X-Ray Technicians: Technical Know-how, Medical Importance
By Joe PringleJoe.pringle@medicalhealthcarecareerschools.com
Medical Health Care Career Schools Columnist
X-ray Technicians
Thousands of x-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and other radiological imaging processes take place every day in the U.S. Not just anybody is qualified to operate the machinery and prepare the patients for these scans. There is a field of medical work specifically devoted to the performance of these tests called radiology. The people who run the x-ray machines are called x-ray technicians, or radiographers.High Demand, High Responsibility
X-ray technicians are in high demand in the hospitals and private practices of today. As an x-ray technician, you can typically expect a 40-hour work week, with most of your time spent on your feet. Although you will be operating and maintaining the scanning equipment and machinery, you may also need to perform some bedside tasks for patients.Working with the machines can be rigorous and requires careful attention to proper procedure, as failure to do so can be disastrous for patients and the hospital. Thus, you can expect a high amount of responsibility with this job.
Many Educational Options for X-ray technicians
If you are looking to become an x-ray technician, your educational options abound. You can obtain certification in as little as one year, an associate's degree in two, or a bachelor's degree in four! You can also seek additional educational certification in a specialty area of medical imaging, such as CT or MRI.The Power to Help Is In Your Hands
So now you know what it takes to become an x-ray technician. Using your x-ray tech training, you will gain experience which can lead to advancement to administrative, supervisory, or even teaching positions. As an x-ray technician, you can help make the difference between life and death for some patients.Source:
US Bureau of Labor StatisticsAbout the Author
Joe Pringle is a freelance writer who lives and works in Reno, Nevada.Posted on: October 24, 2005
