X-Ray Technician
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?
Some things to consider when choosing a radiology program:
- If you are looking for the quickest way to get your feet wet in radiology, pursuing a basic x-ray certificate may be the best way to start. Find schools offering basic x-ray certificates and x-ray associates degrees.
- If your state requires ARRT certification, you should enroll in a Radiologic Technologist program. Look at our list of states that require official certification.
- Check job postings for radiology positions in your area. Do they require that you be designated as a Radiologic Technologist or be "certified"? If so, you will want to enter a program that will effectively prepare you for the ARRT exam.
- We recommend that you request information from schools and ask the school rep the type of job you can expect to obtain once you have earned their degree or certificate.
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
- PA & Lat
- PA Only
- R - L Ribs
- Ribs Bilateral
Skull
- Skull Series
- Facial Bones
- Orbit Views
- Mandible
- Sinus Series
- Nasal Bones
Skeletal System
- Scapula
- Clavicle
- Shoulder
- Humerus
- Elbow
- Forearm
- Wrist
- Hand - Finger
- Hip
- Femur
- Knee
- Tibia & Fibula
- Ankle
- Foot - Toes
- Calcaneus
Spine - Pelvis
- Cervical Spine
- Lumbar Spine
- Dorsal Spine
- Sacrum & Coccyx
- Pelvis
- ABD - KUB
Radiology Programs:
Fortis Institute
Campus Locations:
WestervilleLooking 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:
SpringfieldPioneer 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:
MemphisGet 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.
Sanford-Brown Institute
Campus Locations:
OrlandoGet 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:
ClevelandGet 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:
Kaplan College - KHE
Campus Locations:
VistaDon'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.
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:
Keiser University Campus
Campus Locations:
Port Saint LucieKeiser University offers accredited degree programs in today's high-demand careers: Healthcare, Technology, Paralegal, Business, Nursing and Legal Studies.
Programs offered:
Lincoln Technical Institute
Campus Locations:
Saint PetersburgLincoln 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:
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:
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:
CliftonStar 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:
ATI Career Training Center
Campus Locations:
MiamiATI has over 35 years of experience helping working adults like you get hands-on career training. Quality programs are offered in healthcare, automotive and electronics.
Programs offered:
