The career outlook for x ray technicians is very positive over the coming decade and here at the X Ray Technician Salary and Career Center our goal is to help you successfully prepare for this rewarding role within the health care industry. Our mission is to provide you with top quality articles and resources on the best way to find x ray technician training programs, certification guides, employment opportunities, as well as detailed x ray technician salary data.

The job outlook for the x ray technician is very positive over the next ten to fifteen years. As the baby boomer generation ages, we expect to see an increased number of diagnostic procedures being carried out in all areas within the health care industry. Currently, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that the number of jobs for x ray technicians will increase by as much as 17% through the year 2018. This is in addition to the number of existing positions in the field, which has already topped 215,000 throughout the country.

While over 60% of these positions are located within hospital settings, we expect to see job growth across many other areas of the health care industry as well. Over the long-term, you can expect to see new employment opportunities for x ray technicians within diagnostic centers, private practices, and many other speciality clinics. Employment prospects may even be better for this technicians who choose to specialize in imaging procedures such as CT, MR, or mammography as the use of these diagnostic tools continues to grow.

The x ray technician salary will also increase as a result of this job expansion. While the earnings for x ray technicians tend to depend on the state of practice, the type of health care setting in which a tech is employed, as well any additional certifications held, we do expect to see a positive trend in the x ray technician salary across most geographical regions and employment environments.

If you’re hoping to get started with your own career as an x ray technician, again the time has never been better to get going. We hope that you find the X Ray Technician Salary and Career Center a valuable resource in preparing for your journey into this challenging and fulfilling profession.

For those interested in pursuing a career in a medical field, the military offers plenty of opportunities that may be appealing. An x ray technician handles radiological equipment, and as such require a large amount of training to properly perform this sensitive procedure. The training is assessed through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists exam.

Entering into a career in the military as an x ray technician involves joining the army as a MOS 68p radiology specialist, with radiology positions available in other branches such as the navy as well. There is always a need for trained medical professionals in the armed forces in order to support the extensive medical operations that are required to maintain the health and safety of servicemen and servicewomen. A radiological expert typically works alongside a doctor to administer X-rays, process results, and perform other clinical duties as well.

A new enlistee may request to be transferred into a medical unit as part of a military occupational specialty (MOS) in the 68p branch. Training typically requires about 50 weeks of enrollment at a military sponsored educational / vocational training class. From here, enlistees will study a varied scope of medical related topics, from understanding biological sciences to eventually hands-on learning related to operating X-ray machinery, including rigorous training related to the safety of administering radiation.

For many, joining the military has benefits that would make it an appealing way to get started in such a medical career. One of the most immediate benefits is that by joining a branch of the armed forces, your training will be provided for free. By contrast training at a community or technical training school will cost a fair amount of money and student loans.

Aside from the benefit of free education, an active duty X ray technician may be deployed for service in a war zone for on-site treatment for injured soldiers. For some people, this is a primary reason to join the armed services in a medical field, as it provides opportunities above and beyond the scope of what civilian medical personnel experience. A military medical career is designed for people who are willing and prepared to make a difference in the line of duty.

However, there are also reasons to consider pursuing X ray certification outside of the military. One potential disadvantage to military training is that your classes will likely be held inside of a military facility. Some students complain about the unpredictable nature of these environments for studying, as exams and important dates could be interrupted by unknown variables—such a drill sergeants.

In addition, an outside institution may have more flexible classroom times. In the military, things remain on a very rigid timeline, whereas outside of the military working professionals can space out the length of their courses and their credit hours in order to help balance their schedules. In addition, students at a traditional college may remain at home with their family members versus a far-away military installation.

Fortunately, it’s also possible to be transferred into an occupational specialty after becoming certified at a college outside of the military. Enlistees that have already passed their ARRT exam and completed necessary educational hours may only have to complete their MEPS (military entrance processing station) examination and a few other preliminary exams or combat-oriented training courses before they begin active duty putting their X ray technician training to use on the field.

Whether you choose to seek your X ray certification on or off base, this is an exciting medical career with opportunities for advancement in the field of healthcare, and in a combat-zone, radiological technicians are provided opportunities to make a difference that they may otherwise never experience in normal civilian life.

An x ray technician, also referred to as a radiologic technician, is a professional who uses a variety of radiologic equipment to help physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat patients. Becoming an x ray technician generally requires attending an accredited training program and obtaining a license to practice professionally. Each state’s Department of Health oversees and administers the requirements for x ray technicians to practice professionally, because federal regulations require proper use of radiologic equipment to reduce the chance of radiation hazards in patients and medical professionals. Generally, most states require passing an exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Many advances in technology has improved the diagnostic techniques using x-rays and allowed these professionals to specialize in a variety of radiologic modalities. Increased awareness of the need to properly educate and register radiologic technicians has led to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists administering stricter educational requirements that include primary and post-primary educational pathways. It recognizes and certifies x ray technicians in ten post-primary pathways to specialize in specific radiologic modalities, as well as quality management.

