X-ray technicians not only take the images, but also prepare the patients for the exam by positioning them, by removing any jewelry and by placing a lead apron to prevent radiation exposure. Technicians also manage the radiology department by preparing work schedules, updating medical records and maintaining equipment.

What Type of Training Does an X-Ray Technician Receive?

X-ray technician training is available as a 12-month certificate or as a two-year associates degree. Programs are offered through community colleges, state colleges or technical institutes.

Admission into such programs require filling out an application, having a personal interview with the head of the program and letters of recommendation from previous high school teachers, college professors or employers. Some colleges may require prerequisite courses in biology and/or chemistry.

Once accepted, coursework includes such topics as human anatomy, medical terminology, radiobiology, pathology, medical law and ethics, film evaluation, radiographic positioning and pharmacology. Toward the end of training, students are required to complete an externship at a local hospital or doctor’s office.

Why Choose an Accredited X-Ray Program?

When choosing an x-ray technician training program make sure the school is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). This ensures that students are eligible to sit for the ARRT exam.

What is the ARRT Exam?

Graduates of an x-ray technician program can earn their registered ARRT credential through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). To be eligible to take the exam, individuals must graduate from an accredited x-ray technician program and pass a written exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover such areas as radiation protection, equipment control, image production, radiographic procedures, and patient care and education. After passing the exam, technicians are required to complete 24 continuing education units (CEUs) and renew their certification every two years.

Where Can I Find Employment?

Graduates of x-ray technician training usually find employment in hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, doctor’s offices, diagnostic imaging centers, rehabilitation centers and mobile x-ray companies.

As an x ray technician, you can choose to work in medical centers, clinics and testing laboratories, and even doctors’ offices, taking radiographic pictures of problem areas of a patient’s body. Although you are not trained to read the x-rays, you are responsible for viewing the pictures taken and ascertaining whether or not the problem area was captured on film, or whether a retake is necessary. For this type of expertise, your training program will include courses involving general studies of the human anatomy and musculoskeletal system.

It is up to you which program is best for you to learn to become an x ray technician. There are x ray technician courses to suit every person’s busy schedule, from one year certificate programs, to Associates or Bachelor’s degrees, depending on which direction you want your career to go. The most important consideration when choosing a school is to make sure the school is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

Another important consideration is whether to attend an online course to obtain your x ray technician certificate. Although online courses for some careers is acceptable, doing so for an x ray technician course defeats the purpose of getting hands-on training and learning how to work effectively with doctors and their patients.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for x ray technicians today is at or above $50,000 annually, making this one of the better paying entry-level careers; and, the possibilities of branching out into specialized areas of radiological technology by becoming a CT Scan or MRI technologist will allow you to earn even more.

For more information about becoming an x ray technician, visit the American Society of Radiologic Technologists website. You will find information on education as well as career opportunities.

Choosing any profession within the healthcare industry today is a smart career move, and taking x ray technician courses are the best way to start you on the right career path.

X-ray technicians, also called radiologic technologists, must complete formal training at an x-ray technician school accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology in programs varying in length from one to four years. Hospitals, colleges and universities rather than trade schools are the places most x-ray technicians get their training. Successful completion of schooling leads to a certificate, an associate's degree or bachelor's degree in radiologic technology.

The job of an x-ray technician is to produce x-ray films called radiographs which focus on specific parts of the human body in order to help other medical professionals diagnose a wide range of medical issues and problems. These can range from broken bones and collapsed lungs to brain tumors and blood clots.

The x-ray technician is responsible for preparing the patient for the x-ray and positioning the patient's body so that the radiograph will give a clear image of just what is happening physiologically. Their training allows them to be able to set the radiographic equipment to the right settings to produce a usable x-ray. Technicians are responsible for shielding the rest of the patient's body other than the subject area with the use of lead shields and other protective devices. Technicians not only take the film but also develop the x-rays.

Prospective candidates must possess a high school diploma, with a strong background in math and science courses including biology and chemistry. Coursework at x-ray technican school takes place both in the classroom as well as the clinic. Topics of study range from anatomy and radiation physics to medical terminology, patient care procedures and medical ethics.

Many x-ray technicians take additional study in such techniques as MRI and CT in order to be even more valuable to an employer upon graduation. Starting annual salaries for an x-ray technician range between $39,000 and $47,000.

