Becoming a X-ray technician is a great way to enter the medical field. To become a X-ray technician, you will need to complete a two-year degree program and pass an exam.
X-ray technicians are responsible for taking X-rays of patients and interpreting their images. They work with radiation and must be licensed in every state. Because of this, it’s important that you have proper training before you begin working as an X-ray technician.
The first step in becoming an X-ray technician is getting your degree. There are many different schools that offer programs for aspiring X-ray technicians, but there are a few things you should know before choosing one:
- Does the school offer an online program? Online programs allow students to study at home while still receiving the same quality of education as traditional programs.
How To Become A Xray Tech
Becoming a x-ray technician is definitely a career that you can be proud of. The fact that you are helping people to see their bones and other organs clearly is an amazing thing to do. You will be able to provide relief for many people who suffer from back pain, broken bones, and other ailments that require x-rays every day. Here are some tips on how to become a x-ray tech:
1) Get your GED or high school diploma
2) Take classes in anatomy and physiology, as well as radiologic technology at your local community college or vocational school.
3) Apply for jobs in hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, or even local law enforcement agencies where you can learn hands-on experience about taking x-rays properly through shadowing hours spent with existing staff at these facilities before being hired on full time as part of their team (this also includes taking classes).
4) Once hired on full time as part of their team
How To Become A Xray Tech
What Does an X-Ray Technician Do?
X-ray technicians aid physicians and other medical personnel in patient care. They use specialty equipment to record x-ray images for radiologists to interpret and analyze. Technicians are often responsible for positioning patients properly for x-rays, ensuring the images are the best quality and other duties such as:
- Injecting critical trace agents
- Administering x-ray images
- Maintaining imaging equipment
- Managing radiation exposure for patients
Radiologic or x-ray technicians work in hospitals and long-term care facilities as well as doctor’s offices and clinics. They can work with patients of all ages and in various specialties such as pediatrics, cardiac, pulmonary and much more.
Steps Necessary to Become an X-Ray Technician
Before you can start your career as a radiologic technologist, there are important requirements you must meet first. With a high school diploma under your belt, you can continue on to the next steps:
- Attend an accredited educational program: You must attend an accredited post-secondary program in x-ray technology. Most Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology programs will take approximately two years to finish, complete with required externships and training.
- Licensing and certification: Although licensing requirements vary from state to state, you may need to become licensed to work. Once licensed, you can pursue certification from the ARRT or American Registration of Radiologic Technologists to stand out from your competition.
Your education may include various courses including medical terminology, health science, anatomy and physiology, psychology, image production and radiographic physics. You’ll also be required to complete various externships and radiographic procedure labs for hands-on training.
Start Your Career in X-Ray as a Technician
X-ray technology is a great place for you to begin your medical career. You can make a difference using your skills, education and passion for x-ray as a technician. To learn more about x-ray technology or about our available programs, give us a call at 877-206-4279.
