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If you’re considering a career in healthcare, you may be wondering what exactly a X-ray technician does. X-ray technicians are responsible for performing diagnostic imaging examinations, such as X-rays, on patients. Keep reading to learn more about the duties of a X-ray technician and what it takes to succeed in this field.
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Job Description
The job of a X-ray technician is to provide diagnostic imaging examinations using medical radiographic equipment. The examinations are used to support the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. X-ray technicians work in hospitals, clinics, and physicians’ offices. They may also work in dental offices and veterinary clinics.
Duties
An x-ray technician, also called a radiologic technologist, is a trained professional who uses specialized equipment to create images of the human body. These images are used by physicians to diagnose and treat medical conditions.
X-ray technicians typically work in hospitals, medical offices, and diagnostic imaging centers. They may be required to work evening and weekend hours to accommodate patients’ schedules.
The duties of an x-ray technician include preparing patients for procedures, positioning them properly, operating x-ray equipment, and ensuring that the images produced are of high quality. X-ray technicians also maintain equipment and keep records of procedures performed.
Skills
In order to perform their job, X-ray technicians must possess a number of skills. These include:
– Strong understanding of human anatomy
– Knowledge of how to position patients for X-rays
– Familiarity with different types of radiographic equipment
– Ability to take clear and precise X-rays
– Interpersonal skills to deal with patients who may be in pain or anxious
Salary
The average salary for a X-Ray Technician is $28.73 per hour. The median salary is $29,040 per year. The top 10% of earners make over $40,000 per year. The bottom 10% of earners make under $20,000 per year.
National
In the united states the median salary for an X-ray technician is $54,000 per year. However, pay can range from $43,000 to $66,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
Local
Local X-ray technicians make a median salary of $51,890, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS projects that the number of jobs for X-ray technicians will grow by 9 percent between 2016 and 2026.
Education and Training
There are a few things that you need to do in order to become a X-Ray Technician. Firstly, you need to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Secondly, you need to complete an accredited X-ray technician program And lastly, you need to obtain a state license. Let’s get into the details of each of these requirements.
Prerequisites
Education and Training
Prerequisites
The majority of x-ray technicians have an associate’s degree in radiologic technology, although some have completed hospital-based certificate programs. Many community colleges, technical institutes, and universities offer programs in radiography, and most states require licensure or certification for practitioners.
Programs
There are many ways to become a radiologic technologist. Some technologists attend a hospital-based training program, while others attend a college or technical school. Certification is available through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Hospital-based programs last about 2 years and often lead to an associate’s degree. These programs combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training.
College and technical school programs typically last 2-4 years and lead to a certificate, diploma, or degree. These programs include classroom instruction as well as clinical experience in hospitals or other healthcare facilities.
The ARRT offers certification in several specialty areas, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and mammography. To be eligible for certification, candidates must graduate from an accredited radiologic technology program and pass the ARRT exam.
Certification
All 50 states require certification for X-ray technicians. There are two types of certification: general and specialized. General certification allows technicians to work in all settings, while specialized certification is required for those who wish to work in specific settings, such as emergency rooms or operating rooms.
There are three main ways to become certified:
-Complete an accredited training program: This typically takes two years and leads to an Associate’s degree or certificate.
-Complete a bachelor’s degree in radiology: This typically takes four years and provides a more comprehensive education.
-Complete a post-secondary non-degree program: This can be completed in as little as 12 months and leads to a certificate.
Once you have completed an accredited training program, you will need to pass the Certification Examination for Radiologic Technologists (CERT) administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Specialized certification exams may also be required for certain positions.
Career Outlook
The demand for X-ray technicians is expected to grow by about 9% from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The aging population is expected to need more diagnostic imaging procedures, such as X-rays and MRI scans. However, advances in technology may limit the need for X-rays.
