After completing x-ray technician training from approved x-ray technician schools or x-ray tech schools, graduates can prepare radiology equipment according to doctors orders, explain the nature of procedures to patients, clean and maintain radiological equipment, prepare patients by shielding non scanned areas with lead shields, and maintain patient records in a radiology department. An x-ray tech is a medical assistant who administers x-ray and imaging exams for the diagnosis of medical problems. The job market is looking good for x-ray technicians. The decreasing cost of x-ray technology is allowing more private doctors and non-hospitals to add x-ray labs to their practices. This has caused an estimated 17% growth in the number of x-ray technician jobs needed in the coming years.
X-Ray Technician Training – Selecting A Qualified X-Ray Technician School
A qualified x-ray technician school should offer the core curriculum for medical assisting courses with an emphasis on x-ray technology. A qualified school should have regional or national accreditation from a body that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Students should select their school based on teacher credentials, admission requirements, residency requirements, course content and presentation, and use of technology. Online schools are currently a good option for busy students considering a x-ray technician schools or x-ray tech schools. Candidates can earn a certificate, associates degree, or bachelor degree from an accredited online school from their homes.
X-Ray Technician Training Prerequisites
Prerequisites for students entering into x-ray technology are mental and physical stamina. In addition, they need patience and compassion for others. They also need the ability to manage stress while remaining confident. X-ray tech students have to develop strong math and science skills by completing anatomy, physiology, radiology, and pathology course. At the end of the training, students need to complete an externship at a local medical facility. After graduation, a certified x-ray tech is eligible for licensing. The majority of states use the ARRT Exam. Techs have three tries to score a 75 or higher and receive their license. In order to maintain their certification, techs must take 24 hours of continuing education credits every 2 years.
Current X-Ray technician Jobs
After completion of their x-ray technician training at qualifying x-ray technician schools or x-ray tech schools, students can work in hospitals, or, public and private health care settings. The average x-ray tech can earn $38,000 yearly, and, with a four year degree a x-ray tech has more options open to them such as Radiology Science Teacher, Radiology Department Administrator, or Radiologist. Students who specialize can enter into mammography, vascular technology, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging for their x-ray technician jobs. After completing training, x-ray technicians have a wide variety of good paying jobs available to them.