How Long Does It Take to Become an X-Ray Tech?

How long does it take to become an X-ray tech? The answer may surprise you. Get the facts about training, certification, and job outlook to help you make the best decision for your career.

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How Long Does It Take to Become an X-Ray Tech?

So, you want to become an X-Ray Technician? That’s great! The first thing you need to know is how long it will take you to complete the necessary training. on average, it will take you about two years to become an X-Ray Technician. This includes completing an accredited training program and passing a certification exam. Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect from X-Ray Technician training.

How long does it take to complete an accredited program?

It usually takes two years to complete an accredited associate’s degree program in radiography. Some schools offer part-time or evening/weekend programs to accommodate students who cannot attend classes during the day. A bachelor’s degree in radiography may take four years to complete, although some schools offer accelerated programs that can be completed in three years.

How long does it take to become certified?

How long it takes to become an X-ray technologist depends on the level of education you pursue. If you complete a certificate or Diploma program, you can become certified in as little as 12 months. If you elect to complete an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, it will take two to four years to become certified.

How long does it take to find a job?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the amount of time it takes to find a job as an X-ray tech can vary depending on a number of factors, such as your experience, qualifications, and the job market in your area. However, with that said, the average time it takes to find a job as an X-ray tech is typically around six months.

What Are the Steps to Becoming an X-Ray Tech?

Becoming an X-Ray Technician is a process that takes around two years. It is a rewarding career that offers plenty of opportunities for employment and career advancement. The first step to becoming an X-Ray Technician is to complete an accredited training program.

Complete an accredited program

The first step to becoming an X-ray technician is to complete an accredited program. These programs are typically two years in length and award an associates degree upon completion. During your time in the program, you will take courses in human anatomy, physiology, and medical imaging. You will also complete clinical internships to gain real-world experience.

Become certified

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers certification in radiography, which is the entry-level standard for most employers. You can become certified by passing the ARRT exam and meeting their educational and ethical requirements.

To be eligible to take the ARRT exam, you must have completed an accredited radiography program. These programs are typically two years in length, although some schools offer accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as 18 months.

Once you have passed the ARRT exam, you will need to renew your certification every two years. To do this, you will need to complete 24 hours of continuing education credits and pay a renewal fee.

Find a job

The first step to becoming an X-ray tech is finding a job. You can find many jobs in this field by looking online or in your local newspapers. Many hospitals and clinics have open positions for X-ray techs, so you should check with these places first.

Once you have found a job, you will need to complete a training program. These programs can be found at many community colleges and technical schools. They usually take about two years to complete, and they will prepare you for the state certification exam.

After you have completed your training, you will need to take the state certification exam. Once you have passed this exam, you will be able to work as an X-ray tech in your state.

What Are the Job Duties of an X-Ray Tech?

X-ray techs are responsible for taking diagnostic imaging of patients using X-ray technology. They may also provide limited emergency care and assist in the administration of X-ray treatments. X-ray techs typically work in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic imaging centers. Most X-ray techs have an associate’s degree in radiologic technology.

Perform diagnostic imaging procedures

X-ray technicians, also known as radiographers, perform diagnostic imaging procedures, such as X-rays, on patients. The diagnostic images they produce help physicians assess and diagnose medical conditions.

While some radiographers specialize in a particular area of diagnostic imaging, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), most are generalists who are trained to perform all types of imaging procedures.

Radiographers typically work in hospitals, medical offices, and diagnostic imaging centers. They may work in other settings as well, such as prisons or industrial plants. Many radiographers are employed by mobile diagnostic companies that provide imaging services to nursing homes and other facilities.

Most radiographers work full time. Those who work in hospitals or other 24-hour facilities may have to work evenings, weekends, or holidays.

Position patients

An X-ray technologist, also called a radiologic technologist, is responsible for taking diagnostic images of patients using X-ray equipment. The position requires an associate’s degree in radiologic technology and a state license.

Maintaining the safety of both patient and technologist is the first priority of anyone working in this field. Before each procedure, the technologist will review the patient’s medical history to identify any possible contraindications, or conditions that would make the procedure unsafe. Once they have determined that it is safe to proceed, they will position the patient according to the specific requirements of the procedure being performed. This may involve having them stand, sit, or lie down on a table that will be moved into the X-ray machine. The technologist will then take measures to ensure that the patient remains still during the procedure.

Maintain equipment

An X-ray technician, also called a radiologic technologist, is a highly trained medical professional who uses specialized equipment to create diagnostic images of the human body. The images produced by X-ray machines are used by physicians to diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses.

X-ray techs must complete an accredited radiology training program and obtain certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Most X-ray tech programs take two years to complete, although some schools offer four-year programs that include a bachelor’s degree.

After completing their training, X-ray techs must maintain their equipment and ensure that it is properly calibrated. They must also follow safety protocols to protect themselves and their patients from radiation exposure. In addition, X-ray techs must keep up with new technology and developments in the field of radiology.

What Are the Educational Requirements of an X-Ray Tech?

Educational requirements for an X-Ray Tech vary depending on the employer. However, most employers require X-Ray Techs to have an Associate’s degree in radiologic technology. Some employers may also require certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Complete an accredited program

radiologic technologists, commonly referred to as X-ray techs, are medical professionals who specialize in performing diagnostic imaging procedures, such as X-rays, MRIs and CT scans. Most X-ray techs complete an accredited two-year program in radiologic technology to earn an associate degree. Some four-year colleges also offer undergraduate programs leading to a bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology.

Become certified

Certification is not required in all states, but most employers prefer or require it. There are two primary certification organizations for X-ray techs: the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). The ARRT offers certification in several radiologic modalities, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and mammography, in addition to X-ray technology. The ARDMS offers certification in diagnostic medical sonography and vascular technology, among other modalities.

To be eligible for certification from either organization, you must have completed an accredited educational program and met any other requirements, such as ethics training. Once you have met these requirements, you can sit for a credentialing exam. Once you pass the exam, you will be credentialed by the organization and will need to renew your credential every few years to maintain it.

What Are the Certification Requirements of an X-Ray Tech?

In order to become an X-Ray Technician, you will need to complete an accredited training program and pass a certification exam. The length of the training program will vary depending on the state you are in, but it typically takes about two years to complete. After you have completed the training program and passed the certification exam, you will be able to apply for a job as an X-Ray Technician.

Become certified

In order to become certified, you will need to complete an accredited X-ray technician program and pass the certification exam. The length of the program can vary, but most take between 18 and 24 months to complete. Once you have completed the program and passed the exam, you will be a certified X-ray technician.

What Are the Salary and job outlook for an X-Ray Tech?

Becoming an X-ray Technician takes about two years if you attend a full-time program. The X-ray Technician salary is about $60,000 per year and the job outlook for this career is positive. Get into the details of becoming an X-ray Technician below.

Salary

An x-ray technologist salary varies based on factors including experience, geographic location, and type of employer. PayScale.com reports that the median salary for an x-ray tech is $20.24 per hour as of March 2020. This equates to an annual salary of $42,090. X-ray techs with one to four years of experience earn a median salary of $18.67 per hour, or $38,810 annually. Those with five to nine years of experience earn a median hourly wage of $21.50, or $44,800 annually. And those with 10 to 19 years of experience earn a median hourly wage of $23.33, or $48,620 annually.

Job outlook

The job outlook for X-ray technicians is positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment of diagnostic medical sonographers and X-ray technicians is projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. An aging population and the continued use of imaging as a diagnostic tool is expected to drive demand for X-ray technicians.