Image of X-Ray Technician Schools
by Robyn Tellefsen
Back in 1895, German physicist Wilhelm Roentgen invented X-ray technology by mistake. Now, over 100 years later, you can use his accident to your career advantage by enrolling at X-ray technician schools.
The right wavelength
An X-ray technician, or radiographer, produces X-ray films of parts of the body and administers nonradioactive materials into the bloodstream for diagnostic purposes. The X-ray technician is also responsible for preparing patients and their records, and adjusting, maintaining, and operating equipment.
Within the field, X-ray technicians may specialize in complex diagnostic imaging technologies, such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). CT technologists operate CT scanners to produce cross-sectional images of patients. MRI technologists operate machines that use strong magnets and radio waves, rather than radiation, to create an image.
Higher energy
Formal X-ray technician training ranges from one to four years and leads to a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor's degree. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology accredited 606 radiography programs in 2005. The programs offer classroom and clinical instruction in anatomy, medical ethics, medical terminology, pathology, patient care procedures, physiology, positioning of patients, principles of imaging, radiation physics, radiation protection, and radiobiology.
Upon graduation from an accredited X-ray technician program, you may take a certification exam offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. In 2005, 38 states certified X-ray technicians. To be recertified, or registered, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years.
An inside look
Those with X-ray technician training held about 182,000 jobs in 2004, more than half of which were in hospitals. And employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2014, as the population grows and ages, increasing the demand for diagnostic imaging.
Median annual earnings of graduates of X-ray technician schools were $43,350 in May 2004, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $60,210. Those who are experienced in more complex diagnostic imaging procedures, such as CT and MRI, will have better employment opportunities.
Why wait? Get a glimpse of your future by enrolling in an X-ray technician program today.
The right wavelength
An X-ray technician, or radiographer, produces X-ray films of parts of the body and administers nonradioactive materials into the bloodstream for diagnostic purposes. The X-ray technician is also responsible for preparing patients and their records, and adjusting, maintaining, and operating equipment.
Within the field, X-ray technicians may specialize in complex diagnostic imaging technologies, such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). CT technologists operate CT scanners to produce cross-sectional images of patients. MRI technologists operate machines that use strong magnets and radio waves, rather than radiation, to create an image.
Higher energy
Formal X-ray technician training ranges from one to four years and leads to a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor's degree. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology accredited 606 radiography programs in 2005. The programs offer classroom and clinical instruction in anatomy, medical ethics, medical terminology, pathology, patient care procedures, physiology, positioning of patients, principles of imaging, radiation physics, radiation protection, and radiobiology.
Upon graduation from an accredited X-ray technician program, you may take a certification exam offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. In 2005, 38 states certified X-ray technicians. To be recertified, or registered, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years.
An inside look
Those with X-ray technician training held about 182,000 jobs in 2004, more than half of which were in hospitals. And employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2014, as the population grows and ages, increasing the demand for diagnostic imaging.
Median annual earnings of graduates of X-ray technician schools were $43,350 in May 2004, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $60,210. Those who are experienced in more complex diagnostic imaging procedures, such as CT and MRI, will have better employment opportunities.
Why wait? Get a glimpse of your future by enrolling in an X-ray technician program today.
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