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X-Ray Technician Career Overview
X-ray technicians, also known as radiographers or radiologic technologists, assist with diagnosing injuries and illnesses by taking medical x-rays of patients, work that includes preparing the patient for the procedure. Degree programs, available at colleges, universities, community colleges and some technical institutes, range from one to four years, with the two-year associate's degree program being the most common.
Recommended Schools for Medical Professions:
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- » Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- » Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology
- » Associate of Science in Radiation Therapy
- » Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology
- » Master of Science in Health Service Management
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- » Associate of Science - Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- » Associate: Allied Health
- » Associate: Cardiovascular Sonography
- » Associate: Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- » Associate: Nursing
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- » Associate: Radiologic Technology
- » Associate: Surgical Technology
- » Bachelor: Radiologic Technology
- » Bachelor: Radiologic Technology: Advanced Clinical Modalities
- » Bachelor: Radiologic Technology: Healthcare Management
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- » Accelerated RN to MSN
- » Associate of Science - Allied Health Science
- » Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences
- » Bachelor of Science - Healthcare Management
- » Bachelor of Science - Nursing (BSN) degree completion program
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- » Bachelor: Medical Imaging Science
- » Bachelor: Respiratory Care
- » Master: Health Care Administration
- » Master: Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
Duties and Responsibilities
Medicine changed forever with the discovery of x-rays, which allow doctors to peer inside the human body without making a single incision. Radiography, as the science is called, is a fascinating and challenging field that involves working with and maintaining technologically advanced equipment to better diagnose and treat an illness or injury. The x-ray technician prepares the patient for the x-ray, including positioning the patient correctly and sometimes injecting intravenous fluids or giving enemas to highlight a specific part of the body. They operate the x-ray equipment, as well as process the film. They may be responsible for training students. They work in doctors' offices, hospitals, clinics and dental offices. They are not responsible for discussing the findings with the patient. The following job descriptions come from CareerBuilder.com:
- 'Make patient feel comfortable during procedure. Prepare patient and take radiographs. Protect staff and patient from radiation exposure. Process and develop film. Maintain equipment. Maintain film files.' -- Home Health Radiology Services
- 'Conduct x-ray and radiological exams. Develop film. File reports. Maintain log of examinations. Sterilize and clean equipment.' -- CHD Meridian Healthcare
Job Requirements
The most common educational requirement is the two-year associate degree in radiography, though directorial positions might require a bachelor's or master's degree. In addition, 40 states require licensure to practice radiography. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists offers a voluntary certification program, which adds to a candidate's marketability. A technician can specialize with additional training to perform CT, MRI and angiography procedures and with more education and certification may go on to become a radiologist assistant. An x-ray technician must be able to work well with people and must be familiar with safety procedures. From Monster.com, typical job requirements are:
- 'Graduate of x-ray technician accredited program. Licensed for the state. Familiar with medical procedures. Know how to control and operate equipment. Good communication skills.' -- Concentra
- 'Degree from an accredited school of radiology technology. New York State licensure. Five years experience working in a medical setting. Technical understanding of medical technologies and ablity to perform diagnostic procedures.' -- Mount Sinai Medical Center
Employment Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, bls.gov, estimated the median annual income for x-ray technicians at $48,170 in 2006, with the top ten percent earning over $68,000 a year The job outlook for x-ray technicians is very good. The BLS estimates that employment of radiologic technologists will increase by about 15 percent from 2006 to 2016, a rate faster than the national average. A large segment of the American population is aging, increasing the demand for medical technicians of all types, particularly those in diagnostic imaging. Radiographers can specialize in other types of diagnostic imaging, including magnetic resonance imaging and CAT scans and can move to related fields like nuclear medicine technology and radiation therapy. Furthermore, X-ray technicians often move on to lucrative sales positions with medical technology companies.
Specialized Programs for Radiologic Science
Your Search Returned 5 Recommended Schools:
Selected Search Criteria:
- Subject Category
- Medical Professions Programs
- Subject Subcategory
- Allied Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Professions
- Specific Program
- Radiologic Science Training
Argosy University
Argosy University responds quickly to information requests through this site.
Program suggestions:
- Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography,
- Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology,
- Associate of Science in Radiation Therapy,
- Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology,
- Master of Science in Health Service Management
Academic fields:
Medical Professions Programs, Allied Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Professions, Industrial Radiologic Tech. Programs, Medical Radiation Therapist Classes,...Degree levels:
Graduate Classes, Undergraduate
Sanford-Brown
Sanford-Brown responds quickly to information requests through this site.
School campus locations
:- Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island,...
View Details about the White Plains, NY Campus
Program suggestions:
- Associate of Science - Diagnostic Medical Sonography,
- Associate: Allied Health,
- Associate: Cardiovascular Sonography,
- Associate: Diagnostic Medical Sonography,
- Associate: Nursing
Degree levels:
Colorado Technical University
Colorado Technical University responds quickly to information requests through this site.
School campus locations
:- Colorado, Missouri
View Details about the Westminster, CO Campus
Program suggestions:
- Associate: Radiologic Technology,
- Associate: Surgical Technology,
- Bachelor: Radiologic Technology,
- Bachelor: Radiologic Technology: Advanced Clinical Modalities,
- Bachelor: Radiologic Technology: Healthcare Management
Academic fields:
Medical Professions Programs, Allied Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Professions, Surgical Technologist, Medical Administrative Professions Programs,...Degree levels:
Graduate Classes, Undergraduate
South University Online
South University Online responds quickly to information requests through this site.
Program suggestions:
- Accelerated RN to MSN,
- Associate of Science - Allied Health Science,
- Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences,
- Bachelor of Science - Healthcare Management,
- Bachelor of Science - Nursing (BSN) degree completion program
Academic fields:
Medical Professions Programs, Medical Administrative Professions Programs, Medical Career Preparatory Training, Nursing Courses, Physical Education and...Degree levels:
Graduate Classes, Undergraduate
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University responds quickly to information requests through this site.
Program suggestions:
- Bachelor: Medical Imaging Science,
- Bachelor: Respiratory Care,
- Master: Health Care Administration,
- Master: Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
Academic fields:
Medical Professions Programs, Allied Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Professions, Industrial Radiologic Tech. Programs, Medical Radiation Therapist Classes,...Degree levels:
Graduate Classes, Undergraduate
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