X-ray technicians, who are also known as radiologic technologists or radiographers, are experts at using imaging devices to produce images that are utilized in medical diagnostics. They employ their abilities to take pictures that are then utilized to identify breast cancer, broken bones, and other medical conditions.
Read: Who Can Be A Radiologist Assistant?
Job Responsibilities
For those working as x-ray technicians, the following duties are typical:
- Before taking x-rays, ask them a number of questions to ascertain whether imaging might pose any problems or concerns.
- Prepare patients for x-rays by situating them or covering specific body parts.
- Use computed tomography (CT) and x-ray imaging technologies to take pictures.
- Obey medical advice and photograph the precise regions required for diagnosis.
- To establish whether the photos captured are suitable for diagnosis, provide the photographs to the ordering physicians.
What they do
X-ray technicians utilize their training to take pictures of bones and tissues in a variety of healthcare settings so that doctors can identify patients’ illnesses. They generate images that can be used to diagnose conditions including fractured bones, cavities, and cancer using computerized equipment like x-rays and computed tomography (CT) scanners. They could work at clinics, urgent care facilities, hospitals, dentists’ offices, or any other place where x-rays could be useful in identifying patients’ problems and requirements.
When a patient arrives for an x-ray, the technologist first makes a series of inquiries to ascertain whether there are any conditions or dangers that should preclude taking x-rays. The technologist gets the patient ready for the exam if all of the questions have suitable replies. He or she inserts any equipment required for positioning, shields portions of the body that don’t need to be imaged from radiologic exposure, and positions the patient so that high-quality images may be taken.
The x-ray technician then follows the ordering doctor’s instructions to record all the pictures required for diagnosis. The technician inspects the collected photos to confirm their quality before presenting them to the ordering doctor. The technician may have to put in extra effort to gather any additional photos required for diagnosis in order to accurately diagnose patients. By updating patient information and adding the photos taken to medical records, the technician completes their work.
Regular Work Hours
The majority of x-ray technicians have full-time jobs, however, they occasionally have to work odd hours. In contrast to those who work in hospitals or urgent care facilities, people who work in doctor’s or dentist’s offices may be required to perform evening, weekend, or even overnight shifts.
Future Job Growth
In the ensuing ten years, there will likely be a rise in the need for x-ray technologists due to the big and aging Baby Boomer generation’s increased demand for healthcare. The growing population of seniors in the future decades is anticipated to raise the demand for skilled x-ray technologists because older people have a higher risk for conditions like cancer that can be diagnosed using x-ray technology.
Common Employers
Both public and private hospitals employ more than half of all x-ray technologists. Others work in urgent care facilities, dental clinics, diagnostic labs, and medical offices.
X-ray Technician: How to Become One
Obtaining a degree from a recognized program is the first need for becoming an x-ray technician. The degrees that can be obtained range from certificates to bachelor’s degrees, although associate’s degrees in radiologic technology are the ones that aspiring x-ray technicians most frequently obtain. To practice their profession, x-ray technicians must be licensed by the majority of states, and many of those states demand that applicants have degrees from schools that have been approved by the Review Committee on Education in what is known as Radiologic Technology.
However, before starting your educational path, it’s crucial to research the regulations for your area of practice as each state has various licensing requirements for x-ray technicians. In general, earning an associate’s degree and passing a certification exam are prerequisites for getting licensed. You should be able to find entry-level employment as an x-ray technician with the right training and credentials. You can climb the corporate ladder and land better-paying jobs with experience.
You might be able to transition into a specialty in the industry after working for a number of years as an x-ray technician. Later in their careers, some x-ray technicians switch to MRI or mammography. Some of these positions may require more schooling and state licensing, while others will only require on-the-job training to qualify for employment as an x-ray tech specialist.
X-Ray Technician Pay Information
The pay and growth information on this page is based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics that was just released. The national average is $45,730 while the hourly charge is $22.
How do X-Ray Technician wages compare to those at similar positions across the nation?
According to the most recent data on employment across the country, X-ray technicians can earn an average yearly pay of $45,730, or $22 per hour. It is, therefore, a salary above average. Depending on the state you live in or possibly when just starting out, they can make as little as $32,030 or $15 per hour.
How has Job Growth for X-ray Technicians compared to that of other professions nationwide?
For a total of 125,900 people employed in the career nationwide by 2024, 23,700 employment will change. This represents a growth change of 23.2% over the subsequent ten years, giving the career a national growth rate of below average.
