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X-ray technician training prepares individuals to become x-ray technicians in hospitals, doctor's offices, and care centers. X-ray technicians (also called radiographic technicians) are responsible for safely operating x-ray machinery and producing clear images that meet a doctor's requirements. Some x-ray technicians specialize in more complex types of radiographic imaging, such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and mammography. These specialized technologies allow doctors to diagnose ailments in the soft tissue as well as bone.
In a given day, an x-ray technician may perform the following duties:
Because much of an x-ray technician's job requires operating powerful machinery, proper training is essential. X-ray technician training programs teach students both the theoretical and technical aspects of the job and prepare them for state licensing requirements.
X-ray Technician Training: Degrees and Coursework
If you want to become an x-ray technician, there are several educational paths to choose from. Formal x-ray technician training programs vary in length and may lead to the following credentials:
Certificate: Certificate programs generally take 21 to 24 months to complete. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology reported 213 accredited x-ray technician certificate programs in 2009.
Associate's Degree: An associate's degree in radiologic technology is the most common path to becoming an x-ray technician. Associate's degrees were offered by 397 accredited radiographic technology programs in 2009 and they take about 2 years to complete.
Bachelor's Degree: Bachelor's degree programs in radiologic technology are far less common than associate's degree or certificate programs and they require approximately four years of full-time study.
While a bachelor's degree program may offer more in-depth coursework than a certificate program, all x-ray technician training programs include a combination of traditional classroom learning and hands-on clinical training. Coursework generally covers the following topics:
Outside of the classroom, x-ray technician training programs give students a chance to put their knowledge to work in clinical settings. Depending on the program, students may receive hands-on training through an x-ray lab, clinical rotation, and/or externship program.
Prerequisites for X-ray Technician Training
Whether you plan to enroll in a certificate, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree program, you'll first need to earn your high school diploma or GED. Some programs also require you to complete high school level courses in chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics before enrolling. In addition to an aptitude for science, you should have an interest in patient care and be physically able to lift and move patients on the x-ray table.
X-ray Technician Career Outlook
X-ray technicians play an important role in patient care and diagnosis. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of x-ray technicians and technologists is expected to grow by 17 percent from 2008 to 2018, faster than the national average. This growth will be driven by the aging baby boomer population and advances in medical technology and it should result in approximately 37,000 new x-ray technology jobs.
X-ray technicians also get paid well for their services. The BLS reports that x-ray technicians and technologists earned a median annual salary of $53,240 in 2009. The vast majority of these technicians worked at general hospitals, while others worked at private physician's offices, imaging and diagnostic labs, and outpatient care centers.
Working as an x-ray technician is a great way to care for patients without the time and expense of attending medical school. Physicians rely on x-ray technicians to diagnose everything from broken bones to breast cancer, thus making x-ray technicians a vital part of the health care community.
Resources for X-Ray Technicians
These schools offer particularly quick info upon request, and we have written detailed profiles for each (click school names to see the profiles).
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| School | Locations | Degrees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthem Career College | TN | Diploma | |
| Anthem College | CO, FL, MN, MO | Associate, Diploma | |
| Argosy University | MN | Associate | |
| Colorado Technical University | MO | Associate | |
| ECPI University | VA | Associate | |
| Fortis College | AL, FL, OH | Associate, Diploma | |
| Kaplan College KHE | CA, NV | Diploma | |
| Keiser University Campus | FL | Associate | |
| Pioneer Pacific College | OR | Associate | |
| Sanford Brown College | GA, MO, OH, TX, WI | Associate, Certificate | |
| Sanford Brown Institute | NY, PA | Associate, Certificate | |
| Sullivan University | KY | Associate, Diploma | |
| Ultimate Medical Academy | FL | Certificate |
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