X-Ray Technician Career Options
Are you curious about a career as an x-ray technician? If you’ve ever had an x-ray, then you might know what the x-ray technician does. X-ray technicians produce x-ray films of parts of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems. They usually take x-rays of patients in a hospital setting. Hospital x-ray technologists usually have a certificate, associate or bachelor’s degree in x-ray or radiologic technology, and most states require them to be licensed. With more training, x-ray technologists can advance to other diagnostic fields, such as radiology, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) technology.
Jobs in this field may take place in hospitals, but x-ray technicians also work in doctor’s offices, radiology clinics, dental offices, and convalescent homes. The field is not without risk, since long-term exposure to frequent x-rays is correlated to the development of certain cancers. To prevent unnecessary exposure to radiation, these workers surround the exposed area with radiation protection devices, such as lead shields, or limit the size of the x-ray beam. Technologists wear badges measuring radiation levels in the radiation area, and detailed records are kept on their cumulative lifetime dose.
X-ray technicians are limited in their field of responsibility, as they usually do not discuss findings of an x-ray with a patient. The job may include some diagnostic skills, but the job of reporting to the patient is up to a radiologist, doctor, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner. With that said, the x-ray technician may be able to spot immediate problems on an x-ray, which then are reported to a radiologist or to a doctor.
If you choose this field, you can expect a variety of working conditions, including work under pressure during stressful situations caused by accidents or severe trauma, or serious pain and chronic conditions. During these times, the x-ray technician is expected to do the work quickly and accurately so the patient can receive immediate care.
If you want to advance in this career, you’ll need further hands-on training as well as education and certification. You can become a radiologic technologist and keep patient records and adjust and maintain equipment. Radiologists also may prepare work schedules, evaluate purchases of equipment, or manage a radiology department. Experienced radiographers may perform more complex imaging procedures such as flouroscopies, computer tomographies (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MR) and mammograms.
Other advanced career options include cardiovascular technologists, diagnostic medical sonographers and nuclear medicine technologists. In all cases, physical stamina is part of this occupation. You may be on your feet for long periods of time and may need to lift or turn disabled patients. You could work forty hours per week in a full-time, but you may also be asked to work evenings and weekends or be on call. However, opportunities for part-time and shift work also are available.
If you study to become an x-ray technician, you can rest assured that many career paths are open to you. Workers in related occupations include cardiovascular technologists and technicians, clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, diagnostic medical sonographers, nuclear medicine technologists, radiation therapists, respiratory therapists and dental assistants.
Top Online X-Ray Technician Degree Programs
Welcome to Become an X-Ray Technician.com, where we will show you the steps to earn a degree from an accredited X-ray tech school. No matter what your final career goals or your location, the online colleges listed here will help you get your degree and X-ray technician's license in your state. Below are links to schools with related programs that can help you start your x-ray technician career.
BS in Health Services Mgmt
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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.
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AAS in Medical Assisting
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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.
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BS in Health Informatics
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Walden University — Walden University's BS in health studies with a specialization in health informatics helps students understand how to use information and data analysis technology in a variety of healthcare settings, including X-ray technology. Students learn to promote patient safety, information security, and maintain high data quality through the use of information technology. Courses include instruction on ethics and law, healthcare policy, epidemiology and healthcare delivery.
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BS in Health Services Admin
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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.
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AOS in Radiography
BS in Radiologic Science
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Pima Medical Institute — The AOS in Radiography program trains students in anatomy and physiology, methods of patient care, medical terminology, radiographic techniques and communication via online. The Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences is geared toward radiology and X-ray technicans seeking a bachelor degree completion program. The program prepares graduates for employment responsibilities where knowledge and skills beyond those typically attained at the associate degree level.
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AS in Medical Assisting
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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.
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AS in Allied Health
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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.
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BS in Radiologic Science
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Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences — The BS degree in radiological sciences from Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences is centered on the busy professional with easily accessible online courses. The course is split into sixty semester credit hours including radiological sciences and general education courses. For ease of completion, the program is split into seven 15-week semesters.
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