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How to Become an X-ray Technician

emilyr629 | Sep 30, 2010 |

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An x-ray technician is employed by a doctor, hospital or clinic. He has been through a certification course where he was taught and developed the skills necessary to operate and run x-ray equipment, and develop x-ray pictures for the radiologist. Certified x-ray technicians are responsible for taking x-rays, also known as radiographs, of patients that need them. The first step in becoming an x-ray technician is education.

You must have a high school diploma or GED, as well as completing the following classes; algebra, biology or a physics class and science. These courses can be taken at the local junior or community college prior to an x-ray technician course. Some online schools also offers courses for people aspiring to become x-ray technicians. These classes make it easy to work in your school schedule around your everyday obligations.

The education is between 1 and 4 years. Generally the time it takes to become certified is one to two years to get an associate degree. During the course you can expect there to be some clinical work, meaning hands on learning as well lectures from other health care professionals. The course itself may teach medical ethics, radiology technology, radiology physics, and general protection while operating the machinery among others, as it may vary from state to state.

After you graduate, you will be a licensed certified x-ray technician and the employment opportunities will be endless. You must renew your license and take continuing education classes every two years. These courses are also often available online, so that you don't have to interrupt your busy schedule to take them. You will be updated on anything new in your field and some of those classes will be for refreshing your memory. Once you are employed, the average salary ranges from 35 to 55 thousand dollars each year. You could earn more by earning a degree in some form of radiology. Each time you continue your education in that way, your salary, and skill level and knowledge will go up and improve tremendously.

If you find yourself in a place of deciding whether to change careers or start one, the health care field is a great choice. You will never have trouble finding a job, and it is practically recession proof. You must have the passion to want to help people, and be a good communicator and leader. You will be one of a group of health care professionals that attend to the needs of their patients.