X-Ray Technician
How to Become a X-Ray Technician
X-Ray Technician Job Details
Skills and Qualities of an X-Ray Technician
X-Ray Technician Salary
Influential Professionals in the X-Ray Technician Field
Leading X-Ray Technician Organizations
Top Cities for X-Ray Technician Jobs
Other Careers of Interest
How to become an X-Ray Technician
An x-ray technician is a health care worker with specific skills in using x-ray equipment in order to take images of the body. These images can be used to diagnose diseases and injuries as they allow us to see inside the body. X-ray technicians may work in hospitals or doctors' offices. They may also work in rehabilitation homes, dental offices and radiology clinics. X-ray technicians are also known as radiographers or radiography technicians.
What does an X-Ray Technician do?
X-ray technicians use a variety of equipment to produce images known commonly as x-rays or radiographs so that doctors can diagnose or better understand and therefore treat a condition or injury. An x-ray technician uses optimal techniques to capture images and then assess these images to see if additional images are needed. They prepare the patient for the procedure by positioning them correctly, taking into account their medical condition. They may also develop the x-ray film. X-ray technicians follow strict protocols to avoid exposure to excessive or unnecessary radiation to themselves and the patient. X-ray technicians also keep patient records and adjust and maintain equipment. Senior x-ray technicians may manage the radiology department and other less senior x-ray technicians.
X-ray technicians may be trained and work in one or a number of modalities. It is very common for an x-ray technician to specialize in one area of radiology. Diagnostic radiography looks at bones and the cardiovascular system. Sonography is used primarily in obstetrics, and cardiovascular and muscular scanning. CT scans (computerized topography) provides slices through the body which can be extremely useful. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) produces 3D images and can show all of the different tissues of the body. Nuclear medicine is used to see how the body functions and in some cases can be used to treat cancer. Mammography is used to examine breast tissue.
X-ray technicians are trained to see problems that may require emergency treatment and will notify the radiologist or other doctors if such a problem exists. These x-rays will be given priority in the radiology lab. An x-ray technician is unable to diagnose a condition and is under the guidance of the radiographer who diagnoses the x-ray and produces the x-ray report. Radiation is hazardous but the risks are minimized by the use of lead gloves, aprons and shields. Detailed records are kept by x-ray technicians to keep track of the lifetime radiation dose they have been exposed to. X-ray technicians usually work 40 hours per week and there are many opportunities for part-time work. On-call, evening and weekend hours are often required especially in the hospital environment.
X-ray technicians may be trained and work in one or a number of modalities. It is very common for an x-ray technician to specialize in one area of radiology. Diagnostic radiography looks at bones and the cardiovascular system. Sonography is used primarily in obstetrics, and cardiovascular and muscular scanning. CT scans (computerized topography) provides slices through the body which can be extremely useful. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) produces 3D images and can show all of the different tissues of the body. Nuclear medicine is used to see how the body functions and in some cases can be used to treat cancer. Mammography is used to examine breast tissue.
X-ray technicians are trained to see problems that may require emergency treatment and will notify the radiologist or other doctors if such a problem exists. These x-rays will be given priority in the radiology lab. An x-ray technician is unable to diagnose a condition and is under the guidance of the radiographer who diagnoses the x-ray and produces the x-ray report. Radiation is hazardous but the risks are minimized by the use of lead gloves, aprons and shields. Detailed records are kept by x-ray technicians to keep track of the lifetime radiation dose they have been exposed to. X-ray technicians usually work 40 hours per week and there are many opportunities for part-time work. On-call, evening and weekend hours are often required especially in the hospital environment.
What skills or qualities do I need to become an X-Ray Technician?
A keen interest and knowledge of science especially biology, anatomy and physics is necessary to pursue a career as an x-ray technician. Students should also have great communication skills in writing and speech. An x-ray technician should be compassionate and patient as they will be dealing with sometimes very sick people who may be in a great deal of pain. X-ray technicians must be able to work under pressure and endure stressful situations when dealing with the public who may be very unwell or in great pain. Physical fitness is necessary because the x-ray technologist can be on their feet for long periods of time. They should also be strong as it may be necessary to lift, turn and move patients in order to position them correctly. X-ray technicians may work on the road in travelling medical trucks or may need to work at a patient's bed side.
X-ray technicians should be lateral thinkers so that they can adapt procedures in accordance with the patient's abilities and needs. An example can be a patient who is unable to get into a certain position due to an injury and the technician will need to modify the x-ray procedure. X-ray technicians should be out going and have strong communication skills in order to deal with the public and other health care workers. They need to have excellent writing and speaking skills.
An x-ray technician undertakes two to four years of study. This includes a two year Associate degree at a recognized college, and they may also study for two years under an accredited military program. A Bachelors degree which takes four years can be undertaken at accredited colleges throughout the US. A Masters degree is also offered in radiology administration and education. Once the undergraduate program is completed it is necessary to sit the board exam. The highest standard is the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Some states allow x-ray technologists to practice under the 'limited license" and study for a few weeks in order to take the ARRT exam rather than the board exam. X-ray technicians certified by ARRT are expected to re-certify every two years.
X-ray technicians should be lateral thinkers so that they can adapt procedures in accordance with the patient's abilities and needs. An example can be a patient who is unable to get into a certain position due to an injury and the technician will need to modify the x-ray procedure. X-ray technicians should be out going and have strong communication skills in order to deal with the public and other health care workers. They need to have excellent writing and speaking skills.
