How To Become An X Ray Technician

Medical practitioners depend on X-rays and other radiographic imaging technologies to examine areas of human anatomy otherwise inaccessible to the naked eye. X-Rays provide a clear image of the skeletal system, aiding in diagnosis of broken bones and other medical conditions. Radiography offers broader functionality, with more extensive diagnostic imaging as well as radiotherapy treatment capability.

What Does a Radiographer Do?

Radiologic technologists are trained to operate the powerful radiographic technology used in medical diagnosis and radiation therapy. A basic X-ray procedure follows these steps:

Prepare patients for the exam, explaining the procedure and asking them to remove jewelry and other objects that could obstruct X-rays.
Protect the patient from unnecessary exposure to radiation by covering the body (all but the area under examination) with a protective device such as a lead shield.
Adjust the radiographic equipment as needed. This may include limiting the size of the X-ray beam to minimize radiation exposure and positioning the instruments at the appropriate angle and height over the patient's body.
Set the controls on the equipment to generate radiograph images with the necessary density, detail, and contrast to be useful for diagnosis or treatment.
Take steps to protect themselves from radiation exposure.
Store and send the captured radiograph images to the appropriate medical practitioners.

In practice, the radiographer's role is much broader and more technologically complex. The advance of radiologic technology has elaborated the technician's role to include the following specialty diagnostics and treatment areas:

Diagnostic radiography. X-ray technicians may specialize in the diagnostic imaging of a specific area of human anatomy: internal organs, bones, body cavities, and cardiovascular systems.
Fluoroscopy. Radiologic technologists prepare a special barium solution for a patient to drink, which amplifies the appearance of soft tissues in the body. Fluoroscopy is useful in the examination and diagnosis of the digestive system and intestinal tract.
Arthrograms and Myelograms. Radiographers may also assist with these contrast-assisted imaging procedures. Arthrograms involve the injection of dye or a contrast substance into joints, and myelograms use the same method to prepare the spinal canal for evaluation.
Computed Tomography (CT). CT scans enable a three-dimension view of the body by combining many cross-sectional X-rays. Since CT technology uses ionizing radiation to produce each individual image, the technician must observe precautions similar to the standard X-ray procedure described above.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). An MRI also produces a 3-D image of interior anatomy. Unlike CT and X-ray, however, MRI uses radio frequency to generate an image.
Mammography. Radiologic technologists who specialize in this breast cancer detection procedure use low-dose X-ray systems to generate images of breast tissue.
Radiotherapy. Radiation therapy is a distinct field related to radiology. Some radiographers expand their training into radiation therapy, where they use radiation to treat cancerous growths in the body. Targeted radiotherapy has the potential to shrink or eradicate tumors and cancerous cells.

A career as a radiographer allows you to calibrate your job description to your ambition. You may enter the field on the ground level as an X-ray technician, and gradually advance your career through specialized training.

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

There's no single prescription for how to become an X-ray technician, but all career paths start with formal training in radiography. There are hundreds of training programs at hospitals, colleges, and universities. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology accredits training programs leading to a certificate (21 to 24 months), associate's degree (two years), or bachelor's degree (four years).

Steps for how to become a radiography technician include:

Prepare for the radiography program with high school or community college courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.
Complete a formal training program from an accredited institution. Most radiologic technicians graduate with an associate's degree. Programs combine classroom and clinical training in areas such as imaging technology, radiation physics, anatomy and physiology, and medical terminology. Applied training covers patient care, proper positioning, radiation protection, and equipment operation.
Pursue state licensing, following the specific requirements for your state.

These basic steps can help you plan how to become an X-ray technician or radiographer. With training and licensure, you should have a strong foundation on which to develop your career.

How to Become a Great Radiographer

Once you've achieved the first step of entry into the field, you can put your mind to becoming a great radiographer. The following strategies help you advance in the field by extending your expertise and your job responsibilities.

Certification. Demonstrate your commitment to your profession by completing voluntary certification for radiologic technologists through The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Specialized training. Train for a radiography-related specialty such as CT scanning, MRI, mammography, bone densitometry, or radiotherapy.
Continuing education. Continuing education courses help you keep pace with advancing radiographic technologies and procedures.
Increased responsibility. Apply for supervisory responsibilities and advance into department supervisor, chief radiologic technologist, or director roles. Advanced administrative positions will likely require a master's degree in health administration or business.

Opportunities for trained radiologic technicians are growing rapidly, supported by rising demand for health services and an aging population, and increased use of radiography and radiotherapy to diagnose and treat disease. The U.S. Department of Labor forecasts employment growth of 17 percent between 2008 and 2018. The best roles should go to radiologic technicians with "knowledge of more than one diagnostic imaging procedure, such as CT, MRI, and mammography," reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Formal training and applied clinical practice can take you from basic competence to excellence as a radiographer. Position yourself for professional growth in diagnostic imaging by building your credentials in radiographic technology.

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