Only Superman had true x-ray vision, but with a little academic discipline and some hands-on experience, you can become an expert as a radiologic technologist, commonly referred to as an x-ray technologist or x-ray tech. You do not need a fantastic red cape and superhero powers to have 21^st century x-ray skills, but you do need the vision to discover how you will join the growing field of radiologic technologists. In a nutshell, the essential duties of an x-ray tech include taking x-rays and administering any non-radioactive materials into the bloodstreams of patients for diagnostic purposes.

Also referred to as radiographers, radiologic technologists produce x-ray films of parts of the human body to be used in diagnosing certain medical problems. These technologists are expected to precisely follow the orders of the physician and conform to any and all regulations concerning the use of radiation in an effort to protect their patients, themselves, and their coworkers from unnecessary exposure to the radiation.

It can take anywhere from one to four years to complete the formal education for this field through attendance at one of the xray tech schools in your area. Xray tech schools offer certificates, associate degrees, and even bachelor’s degrees. For those desiring supervisory, administrative, or even teaching positions, it is recommended that a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in one of the radiologic technologies be achieved. In order to be admitted to the x-ray technician schools, it is required, at the bare minimum, that the student have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Courses in chemistry, biology, and physics are extremely beneficial to the student applying for admission to any of the x-ray technician schools. X-ray tech schools give the students both classroom experience and clinical experience. Further, to ensure that x-ray technologists are properly trained, 40 states, as of 2007, now require its practicing radiologic technologists and technicians to be licensed.

Once you have graduated from one of the accredited x-ray technical schools, you will commence work at your new job by preparing patients and operating equipment. You may also be expected to maintain patient records and to adjust and maintain any equipment. X-ray techs may also prepare work schedules, provide evaluation as to equipment purchases, and manage a radiology department.

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There are certain specialty fields for graduates of x-ray tech schools, such as work in the field of magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography, which are scans that that produce cross-sectional views of an area of the body, allowing for a 3-D image. Another area of specialty is mammography.

If you desire to work in this fast-paced and exciting field, like Superman, you must have the physical stamina to remain on your feet for long periods of time and to lift or turn any disabled patients. Certain occupational hazards do exist in this field, but those are greatly diminished with the consistent use of lead aprons, gloves, and other devices that shield you from radiation exposure.

Graduates of x-ray technician schools who go on to their new profession can expect to work about 40 hours each week. Some of these hours may include evenings, weekends, and on-call shifts. There are opportunities for part-time and shift work.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, x-ray techs held about 196,000 jobs in 2006. While more than 60 percent of these jobs were within a hospital setting, the remaining jobs were in laboratories, doctor’s offices, diagnostic imaging centers, and out-patient care centers. The median yearly earnings of a radiologic technologist were $48,170 in May 2006. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,750, and the upper ten percent earned more than $68,920 annually.

So, does this help clear your vision for your future as a potential graduate of one of the accredited x-ray technician schools? You just be may a superhero to those under your professional care!