Become An X-ray Technician

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

	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.