More About X-Ray Technicians

If you’re considering pursuing x-ray technician training, you should get a sense of what the job entails on a daily basis, your potential to secure a position in the field, and the earnings you should expect to make. Get a glimpse into the life of an X-ray technician…

What does an X-Ray Technician do?
X-ray technicians, also known as radiological technologists or radiographers, make x-ray films of the body so physicians may diagnose medical problems or disorders.

X-ray technicians play a vital role in hospitals and diagnostic laboratories because their images are used to diagnose problems or disorders in the human body. A well-done x-ray can help doctors detect problems, so that they may begin the proper course of treatment.

X-ray technicians work directly with patients to ensure that the correct parts of their bodies, based on a doctor’s request, are x-rayed clearly. X-ray technicians must prepare patients (e.g., asking them to remove jewelry or any other objects that will block x-rays) for the procedure, as well as protect them with lead aprons that will protect other parts of the body from the x-ray beam. After positioning the x-ray equipment and producing the x-ray, the technician removes the film and develops it for the physician or therapist.

Depending on where X-ray technicians work, they may use a fixed machine, or have to wheel machines into an exam room. Techs should have working knowledge of both types of radiological equipment. What’s more is that x-ray technicians need to be in good physical shape, as you will be expected to assist patients with getting into optimal positions to get the image you need.

How much do X-Ray Technicians get paid and what kinds of X-Ray Technician jobs can I get?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, the demand for x-ray technicians is supposed to grow by 15 percent between 2006-2016. Currently, six out of 10 technicians are employed by hospitals, with the rest working in doctors' offices and diagnostic laboratories. The number of technicians working outside of the hospital environment is expected to grow, because more and more health facilities offering outpatient care have the capability to perform x-ray diagnostics.

In other words, despite a tough economy, it’s still a good time to secure employment as an x-ray technician. Even better, if you’re considering entering the health care field as anything other than a doctor, you’ll note that x-ray technicians have higher earnings than many other specialties.

The BLS reports that the median annual earnings of radiologic technologists were $48,170 in May 2006, and get this -- the highest 10 percent earned more than $68,920! Higher earnings go to x-ray technicians who specialize in more complex imaging techniques like 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.

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