While the 2009 job market has slowed considerably, careers in the medical industry continue to grow at a steady pace. The field for X-ray technicians is expected to be in high demand and can offer those interested in a stable career the opportunity to earn an above-average income while enjoying professional status in a respected industry.
What is a Basic X-Ray Technician?
If you have ever broken a bone, you were most likely in contact with an X-ray technician. Often referred to as radiology technicians, these medical professionals are trained to perform X-rays or diagnostic imaging tests on patients. Working under the direct supervision of a licensed radiologist, as an X-ray technician you will work with patients, helping them get into the correct position for the X-rays, explaining the procedure and assuring the patient.
Job Opportunities
Once you are a certified X-ray technician, you will be able to work in a variety of medical areas. Many basic X-ray technicians choose to work in hospitals or other large medical facilities, where they perform general radiology procedures. Some X-ray technicians might choose to specialize in a certain medical area such as mammography, bone density scans, cardiovascular radiography and nuclear medicine. With additional training, many X-ray technicians often choose to work in radiation therapy, where they are trained to give high doses of radiation to patients suffering from life-threatening diseases such as cancer.
Job Flexibility
Many basic X-ray technicians enjoy the choices and flexibility of different job schedules that the career provides. If you have a family and want to work strictly weekday hours, working for a specialty physician, such as an obstetrician, can give you a great schedule. For others who would rather work at night or on the weekends, a hospital environment might be a better fit. Above average pay provides an opportunity for many basic X-ray technicians to work part time.
Education Requirements
Training programs for prospective X-ray technicians can be found at many community colleges and culminate in a two-year associate's degree. Some technical schools also offer the program and occasionally, in-house training can be found in larger hospitals. These programs prepare graduates to sit for a national certification examination, which all basic X-ray technicians are required to pass. Depending on your location, some states also require continuing education courses for X-ray technicians for periodic recertification.
Pay and Job Outlook
In a survey conducted in August 2009, Payscale.com reports that the median stating salary for X-ray technicians is $19.87 an hour or $41,329 a year if working full time. Those X-ray technicians who have gained at least one year of job experience can earn up to $45,427 a year. After five years of work, X-ray technicians in the United States are earn a median of up to $52,000 annually. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for X-ray technicians though 2016 is expected to be good.
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