X-Ray Technician Schools: Which One Fits Me?

By Sherrill Dallago


If you're looking for a healthcare career that is bound to reward you with financial and emotional benefits, then becoming an xray technician may just be the right one for you. You may be surprised to know that xray tech jobs are very plentiful and you can expect the demand to grow each year. In order to get started with this career, what you first need is to undergo formal education and training.

The focus of the xray technician career is capturing radiologic images of the human anatomy so that it can be analyzed by doctors and medical specialists to formulate a correct medical diagnosis. Due to the technical nature of this job, formal training is a necessity to ensure proper operation of equipment (i.e. xray, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) and to promote safety against the dangers of radiation.

Besides working with equipment, an xray technician will also have to communicate with patients since part of their responsibility is guiding them throughout the diagnostic imaging process. They need to make sure that patients are comfortable at all times. Xray techs also do a lot of interaction with doctors as they discuss the imaging results with them.

It is possible to seek formal xray technician training through educational institutes such as universities, colleges, and even hospitals. You can choose to acquire a specific degree such as certificate, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree. Among the subjects generally included in formal training programs are medical terminologies, patient care, radiation protection, radiobiology, anatomy, and medical ethics.

As you are going through the different xray technician schools in your area, it would be wise to verify the institution's accreditation with the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). By enrolling in an accredited institution, you can have peace of mind knowing that what you're getting is no less than quality education and it will make finding jobs easier as well.

As an xray technician, you may also need to acquire a license before you are allowed to seek employment. This is the policy for most of the States because it helps ensure that the general public is protected from harmful radiation emitted by xray equipment. Certification may also be voluntarily acquired and it is issued by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).




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