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.
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