If you are thinking of becoming an x-ray technician, you will first need to know what it takes to become one in terms of training, education and certification. Becoming an x-ray technician requires a lot more than just studying how to operate an x-ray machine. It involves lessons and courses in how to safely keep yourself and your patients from the dangerous radiation that comes from these machines and how to operate other diagnostic imaging equipment that are used in hospitals and clinics. You will also learn how to direct patients to do what is necessary for them to get the kind of diagnostic results they need while keeping them safe and at ease at the same time.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for radiographers is expected to grow by some 17% from 2008 to 2018. Radiographers are also well compensated, as it was estimated that they earned an average of $52,000 as of 2008, although the top 10% can earn as much as $75,000. Radiographers who will enjoy the best job prospects are those trained in a variety of imaging technologies such as CT scanning and mammography.

Although the majority of X-ray technicians are employed by hospitals, there will also be a growing demand for these professionals in private clinics, outpatient care facilities and diagnostic imaging centers, as advances in technology make it more feasible for X-ray equipment to be found outside of hospital settings. Many radiographers also opt to become instructors at training facilities or work with medical equipment companies.

Training programs to become a radiographer can be taken at X-ray technician schools, as well as at community colleges and through hospitals and the US Armed Forces. The courses you are required to take under a radiography training program include anatomy, pathology, radiation protection, bedside manner and ethics. You will also be taught how to handle all the equipment used in performing X-ray examinations. In general, to qualify for admission to a radiography training program, you must be a high school graduate or hold a GED certificate.

Radiography programs can be completed in one to four years, depending on whether they are taken on a part-time or full-time basis, and award graduates a certificate, a Bachelor’s degree or an Associate degree. When selecting a training program, make sure that it is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology to ensure that it meets high standard of academic standards.

While there are no Federal laws that require radiographers to be licensed, most states require licensure as a prerequisite before allowing them to practice; however, requirements will vary from state to state. Radiographers can also opt for voluntary certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians, although getting certified will not remove the need for getting a license if this is required in your state. Some states, however, use AART-administered tests for licensing purposes. Areas that are covered in certification exams include radiography procedures, patient care and proficiency with equipment. Certification must be renewed every two years.

Career and Jobs

X-ray technicians use x-ray equipment to capture images of the inside of the body to help doctors diagnose and treat bone diseases and fracture. As the technique involves the use of radio rays, x-ray technicians are to be skilled in handling the equipment.

Schools, colleges and hospitals offer training in  x-ray and there are a number of courses of different duration leading to a degree diploma or certificate in x-ray technology. The courses include subjects like anatomy, physiology, radio physics, safe use of radiation, radiobiology, pathology, medical terminology etc (Ref: X-Ray Tech Schools, 2008). Apart from these they have to learn and practice the operation and maintenance of the x-ray equipment as well aspatient care procedures. After the course they have to clear an exam by the American Registry of Radiology Technologists and get a licence to practise the job.
A career as an x-ray technician is a rewarding one with increasing opportunities.  Skilled x-Ray Technicians’ earnings are in the range of $46,000-$54,000/year.

X-ray technician related job titles are:

• Imaging Technologist
• Diagnostic Radiological Technician
• X-Ray Technician

Top 5 X-Ray Technician Schools

Virginia College

The College was founded by the Atlantis Group, Inc., in 1983 and then purchased by Career Futures, Inc., in 1989. The College opened its first branch campus in Birmingham, Alabama, in February 1992, and this became the main campus in 1995. In April 1993, the College opened its second branch campus in Huntsville, Alabama. In 1997, Virginia College received senior college recognition from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) which now accredits all programs at the school’s campuses.

Virginia College provides the convenience of flexible class schedules with the benefits of small class sizes. Financial aid is available for those who qualify, helping open doors for everyone who wants to improve his or her education and opportunities! Read More…

Vatterott College

In 1969, Vatterott College began providing quality career training to students seeking career skills for a better life. In 2003, Vatterott Education Centers Inc. was established as the parent company of Vatterott College, Vatterott Education Center of Dallas, Vatterott Career Colleges in Memphis Tennessee, L’École Culinaire and The Court Reporting Institutes. Each of these institutions take pride in keeping up with the Vatterott tradition of providing quality education in high-demand fields and continues to grow by offering additional diploma and degree programs and launching new locations. Programs at Vatterott campuses include fields in Business, Medical, Technical, Trades, Court Reporting and Culinary. All programs are industry-relevant and designed to support the Vatterott mission of providing career skills for a better life for graduates. Call 1-866-314-6454 today for more information.

Programs

Vatterott works to promote a fresh kind of education: training you could use to change the direction of your life. Whether your plan is to become an IT professional or take your place in business operations, enroll in a diesel mechanics program or earn a diploma in paralegal studies, Vatterott can help prepare you for a new career path. The following are the award levels available at the various Vatterott locations. Please note that not all programs are available at all campuses. Read More…

Kaplan College

Kaplan College is part of Kaplan Higher Education Corporation (KHE), a division of Kaplan, Inc., which has built a long and distinguished tradition as both an academic pioneer and career-maker since 1938. Kaplan serves 1 million students per year across the United States and abroad, including online programs through Kaplan University. Kaplan is a leading global provider of educational services for individuals, schools, and businesses. A subsidiary of The Washington Post Company, Kaplan had 2007 revenue of more than $2 billion.

Kaplan College is a system of for-profit colleges in the United States and is a subsidiary of Kaplan Inc. and Kaplan Higher Education. Kaplan College offers career training for the healthcare industry. Read More…

Carrington College (Apollo College)

Carrington College, formerly known as Apollo College, is a privately held institution of higher education. Carrington College, along with co-operating division Carrington College California, is owned and operated by Carrington Colleges Group, Inc. a part of DeVry Inc.  The college offers practical, real-world education and hands-on experiences in allied health care at its 10 campuses throughout the Western U.S. and online.

Apollo College has degree programs in the healthcare, dental and veterinary career fields. You can earn a degree or a diploma upon successful completion of your coursework within 2 years or less. Apollo College has been in operation since 1976. In this time, we have graduated over 50,000 students who were able to take their quality education and enter the workforce immediately. Apollo College has 10 campus locations across the U.S., so it is likely that you can attend college in a surrounding community close to you. Read More…

Penn Foster College

Penn Foster College is a U.S. for-profit institution offering higher education via distance education. Penn Foster, originally founded as International Correspondence Schools or ICS, was founded in 1890 by Thomas J. Foster, a Pennsylvania newspaper editor. The college was established in 1977 by ICS[citation needed] and was known as “The Center for Degree Studies”,[citation needed] which was located in and operated from Scranton, Pennsylvania.[citation needed] In 2006, it was renamed Penn Foster College and moved to its new headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The school became a stunning success virtually overnight, enrolling more than a quarter of a million students in its first decade. As the years rolled by, millions more would choose Penn Foster Career School. By 1945, 5,000,000 students had enrolled in Penn Foster training programs, and as of today that number has grown to more than 13,000,000. Read More…