X-Ray programs usually take place in trade schools. At minimum, most people learn how to manipulate fixed and portable X-Ray equipment, how to develop the film and how to position people in order to get the best picture. Some students go on with their education to learn other aspects of the radiology profession such as computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), sonograms and magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs). Working well with people is a required skill in this field as some patients may be uncooperative or unable to sit, stand or hold their bodies in certain positions due to illness or injury. The X-Ray technician must emanate calm and portray a soothing demeanor to those who are in pain and/or worried.

Facts About the X-Ray Technician Programs:
1. Usually a one year program
2. Provides in-depth training on equipment usage
3. Trains the student in assessing X-Ray film quality
4. Equips the student with the knowledge of the correct positioning of patients and lead shields for X-Ray
5. Instructs in the administration of diagnostic, non-radioactive materials to patients

Coursework may include, but is not limited to:
*Introduction to Radiologic Technology
*Radiographic Positioning
*Fluoroscopy Imaging
*Diagnostic Imaging Research
*Human Anatomy and Physiology
*Structure and Function of the Body
*Introduction to Physics
*Medical Terminology

A skilled X-Ray technician may be trained to read an X-Ray film but cannot, in virtually all circumstances, interpret the picture and discuss the results with the patient. He or she is required to leave that to the radiologist or practitioner. This technician can be invaluable in the fact that he may spot a problem that requires emergency treatment or surgery and will be able to call it to the radiologists attention.

You can do as little as an associates degree, or as much as a masters degree. How far you take the education depends on how high of a position you would like to be eligible for. If you want to be eligible for a supervisor position, you may need to have at least a bachelors degree in many areas. Some areas will allow you to become a supervisor on experience alone, it largely depends on the company you are working for. After you have completed your x ray tech classes you will be allowed to start work immediately, providing you have all licenses and other requirements are met.

The average salary for an x-ray technician is $50,000 to $60,000 per year, some places may pay a little more or a little less than that. X ray technicians are compensated well and there is almost always a generous benefit package available from your employer. The course work you are required to take is not quite as difficult as other medical fields tend to be, and there are many schools all over the nation that have radiography courses. If you already work for a hospital doing something else, many hospitals will offer tuition reimbursement if you successfully finish the course.

The demand for x ray technicians is high in some areas, and lower in others. As long as you are willing to relocate you should not have any problems getting a job in this field. The job market for radiographers is still growing despite the recession so it is still a smart career choice. As long as you are determined and stick to your plan, you should do well if you choose to become an x ray technician.

There are many classes available for those interested in training as x ray techs. Although training can vary between institutions, most x ray classes have a similar curriculum. Classes begin with basic training in anatomy and physiology to enable future x ray technicians to make quick and accurate readings of x rays. Classes also include instruction in the nature of radiation, radiation protection and the way that radiation works with the body. Finally, radiology students are generally introduced to a variety of case studies, so that they can have practical experience in patient placement and reading x rays before performing scans and tests in the workplace. Most states require certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) before a person can work as a radiologist, so classes usually prepare students to take the test required for certification.

A wide variety of institutions offer x ray classes, including everything from colleges to vocational schools to hospitals--some institutions also offer classes online. Colleges and vocational schools offer the most in-depth training with a greater emphasis on theoretical knowledge, and in some cases, a more advanced degree. Hospital training courses often offer much more practical training and sometimes work placement programs. Different hospitals and different states require different degrees of education, and the ARRT has two levels of certification, so students can choose which x ray classes best fit the level of education required.

One of the best ways to find x ray classes in your area is to search for local opportunities on the ARRT web site, or to contact local hospitals to see if they offer courses. Additionally, many community colleges offer x ray classes as well, and local radiology associations are always excellent sources of information on local classes as well as job opportunities for recently certified radiologists.

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certifies students to work in any state in the United States, but many states offer a state only license as well that is sometimes easier to obtain. These state licenses are issued to those who have had xray training on a specific body part, and the courses generally only last weeks instead of months or years. This practice is termed "limited license" radiography, and has caused some contention within the industry as to exactly what constitutes as fully trained. Those who only have a state issued license, and are not certified by the ARRT, may or may not be able to practice outside of their state, depending on the laws of the state in which they wish to practice.

Although they are required to attend 24 hours every two years of continued education and re-certify every two years, those with ARRT certifications definitely have a leg up on the competition when it comes to job opportunities. Even in states where a limited license is acceptable, employers would much rather hire those who are fully certified as they are seen as better trained. However, just like any other industry, experience goes a lot ways, and even if one starts out as a limited license technologist, once they have years of experience under their belts, an employer may be willing to hire them and pay for their additional xray training and ARRT certification.

