X-Ray Technician or Radiology Technician

One department at the hospital that are mostly used for diagnostic purposes would be the Radiology Department. It usually houses the hospital's x ray machines but also other diagnostic imaging equipment like CT scan, PET scan and MRIs. An X ray technician or a radiology technician are the ones that operate these machines. The other equipment stated above are also used by an x ray tech as long as they are trained and certified to do it. The patient's doctor are the ones responsible for ordering x rays or any type of diagnostic imaging to help out in determining the problem and diagnosis of the patient.

So what is an X Ray Technician?

X-ray technicians have different other names like X ray Tech, Radiology Technicians or Radiology Technologists. They are responsible for taking x rays, CT scans or MRIs or any other Diagnostic Imagery of a body part or parts on a patient and as per order by the doctor. They are also responsible for maintaining and cleaning of the radiology equipment. They usually work in a department in a facility either in a hospital or a clinic. The job of a radiology technician is not only taking x rays but also must have a knowledge about transporting and transferring of the patients, proper draping techniques for privacy, and proper positioning of the patient so as to get the most accurate and clear x ray images.

When a doctor orders an x ray for a patient. The x-ray technician verifies the order and brings the patient to the x ray room and properly positions and drape the area to be imaged. The film is then processed and will be checked by a Radiologist (A doctor who specializes in checking and assessing the x ray results). The x rays can be repeated if the Radiologist cannot interpret the film or needs a different view on the x ray so that a definitive conclusion can be made. The x ray technician then sends the report of the Radiologist to the primary physician of the patient so that he/she can have a definitive diagnosis.

An x ray technician not only works in the hospital setting but also on other settings like clinics and even mobile units where the x ray machines are transported and housed in a van or a bus so that it can take x rays on patients that are in a facility that doesn't have access to the equipment like in nursing homes and retirement homes.

Other clinics like minor emergency has their own in house x-ray technicians and equipment also so that they can diagnose patients if they have broken bones or any other emergency situations that an x ray is needed for the physician to make a conclusive diagnosis.

X-Ray Technician Salary

One thing that you are probably asking or searching for is to know how much an X ray tech is earning. Well, it is not a definite number because there are a lot of other factors are involved in determining an x ray technician salary. The location where you are working or going to work is one factor that can affect it. There are states that pays higher that average and there are others that pays lower. Your experience is another factor. If you just started working, then normally you will be offered a lesser than average pay. The more experience you have, the better you can negotiate a higher salary. The average x ray technician salary is around $54,000 annually, roughly $26 dollars an hour.

Radiology Technician Education

To become an x ray technician or a radiology technician, you need to find a school that offers the training. There are a lot of medical schools and colleges that offer the program and you can easily find one in your area where you live in. Just visit or call your local community college and ask for information if they are offer training programs or can advise you on x ray technician schools around your area and if not, on other surrounding cities.

Schools will also have different programs to get you in the field of radiology technician. You can get into the program and receive a certificate, a bit more education and get an associate's degree or even a bachelor's degree depending on the schools and the program that they are offering. For a certificate program (entry level), schooling usually lasts from 6-12 months and it will have both classroom hours and also clinicals. Training will usually focus on Anatomy, patient care, pathology, radiation and imaging technology.

A governing body accredits radiology technician programs. This is to ensure the quality of education that is given by the schools meet their standards. The JRCERT (Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology) is the one responsible in checking and accrediting schools that offer training programs in Radiography. It is a good idea to check out, verify and make sure that the x ray technician program that you are wanting to get into is accredited by the JRCERT before signing up.

Certification and License

Most states require that their x ray techs and radiology techs are licensed or certified. It really depends on the state that you will be working. One of the requirements for you to get your licensure is that you must have finished and graduated from an accredited program (accredited by JRCERT) and also pass the certification/licensure examination from the state or from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT). This varies from state to state and it is advised to check your state board for specific requirements to get your licensure.