Interested in a healthcare career that will also satisfy your passion for machinery or technology? Consider becoming an X-ray technician.
In this article, we'll talk about what X-ray techs do, the training and certification they need, and the steps you can take to become one.
What Does an X-Ray Tech Do?
X-ray technicians are diagnostic imaging professionals responsible for capturing X-ray images. These images are used to diagnose injury, illness, and other anomalies within the body.
X-ray techs are sometimes called radiographers or radiologic technologists.
They perform various job duties, including:
- explaining X-ray procedures to patients
- positioning patients correctly and using protective equipment
- operating X-ray machinery
- maintaining patient records
- collaborating with doctors and other healthcare professionals
X-ray techs work in various settings, most commonly in hospitals and outpatient clinics. They may also work in diagnostic imaging centers, private practices, labs, and government agencies.
X-ray techs spend much of their time on their feet and often work long, irregular hours. Depending on their place of employment, they may be called upon to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
What Skills and Qualities Do X-Ray Techs Need?
X-ray technicians interact with people from all walks of life who are suffering from many different kinds of ailments. They must be empathetic, patient, and have excellent interpersonal skills.
They must also be good communicators. Their communication skills will help them explain test procedures to patients, discuss results with doctors, and write clear and thorough reports.
X-ray techs should have a solid understanding of anatomy and physiology, as well as medical terminology. They must have a knack for technology and for using medical equipment.
X-ray techs must be able to creatively solve problems that arise and adapt to changing situations, as every patient encounter presents new challenges. Adaptability is extremely important.
Finally, X-ray techs must have strong ethics, as they will be handling private patient information. It's important that patients and other medical professionals can trust them to treat this information with care.
So, do you want to become an X-ray tech? Follow the step-by-step process below.
Step 1: Develop Skills
You can begin preparing for your future career while you're still in high school. Work on developing the skills and knowledge you will need to give yourself an edge.
Take classes in anatomy and physiology, if available. Consider job shadowing an X-ray technician, if possible, to learn what the job is really like.
Learn about X-ray equipment and how it works. Talk to radiologists and X-ray technicians about what the job entails.
Practice talking and interacting with people at your school to develop interpersonal and communication skills. Play sports to help you become physically fit or stay in shape.
Taking all of these steps early will help better prepare you to work as an X-ray tech later on.
Step 2: Obtain a Degree or Certificate
You will need to pursue a formal education to become an X-ray tech. That said, the required education typically doesn't take as long as it would for other healthcare professions.
Some schools offer short-term certificate programs in radiography. These may last anywhere from one to three years depending on the school.
Most aspiring X-ray techs pursue an associate degree in radiography. These degree programs take about two years to complete and combine targeted coursework with general education requirements.
You also have the option to pursue a bachelor's degree in radiography, radiology, medical imaging, or a related field. A bachelor's degree takes four years to complete and is usually not required by employers.
Regardless of the educational path you pursue, your training will include both classroom study and hands-on clinical training.
Choose a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Step 3: Get Licensed
Most states require X-ray techs to be licensed before they can begin working in their field. Licensing requirements vary by state.
You may need to fill out an application, pay a fee, and provide proof of your training. You may also have to take a written or practical examination, or a combination of both.
Find out about the requirements in your state by checking with your state's department of health.
Even if your state doesn't require a license, it may be a good idea to obtain one anyway, as most individual employers prefer candidates who are certified or licensed regardless of state regulations.
Step 4: Get Certified
You may or may not need to get certified as an X-ray technician, so this step is optional. That said, certification may be necessary and might help you land a better job earlier in your career.
Many states require you to be certified in order to obtain a state license. Even if certification and licensure are not required in your state, both are typically preferred by employers.
If you have your eye on a specific job opening, find out if certification is one of the requirements. Otherwise, you might decide to pursue certification because it qualifies you for a greater number of jobs.
You can become a certified X-ray technician through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Step 5: Consider Specializing
Once you gain a bit of experience as an X-ray technician, you may want to explore other careers in radiography, radiology, and diagnostic imaging.
You could choose to specialize in a certain field related to X-ray imaging. Options include:
- computed tomography (CT)
- mammography
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
These career paths may require additional education, but they will also qualify you for a wider array of job opportunities.
Become an X-Ray Tech Today
Working as an X-ray technician can be a stressful but highly rewarding career. If you think this is the career path for you, consider taking steps to become an X-ray tech today.
