XRay Tech Schools - Technician Programs and Training

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X-Ray Technicians prepare patients for radiologic exams by describing the procedure, removing jewelry and other items through which x rays cannot pass, and positioning patients so that the appropriate parts of the patient’s body can be properly radiographed..

• Nature of the Work - In addition to preparing patients and operating equipment, radiologic technologists maintain patient records and make adjustments on the equipment. They may also design work schedules, assess equipment purchases, or direct a radiology department.
• Technician Programs and Training - Many 1-year certificate programs are available for experienced radiographers or professional from other health careers, such as registered nurses and medical technologists, who want to switch careers. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in one of the radiologic technologies is often required for administrative, supervisory, or teaching jobs.
• Certification - The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) provides voluntary certification for radiologic technologists. Also, 35 states use ARRT-administered exams for state licensing. To qualify for certification, technologists typically graduate first from an accredited program and then pass an exam.
  
  

XRay Tech Schools - Technician Programs and Training

Formal training programs in radiography vary in length from 1 to 4 years and eventually lead to a certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree. Two-year associate degree programs are the most common.

Training for this career is offered in hospitals, colleges and universities, and sometimes at vocational and technical institutions. Hospitals hire the most radiologic technologists. Employers would rather hire technologists with formal training in the field.

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology provides accreditation most formal training programs for the occupation. In 2007, the committee provided accreditation for more than 600 radiography programs. In order to enroll in an accredited radiography program, a high school diploma or the equivalent is required. High school courses in biology, mathematics, physics, and chemistry are also beneficial. The programs offer both classroom and clinical instruction in patient care procedures, anatomy and physiology, positioning of patients, radiation protection, radiation physics, principles of imaging, medical terminology, radiobiology, pathology, and medical ethics.


XRay Tech Schools - Technician Programs - Graduate - Job Outlook


In 2006, radiologic technologists held approximately 196,000 jobs. More than 60 percent of all radiologic technologists were employed by hospitals. Most other jobs were in doctors’ offices; outpatient care centers; and diagnostic and medical laboratories, including diagnostic imaging centers.

Job growth is expected to increase faster than average, and job opportunities are projected to be good.

Employment of radiologic technologists is anticipated to rise by about 15 percent from 2006 to 2016, faster than the average for all careers. As people grow and age, there will be an increasing need for diagnostic imaging services.

In addition to employment growth, position openings also will be generated from the need to replace technologists who leave the career. Radiologic technologists who are willing to relocate and who also have experience in more than one diagnostic imaging procedure like mammography, CT, and MR, will have the most favorable employment opportunities as employers look to cut costs by hiring multi-credentialed employees.

XRay Tech Schools - Graduates - Earnings Statistics


In May 2006, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor reports average annual incomes of radiologic technologists were $48,170. The middle 50 percent made between $39,840 and $57,940. The bottom 10 percent made less than $32,750, and the top 10 percent made more than $68,920.

Related Occupations: Radiologic technologists use advanced equipment to assist dentists, physicians, and other health professionals in diagnosing and treating patients. Workers in related careers include clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, cardiovascular technologists and technicians, nuclear medicine technologists, radiation therapists, diagnostic medical sonographers, and respiratory therapists.


XRay Tech Schools - Technician Programs and Training


There are an excellent number of choices for attending one of the XRay Tech Schools. Online schools and colleges now provide the same curriculum as the traditional education. Learning online provides you with so much more flexibility to suit your lifestyle and current employment. We include our top recommendations for programs and training in XRay Tech Schools.

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