Bachelor's Degree in Xray Technology

If it is your dream to work in the world of x-ray technology, then it is time that you pursue that dream! This exciting medical field of study will have you working to produce x-ray films for patients with the goal of helping to determine a diagnosis. While this career path almost promises you a job in a hospital setting, there are currently more and more doctor's offices and diagnostic clinics that are beginning to hire x-ray technicians as a part of their staff. Before you can begin the course work you need to become an x-ray technician (also known as a radiographer or a radiologic technologist), you must first obtain your high school diploma.xray technician

In addition, because this field of study requires significant focus on the subject areas of math and science you will want to demonstrate a proficiency in these areas on your high school transcript. Although there are several degree programs that will allow you to work as an x-ray technician, by obtaining your bachelor's degree you are opening up additional employment doors and more possibilities for advancement.

As you begin working towards your bachelor's degree you will be required to complete courses such as: radiological technology techniques, health care law, healthcare management, the economics of healthcare, radiation protection, patient care procedures, principles of imaging, pathology, and medical ethics. Keep in mind, without an adequate understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body an x-ray technician will find it extremely difficult to produce images that can be for diagnostic purposes.

After you have obtained your bachelor's degree as an x-ray technician you will be qualified to seek employment as a radiological trainer, an imaging center director, a lead radiologic technician, or a radiological program director. Depending upon which state you reside in, you may also be required to complete a licensing examination in order to actively practice your new career. A common avenue of certification is through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. It is important to understand that in order to maintain your licensure you will need to successfully complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years.

As you start putting your skills and knowledge to work you will need to consistently show that you are knowledgeable of the necessary equipment, that you can manage and use the equipment appropriately, that you can work as a team member, that you can follow a doctor's orders, that you can make patients feel safe and at ease, and that you have an eye for detail. After working as an x-ray technician and gaining some real world experience you will have the option to pursue an area of specialization. For instance, you could choose to emphasize your studies on conducting MRI scans or CT scans. Additionally, as you advance in your career you will likely have the option to seek a position as a supervisor within the radiology department or to become an instructor in a radiologic degree program.

Daily Duties as an X-ray Techchnician

A day in the life of an x-ray technician, Brian T. Centas, VP Blue Cross Hospital
Most work in hospitals. You are standing most of the day unless doing reports. Some work for multiple hospitals or doctors’ offices and travel. Most work days are 8-10 hours. Good benefits but will work weekends. You can be a specialist and do mammograms and CT scans as well as OB/GYM sonographers.

Part of the job involves going over with patient what you are going to do so they feel comfortable. I then properly position the patient to get the best x-rays. During the x-rays I monitor the patient at all times. Both myself and the patient are protected from the rays of the machines so that nobody is exposed.

When I’m done I re-calibrate the machine for someone to use it next. Also I stock inventory supplies. I always go over with the patient what to expect next, especially if they feel sick (depending on what type of tests we have to do). I develop all of the film and store it digitally as well as keep a copy for the doctor. Sometimes we have to mail out the film to other doctors that are helping with the surgery