Mammography
Mammography specializes in the radiologic imaging of the breasts, referred to as a mammogram. Mammograms are done using low-dose, ionizing radiation equipment and placing the breast in between panels to produce the image. This procedure is used to recognize cancer and lumps in the breast. Advances in technology now allow mammography using digital and computer-aided systems, which enhance the images.

Computer Topography
Computer topography, sometimes referred to as a CT or CAT scan, allows an x ray technician to produce images using special x-ray equipment and computer systems. Computer topography is used to product several images with more clarity and can help diagnose conditions of internal organs, soft tissues, as well as blood vessels and bones.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging, more commonly referred to as an MRI, is extensively used to diagnose a variety health issues. This type of radiologic imaging uses sophisticated equipment, sometimes in combination with other types of equipment, to magnetize specific atomic nuclei in the body and produce high-quality images. Approximately 14 specific types of MRIs are used on different parts of the body to produce the high quality images for diagnosis.

Bone Densitometry
Bone densitometry equipment is a system that produces enhanced x rays of bones to measure bone density loss. Commonly used to diagnose osteoporosis, this type of scanning is also referred to as dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. This type of imaging also involves a small amount of ionizing radiation to successfully produce an image of a patient’s bones.

Cardiac-Interventional Radiography
Cardiac-interventional radiography uses general x ray imaging equipment. The patient is injected with a dye or catheter to target areas of the heart and allow x ray technicians take images of the blood vessels in and around the heart. The imaging is more commonly referred to as a “live” image. Radiologists perform the medical procedure and view the heart and its blood vessels working, while an x ray technician operates the equipment used.

Vascular Interventional Radiography
Similar to that of cardiac-interventional radiography, vascular interventional radiology x ray imaging equipment and injected dye produce images of different blood vessels throughout the body.

Sonography
Sonography uses ultrasound equipment to create both moving and still images of organs, blood vessels and parts of the body. The images are taken using a monitor and a small, handheld device applied to the surface of the skin to target the area where the image is needed. The American Registry for Radiologic Technologists also recognizes specialization in sonography, as well as two sub-specialties: breast and vascular sonography.

As the nation faces significant economic challenges and uncertainties, it is in your best interest to pursue career paths that boast strong job prospects and earning potential. One very smart career choice you may want to seriously consider is to work in radiology. As an x-ray technician, you can expect to help prepare patients for radiologic examinations and to produce x-rays that will be utilized to diagnose and understand medical conditions. Employment growth for x-ray technicians is expected to far outpace the average growth for other occupations. According to estimates, employment for x-ray technicians is expected to expand some 17 percent through 2018. The median annual salary of all x-ray technicians is approximately $50,000. If you are seriously considering a career as an x-ray technician, it is important you understand some of the health risks associated with working in radiology.

The major health risk involved with working in radiology is the threat of cancer. Decaying radioactive materials produce what is known as ionizing radiation, which can damage any living tissue in the human body. Alpha and beta particles as well as gamma and x-rays are the most common forms of ionizing radiation. When ionizing radiation damages human tissue, the body attempts to repair the damages but sometimes the damages are too severe and cannot be repaired. This can ultimately lead to the formation of cancerous cells. Cancer is simply the uncontrolled growth of cells and damages in the natural process can lead to this condition taking place. It is important for you to seriously take into consideration the potential risk of cancer that is associated with working in radiology. Of course, you will follow strict safety regulations and protocol to limit any possible risks involved.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in a very robust field in health care, you may seriously want to consider a career as an x-ray technician. Job prospects are expected to be excellent and the median annual salary for x-ray technicians is $50,000. Your earning potential can increase as you gain experience. However, it is important for you to take into consideration the risk of cancer that is associated with working in radiology. Decaying radioactive materials produce ionizing radiation, which can damage human tissue and disrupt naturally occurring processes. This can ultimately lead to cancer, which is the uncontrolled growth of cells.

Are you currently a well-established x-ray technician or are you an aspiring x-ray technician? You will be pleased to know that job prospects are incredibly strong for x-ray technicians. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for x-ray technicians is expected to increase a whopping 17 percent between the years 2008 and 2018, which far outpaces average growth rate for most other occupations. The median annual salary for all x-ray technicians is roughly $50,000 and there is real opportunity for rapid career advancement. In fact, data reveal that salary for starting x-ray technicians increased sharply after 12 months of the on-the-job experience. There are some initiatives you can take on your own to expand your skill set and, as a result, boost your career as an x-ray technician. Let’s take a look at some of the potential options at your disposal.

