Xray tech work, X-ray Technician Work, Job description, Duties
Very often, the job titles of x-ray technician and radiology technician are used interchangeably. However, in reality, and for the purposes of this discussion a distinction often made. An x-ray technicians
work uses x-ray equipment for medical imaging while a radiology technicians work is certified in other imaging technologies such as CT, MRI, sonography, etc besides x-ray imaging.
The x-ray radiology or radiological technician’s primary responsibility is the operation of sophisticated scientific instrumentation requiring a high level of technical expertise. They must also be able to interact effectively; confidently, firmly, and sympathetically with patients while explaining procedures and preparing them the requested x-ray or scan. This preparation may also require the physical lifting and/or turning of disabled patients to properly position them. There is also the responsibility of keeping and maintaing proper records. These x-rays or scans are ordered by the patient’s physician(s) to diagnose their condition for potential treatment or evaluate the efficacy of ongoing treatments.
Hospitals are busy, high-pressure locations, Xray tech work requires not only physical stamina from the x-ray or radiological technician, but also the ability to work well under pressure. Hospitals also often require rotating shifts as opposed to a doctor’s office or clinic. X-ray and radiology technicians who also receive medical assistance training can improve their marketability by their ability to perform venipuncture, injections, electrocardiograms, routine clinical testing and other patient care procedures called for in a physician’s office.
X-ray Tech education, degrees, requirements
If interested in becoming an x-ray or radiology technician, one should have a strong high school background in mathematics and science, particularly biology and anatomy. Among x-ray technologist,
two-year associate degree programs are most common. Course work integrates classroom instruction in the basic and applied sciences (anatomy, physiology), the liberal arts (social sciences, writing, and psychology) and professional course work with clinical (laboratory) instruction. After completing the associate’s degree,
certification should be obtained. X-ray and radiology technicians may gain certification from their state, if available, or a national organization such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Candidates must graduate from an accredited program to be eligible for the ARRT certification. This exam comprises 200 questions covering radiation protection (20%), equipment operation (12%), image production and evaluation (25%), radiographic procedures (30%) and patient care and education (13%). To be eligible for recertification every two years a technician must complete 24 hours or more of continuing education.
Appropriate associate degrees are offered online that promise graduates are prepared to take a certification exam (exactly what exam is often vague); however, unless these online courses somehow provide hands on training, even with subsequent certification employers will prefer candidates with clinical experience. However, this should not discourage entering this career if this approach is necessitated by personal circumstances.
For eventual advancement to supervisory, administrative, or teaching positions, a four year Bachelor of Science degree is generally required, with a concentration in nuclear medicine technology (NMT). These graduates are eligible to apply for certification by the NMT Certification Board as well as AARP certification in for multiple imaging systems, including x-ray technology. Nuclear medicine technology (NMT) includes the use of radioactive pharmaceuticals not only for diagnostic purposes but in the treatment of disease. Course work is similar to the associates degree but with added emphasis on medical terminology, radiation physics, radiobiology disease pathology.
Cost-wise, a community college is far less expensive than a private colleges or university. The average cost of an appropriate associates degree is about $15,000 or more. Study online reduces the cost but with some disadvantages mentioned earlier. While some students have jobs that offer tuition reimbursement, other students take out personal loans to pay for college or receive financial aid or scholarships to assist with the cost. Some local state and community colleges offer evening glasses.
Prices are often broken-down per credit hour, per course, or per semester. A student will need to budget their funding accordingly. Finally, it would be beneficial to at least consider this among your goals before graduating from high school so proper course work may be pursued to ease the way into and through preparation for this career path.
X-ray Tech Salary, wages, pay, and estimated job growth
X-ray technicians typically earn salaries of between $32,000 and $69,000 (US, 2007), depending on their qualifications and experience, as well as the type of facility in which they work. Radiological technicians, as defined here, are compensated within a somewhat higher range. Certification, even if not required by the state, will also affect overall compensation.
Experienced technologists in supervisory positions will extend the upper salary limits appreciably. However, anyone intending to advance to supervisory or teaching positions should plan to obtain at least a bachelors degree. A master’s degree in business or health administration will often be necessary for a director’s position.
At present, a 15% growth in these positions is predicted through 2016. In the foreseeable future, hospitals will remain the principal employers of x-ray and radiologic technicians. However, a large number of new jobs are expected to be created in physicians’ offices and diagnostic imaging centers because these health facilities are expected to grow significantly because of the shift toward outpatient care, encouraged by insurance companies, and technological advances permitting more procedures to be performed outside the hospital. X-ray or radiology technicians willing to relocate and are experienced in more than one diagnostic imaging procedure (CT, MR, mammography, etc.) will have the best employment opportunities as employers seek to control costs by using multi-credentialed employees.
