Radiological / X-Ray Technician Positions

Just as the job title indicates, radiological or x-ray technicians specialize in producing x-rays for physicians. X-rays are an important part of the diagnostic process, and they must be performed correctly in order for the radiologist or doctor to use them for the patient's benefit. X-ray techs must be fully trained in how to use all types of X-ray machines and equipment, how to position the patient so that he or she can produce the best image possible of the body part being imaged, and how to work with patients who may be injured or ill. Another very important aspect of the job is safety, as the x-ray tech needs to know how to protect him- or herself from excess radiation exposure, as well as his or her patient.

Like most jobs in the health care industry, the number of radiologic or X-ray tech jobs is expected to grow rapidly between now and 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In fact, the Bureau predicts that the number of jobs in this field will grow by 11% by 2020. There are two main reasons for this growth. First, the population is growing; second, the population is aging. Elderly people are more prone to falls and injuries that result in the need for X-rays.

What it's Like Working as an X-Ray Technician

Since medical emergencies that require X-rays happen at any time of the day or night, you may be required to work evenings and weekends. This is especially true at hospitals and urgent care clinics. Car accidents, falls, and other injuries commonly happen during nontraditional work hours. You should be prepared to work these kinds of hours. Also, you may need to work with uncooperative patients, patients who are severely injured, and other challenging people. In fact, you will interact with all kinds of people throughout your work shift. If you do not enjoy working with people, then you should really think about whether this is the right job for you.

You will also need to be able to stay on your feet for long periods of time or you may have to help lift or turn patients who are immobile or unable to position themselves for the X-ray. In the hospital setting, you may need to use mobile equipment and take it to the patient's bedside where you will acquire the image for the physician.

You must also be very careful about radiation exposure, and know what the acceptable limits are for yourself and the patients you'll work with. You'll wear a badge that keeps track of the amount of radiation you are exposed to on a daily basis.

Did you know? There will be 23,000 more x-ray tech jobs in the United States by the year 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Currently, nearly 235,000 people work as x-ray techs.

The Leading Employers

Like most health care industry jobs, most radiologic or X-ray technicians are employed by hospitals. While hospitals are the largest employer of this kind of technician, you could also get a job at an urgent care clinic, private doctor's office, or at a medical or diagnostic lab.

You should also know that you'll have an easier job finding work in larger metropolitan areas, as they typically have more hospitals and urgent care centers. Keep that in mind when considering this occupation.

Education & Other Requirements to Get a Job

When it comes to education, the good news is you won't have to get a bachelor's degree to get a job.

There are many accredited associate degree programs through community colleges and technical schools. The accrediting agency for radiology technicians is The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Some hospitals may also offer training programs, which means you may be able to earn your certificate in the field while you're working and earning a paycheck. While some techs do choose to get a bachelor's degree, the majority of X-ray techs choose to get an associate's degree.

Once you've earned either your associate's degree or bachelor's degree, most states require that X-ray technicians be licensed. This is done so that the state is assured that you have the knowledge you need to keep yourself and your patients protected from excessive radiation exposure. Check with your state's board of licensing or department of health to find out what you need to do to become licensed. Usually, you will be required to take a test.

Once you're licensed and get a job, you should also consider become certified. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) provides certification for radiologic technologists that wish to become certified. In addition, a number of states use ARRT-administered exams for their state's licenses. To become certified, technologists must graduate from an ARRT-approved accredited program and pass an examination. More employers today hire certified techs than those who are not certified.

X-Ray Tech Pay Range

Knowing how much you can make as an x-ray technician is an important consideration. The average annual salary for radiologic technicians, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $52,000 per year. Medical and diagnostic service companies pay the highest salaries to X-ray techs, while doctor's offices pay the lowest salaries.

Radiologic/X-Ray Tech Jobs Summary:

• As an X-ray tech, you'll need to learn about the human body in detail so that you can learn to best position the patient and obtain a usable x-ray. You will also need to know how to keep yourself and your patient safe and minimize exposure to radiation.
• You may have to work evenings, weekends, and with uncooperative or ill patients. Being an X-ray tech can be a physically demanding job.
• You should plan to earn an associate's degree and then become licensed. Certification is voluntary, but most employers prefer candidates who are certified.
• You can earn a higher salary if you work in a medical or diagnostic lab, as well as in a larger metropolitan area.

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