It may be in your best interest to take an advanced computer course where you gain a strong understanding of such programs as Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word. You may need to record data on Excel and so it could be a great idea to develop advanced skills in using the program. You can add this on your resume, which may impress prospective employers. It also may be in your best interest to enroll and successfully complete a course in communications. As an x-ray technician, you will be expected to interact positively with patients. A course in communications can help to improve your confidence and speaking skills. Finally, you may want to seriously consider a rigorous logic type course that emphasizes critical thinking, memorization and sequencing. These are important areas that you should be proficient in as an x-ray technician. You can add these additional skills to your resume and really impress prospective employers.

If you are currently a well-established x-ray technician or even an aspiring x-ray technician, there are steps you can take to acquire additional skills to boost your career or career prospects. You can take several courses in the area of computers, communications and logic to build important skills you will need on-the-job as an x-ray technician.

Those who are thinking about attending x ray technician schools in California might find the following information very useful to them. It is important to establish first that attending a four-year business college is not for everyone. Those who are interested in a medical career with many future rewards should consider a career in x ray technology. The x ray technician is a highly skilled individuals who work in hospitals, clinics, medical facilities, medical offices. Their function is to take radiologic pictures of the patient and then with their expertise analyze and evaluate the results. Those in this profession must have knowledge concerning physics, biology, anatomy, pathology, radiology. Along with other applicable courses.

X ray technician schools in California provide a way for those interested in the profession to receive training. It is important that the student receive the proper training in the career before they are allowed to be certified or work in a medical facility. Most states today require that those entering the profession receives the proper training and clinical experience before they are qualified to receive a license and accept employment in a medical facility that requires working with patients. The demand for qualified x ray technicians is high and continues to grow. Technology in the medical profession continues to grow and improve. It is important that those in the field receive the most up to date training. In addition, they should continue to reeducate themselves throughout their medical career.

Take a look on the Internet or research around and the student will find that there are a number of x ray technician schools across the country that are interested in attracting students who are dedicated to pursuing a career in the profession. X ray technician schools in California find that students might come from very different backgrounds but have one thing in common, they all want to start an x ray technician career.

If the idea of helping others and working in the medical profession closely with patients fascinates you then the x ray technician profession is one for you to consider. It is important to place a lot of time and effort in your research to find the best match for you. Write down the names of at least several schools that meet your interest. Start your search for x ray technician schools in California by going on the Internet and researching some of the best schools in the state.

When asking for a raise in the health care industry, there are a few tips that most recruitment and career coaches will consistently offer, and all are applicable to asking for a raise in your x ray technician salary. In this article, we’ll take a brief look at the top tips for negotiating an increase to your x ray technician salary when the time comes.

Prepare Your Case

The most common reason why employees in the health care industry don’t get the pay raises which they’re seeking is that they do not prepare a convincing case for getting an increase. If you plan to ask for a higher x ray technician salary, you need to be able to discuss the reasons why you feel that you deserve a raise. And you need to be able to go farther than “Because I need more money”. That’s not your employer’s problem.

Go through the list of reasons why you add value to your organization and write these down. Think through each of them. What are specific examples of times when you have gone above and beyond the standard x ray technician duties which are normally required of you. This will help you to present a strong case for requesting a higher wage.

Make Sure Your Are Being Objective

When asking for a raise, there are often several emotional reasons for doing so that may factor in aspects of your personal life. However, during any type of salary negotiation, it’s always important to remain as objective as possible. The discussions need to be relevant to your career and accomplishments and again, factors outside of the work place do not need to come into play. Stay professional, poised, confident, and objective and you will greatly increase the odds of successfully negotiating these discussions.

Do Your Homework

Another critical component of successfully requesting an x ray technician salary increase is understanding the pay levels in comparable positions within the industry and in your geographic area. If you plan to ask or more pay, you need to be aware of what the average and median wages are for a candidate with similar skill levels in your specific city or state. If you plan to ask for a pay increase and you’re already receiving 10% more than other candidates with similar skills in a comparable work setting in your state, then you’re setting yourself up for a difficult negotiation. If this is the case, there are of course valid reasons for continuing to move ahead with a request, but you need to have some very detailed reasons as to why you’re worth it.

By carefully preparing your case and understanding the current x ray technician salary levels in your area, you can successfully navigate the challenges of asking for a raise.

In most states there are x ray technician requirements for licensure in order to be able to practice within the field. These requirements vary from one state to the next, so it is best to do research specifically for your home state prior to jumping into the career. However, in this article, we’ll take a brief look at some of the most common x ray technician requirements.