An x-ray technician undertakes two to four years of study. This includes a two year Associate degree at a recognized college, and they may also study for two years under an accredited military program. A Bachelors degree which takes four years can be undertaken at accredited colleges throughout the US. A Masters degree is also offered in radiology administration and education. Once the undergraduate program is completed it is necessary to sit the board exam. The highest standard is the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Some states allow x-ray technologists to practice under the 'limited license" and study for a few weeks in order to take the ARRT exam rather than the board exam. X-ray technicians certified by ARRT are expected to re-certify every two years.
How much does an X-Ray technician make?
The salary of an x-ray technician varies for a number of reasons including geographical location and the amount of time the technician has been in the profession. The average yearly wage for x-ray technicians ranges from $33,000 to$72,000. The average hourly wage ranges from $16 to $35.
Who are some influential professionals in this field?
Professor Wilhelm Rontgen discovered x-rays and to this day is the most influential professional known in the field. He discovered x-ray in 1895 accidentally at a German University. He was investigating what would happen when electric sparks passed through tube with specific gasses in it. He noticed that a glowing piece of paper was formed every time.
What are some leading organizations in this field?
The leading organizations in the x-ray technician field are the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, NM, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, IL, and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, MN.
What are the top cities for X-Ray Technician jobs?
The highest concentration of x-ray technicians are in Coumbia, MO, Tyler, TX and Johnson City, TN. However, the highest paid x-ray technicians are in Lawrence-Methuen-Salem, MH_NH NECTA Division and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA.
Other Careers of Interest
Cardiovascular TechnicianCardiovascular Technicians and technologists assist cardiologists with patients. They may schedule appointments, perform procedures such as ultrasounds...
Emergency Medical Technician / Paramedic
EMTs are often among the first emergency responders to a scene and sometimes work with fire fighters and police workers. Their primary role is...
Home Healthcare Nurse
Home healthcare nurses provide a vital patient to medical care giver link by visiting patients in their homes. This sometimes done on a one-time...
Laboratory Technician
On a broad scale, a Laboratory Technician performs a variety of tasks delegated by a superior medical professional. There are many different areas...
Licensed Practical Nurse / LPN / Licensed Vocational Nurse
LPN's perform various medical procedures that range from simple to complex. These procedure include: gathering patient health information, taking...
Medical Assistant
Medical assistants who tackle administrative duties normally carry out tasks that include organizing hospital admissions, organizing for laboratory...
Medical Coder
Medical coders are also referred to as medical record coders, coders/abstractors, health information coders or coding specialists. Medical coders...
Medical Records Technician
A medical records technician is sometimes known as a medical transcriptionist because their job is to transcribe various medical records such as...
Medical Transcriptionist
Keying medical information from a Dictaphone or similar device and these days increasingly via the internet, onto computer, is the job of the medical...
Midwife
A midwife assists an expectant mother have a health pregnancy and birth by helping to support the family and to educate them. Midwives will evaluate...
MRI Technician
MRI technicians, use a magnetic resonance imaging (an MRI machine) to get an internal look at both hard and soft tissues within a human body. The...
Neonatal Nurse
A neonatal nurse may perform a variety of job functions. Many of the infants in the neonatal intensive care unit are extremely vulnerable and need...
Nurse / Registered Nurse
Nurses performs a variety of functions that are essential for patient recovery. Regardless of their specialty or workplace setting, he or she treats...
Nurse Practitioner
An NP is trained in diagnosis and management of common and complex medical conditions. The core philosophy is individualized care and focus on patients'...
Nursing Aide
Nurse aides assist and care for others. Workloads can be physically demanding. Aides are on their feet all day, moving patients in and out of bed...
Nursing Assistant
Nursing assistants are mainly responsible for providing medical support to doctors and nurse in hospitals and other health care facilities. They...
Occupational Health Nurse
An occupational health nurse specializes in providing and monitoring emergency care services while helping employers to implement health and safety...
Operating Room Technician
Hospitals employ about 70 percent of the estimated 86,000 operating room technicians working in the United States. Operating room technicians would...
Pediatric Nurse
Pediatric Nurses promote health and manage illnesses among children, youths, and their families. Pediatric Nurses are a specialty of clinical nurse...
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist helps to restore maximum movement and functional abilities in people who have lost them for one reason or another. Even if...
Physician Assistant
A physician assistant is an advanced practice clinician, and obtains medical histories, orders treatments, diagnoses patients, prescribes medication...
Radiologist
While radiology was once thought of as simply taking and interpreting X-rays the field has become far more advanced; today the Radiologist uses...
Rehabilitation Nurse
A rehabilitation nurse can be found in a variety of settings. They can work directly in a hospital or sign on at an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation...
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists and respiratory therapy technicians are also known collectively as respiratory care practitioners. Their position involves...
Social Worker
A social worker assists people at all stages of their life with things such as medical care, food, shelter, clothing, and relationships. Other...
Speech Therapist
Speech therapists treat various speech, language and voice related physiological disorders. They also research ways of preventing such disorders...
Surgical Technician
Surgical technicians assist in various surgical operations, always under the supervision of professional surgeons, registered nurses or other more...
Trauma Nurse
Trauma nurses are employed by acute-care and specialty hospitals where they attend to emergency situations. They might be based in a hospital, on...
Ultrasound Technician
An ultrasound technician works predominantly in hospitals and physician offices and clinics. Ultrasound is most commonly associated with pregnancy...