Radiographers work in virtually every area of any medical facility, including critical care, trauma, and the operating rooms, which means there is usually plenty of opportunity for advancing within the field. ARRT certification in specific areas of the body can also be obtained, making an employee even more desirable to a prospective employer. Larger facilities even have positions for leadership, often referred to as "Chief" or "Lead" radiological technicians or the more mundane department director or administrator. Those who wish to pursue such leadership roles may need to obtain a master's degree in health administration or business in order to better equip themselves for the job and become more attractive than others who may also be after an administrative position.

Medical facilities across the country are in need of x-ray techs, or radiographers, to provide for our ever-growing reliance on diagnostic imaging. As more medical breakthroughs are made, more tests become necessary, many of which require radiology and the technicians to provide it. This is where x-ray tech schools come into the picture. An education in this growing field will provide almost unlimited opportunity for continuing employment, in hospitals, doctors' offices, outpatient clinics and diagnostic centers.

Tech school students can become proficient, not only in simple X-Ray imaging, but also in CT scans (computed tomography, if anyone asks what a "Cat-scan" means), MRI's (magnetic resonance imaging), mammography, sonography (that's the one that takes those cute baby pictures, among other things), and all other existing and future radiography techniques. Most graduates find employment almost immediately after completing their course work and the demand for their services is increasing daily. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field will probably increase by at least 20% in the next two years, despite the current recession. Most recognized schools offer both on campus and online courses which lead to a degree or associate certification, so students can study when and where is most convenient for them.

As for salary, the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians reports a median annual salary of $50,000 plus, a figure which is expected to rise as demand for qualified X-Ray tech school graduates increases. Still, salary is just one of the satisfactions of doing these jobs. Knowing that you're serving your community, helping real people and assisting in improving the health care of your neighbors is at least as important as a paycheck in your pocket.

There's a good X-Ray Tech School near you. Look it up and go for it. You and your family will be glad you did.

One of the cool things about this career field is that it is highly specialized. When you enroll in x ray technician schools, you are getting technical, specific training that you can use in your profession. Doctors and medical offices need people with this sort of expertise, so you immediately become a hot commodity. To put it quite simply, they can't get by without x ray techs, and not just any person off of the street can walk in and properly run the machines. It takes months of training, but not so much that it becomes a huge burden. Right now, there are lots of training and education options for people seeking this career.

Some of the best programs are two-year and accelerated programs that are taught at many tech schools. These are places where specialized, career-based training is provided, and they do this for many individuals in the medical field. With these programs, you can get the knowledge that you need very quickly. Many programs actually provide the opportunity to do hands-on training if you so choose. This way, you get out into the working world and gain valuable experience. Not only is this a chance to learn on the job, but it is also a chance to make valuable networking connections and impress potential employers along the way.

When you successfully complete the program at one of these x ray technician schools, you will have not only the ability, but also the opportunity to get involved with any number of hospitals and doctor's offices. These folks are actively hiring capable people, and they love people who have the hands on experience offered by these programs. The salaries are very competitive, and the opportunities seem to be still plentiful at this time. Those things make this type of education and job path very attractive to both young and old people.

X-ray tech schools are plentiful and affordable. For any ambitious individuals in need of financial assistance, most programs offer help in finding aid or suitable payment programs. With the economy struggling, becoming a certified X-ray technician has grown in appeal. The average salary for an X-ray technician is around $48,000, with the potential to start as high as $32,000. For a certification through X-ray tech school that can take less than a year to obtain, the investment seems well founded and justified.

X-Ray tech schools are advertised through on-line forums and publications ranging from healthcare to motherhood. Finding the best school is as simple as research and location. Courses are available at many different paces and can be taken on-line or at a specific location. Most of the schools involved in training X-ray technicians have the added bonus of job placement services or referrals. Finding a job, of course, is the most critical step in advancing to a career as an X-ray technician once the certification has been achieved.

In addition to the basic functions of an X-ray technician, many other career opportunities are available in related fields. X-ray technology has progressed to the extent that demand exists in all levels of service for the machines. For any potential student who finds the basic duties of an X-ray technician to be unsatisfying, the certification can be used as a stepping stool to a higher education or related career in a different aspect of X-ray work.