic Sciences. In addition, all states require X-Ray Technicians to be licensed by the state in which they practice.
X-Ray Technician programs can be found at many community colleges and technical schools, and typically take two years to complete. The first year of study focuses on classroom instruction in subjects such as human anatomy, physiology, and medical ethics. The second year is spent completing clinical rotations at hospitals or other medical facilities, where students gain hands-on experience performing X-Rays under the supervision of licensed technologists.
After completing an accredited program and passing the required examinations, X-Ray Technicians can apply for state licensure. Specific requirements vary by state, but all states require completion of an accredited program and passing of a national certification exam. Once licensed, X-Ray Technicians must renew their license every two to four years, depending on the state requirements.
How to Become an X-Ray Technician
An X-ray technician is a health care professional who uses imaging technologies to diagnose and treat patients. If you’re interested in becoming an X-ray technician, you’ll need to complete a training program and earn a license. In this article, we’ll cover the steps you’ll need to take to become an X-ray technician.
Step One: Research X-Ray Technician Programs
The first step to becoming an X-ray technician is to research X-ray technician programs. Many community colleges and vocational schools offer two-year associate degree programs in radiography. These programs typically include coursework in anatomy, physiology, medical ethics and patient care, as well as practicum experience in hospitals or clinics. Some four-year colleges also offer bachelor’s degree programs in radiologic technology.
Once you have completed an accredited radiography program, you will need to obtain a state license in order to practice. Most states require licensure for all X-ray technicians, although the specific requirements may vary from state to state. In some states, licensure may be granted after passing an exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians (ARRT).
Step Two: Complete an X-Ray Technician Program
An X-ray technician program typically lasts two years, although some schools offer four-year programs that include an associate’s degree. Admission requirements vary by school, but most programs require students to have a high school diploma or equivalent.
During the program, students take classes such as anatomy, physiology, algebra and chemistry. They also receive supervised training in how to operate X-ray equipment and how to position patients for X-rays. Most states require X-ray technicians to be licensed or certified.
Certification is not required in all states, but it may improve employment opportunities. Certification is available from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). To be eligible for certification, candidates must graduate from an accredited X-ray technician program and pass a written exam.
Step Three: Get Licensed or Certified
licensure Most states require X-ray technicians to be licensed. The process for becoming licensed is different in every state, but generally includes completing an accredited program and passing an exam. Some states use the national certifying exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians (ARRT) as their licensing exam, while others have their own exam. You can find out what’s required in your state by contacting your state’s radiology board.
certification In addition to licensure, X-ray technicians can also choose to become certified. Certification is voluntary, but it may help you get a job or advance in your career. To be eligible for certification, you must have completed an accredited program and met all other requirements set by the certifying organization, which vary depending on the organization. For example, the ARRT requires technologists to complete an ethics review and pass a written examination before they can be certified.
What to Expect After Becoming an X-Ray Technician
After completing the required education and training, newly certified X-ray technicians can expect to find numerous job opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. Many X-ray techs find steady work in Doctors’ offices, and some eventually move on to become managers of radiology departments. Some X-ray technicians even open their own private practices.
Job Opportunities for X-Ray Technicians
As an X-ray technician, you may find work in a hospital setting, a private medical office, or an outpatient clinic. You will likely work full time, and your hours may include evenings or weekends. Many techs work on call, which means they may have to be available to come into work at short notice.
Salary and Career Outlook for X-Ray Technicians
With an aging population and advances in medical technology, the demand for X-ray technicians is expected to grow by 9% from 2019 to 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s nearly double the average growth rate for all occupations. The median salary for X-ray techs was $62,650 in 2019.
The top 10% of earners made more than $84,810, while the bottom 10% earned less than $41,540. The best-paid X-ray techs work in hospitals, while those in physicians’ offices and diagnostic laboratories earn somewhat less.
