Guide to X Ray Tech
What is X-ray technology?
The medical diagnostic process of using electromagnetic radiation to view the bone and tissue structures of the body is called X-ray technology.
What should I look for in an online X-ray technician school?
The best online X-ray technician schools should either possess regional or national accreditation from an accrediting body that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
In addition, you can often recognize top online X-ray technician schools based on:
- The school’s name and status
- The school’s history
- Teacher credentials
- Alumni network
- Admission requirements
- Residency requirements
- Class and teaching style
- Testing methods used
- Course content and presentation
- Program length
- Class size
- Student-teacher interaction
- Technology use
- Tuition and financial aid
- Transferability of credits
- Availability of a dedicated administration team and resources
What levels of online X-ray technician programs are available?
The following levels of X-ray technician degree online programs are available:
- Online X-ray Technician Certificate Programs
- Online Associates in X-ray Technology
- Online Bachelor in X-ray Technology (Radiologic Science)
How long does it take to get an online X-ray technician degree?
The amount of time it takes a student to earn an accredited online X-ray technician degree depends on the level of X-ray technician degree being pursued and the pace of the student.
Typically, the breakdown is as follows:
- Online X-ray Technician Certification Programs – 6 months to 1 year
- Online X-ray Technician Associates Degree – 2 years
- Online X-ray Technician Bachelor Degree – 4 years
What are some examples of online X-ray technician courses?
Courses for X-ray technicians include training in medical terminology, patient care, and the specifics of using radiation technology for diagnostic exams in classes such as:
- Anatomy & Physiology
The core course of human anatomy reviews each aspect of the physical human body and how each body system functions. - Medical Terminology
As medical workers, X-ray technicians need to know the medical vocabulary and scientific terms commonly used in hospitals, clinic and medical settings. - Patient Care and Positioning
This course teaches X-ray technicians the basic skills in working with patients and how to position patients for the most effective and accurate scan. - Radiation Protection Procedures
Since X-rays use radiation to produce images, this course teaches students protection requirements for patients, technicians and equipment when using X-ray technology. - Principles and Theory of Imaging
This course details the how diverse types of imaging work in assessing and diagnosing problems within body systems and tissues.
What areas of X-ray technician specialization are available?
X-ray technicians or radiology technicians may specialize in particular types of X-ray technology such as:
- Computed Tomography (CT)
Ionized radiation that generates 3D images comprised of numerous cross-sectional X-rays. - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
X-ray technicians use non-ionized rays to produce more detailed, 3D scans. - Mammography
Low dose X-rays for breast conditions scans. - Vascular Technology
Ultrasound or imaging technology to examine circulation problems. - Echocardiography
Imaging technology using sound waves to capture moving pictures of the human heart with greater detail than X-rays.
What can I do with an X-ray technician degree?
A variety of X-ray technician jobs in hospital, clinic, and public health settings are available for graduates with online radiologic science diplomas. An X-ray technology degree from an accredited online school opens up jobs in common X-ray technician positions such as:
- Hospital X-ray Technician
- Hospital X-ray Technologist
- Radiology Technician
- Radiologic Technologist
- Ultrasound Technician
- Radiology Department Administrator
- Radiologic Sciences Teacher
- Radiologist
What is an X-ray technician?
An X-ray technician is the medical assistant who administers X-ray or other imaging examinations used for diagnosing a patient’s medical problems within skeletal and certain soft tissue systems. X-ray technicians are also known as radiological technicians or radiological technologists after bachelor’s degree level training.
What does an X-ray technician do?
The job of an X-ray technician is to use doctors’ orders to prepare radiology equipment for the correct size, depth and detail of a requested scan area. X-ray technicians’ jobs include preparing patients by explaining the nature of the procedure, providing radiation-safe lead shields for non-scanned areas, and to ensure the removal of materials like jewelry that could obstruct the X-ray results. For certain types of soft tissue X-rays, the X-ray technician prepares a drink solution for patients. Within the radiology department, the job of X-ray technicians includes maintaining accurate patient records and cleaning equipment after each use.
How much does an X-ray technician earn?
A career as a X-ray technician can expect to earn between $42,700 and $63,000 per year. The national projected growth in X-ray technology jobs is 17% between now and 2018. CT and MR imaging may have greater employment options due to their specialized focus. As the costs of imaging decrease, more doctors’ offices and non-hospital X-ray labs will be able to offer jobs for qualified X-ray technicians.
How do I become an X-ray technician?
Completing an online associates or bachelors degree at an accredited school is the first step in how to become an X-ray technician. Students should look for schools that are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), the radiologic sciences top accreditation board.
Upon completion from an accredited online school, professionals should register with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART) to receive certification. Each state has different licensing requirements for X-ray technicians, but licenses are only given to X-ray technicians certified by AART.