How To Become An X-Ray Technician

If you are looking for information on how to become an x-ray tech and are still in high school make sure you take courses in Math and the three science subjects i.e. chemistry, physics and biology.

These subjects will give you an introduction and basic understanding of the subjects you will study in more detail at college.

Do I have to go to X-ray tech school?

Yes, most states require an x-ray tech to be certified and many will use the actual American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exams as the licensing exam. There is a risk of radiation associated with x-rays and some other imaging performed for medical reasons. The Federal government wants to make certain that anyone operating these machines is properly trained to avoid any patient or operator being exposed to radiation or nuclear medicine unnecessarily although they have yet to introduce a nationwide requirement for certification.

You will learn how to protect yourself from the small risk of radiation poisoning associated with this career. Wearing lead aprons and working behind a cubicle are only two of the more obvious ways. Less obvious ways include making sure the equipment is properly maintained and serviced.

Make sure the course you choose is accredited by the Joint Review committee on education in Radiologic technology. You may be able to take a certificate course depending on your existing education which will last about 12 months depending on your existing qualifications but most students will study for either an associate or bachelor degree.

Your course should combine theoretical study with clinical experience. In addition to anatomy and physiology you will also study the principles of imaging, radiation protection, medical terminology and ethics as well as other subjects.

Your study doesn’t finish when you graduate as part of the certification process is that you log a certain number of hours of continuing education over every two year period.

In order to be a great x-ray technician you need to have certain extra qualities in addition to your education;

• Confidence and self belief. You will be working with leading edge technology so will need the skills and confidence to learn and adapt to new techniques.
• Decisiveness. You have to able to make decisions independently and often very quickly. You can’t be the type of person who doesn’t know their own mind.
• Attention to detail. Being careless could result in at best the wrong treatment being given, at worst it could be life threatening for the patient.
• Good interpersonal skills. Most people going for an x-ray or other form of imaging are there because their doctor suspects something is wrong. This could range from a suspected broken bone right through to cancer. You need to be able to work calmly and deal with people who are often scared or in shock. You cannot discuss the results of the scan with them even when it is good news. Some x-ray technicians find this the most difficult part of the job.
• Physically fit. The role of an x-ray technician can be physically demanding. You need to be able to position patients correctly and will spend most of your working time on your feet. You will need stamina in addition to physical fitness.

All x-ray technicians must work to the code of conduct and ethics. You will not be allowed enter the profession if you have certain criminal convictions. Each state has slightly different criteria so it is worth checking into.

Can an X-ray tech achieve promotion?

Yes there are plenty of promotion opportunities for a qualified x-ray tech. The field is developing all the time and some radiologic technologists will specialize in certain areas such as mammography or CT scanning.

Some x-ray techs will continue their study to become an x-ray technologist or even a certified radiologist assistant. Others may decide to go back to college to become a radiologist.

What is the job outlook like for x-ray technicians?

Not only are their new opportunities in terms of medical and technology advances i.e. the field of nuclear medicine offers some exciting opportunities for qualified x-ray technicians but there are also more job openings developing outside of the traditional hospital role. Sports clinics, dental clinics and private medical practices also employ x-ray techs.