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As an x-ray technician, your main job will be to harness radiologic technology to capture images of the body which will be used by doctors in making sound diagnosis and treatment recommendation. X-ray techs usually work with x-ray equipment, although they may also be qualified to operate computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment as well.
The most common tasks an x-ray technician does is to prepare patients for scanning with the x-ray machine, all while monitoring their safety and their own as well from the dangers of radiation. They place lead shields and other protective gear on patients to prevent or reduce exposure from radiation. X-ray techs also make sure that x-ray equipment is positioned at the correct height and angle over the area of the patient's body.
Often times, an x-ray technician is mistaken to be the same as a radiologic technologist - although there are some tasks they both can perform, a radiologic technologist is involved in more complex procedures. Both of them must be able to adhere to doctor's orders at all times, as well as safety SOP's in operating x-ray equipment. An x-ray technician can also be responsible for recording patient data, organize work schedules, and monitor equipment purchases.
The usual starting point for becoming an x-ray technician is through a 2-year Associate's Degree training program in radiography. You can find a wide variety of such programs from colleges and universities. It is highly recommended that you enroll only in training programs that have been accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
After graduation from your training program, it is also a good idea to apply for voluntary certification as an x-ray technician. Certification is administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Majority of employers nowadays prefer hiring x-ray technicians who have acquired certification since it gives a sense of confidence that the applicant is proficient and competent in his chosen field.
The demand for x-ray technicians is expected to rise in the next decade or so, especially with the increase in population and the advancements in radiologic technology. The salary for an x-ray technician can be anywhere from $35,000 to $70,000 depending on where you are employed and other important factors. Employment opportunities can also be found in a wide variety of settings, but medical and diagnostic laboratories continue to be the top industry employing x-ray technicians.
The most common tasks an x-ray technician does is to prepare patients for scanning with the x-ray machine, all while monitoring their safety and their own as well from the dangers of radiation. They place lead shields and other protective gear on patients to prevent or reduce exposure from radiation. X-ray techs also make sure that x-ray equipment is positioned at the correct height and angle over the area of the patient's body.
Often times, an x-ray technician is mistaken to be the same as a radiologic technologist - although there are some tasks they both can perform, a radiologic technologist is involved in more complex procedures. Both of them must be able to adhere to doctor's orders at all times, as well as safety SOP's in operating x-ray equipment. An x-ray technician can also be responsible for recording patient data, organize work schedules, and monitor equipment purchases.
The usual starting point for becoming an x-ray technician is through a 2-year Associate's Degree training program in radiography. You can find a wide variety of such programs from colleges and universities. It is highly recommended that you enroll only in training programs that have been accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
After graduation from your training program, it is also a good idea to apply for voluntary certification as an x-ray technician. Certification is administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Majority of employers nowadays prefer hiring x-ray technicians who have acquired certification since it gives a sense of confidence that the applicant is proficient and competent in his chosen field.
The demand for x-ray technicians is expected to rise in the next decade or so, especially with the increase in population and the advancements in radiologic technology. The salary for an x-ray technician can be anywhere from $35,000 to $70,000 depending on where you are employed and other important factors. Employment opportunities can also be found in a wide variety of settings, but medical and diagnostic laboratories continue to be the top industry employing x-ray technicians.
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