Step 1: Complete an Accredited Postsecondary Program of Study
Those seeking certification need to complete an X Ray Technician training program that has been accredited by an accrediting agency that the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) has approved of such as the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). There are X Ray Tech programs that are available at the bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree, and certificate level. The most common for is the associate’s degree. Courses at every level usually consist of both laboratory and classroom instruction. The subjects covered include radiation pathology, infection control, radiation protection, patient positioning, medical terminology and anatomy.
During your degree or certificate program, you should maximize the amount of hands-on experience you receive. As part of their radiographic technology programs, some colleges provide externships at imaging centers or hospitals.
Step 2: Get Certified
After graduates have completed an X-ray technician program, they can then seek certification from the ARRT by being awarded the Registered Technologist (RT) credential. Quite often this process is optional for employment purposes. However, many employers do prefer to hire certified technicians.
Certification is also a requirement for many States as a step towards licensure.
Eligibility requirements for certification include an applicant passing a written exam and graduating from an accredited program. The 4-hour written test is comprised of 220 multiple-choice questions. It is graded on a pass/fail basis.
There is also the biennial recertification process to consider. Individuals are required by the ARRT to pass an exam or complete a total of 24 continuing education credits every two years to maintain their certification. The requirement provides assurance that the person is committed to maintaining expertise in his or her profession and is current in radiological technology.
Step 3: Obtain Licensure
X Ray technicians are required by a majority of States to obtain licensure prior to applying for employment. Mammography (which is X-ray imaging of the breasts) is regulated separately by Nevada, Michigan, Colorado, California and Arizona. Licensure requirements vary from one State to the next. In a majority of States, the licensure period ranges from 1 to 4 years. The American Society of Radiologic Technologists reports that there are eleven States that do not have any laws on X-ray technician licensure. For the purpose of licensure, all States requiring licensure, as of 2012, accept ARRT exams. There are also alternatives provided by several States, such as the American Registry of Clinical Radioography Technologist examination or State-specific exams.
Click on your State below for more information on becoming an X Ray Technician there and licensing requirements;
Step 4: Gain Employment
Typically a licensed X Ray Tech works a 40-hour week in a facility such as a rehabilitation center, imaging center, physicians’ office or hospital. Technicians may also work for an agency which will send them out to various medical facilities for the purpose of generating X-rays.
Step 5: Consider Advancement Opportunities
Certified and experienced X Ray Technicians can obtain addition ARRT certification in order to specialize in a certain kind of diagnostic equipment, like an MRI machine or CT scanner or to be a radiologist assistant. Other ways that X Ray Techs can advance their careers is through being promoted to the position of department director, working for a radiologic equipment manufacturer as a sales representative or teaching at a community college.