X Ray Tech Schools

Learn about X Ray tech schools and job prospects. X-ray technicians perform x-rays for use in diagnosing medical conditions and injuries. They work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, clinics rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and radiology clinics.

If you are interested in taking up a position as an X-Ray technician, or radiology technician as the role is sometimes called, it is essential that you identify a suitable program of training. There are a number of X-Ray technician schools colleges you can enroll at, prior to doing so it is essential that you understand the syllabus that will be provided as well as the length of the course. An x-ray technician is a trained health care professional with specialized skills and knowledge in manipulating x-ray equipment to take internal pictures of the body for purposes of diagnosing diseases, illnesses or injuries. In this growing field, most x-ray techs train for a year or two prior to working in a variety of locations. Training to become an x-ray technician is available at technical colleges and trade schools. At a minimum, students learn how to operate fixed and portable x-ray equipment, how to develop images, and how to position people so the best images can be taken. Advanced students go on to learn about other aspects of the radiology profession e.g. sonograms, magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), and computerized axial tomography scans (CAT scans also called CT scans).

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Selected Radiologic Sciences Programs

Florida Hospital College of Health

• Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences

X Ray Technician Education and Training

The training programs designed for individuals wishing to find employment as x-ray technicians can vary in length form one year to four. There is the possibility of sitting for a certificate qualification as well as an associate degree and bachelor's degree. A single year accelerated program can be taken up by those individuals already employed within the health care industry and who wish to change career or develop their medical understanding. A bachelor level course would be desirable if wanting to take up an administrative or supervisory position.

The most popular radiologist technician training program is currently the two year associate degree. Voluntary certification is possible through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. To qualify for certification, a student must have completed a recognized program of study and also pass the certification examination. As of early 2009, forty states had rules in place that governed licensing for x-ray technicians, of which thirty five recognized the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists exam.

To maintain radiologist technician certification, an individual must undertake twenty four credits of study every two years. To practice in a specialized diagnostic field such as angiography or CT scanning, additional training at X Ray tech schools must be undertaken.

Ultrasound Technician Careers

Radiology technicians are integral members of medical diagnostic teams, they work directly with patients and other staff to ensure images are produced that allow qualified professionals to correctly diagnose health conditions and offer the right level of care. There is a demand for trained x-ray technicians in hospitals, health centers and dental practices. Most x-ray technicians find employment in private and public hospitals, though there are also openings in diagnostic laboratories and imaging centers, as well as doctor's offices and dental clinics. The primary role would be to prepare patients, and take and develop the film used for diagnosis of ailments. Local state laws dictate the type of diagnostic procedures a technician is allowed to perform as well as the course requirements for x ray tech schools.

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

According to official government data, the number of jobs available for radiology technicians is expected to rise by fifteen per cent up to 2017. This is a higher rate of growth than other industries and is predicted due to the expected rise in demand for clinical services in the coming years. As the healthcare industry is somewhat recession proof, a career as a radiology technician is extremely secure.

The salary provided to specialists in this field will vary depending on factors such as specialization, experience, location, and the type of employer. The average salary as of 2008 stood at $44,900, with the top twenty per cent earning more than $55,000 per annum. The entry level salary is considerably high when compared to other health care professions. Therefore, X Ray tech schools continue to be an important part of the health care industry.