X-Ray Technician Job Description
A Closer Look at X-Ray Tech Job Roles
The x-ray technician can expect a variety of different working circumstances and must be able to work well with people and under stress and pressure. The use of visual aides to find problems in the body is an indispensable part of the process for doctors, dentists, radiologists, and physician's to clearly understand the condition of their patient.
What character traits are important in an X-Ray Tech Job?
Calm, professional demeanor, patience, and compassion are all very important traits to possess as an X-Ray Tech. Many X-ray Techs report that one of the hardest parts of their job is to keep a calm and positive poise when they see something that concerns them. This is where a professional attitude about the job becomes very important. When a patient comes in for imaging, they arrive with anxieties and often think the worst. For this reason, strength of character and compassion are a must to be in an X-ray job role.
Where do X-Ray Tech's Work?
X-ray Tech jobs can take place in hospitals, doctor's offices, radiology (medical imaging) clinics, dental offices and even convalescent homes. Some radiology workers are trained to work in the emergency room or to be a part of the EMT team, going out into the field with mobile X-ray equipment.
What are some of the challenges of an X-ray job?
The one thing an X-ray Technician cannot do is to discuss findings of an x-ray with a patient. Sometimes a skilled X-ray Technician can spot potential problems on the images but still must not discuss them. Maintaining a professional attitude and addressing the concerns of clients without jumping to premature diagnosis conversations is a challenge for some. Instead, the X-ray Technician will tell them when they will be notified by a Radiologist or their doctor, which may take several days. If an emergency problem is spotted a Radiologist will be notified immediately and it will become a priority of the radiology lab. Respecting the proper protocols of communication is a must in the medical imaging field.
Another challenge that is reported is dealing with sick, high anxiety, or uncooperative patients. Some patients may be uncooperative or unable to sit, stand, or lie in certain positions due to illness ,injury, or pain. The X-ray Technician must be able to keep calm, helpful and compassionate at all times while also ensuring that the best quality image is obtained.
How can I move up or get promotions in an X-ray Tech job?
Some people go on to learn other aspects of the radiology profession and may be able to do sonograms (ultrasound), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized axial tomography scans (Cat scans or CT scans). The possibilities are wide open and the demand for these types of jobs is great. Many medical imaging professionals started as x-ray technicians or medical assistants and then become cross-trained or certified to perform additional procedures or even worked their way up to the coveted Radiologist Assistant position with lucrative salaries and complex imaging procedures.
There has been an increasing trend to get X-Ray Technicians cross-trained to do CT scans, for example. The reason for this is that the technology is similar and many physicians prefer more detailed images to pin point problems. Also, it may be determined that after getting an x-ray, that a more detailed image is needed for proper diagnoses. In this case, the same worker could perform the CT scan or MRI.
To learn more about the many branches of specialization in radiology, check our both our radiology specializations page and our radiology certificate's page. You will find information to get your acquainted with the technology and programs available.
Sample X-Ray Technician Job Description
As an x-ray technician, you will support the radiology team within a hospital, physician's office, or medical imaging facility. An X-Ray Technician is a trained health-care worker that uses x-ray equipment to take pictures of the inside of the body so that conditions, diseases, or injury can be visualized and diagnosed.Job duties include:
- Preparing the patient for the procedure.
- Explaining how the procedure works to the patient and ensuring that they are comfortable.
- Ensure that the patient is positioned properly in order to get the best quality x-ray.
- Adjust the equipment to obtain the correct angle. Knowledge of how to use the x-ray equipment is a must.
- Taking preventative steps to avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation.
The usual procedural steps to performing an x-ray consists of removing any jewelery and clothing which is replaced by a hospital gown. Clothing and jewelery might interfere with the exposure of the body area being examined. Then the patient is carefully positioned either laying, sitting, or standing,depending on the area of the body to be x-rayed between the x-ray machine and a cassette containing the x-ray film or specialized image plate. Any body part not being x-rayed will be covered with a lead apron or shield to avoid any further exposure of the x-rays. The x-ray beam is focused on the area to be photographed while the patient is to be very still so as not to blurr the image being taken. The technologist will stand behind a protective window and the image is taken. Various x-rays may be taken at different angles depending on the body part under study, such as the front and side view during a chest x-ray.
