Social Icons

Featured Posts

X-Ray Technician Career: Making Yourself Competitive

Saturday, October 26, 2013

By Shavonda Hamza


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.

On a typical day, an x-ray technician helps prepare patients for undergoing scanning and ensuring their safety especially since x-ray equipment emits considerable amounts of radiation. They make sure exposed areas of the patient's body are protected from radiation by making use of protective gear such as lead shields. They also align x-ray equipment at the precise height and angle over the specific area of the patient's body.

An x-ray technician must not be confused from a radiologic technologist since the latter performs much more complex imaging procedures and undergoes a higher level of training. At any rate, both of them must always adhere to all doctor's orders and follow all safety precautions in using radiographic equipment. X-ray technicians may also maintain patient records, prepare work schedules, and manage equipment purchases.

In order to start a career as an x-ray technician, the most common route taken is a 2-year's Associate Degree program in Radiologic Technology, of which is available in various universities and colleges. It is important to note when choosing a training program in radiography that it has been accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

Once you have completed an accredited training program in radiography, you may then apply for voluntary certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Being certified is among the best indications of the competency and proficiency of an x-ray technician. You will find that finding employment will be so much easier once you have acquired certification.

Due to the increasing number of population and the advancements in diagnostic imaging technology, the career of an x-ray technician is also expected to experience growth in the next few years. One can expect a salary of about $35,000 to $70,000, dictated only by the industry you work in and other significant factors. Job opportunities are pretty much overwhelming at medical and diagnostic laboratories.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment