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X-Ray Technician

X-ray technicians perform basic x-ray imaging and provide general support for a radiology unit. Although many people use the title "x-ray tech" and "radiologic technologist" to mean the same thing, there is a difference. X-ray techs are often not certified through ARRT(American Registry of Radiologic Technologists); however, rad techs must be. Some states (about 38 states) require that individuals become certified in order to perform medical imaging procedures.

There is also an increasing trend in which employers are requiring certification as a condition of employment. Because of this trend, many schools have adjusted their x-ray technician curriculum to prepare students to take the ARRT exam. It is important to remember that no matter what level of education you have, there is a place for you to start your X-ray Technician career.

Find X-Ray Schools

Browse our full list of radiology schools, search by radiology degree programs, or search X-ray schools by state to find one offering x-ray technician courses and programs. Use our directory to request free information and get your career started.

X-Ray Terminology

The field of radiology is full of job titles and terminology that is often co-mingled or misunderstood. For example, X-ray tech and Radiologic Technologist titles are often used interchangeably. An X-ray Technician is educated and trained on basic x-ray exams. This is an entry level position in the field of radiology and often means that the individual is "limited licensed" or is not certified through the ARRT. Once you pass the ARRT exam and become registered, you can then assume the title of RT or Radiologic Technologist.

Almost all schools now have a Radiologic Technologist program, which provides you with basic radiology skills and prepares you for the ARRT exam. In addition, most schools offer education or certification on a particular area of focus within the field, such as CT tech or mammography.

X-Ray vs. Radiologic Technologist: Which Program Should I Pursue?


x-ray-technician explaining x ray to little boySome things to consider when choosing a radiology program:

 

X-Ray Technician Job Description

Read all about the X-ray Technician job. Find out what you will be doing on a typical day and the character traits of a good X-ray Tech. Also, find out about the work environment, what the challenges are, and how to move up and get promotions. Get the inside scoop on X-ray Technician job roles.

X-Ray Technician Salary

X-ray technician's earned an average of $41,000 per year in 2007 according to the American Medical Association. The amount of experience you have and the type of facility you work in will effect your salary level. Learn how an X-ray Tech can get promoted and increase earnings. For more detailed pay information, check out the X-ray Technician salary page.

About X-Ray Technology

X-ray technology uses small doses of ionizing radiation to produce images of the inside of the body. The radiation is invisible and cannot be detected by human senses. The x-rays are transmitted through the patient to an image capturing device so that the physician can accurately make a diagnoses. There is the use of screen radiography, where the rays pass through the patient and then create an impression on film, which is developed chemically; however, more recently, the use of digital radiography has become used more often.

The art of viewing an x-ray

X-Rays are images of the body obtained by using ionizing radiation energy beams. X-rays create images of bones, tissues, and organs on film or digital media. X-Rays are used for a variety of reasons from diagnosing broken bones to tumors. The X-rays pass through body and make their way onto special treated plates similar to the way a picture taken on a camera creates a negative. The more solid and dense the structure, the whiter it will appear on the x-ray film. Softer tissues such as blood, fat, skin, and muscles don't create as much imaging resistance to the rays and tend to show up as more of a dark gray color. When a bone is broken, for example, the x-ray provides clues in the form of a break in the white area, which is an indicator that the bone is fractured or broken.

X-Ray Technology used in related medical imaging procedures


X-Ray technology is used in other types of diagnostic procedures like arteriograms, computed tomography (CT) scans, and fluoroscopy to name a few. These procedures use a combination of x-ray technology with additional technology and are ordered by physicians in situations where a simple radiography isn't sufficient. So there you have it. To learn more about the above mentioned procedures and other related medical imaging tests, take a look at our radiology specializations page.

Procedures Performed Using X-Ray's

This is the oldest procedure in radiology. It has many uses, but is commonly used to diagnose broken bones, joints, chest, GI tract. It can also be used for guidance during a surgery such as a spine repair or a joint replacement. It can find infection, arthritis, abnormalities in the bones such as growths or bone cancer or other foreign objects in the body. The following is a list of x-ray procedures taken from a sample patient chart:

Chest

Skull

Skeletal System

Spine - Pelvis

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