X-ray Technician Career: Getting An Edge

Posted by Download On Jumat, 28 September 2012 0 komentar
By Henry Sumpter


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.

An x-ray technician and radiologic technologist are two different job descriptions despite them working in the same department. A radiologic technologist undergoes more comprehensive training and therefore is qualified to perform more complex tasks. In any case, both of them will have to comply with a physician's orders, and observe safety precautions when operating x-ray equipment. An x-ray may also be assigned clerical work such as recording patient history and preparing work schedules.

The usual starting point for becoming an x-ray technician is through a 2-year Associate's Degree training program in radiography. You can find a wide variety of such programs from colleges and universities. It is highly recommended that you enroll only in training programs that have been accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

Applying for voluntary certification should be the next step following completion of an accredited training program in Radiologic Technology. Completing an accredited training program and passing a certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) are the primary requirements for certification. Acquiring certification provides a significant advantage when it comes to seeking employment.

The demand for x-ray technicians is expected to rise in the next decade or so, especially with the increase in population and the advancements in radiologic technology. The salary for an x-ray technician can be anywhere from $35,000 to $70,000 depending on where you are employed and other important factors. Employment opportunities can also be found in a wide variety of settings, but medical and diagnostic laboratories continue to be the top industry employing x-ray technicians.




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