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Why X-Ray Technicians Must Be Certified

Lured by a great starting salary, steady employment and the promise of a job market that can only be described as "booming", many people today are opting to pursue x-ray technician certification.

Those who pursue a career in the field of radiology are responsible for procuring x-ray images that will help physicians to identify health problems in their patients, and decide upon the proper course of treatment.

The main prerequisite for this career is a certification from an accredited x-ray tech school.

Job Forecast For X-Ray Techs

Like many other allied health professions, the need for new x-ray technicians is projected to explode between now and 2016 due to the rapidly-expanding elderly population. From hospitals to local community clinics and numerous other stops in between, there are expected to be thousands of new jobs created for radiology specialists all around the country. This makes it a virtual no-brainier for many who would otherwise be on the fence over pursuing x-ray tech certification.

How To Get An X-Ray Technician Certificate

The first step you'll need to take in order to pursue your certification is to find an accredited x-ray technician school. The majority of programs offer additional options beyond basic certifications, including specialized certificates, associates degrees and even bachelors degrees in radiology. While not mandatory in order to secure employment, these additional accreditation's can dramatically increase your income and employment opportunities as a technician.

What Is Covered In X-Ray Tech Training?

The basic training provided by most x ray tech programs includes a combination of hands-on work with radiology equipment and academic theory. The theory portion of the curriculum is usually divided between patient care and basic science.

Hands-on training is provided at either laboratories or real-life health care facilities affiliated with the school. Students get the chance to observe and operate machinery for themselves, practice procedures with classmates and, in general, go through the motions of utilizing the basic skills associated with working as a technician.

For theory, students are exposed to basic biology and physiology as well as patient care techniques and principles. The focus on patient care is necessary because x-ray techs spend a great deal of their time with patients.

Time Required To Get Certified

The total amount of time required to become certified generally ranges from 18 to 24 months. If you decide to study for additional specialized certifications, or a degree, this time frame can stretch out to as long as four years, however.

Regardless of how long it takes you to complete your training program, you'll eventually have to sit for, and pass, a standardized certification test in order to become certified. Once you've taken this final step, however, you'll be well on your way to an exciting career as an x-ray technician.

What You Should Know About X-Ray Tech Positions

"What is an X-Ray tech?" is a common question asked by those who are interested in getting into the health care industry. 

The position is one of the better paying ones that a person can secure without a college degree, and demand for technicians' services is at an all-time high right now. 

In this post, we'll answer this basic question by taking a look at what x-ray techs do, where they work, and what you need to do to become one.

What Do X-Ray Technicians Do?

X-ray technicians and technologists are responsible for taking images of internal organs and tissues to assist doctors in accurately diagnosing injury and illness in patients. They do this with the assistance of cutting-edge radiological imaging equipment (x-ray machines in lay terms), which they are also responsible for maintaining and operating in a manner that complies with safety regulations.

Additional duties may include organizing, storing and managing images once they've been taken, educating patients and staff members on safety procedures associated with x-ray machinery, and ordering and managing the inventory of supplies needed to operate their machines.

Where Does An X-Ray Tech Work?

Because x-ray technology is employed at so many different types of medical facilities, jobs for x-ray technicians are often available at hospitals, private practices, public clinics and even research centers. While the core responsibilities of the technician will be like those described at any of these locations, they may be supplemented with more employer-specific duties as well in some cases.

Training To Become An X-Ray Technician

Finding work as an x-ray tech requires a person to hold at least a professional certification in x-ray technology. With that being the case, the first step in getting into this field is to enroll in an accredited x-ray tech school.

Training programs for technicians last an average of 12 months for a certification, but can last up to four years if the person chooses to pursue a bachelor's degree in radiology. Higher pay and greater opportunities for advancement await those who choose the latter, but an advanced degree is not a prerequisite for x-ray tech jobs with most employers.

Are You A Good Candidate For An X-Ray Tech Career?

If you're the type of person who enjoys working with technology, managing a variety of tasks simultaneously, and helping others, then a career as an x-ray technician may be a good fit for you. As a technician, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring that patients receive an accurate diagnosis, and will also be responsible for helping physicians and other staff members to get the most out of their facility's radiological tools. Needless to say, your specialized skills should also translate into a good income and great job stability.