As an x-ray technician, your main job will be to harness radiologic technology to capture images of the body which will be used by doctors in making sound diagnosis and treatment recommendation. X-ray techs usually work with x-ray equipment, although they may also be qualified to operate computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment as well.
It will be up to the x-ray technician to ensure that patients will undergo the process of x-ray imaging smoothly, correctly, and safely. Since x-ray equipment emits dangerous levels of radiation, an x-ray tech will need to cover exposed areas of the patient's body with protective gear such as lead shields. He must also check that the x-ray machine is positioned at the optimum height and angle over a patient's body before proceeding with the imaging process.
Often times, an x-ray technician is mistaken to be the same as a radiologic technologist - although there are some tasks they both can perform, a radiologic technologist is involved in more complex procedures. Both of them must be able to adhere to doctor's orders at all times, as well as safety SOP's in operating x-ray equipment. An x-ray technician can also be responsible for recording patient data, organize work schedules, and monitor equipment purchases.
In order to start a career as an x-ray technician, the most common route taken is a 2-year's Associate Degree program in Radiologic Technology, of which is available in various universities and colleges. It is important to note when choosing a training program in radiography that it has been accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Once you have completed an accredited training program in radiography, you may then apply for voluntary certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Being certified is among the best indications of the competency and proficiency of an x-ray technician. You will find that finding employment will be so much easier once you have acquired certification.
Because of the boom in the population and advancements in radiography, the job opportunities for x-ray technicians are expected to be favorable in the next few years. With a salary range of about $35,000 to $70,000 annually, it is not surprising why many individuals are aspiring to become an x-ray technician. Medical and diagnostic laboratories continue to be the top employers for this career.
It will be up to the x-ray technician to ensure that patients will undergo the process of x-ray imaging smoothly, correctly, and safely. Since x-ray equipment emits dangerous levels of radiation, an x-ray tech will need to cover exposed areas of the patient's body with protective gear such as lead shields. He must also check that the x-ray machine is positioned at the optimum height and angle over a patient's body before proceeding with the imaging process.
Often times, an x-ray technician is mistaken to be the same as a radiologic technologist - although there are some tasks they both can perform, a radiologic technologist is involved in more complex procedures. Both of them must be able to adhere to doctor's orders at all times, as well as safety SOP's in operating x-ray equipment. An x-ray technician can also be responsible for recording patient data, organize work schedules, and monitor equipment purchases.
In order to start a career as an x-ray technician, the most common route taken is a 2-year's Associate Degree program in Radiologic Technology, of which is available in various universities and colleges. It is important to note when choosing a training program in radiography that it has been accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Once you have completed an accredited training program in radiography, you may then apply for voluntary certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Being certified is among the best indications of the competency and proficiency of an x-ray technician. You will find that finding employment will be so much easier once you have acquired certification.
Because of the boom in the population and advancements in radiography, the job opportunities for x-ray technicians are expected to be favorable in the next few years. With a salary range of about $35,000 to $70,000 annually, it is not surprising why many individuals are aspiring to become an x-ray technician. Medical and diagnostic laboratories continue to be the top employers for this career.
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