Logan Reid
Radiologic technology, the field in which X-ray technicians work, is growing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the number of jobs for this role to grow by 6% by 2033, with around 16,000 openings projected each year. This growth is partly due to aging baby boomers. To become an X-ray technician, you must attend an accredited post-secondary program in X-ray technology and obtain an associate degree, which takes two years to complete. Many X-ray technicians also hold bachelor's degrees. You must also obtain the necessary licensing and certification, which vary by state. To get certified, you must pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,660 |
| Education Requirements | Associate's degree (minimum 2 years); many hold bachelor's degrees (4 years) |
| Licensing and Certification | Requirements vary by state; must pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam to become a Registered Technologist (R.T.) |
| Work Environment | Hospitals, long-term care facilities, doctor's offices, clinics |
| Job Outlook | Projected to grow by 6% by 2033, with 16,000 openings per year |
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What You'll Learn
- Educational requirements: You'll need an associate degree, which takes two years. Many technicians hold bachelor's degrees
- Licensing and certification: Requirements vary by state. You may need to pass the ARRT exam
- Job outlook: The field is growing. The BLS projects a 6% increase in jobs by 2033
- Work environment: X-ray technicians work in hospitals, care facilities, doctor's offices, and clinics
- Job duties: Technicians use specialty equipment to record X-ray images for radiologists to interpret
Educational requirements: You'll need an associate degree, which takes two years. Many technicians hold bachelor's degrees
To become an X-ray technician, you'll need to obtain an associate degree, which typically takes two years to complete. This will be a post-secondary degree in x-ray or radiologic technology, which will include the necessary externships and training to prepare you for the role.
The specific licensing and certification requirements vary from state to state, so it's important to check the specific requirements for the state in which you plan to work. In general, you will need to pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam to obtain the necessary certification.
Many X-ray technicians choose to pursue a bachelor's degree, which can provide additional knowledge and skills that may be beneficial in the field. A bachelor's degree typically takes four years to complete as a full-time student.
X-ray technicians, also known as radiologic technologists, work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, doctors' offices, and clinics. They use sophisticated equipment to perform medical imaging examinations, including X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, mammograms, and bone densitometry. The demand for X-ray technicians is growing due to the ageing population, and it can be a great starting point for a career in medicine.
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Licensing and certification: Requirements vary by state. You may need to pass the ARRT exam
To become an X-ray technician, you must meet the necessary educational, licensing, and certification requirements. The specific requirements vary depending on the state in which you plan to practice.
To work as an X-ray technician, you need at least an associate degree in radiologic technology, which typically takes two years to complete. This includes externships and training, as well as the necessary education in X-ray technology. Many X-ray technicians also hold bachelor's degrees, which take around four years to complete as a full-time student.
In addition to the degree requirements, you may need to obtain a license to work as an X-ray technician. The licensing requirements vary by state, so it is important to check with your specific state's regulations. Some states may require you to pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam. This exam is designed to certify individuals qualified to perform specific roles in radiologic technology, such as radiography. It is widely recognised by employers, state licensing agencies, and federal regulators as a verification of meeting rigorous professional standards.
The ARRT exam is challenging but fair, created with input from industry experts, including Registered Technologists (RTs). It assesses your knowledge of the daily tasks performed by entry-level technologists. Before taking the exam, you must pay the exam fee, receive your Candidate Status Report (CSR), and verify the information on the CSR. The CSR notifies you of your eligibility to take the exam.
By obtaining the necessary education, license (if required by your state), and certifications, you can pursue a career as an X-ray technician in hospitals, long-term care facilities, doctors' offices, or clinics.
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Job outlook: The field is growing. The BLS projects a 6% increase in jobs by 2033
Radiologic technology, the field that employs X-ray technicians, is growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of jobs in this field is projected to increase by 6% by 2033, with around 16,000 openings expected each year. This projected growth is attributed partly to the increasing number of aging baby boomers.
