X Ray Technician Careers
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X-Ray Technician Career Overview
X-Ray Technicians and other radiographic workers use medical imaging machinery such as x-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans to create images of patients that physicians use to diagnose medical conditions. X-ray technicians have two main roles.
- Their primary role is technical, in that they must operate highly sophisticated machinery that requires a considerable level of technical expertise.
- Their secondary role is in working with patients, explaining procedures, preparing them to undergo scans and x-rays, and positioning the patient correctly for the procedure.
In addition to technical knowledge and expertise, x-ray technicians also need good interpersonal and communication skills, and they must be sensitive to the needs of the patients they work with. Their work can be physically as well as technically demanding, as much of their time is spend standing, and they must often lift or turn disabled patients. For this reason, and because hospitals are generally busy, high-pressure locations, physical stamina and the ability to work well under pressure are also important.
Search X Ray Technician SchoolsX-Ray Technician Training & Education
X-ray technicians can obtain a certificate, Associate's degree, or Bachelor's degree. The majority of technicians have Associate's degrees. However, anyone intending to advance to supervisory or teaching positions should plan to obtain at least a Bachelor's degree. Most technicians must also obtain certification to work in their state, depending on requirements (not all states require certification).
Technicians may gain certification from organizations such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Candidates must graduate from an accredited program to be eligible for certification, and must also pass an examination. Technicians must be recertified every two years, and must complete 24 hours or more of continuing education to be eligible.
X-Ray Technician Career & Salary
The US Department of Labor predicts above-average growth of career opportunities for x-ray technician careers through to the year 2016, with growth of approximately 15%. In general, most Technicians are employed in hospitals, however career opportunities in diagnostic imaging centers and physician's offices are expected to increase.
Workers in x-ray technician careers typically earn salaries of between $32,000 and $69,000, depending on their qualifications and experience, as well as the type of facility in which the work.
Career Fields/Specializations
X-Ray Technician Career
X-Ray technicians operate x-ray machines that take images of the human body through technology that utilizes ionizing radiation. This involves working with both emergency and non-emergency patients, and sometimes with patients who must be x-rayed during surgery. They may also supervise the preparation and positioning of patients who are to be x-rayed, and develop x-ray images for evaluation by doctors. Senior x-ray technicians may also supervise and train new staff members.
In addition to the technical knowledge required to operate x-ray equipment, x-ray technicians should also have good knowledge of human anatomy. Good communication and interpersonal skills are important for working with patients and other staff members. Hospitals are busy and fast-paced environments, and x-ray technicians should therefore be able to work well under pressure.
MRI Tech Career
MRI technologists operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging equipment. These machines use a powerful magnetic field combined with radio waves to create two and three-dimensional images of the human body. In addition to operating the equipment, MRI technologists also help prepare and position patients for the scan, and senior workers may also supervise and train new members of staff. They must also be able to correctly interpret a physician's instructions in carrying out a scan.
MRI technologists require technical knowledge and a good understanding of human anatomy. Because this career involves working with patients, good communication skills and interpersonal skills are needed. In addition, MRI technologists should be able to work well under pressure, as the hospital environment is very fast-paced.
Radiographer/X-Ray Tech Career
Radiographers typically operate x-ray machines, which use ionizing radiation to create images of the human body. Their job may involve working with emergency and non-emergency patients, as well as occasional situations where patients require x-rays while in surgery. Radiographers typically prepare and position patients for x-rays in addition to operating machinery, and also develop x-ray images. Senior radiographers often have a supervisory role. Experienced radiographers with special training may operate other medical imaging equipment such as MRI and CT scanners.
In addition to specialized technical expertise, radiographers should also have good knowledge of human anatomy. In addition, good interpersonal and communication skills are important, as the radiographer's work is patient-focused. The ability to work well under pressure is also necessary, due to the fast-paced nature of the hospital environment.
CT Technician Career
CT technologists operate computed tomography scanners. Like x-ray machines, CT scans use ionizing radiation to create images of the human body. CT technologists must prepare and position patients to be scanned, which may involve preparing and administering drugs to increase the contrast of images.
They must also be able to follow a physician's instructions for performing the scan, to ensure that the appropriate images are created. CT technologists may also have a role in supervising and training new members of staff.
CT technologists should have a good understanding of human anatomy in addition to specialized technical knowledge and training. Good communication and interpersonal skills are needed to work with patients, and the ability to work well under pressure is also important, due to the fast-paced hospital environment.
