X-ray technicians administer such diagnostic procedures as the chest X-ray shown here.
Those preparing for a career as an X-ray technician, also known as a radiography or radiology technician, can enroll in programs at the certificate level, the associate degree level or the bachelor's degree level. Specific coursework required varies with the level of the program and any specialized areas of radiology that an individual student has an interest in pursuing.
General Training
Students enrolled in a training program to prepare for a career as an X-ray technician will take courses in standard X-ray techniques and in communicating with patients about the procedures, as described at the Healthcare-Training Center website. Students may also take courses in specialized radiography procedures, such as magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography scanning. Study of specializations provides a foundation for greater flexibility within the scope X-ray technician work.
Certification
Although some X-ray technician positions do not require certification, employers may prefer candidates who hold a certification from a course offered through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Some types of health care facility, such as hospitals, may require certification through such a training program. As with many health care positions, certification requires passing a certification exam after completion of the certification program. Completing the program and passing the exam entitles the candidate to certification as a radiologic technologist. Courses the accredited radiography schools incorporate into their programs include anatomy, physiology, pathology, imaging processes, radiobiology, radiation physics, radiation protection and patient care.
Continuing Eduation
Although no specific required courses exist across all programs in terms of initial qualification for X-ray technicians, those who receive a certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists have a subsequent requirement for continuing education. Those in this classification of X-ray technician must complete 24 hours of continuing education in the field every two years.
Outlook, Salary
Individuals in the X-ray technician career have an expectation of a 17 percent growth rate, faster than average across all professions, for the interval from 2008 through 2018. Individuals in this career have a $52,210 median salary as of 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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