To become an X-ray technician, you need to obtain an associate degree in radiologic technology, which typically takes two years to complete. These programs include externships and training in the use of specialty equipment to record X-ray images for radiologists' interpretation and analysis. While an associate degree is the minimum requirement, many X-ray technicians choose to pursue a bachelor's degree, which takes four years to complete as a full-time student.
In addition to the degree requirements, aspiring X-ray technicians should also check their state's licensing and certification mandates. While licensing requirements vary across states, obtaining certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is necessary to work in this field. This certification provides individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel as X-ray technicians, aiding physicians and other medical staff in delivering patient care.
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Work environment: X-ray technicians work in hospitals, care facilities, doctor's offices, and clinics
X-ray technicians, also known as radiologic technologists, work alongside physicians and other medical professionals to provide patient care. They use specialist equipment to record X-ray images, which radiologists then interpret and analyse. This equipment includes tools for performing medical imaging examinations such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammography, and bone densitometry.
X-ray technicians work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, doctors' offices, and clinics. Each work environment offers a unique experience and allows X-ray technicians to interact with patients and other healthcare professionals differently.
In hospitals, X-ray technicians are often part of a larger team of medical professionals and may work in emergency rooms, surgical suites, or inpatient units. They may also be involved in performing more complex imaging procedures, such as CT scans or fluoroscopies, in addition to standard X-rays. Working in a hospital setting can be fast-paced and demanding, requiring good teamwork and communication skills.
Long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes or rehabilitation centres, may also employ X-ray technicians. Here, the focus is on providing ongoing care to patients with chronic conditions or those requiring extended recovery periods. X-ray technicians in these settings may perform X-rays for patients with mobility issues or conduct routine imaging to monitor the progress of long-term residents.
Doctors' offices and clinics often have X-ray technicians on staff to provide convenient and accessible imaging services for patients. In these settings, X-ray technicians may develop closer relationships with individual physicians and their patients. They may also be involved in performing a wider range of general radiographic procedures, depending on the specialisation of the clinic. Working in a clinic or doctor's office can provide a more consistent schedule and a less frenetic environment than a hospital.
Regardless of the work environment, X-ray technicians play a crucial role in patient care and diagnosis. Their expertise in operating X-ray equipment and producing high-quality images is invaluable to the healthcare profession.
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Job duties: Technicians use specialty equipment to record X-ray images for radiologists to interpret
To work as an X-ray technician, you'll need at least an associate degree in radiologic technology, which typically takes two years to complete. Many technicians also hold bachelor's degrees, which take four years to complete as a full-time student. You'll also need to pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam. Additionally, licensing requirements vary from state to state, so be sure to check the specific requirements for your state.
X-ray technicians, also known as radiologic technologists, work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, doctors' offices, and clinics. They are an important part of the healthcare team, aiding physicians and other medical personnel in patient care.
A key aspect of their job is operating specialty equipment to capture X-ray images. This involves positioning patients correctly and adjusting the equipment to capture the necessary views for diagnosis or treatment planning. X-ray technicians must also ensure that patients are protected from excessive radiation exposure and may need to keep records of the procedures performed.
X-ray technicians are skilled in using radiographic equipment, which includes X-ray machines, to create images of the internal structures of the body. These images are then interpreted by radiologists, who are medical doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions through medical imaging. The technicians' expertise lies in capturing clear and accurate images that provide valuable information for radiologists to analyze.
In addition to X-ray imaging, technicians may also be trained in other medical imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammography, and bone densitometry. The demand for X-ray technicians is expected to grow due to the aging population, and the median salary for radiologic technologists, including X-ray technicians, is $77,660 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
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Frequently asked questions
You will need at least an associate degree in radiologic technology to work as an X-ray technician. This will take approximately two years to complete. However, many X-ray technicians hold bachelor's degrees, which take four years to complete as a full-time student.
X-ray hospital technicians work with patients to ensure their comfort while capturing clear images that help doctors make accurate diagnoses. They also work with physicians to assess images and determine whether more are needed.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for radiologic technologists, including X-ray technicians, is $77,660. The top 10% of earners make as much as $106,990, and the bottom 10% earn $52,360.
