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Get the scoop on what an X-ray technician is, what they do, and how you can become one!
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Job Description
X-Ray technicians use diagnostic imaging equipment to take X-Rays of patients. They work closely with radiologists to provide imaging services. They must have excellent communication skills and be able to work well with patients.
Duties
As an X-ray technician, also known as a radiographer, you will use diagnostic imaging equipment to create images of patients’ internal structures. These images are then used by physicians to diagnose and treat medical conditions.
Your duties as an X-ray technician will vary depending on your place of employment, but may include:
· Positioning patients and equipment
· Adjusting and maintaining equipment
· Taking X-rays
· Developing film
· Storing and retrieving patient records
· Maintaining a clean and safe work environment
Skills
An X-ray technician, also known as a radiologic technologist, is a health care professional who uses imaging technologies to diagnose and treat medical conditions. X-ray techs must be able to operate complex equipment and understand the science behind the images they produce. They must also be able to communicate effectively with patients and other members of the healthcare team.
In order to become an X-ray technician, one must complete an accredited training program and pass a national certification exam. Some states also require licensure. Most X-ray techs have at least an associate’s degree, but some have bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
X-ray technicians must have excellent coordination, as they often need to position patients and equipment quickly and accurately. They must also be able to work in a fast-paced environment and stay calm under pressure.
Salary
An X-Ray Technician is a medical professional who uses imaging technology to produce images of the body that are used by physicians to diagnose and treat injuries and diseases. The average salary for an X-Ray Technician is $32.14 per hour.
Pay by Experience Level
In order to become an X-ray technician, you will need to complete an accredited radiography program. These programs typically last two years, although some schools offer four-year programs that culminate in a bachelor’s degree. After completing an accredited program, you will then need to obtain a state license in order to practice.
The average annual salary for an X-ray technician is $58,450, although pay can range from $46,590 to $74,210 depending on experience level and geographic location.
Pay by State
As of May 2019, the average annual salary for X-ray technicians was $64,310 per year, or $31.03 per hour.* Wages typically start from $36,280 and go up to $97,950.*
X-ray techs in the top 10 percent earn more than $92,880 annually, while the bottom 10 percent make less than $44,130 a year. Salaries vary by employer and state. Factors such as cost of living also play a part in how much X-ray techs are paid.
The best-paying states for X-ray techs are California, Texas and Florida. New Jersey, Rhode Island and Nevada also offer above-average pay.
Education and Training
An X-ray technician, also known as a radiographer, is a health care professional who uses imaging equipment to create images of the human body. X-ray technicians work in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic imaging centers. They typically have an associate’s degree in radiologic technology.
Required Education
In order to become an X-ray technician, you will need to complete an accredited radiology program. Accredited programs are usually found at community colleges, technical schools, and some hospitals. Generally, these programs will take anywhere from 24 to 36 months to complete, and will result in either an Associate’s Degree or a Certificate in Radiologic Technology. Some programs may also offer a Bachelor’s Degree in Radiologic Technology; however, this is not always necessary, and may actually prolong your time to completion.
Recommended Training
In order to become an X-ray Technician, it is recommended that you complete an accredited training program. These programs are typically two years in length and lead to an Associate’s Degree. Once you have completed your training, you will be eligible to sit for the national certification exam.
Certification
There are many reasons why one might want to become an X-Ray Technician. The first reason is that the X-Ray Technician certification is not very difficult to obtain and does not require a four year degree. An X-Ray Technician can easily find a job in a hospital or clinic. The second reason is that the X-Ray Technician salary is quite high.
Certification Process
The certification process for X-Ray technicians can vary depending on the state in which you plan to work. Most states will require you to pass an examination administered by either the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Some states will also require you to complete a certain amount of continuing education credits every year in order to maintain your certification.
Renewing Certification
In order to keep your certification current, you will need to renew it every few years. The number of years between renewals will depend on the certification organization that you are registered with. Some organizations require that you renew your certification every year, while others require that you renew it every two or three years.
To renew your certification, you will need to complete a certain number of continuing education (CE) credits. The number of credits required will again depend on the certification organization that you are registered with. Once you have completed the required number of CE credits, you will need to submit a renewal application to the certification organization, along with the appropriate fee. Once your renewal application has been processed and approved, your new certificate will be mailed to you.
