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X-Ray Technician Career: Making Yourself Competitive

By Colby Virgil


As an x-ray technician, your main job will be to harness radiologic technology to capture images of the body which will be used by doctors in making sound diagnosis and treatment recommendation. X-ray techs usually work with x-ray equipment, although they may also be qualified to operate computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment as well.

On a typical day, an x-ray technician helps prepare patients for undergoing scanning and ensuring their safety especially since x-ray equipment emits considerable amounts of radiation. They make sure exposed areas of the patient's body are protected from radiation by making use of protective gear such as lead shields. They also align x-ray equipment at the precise height and angle over the specific area of the patient's body.

An x-ray technician and radiologic technologist are two different job descriptions despite them working in the same department. A radiologic technologist undergoes more comprehensive training and therefore is qualified to perform more complex tasks. In any case, both of them will have to comply with a physician's orders, and observe safety precautions when operating x-ray equipment. An x-ray may also be assigned clerical work such as recording patient history and preparing work schedules.

Education and training is a must for anyone who wishes to start a career as an x-ray technician. A 2-year Associate's Degree in Radiologic Technology is the program of choice of many when it comes to this career. Many schools, colleges, and universities offer training programs in Radiologic Technology, particularly those that have received accreditation from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

Once you have completed an accredited training program in radiography, you may then apply for voluntary certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Being certified is among the best indications of the competency and proficiency of an x-ray technician. You will find that finding employment will be so much easier once you have acquired certification.

The demand for x-ray technicians is expected to rise in the next decade or so, especially with the increase in population and the advancements in radiologic technology. The salary for an x-ray technician can be anywhere from $35,000 to $70,000 depending on where you are employed and other important factors. Employment opportunities can also be found in a wide variety of settings, but medical and diagnostic laboratories continue to be the top industry employing x-ray technicians.




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