Currently, many states use certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist as their licensing criteria. The ARRT offers voluntary certification for professionals in the field which requires that candidates sit for and pass their examination. In most cases, the ARRT requires that candidates for the exam have taken and successfully completed one of the education programs which has been approved by them. For a listing of accredited institutions in your area, you can visit their web site to obtain a listing.

After successfully obtaining certification through the ARRT, there are also continuing education requirements. In order to maintain your current status as a certified x ray technician, you will need to complete a minimum of 24 continuing education hours every two years.

Again, while many states use ARRT certification as their primary licensing criteria, some do not. You should consult your state board of health to find out if this is the case for your state.

While attending a formal training program is not a necessary x ray technician requirement in all areas, it can often lead to more opportunities for employment advancement as well as the potential for a higher x ray technician salary then those that do not have any type of formal training. Additionally, many employers will only hire technicians who have both formal training as well as certification with the ARRT.

If you are planning to begin a career in the field, it is always a good idea to find out the specific x ray technician requirements for your state before getting started with your training.

If you’re serious about a career as an x ray technician, then you’ll very likely want to know what x ray technician training entails and how to get started. In this article, we’ll take a brief look at the various forms of x ray technician training and education and what each of them involves.

X Ray Technician Certificate Programs

The certificate option is the of x ray technician training which generally requires the least amount of time to complete. Most certificate programs for x ray technicians take around 24 months to complete. There are over 200 certificate programs available throughout the country, which include various community colleges, vocational schools, and for-profit educational institutions.

These certificate programs will generally consist of two years of part-time course work in areas such as medical terminology, physics, anatomy and physiology, introductory radiologic technologies, diagnostic imaging, radiographic positioning, and fluoroscopy techniques.

Associate’s Degrees

The second, and most common, form of formal x ray technician training is through the accomplishment of an associate’s degree program. These programs are typically offered as a degree program at various universities consisting of around 75 credit hours of course work. The duration of attendance is determined by the number of credit hours which a student can complete per semester, however, they are most frequently broken down into two-year programs, with fall, spring, and summer attendance requirements.

These degree programs cover primarily the same topics as those listed in the certificate programs, however, they are covered in far greater detail in order to prepare candidates for certification and licensure requirements of the Radiologic Technologist Radiography, or RTR, examination.

Currently, there are approximately 400 associate’s degree programs for aspiring x ray technicians throughout the United States.

Bachelor’s Degree Programs

The most intensive form of x ray technician training currently offered is the bachelor’s degree. This tends to be the least common method of earning certification as an x ray technician, as there are only around 40 accredited bachelor’s degree programs throughout the country.

Available as a four-year degree program, the bachelor’s degree options for aspiring x ray technicians provide thorough instruction in topics such as emergency radiology techniques, the maintenance and functioning of radiological equipment, and also extensive hands-on clinical experience. This can be a terrific option for gaining additional x ray technician training which can lead to a career advancement and possibly supervisory positions after obtaining a few years of practical experience.

There are several available options for x ray technician training. Finding one which suits your career requirements and lifestyle needs is the first step in beginning a career in this rewarding field.

If you’re interested in jump starting your career as an x ray technician by attending one of the various x ray technician schools out there, you’re making a wise decision. These x ray technician schools can help to successfully prepare you for a career in this rewarding field. But how do you choose from among these schools? In this article, we’ll provide a brief checklist of factors to take a look at when your deciding which school is right for you.

Location

Finding an x ray technician school which is convenient for you to attend is the first important step in choosing a program. Most of these certification programs are offered through community colleges or vocational schools on a local level. There are also a number of for-profit universities located throughout the country which have campuses in most major cities. These can be a great option if you live in a larger metro area or can commute to one on a regular basis.

Additionally, there are a number of x ray technician schools which provide online training courses. The obviously allow you to study in your own time and from home, however, most of these do have clinical components that will require you to spend a portion of your program in a physical location.

Cost

The cost of x ray technician schools varies tremendously across the institutions which you can choose from. Some tend to be more expensive than others. Some provide great financial assistance, while others provide very limited assistance. It’s important to find out all of the costs associated with a program before applying so that you can find a course to fit your budget. There are often a number of costs and fees which are in addition to the tuition for the course, such as books and lab fees, so make sure that you ask for a comprehensive listing of expected costs.

Accreditation

It is also crucial to ensure that the institutions you’re choosing from are properly accredited by a national education certification agency. As previously mentioned, there are a number of for-profit colleges which offer x ray technician training and while nearly all of these will hold proper credentials, it is always important to verify this prior to applying.

You should also conduct some research to find out what experiences other students might have had at any x ray technician schools you plan to apply to. This can often be the best way to get a feel as to whether or not a program will suit your needs.