Become An X-ray Technician

Do you want some great financial news? If you want to become an x-ray technician, you only need to finish high school and attend a two-year college to obtain an associate’s degree such as a medical assistant associate degree program with an x-ray curriculum. Graduates of these programs also qualify to take the medical assistant exams given by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants. A two-year degree often is far less expensive than a four-year degree, especially if you attend a public college.

Additionally, if you make it a business to apply for scholarships and grants for your degree, you can walk into a career with little debt from your college career. Scholarships and grants represent “free” money, as they don’t need to be repaid. And, while you may find grants and scholarships designed specifically for a career as an x-ray technician, you also can find many other grants and scholarships outside the medical field.

You may find grants and scholarships designed specifically for students based upon merit (good grades) or upon need (poor financial status). You can apply for money through government-based financial aid resources such as FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or through state-based programs. Various colleges also offer scholarships to attend their schools, and if your high grades are any indication of your future as a college student, those colleges may help you find a way to finance your studies.

When you apply to the colleges of your choice, be sure to fill out the FAFSA, as this paperwork provides the foundation for all the information you’ll need to apply for other scholarships and grants. For instance, if you are a veteran or if your parents are veterans, monies may be available for higher education there. Or, if you belong to a specific religion or if you are a Native American or other ethnic student, you may find grants and scholarships available only to those organizations and groups. Other monies are available to disabled students, to daughters and sons of fraternal organization members and more – the list may seem endless, and it does take some work to find these scholarships and grants. But, the effort is worth it if you can pay for the majority of your education through these funds.

Here are some ideas to research when looking for funds to pay for college:

• Look for funds that apply to x-ray technology or to the health care field.
• If you’re athletic, you might find a sports scholarship available from a specific organization or from the college of your choice.
• Are you a genius? Then look for college grants and scholarships based upon merit, or your grade point average.
• What do you do when you’re not attending school? Do you sing? Dance? Help others as a volunteer? You might be surprised at the number of scholarships and grants available to you for your outside activities.

You’ll have a better chance to obtain these funds if you apply early, so get started now!

Top Online X-Ray Technician Degree Programs

	DeVry University — DeVry offers a bachelor's degree in health services management that prepares students to enter clinical radiology or X-ray programs upon graduation. DeVry has a reputation of working with the top healthcare industry leaders to build curricula that is geared toward students' success in the real world.
	South University — This Associate of Science in Allied Health Science degree program online exposes you to a broad education in general studies combined with an emphasis on life sciences. This program offers a fast and flexible solution for students who want to get their x-ray technician prerequisites, or to continue to earn an MBA in Healthcare Administration.
	Baker College — Baker's bachelor's degree program in health services administration is well suited for those looking for a more managerial role in their healthcare career. This program goes above and beyond the training required of a typical x-ray technician.
	American InterContinental University — AIU's AABA in healthcare administration provides a route for individuals looking to become X-ray technicians by completing coursework on business and ethical issues involved in such careers.
	Kaplan University — The AAS in medical assisting program provided by Kaplan University provides an entry-level education that concentrates on helping students acquire knowledge and develop skills in performing laboratory, clinical, and medical office procedures. In addition to the online A.S. or B.S. program in Health Information Technology, you complete an unpaid clinical instruction experience and an unpaid externship in an ambulatory setting to complete your course of study as an x-ray technician.
	Virginia College Online — Virginia College offers a BS in health services management degree program that trains students in management of healthcare services from hospitals to clinics to doctors' offices, and more. Graduates of this program will be well suited to enter managerial careers within the healthcare industry.
	Keiser University — Keiser University's online AS degree in Medical Assisting prepares students with the x-ray training prerequisites needed to perform medical assisting duties under direction of a physician/practitioner. Medical assistants also learn to function in an administrative capacity, providing the skills you need to advance in your career as an x-ray technician.
	Rasmussen College — Gain in-demand medical coding skills with an affordable and flexible AAS degree in Health Information Technology from Rasmussen College. Students learn medical front office procedures such as handling patient accounts and records, word processing, and scheduling of patients as well as other technical skills.
	Ashford University — The BA in healthcare administration offered by Ashford is likely more schooling than a typical X-ray technician will need to begin a career. This program is better suited for the x-ray tech who wishes for more job responsibility and higher pay as a manager or administrator of hospital or clinical technicians.
	Penn Foster College — Penn Foster College offers training for aspiring x-ray technicians through their AS in health information technology degree program. This program is specifically designed to encourage its graduates to begin their healthcare careers in entry-level health technologist positions.
	Independence University — Independence University's Associate of Science in Allied Health online degree program can help you complete qualifications to grow professionally in the health and human services field. Earning your associate's degree online enables you to progress at your own pace toward your professional goals, allowing you to enter an x-ray tech clinical program within one year.