X-ray techs take images that help to diagnose medical problems.
An X-ray tech uses radiography equipment to produce internal images of patients for diagnosis of disease, injured bones and other problems in many different settings. Most X-ray tech careers require at least an associate degree in radiography. Licensing requirements vary by state, but many states require a license from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in order to work as an X-ray tech. Jobs in this field are expected to grow by 17 percent through 2018.
Medical Imaging Center and Lab
An X-ray tech at a medical imaging center or lab takes images of patients referred to the center by a physician. You prepare the patient by explaining the procedure, removing any metal articles from the patient and placing the patient in position near the X-ray equipment. You then take the image. Some X-ray techs may discuss the resulting X-ray films with the patient and then send the films on to the referring physician. The median annual wage for X-ray techs and technologists at imaging labs and centers as of 2008 was $55,210.
Hospital
Hospitals also hire X-ray techs to provide X-ray imaging in emergency rooms or specific departments such as surgery and orthopedics. A hospital X-ray tech may reassure a patient coming from the emergency room or one who is being prepped for surgery. You may also have to pick up and drop off your patient from the hospital department where he is. You will remove metal jewelry and put radiation shields in place for female patients. You then may use portable radiography equipment to take an X-ray of a patient's injured area or any areas requiring surgery. The median annual wage for X-ray techs and technologists at hospitals as of 2008 was $52,890.
Physician's Office
You may find that you have the most contact with physicians in an X-ray tech career within a physician's office. Physicians may consult with you on any X-ray images and any changes found. You also may find that you get to know the patients and their medical histories as they return for additional X-ray imaging. X-ray techs may work in a physician's office that specializes in a medical field such as oncology or orthopedics, and you may be responsible for ensuring that required X-rays get to the correct hospital when surgery is needed. The median annual wage for X-ray techs and technologists at physicians' offices as of 2008 was $48,530.
Outpatient Care Center
Patients are often transferred from hospitals to outpatient care centers when their medical condition has stabilized, but they still need care to recuperate. You will get to know your recuperating patients and their doctors as a medical X-ray tech in an outpatient care center. You may perform repeated X-rays to monitor a patient's healing progress and consult with doctors. The process is essentially the same as in any other organization where X-ray techs are employed. You explain the imaging procedure, remove any metal objects from the patient, position the patient and take the X-ray image. The median annual wage for X-ray techs and technologists at physicians' offices as of 2008 was $50,840.
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