If you are interested in becoming an X Ray Technician (X Ray Tech) / Radiologic Technician we are here to help you get started with your new career. We can help match you with the best X Ray Tech school in your area. And we make it very easy!
We will guide you through what you need to know to become an X Ray Tech and how to select the best schools for you. You can even request information from your preferred schools with the click of a button. It’s fast and best of all it’s free!
Please note, as the Bureau of Labor Studies only provides information on all Radiologic Technologists as opposed to X Ray Technicians specifically any employment and salary information provided for this career will relate generally to Radiologic Technologists and is intended to represent a guideline for this career only.
Common X Ray Technician Career Questions
- What does an X Ray Technician do? (see below)
- How much do X Ray Technicians make?
- How to become an X Ray Technician?
- Which are the best X Ray Tech Programs near me
Overview
X Ray Technicians, through the use of specialist equipment, create medical imagery of the bodies of patients. Other medical professionals then use these images in both diagnosis and treatment of patients. In hospitals and urgent care centers, X-rays are often used to determine if there are urgent medical matters that require immediate attention.
X Ray Technicians can become quite specialized in their area of work including mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computer tomography (CT).
| Key Facts | Detail |
|---|---|
| Educational Requirements | Most States will require a minimum of an Associates Degree or Certificate to achieve a license to work in this field |
| Average Annual Salary | $58,520 |
| Average Salary Range | $38,110 to $99,820 (depending on experience and location) |
| Number in Employment (2016) | 195,590 |
| Employment Outlook | Above Average |
| Work Environments | Hospitals, outpatient clinics, physicians offices, medical laboratories, dental clinics |
| Related Careers | Ultrasound Technicians, MRI Technicians |
Role and Responsibilities
As mentioned X Ray Techs are primarily responsible for taking x rays of designated portions of the body of a patient. This starts with explaining how things work to the patient, making sure they are positioned correctly and safely, and also removing any clothing and/or objects that might interfere with the machine. Additional responsibilities between patients include maintaining the area’s lead shield to minimize radiation exposure and keeping the equipment in working, accurate order.
Work Places
Technicians may work in hospitals, some urgent care clinics, and certain diagnostic imaging centers. Nursing homes, private facilities, dental offices, and laboratories are also potential places of employment. Depending on the size and internal logistical structure of any particular establishment X Ray Techs might answer to a department head, a specific doctor, or the actual administrator of the facility.
Hours And Schedule
Anyone employed in this field can expect a typical work week of 40 hours, although extra hours might be needed on occasion. Weekend, on-call, and evening work does happen at some locations, especially hospitals and urgent care clinics, although it is less likely in doctor’s offices and laboratories.
Physical Fitness
X Ray Techs are likely to spend most of their time on their feet. When dealing with patients who are disabled or not totally ambulatory, physical assistance may be needed to help them in, through, and out of the procedure. Technicians must also get used to moving around while wearing lead gloves and aprons to minimize their radiation exposure.
Getting Started
Take the first positive steps today to becoming an X ray Technician and reach out to some of the best schools in your area.
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