Become An Xray Tech - Learn About X Ray Technician Schools, Training Requirements
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If you want to work in radiation, there are different areas you can focus on. There are ultrasound technicians, mri technicians and xray technicians. An xray tech plays a vital role in helping patients prepare for xray procedures, by explaining the process to them, helping them and setting up the equipment.
Xray Tech Job Description
First the x-ray technician will get the patient ready by removing all their jewelry and telling them what to expect. They then need to position the patient properly to make sure they get clear images of the necessary parts.
They may also need to inject the patient with non-radioactive contrast liquid to take clearer images. They will then cover the rest of their body with a shield and position the equipment appropriately. Finally they translate the images to the doctor to help diagnose the patient.
X Ray Technician Schools
There is different x ray technician training available, depending on the level of education you want to achieve. An x ray technician requirements are simply a GED or high school diploma to get into a college or into x ray technician schools.
From there, you can get a 1 year certificate, 2 year associate's degree or 4 year bachelor's degree. You will take classes in procedures for proper patient care, anatomy, physiology, radiobiology, ethics, pathology, protection against radiation and physics of radiation.
Becoming certified is an option for x ray technologists, but it is not necessary. Employers do like candidates who are certified? though because it demonstrates their competency.
To become certified, you need to pass a national exam after you complete studies from an accredited school, and you will then need to follow 24 hours of continuing education credits every 2 years to maintain it.
Xray Tech Career Prospects
Becoming an x-ray technician is a smart choice because the field will experience a growth of about 15% until 2016. This is due to the growing average age of the population which gives need for more diagnostic testing. It can also be quite financially rewarding, with a low end salary of about $32,000 ranging up to about $69,000.
Non-invasive procedures are becoming more and more popular, which helps this field to boom. Now is therefore a great time to start looking into training to be an xray tech if you want to take advantage of the many opportunities available.
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