X-ray techs and other radiologic techs are responsible for taking images of the inside of the body. They do this with machines that use safe amounts of radiation.
To become an X-ray or radiological tech, you need training and certification to ensure that you know how to operate these machines accurately and safely.
Below, we've listed everything you need to know about X-ray tech certification and certificate programs.
What Is an X-Ray Tech?
X-ray techs are medical specialists who operate X-ray machines and use them to take images of internal body structures, such as bones.
X-rays are a type of radiographic technology. The machine sends small, safe amounts of radiation through the body.
Dense objects, like bones, absorb radiation better than soft tissues. As a result, this creates an image where these dense objects look white and softer tissues appear gray.
X-rays can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions including:
- broken bones
- cancer
- kidney and bladder stones
- pneumonia
X-ray techs are responsible for getting clear and accurate X-ray images. They may do this by repositioning the patient or adjusting equipment.
While X-ray techs may make preliminary notes about the findings of an X-ray, they are not responsible for diagnosis.
Some medical centers don't have technicians who specifically focus on X-rays. They may instead have radiology techs. They focus on a range of radiographic techniques like:
- computed tomography (CT)
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- sonography or ultrasound
- X-ray
X-ray technicians and other types of radiologic techs typically work in hospitals, but they may also work in medical labs, physician or dentist offices, and outpatient care centers.
What Is Required to Become an X-Ray Tech?
Most X-ray techs have at least an associate degree in a field like X-ray, radiography, or radiographic sciences.
Some students may choose to earn a degree in the broader fields of radiography or radiographic sciences, then specialize with a certificate program in X-ray.
Most states require techs to be either licensed at the state level or certified through a credentialing organization like the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
X-Ray Tech Certificate Programs
Certificate programs are those offered by colleges or universities. They are usually used as an addition to an already-existing degree.
To earn a certificate in x-ray or radiography, you may already need to have an associate or bachelor's degree in a related field, though it will depend on the program.
Certificate programs usually last about a year, although every program is different. In these programs, you typically get both classroom learning and clinical experience.
While full degree programs may include courses on overall anatomy and physiology, certificate programs are more focused on radiographic procedures and safety measures.
During the clinical portion of your certificate program, you may rotate through different sites to get an idea of how X-rays and radiology are used throughout the medical system.
If you're in a radiography program, you will also get hands-on experience in using many different types of radiography equipment.
You can find accredited radiologic programs through the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
X-Ray Tech Certification
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists is the body responsible for issuing national radiologic certification in the United States.
They offer two tiers of certification: primary and post-primary. To earn a post-primary certification, you must first have earned a primary certification.
Primary Certification
Students can earn primary certification in:
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- nuclear medicine technology
- radiation therapy
- radiography
- sonography
- vascular sonography
To earn a primary certification, you must first have earned an associate degree or higher and completed an approved educational program in the same field as the credential you're pursuing.
Next, you must meet ARRT's ethics requirements. When this is done, you can take and pass the certification exam.
You'll take this computer-based exam at one of the Pearson VUE testing centers throughout the country.
The number of questions and length of the test varies depending on what test you're taking, but the radiography test includes 230 total questions and you have 230 minutes to test.
Your total test appointment time will be longer since there is a tutorial, NDA, and survey to go through, which adds about 20 more minutes. You'll also want to arrive about a half hour early.
If you pass, you'll need to renew your certification by meeting continuing education requirements. If you don't pass, you're allowed three attempts to retake the exam within three years.
Post-Primary Certification
Once you've earned your primary certification, you are eligible to earn post-primary certification. The ARRT offers additional certification in:
- bone densitometry
- breast sonography
- cardiac interventional radiography
- computed tomography
- magnetic resonance imaging
- mammography
- vascular interventional radiography
- vascular sonography
While none of these are X-ray-specific, some, like CT, use X-rays and could be beneficial certifications to hold.
The requirements for these certifications depend on which certification you're trying to obtain, but you'll need a certain amount of education and clinical experience to qualify for the exam.
As with the primary certification exams, post-primary certification exams are computer-based and the number of questions can vary. Your test may have between 140 and 220 questions.
Again, there will be about 20 additional minutes for you to take the tutorial, sign the NDA, and fill out the survey. You should aim to arrive about 20 minutes early.
You have three chances to take your exam before you'll need to re-qualify. Once you pass, you'll need to renew your credential every year by fulfilling continuing education requirements.
Earn an X-Ray Tech Certification or Certificate
There are several ways you can become trained as an X-ray or radiological tech. With the information above, you can start your journey toward a fascinating new career path.