Find Schools:
Radiology Programs:
Fortis Institute
Campus Locations:
MontgomeryLooking to prepare for your dream career? Fortis Institute can give you the skills and training you need to succeed in the fast-growing and high-demand healthcare field. * Programs vary by location * Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information * Fortis Institute - Indianapolis advertising code is AC-0163.
Programs offered:
Pioneer Pacific College
Campus Locations:
WilsonvillePioneer Pacific College is a nationally recognized college with three Oregon locations. Degree programs are available in Business, Law, Computer Science and Health Services.
Anthem College
Campus Locations:
AuroraGet the hands-on training you need to enter the exciting health care or criminal justice fields at Anthem College. Learn from our outstanding professional faculty in a hands-on, real-world environment. We offer financial aid for those who qualify, outstanding student services, placement assistance for graduates, and more.
Ultimate Medical Academy
Campus Locations:
TampaUltimate Medical Academy (UMA) specializes in preparing students just like you for rewarding and challenging careers in Healthcare. While most schools teach many different subjects, UMA is exclusively focused on the healthcare field.
Programs offered:
Concorde
Campus Locations:
AuroraGet your career started with Concorde Career College. Our training programs are short, affordable, and hands-on. We offer training programs in medical assisting, dental assisting, insurance coding, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, vocational/practical nursing, patient care, and more.
Programs offered:
Sanford-Brown Institute
Campus Locations:
TampaGet everything you need for the medical career you want. Sanford-Brown Institute's advanced programs allow you to complete your certificate or degree program in as little as 9 months. Learn more today.
Programs offered:
Sanford-Brown College
Campus Locations:
PhoenixGet the skills you need in Tech, Business, or Healthcare in as little as 9 months from Sanford-Brown College. Choose from convenient day, evening, and weekend classes. Learn more today.
Programs offered:
Lincoln Technical Institute
Campus Locations:
CasselberryLincoln Technical Institute provides career-focused, hands-on training programs with industry experienced instructors. Get the skills for a rewarding in-demand career.
For more student consumer information, please visit www.lincolnedu.com/lincolnconsumerinfo
Programs offered:
Keiser University Campus
Campus Locations:
SarasotaKeiser University offers accredited degree programs in today's high-demand careers: Healthcare, Technology, Paralegal, Business, Nursing and Legal Studies.
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Kaplan College - KHE
Campus Locations:
Las VegasDon't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.
American Institute - Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Campus Locations:
West HartfordAdvance your career with American Institute - Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Our program can be completed in as little as 16 months. We offer program specializations in general or cardiac sonography, both of which include vascular ultrasound training.
Programs offered:
Medical Career Institute
Campus Locations:
Newport NewsExperience the Rewards of Caring, With ECPI’s Medical Careers Institute, you can Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree in 2.5 Years or Your Associate’s Even Sooner through Our Year-Round Schedule!
Programs offered:
St. Joseph's College of Maine
Campus Locations:
StandishMany adult learners are enrolled in courses worldwide and are active in distance learning courses at Saint Joseph's College and are in enrolled in programs such as business, education, health care administration, general studies, nursing, and theology.
Programs offered:
Star Career Academy
Campus Locations:
BrickStar Career Academy - the career school of choice. What makes us unique, and unlike other trade schools, is the dedication of our staff to provide performance-based occupational training. Students will be prepared for entry-level employment in allied health fields, hotel and restaurant management, cosmetology, or a choice from our professional cooking, culinary, baking or pastry schools. Students gain the knowledge and confidence they need so that they may quickly gain employment and achieve the success they desire.
Programs offered:
University of Phoenix
Campus Locations:
TucsonAs the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.
Programs offered:
