X-Ray Technician Profession

For one to become an x-ray technician, one needs to have the proper education and training just like with other jobs in the healthcare industry. Certification, licensing, and a degree will all help in getting an entry-level job but x-ray technicians are also required to participate in continuing education. There are many options for training available to be an x-ray technician, each with varying course lengths depending on the type of degree or study.

A high school diploma or GED is required to take up x-ray technician programs at colleges or universities. While in high school, aspiring x-ray technicians should prepare for their career by excelling at physiology, anatomy, biology, math, and physics, and even take up extra classes when possible to build a solid foundation in knowledge early on.

Aspiring x-ray technicians also have the option of enrolling in certification programs in vocational institutions or technical schools, which take 8 to 12 months to finish. Degree programs take two years, while masters programs or associate degrees take four to six years to finish. Masters programs equip students with more advanced and thorough knowledge in the field, which will enable students to go further in their career as an x-ray technician. All training programs will also provide hands-on sessions, allowing them to practice in a real hospital or clinic setting.

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology is the governing board for x-ray technician school accreditation, and they are in charge of defining the degree courses and curriculum for accredited schools. However, other schools may also offer varying courses which depend on graduation requirements. Some states have stricter requirements for x-ray technician employment, and those who study in non-accredited schools may not have the same employment options as those who do.

Clinical practice provides students with valuable knowledge and training under close supervision of a professional x-ray technician. Students are rotated in the various departments in a hospital to expose them to experience on how radiology is applied in mammography, MRI, surgical radiography, and other areas. Students are also taught how to interact with patients, development and analysis of x-ray results, and how to properly communicate x-ray findings to the doctor.

Once x-ray technicians are certified and license, these are not permanent so they need to participate in continuing education to keep abreast of the latest news and techniques in their field. Most states require education credits at least every two years for x-ray technicians to maintain credibility in their careers. Many new developments and findings in the medical field happen every day, and by participating in continued education, x-ray technicians will also learn how to better hone their craft and be better at their work.

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X-Ray Technician Profession