X-ray technicians or radiology technicians are the medical personnel who perform diagnostic imaging examinations and administer radiation therapy, according to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. They are an important part of the imaging team, as technicians ensure that patients are positioned correctly to ensure accurate testing. A majority of x-ray technicians (60 percent) work in hospital settings, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average yearly salary for an entry-level technician is between $35,000 and $45,000, reports PayScale.com.
Head start
Preparation for a career as an x-ray technician begins in high school. It would benefit you to take coursework in biology, chemistry, math and computer science. While reviewing education options, make sure any program you're interested in is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Some schools require more than a high school diploma to qualify for acceptance. Other entrance requirements for some two-year degree programs include interviews, pre-program assessment tests and an acceptable grade-point average.
Working toward degree
The two-year program is the most common route to become an X-ray technician. After application and acceptance into a college or vocational school, you must complete pre-program coursework such as anatomy and physiology, and college mathematics. Afterward, you are provided with classroom and clinical instruction in areas such as patient care procedures, radiation, medical terminology, positioning of patients, medical ethics and radiobiology. An internship or practicum in a hospital setting is a part of many of the programs. Upon completion, you are awarded an associate degree in applied science.
Solidifying experience
To work as an x-ray tech, many states require you to pass a licensing exam, according to the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians. Thirty-five states in the U.S. require licensing. Check with your state board of health for its requirements. Although the ARRT provides the state with the exam, it is not the grantor. A certificate, on the other hand, is awarded through an exam individuals take through the ARRT. Applicants must meet ethics, education and examination requirements to receive the credential.
Furthering education
The one-year certificate program is an option for individuals from other medical sectors, such as registered nurses or medical technologists, who want to change fields, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, some schools, such as Galveston College, limit continuing education programs to individuals who are already registered technicians who want to broaden their skills. The only accredited certificate program in Texas offers certificates in breast imaging/mammography, computerized tomography technology, magnetic resonance, imaging technology and radiation therapy technology.
Bachelor's and beyond
A handful of schools offer bachelor and postgraduate degrees in x-ray technology. Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La., provides three types of degree programs. First, a bachelor's degree provides coursework and labs in areas such as pathology and clinical imaging. This curriculum leads to a radiology technician certification. Second, the school offers a bachelor's degree for individuals who have already earned radiology technician certification. Finally, the master's degree option is designed to produce leaders within the radiology field.
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