The role of an X-ray technician is crucial in diagnosing patients.
As health care providers increasingly rely on technology to make definite diagnoses, the role of medical imaging personnel is gaining prominence. An X-ray technician is therefore a valuable team member in hospitals, nursing homes, medical centers and doctor clinics. Orlando, Florida, has several institutions offering X-ray technician training through certificate, associate and bachelor degree programs. Although a certificate course may suffice to get you a basic X-ray machine operator certification, obtaining an associate or bachelor degree will take you further in your career.
Instructions
1. Decide your career goal in becoming an X-ray technician. There are one-year certificate courses, two-year associate degree courses and four-year bachelor degree courses available to qualify as an X-ray technician. Candidates with an associate or bachelor's degree in radiologic technology will advance to higher levels than those who take up just a certificate course.
2. Visit the website of the Florida Department of Health and check the list of approved educational training providers located in Orlando. Get the contact details for institutions with reputed X-ray technician programs such as Keiser University, Central Florida Institute, Valencia Community College and The Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences.
3. Contact each institution and find out details of the courses available. Check to see that the programs are accredited by The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), the accrediting body for radiologic technology. This will render you eligible for registration with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART), which is a criterion for licensure with your state health department. Get information about any other specific requirements you have, including evening classes. Enroll for the course that you find suitable.
4. Complete the prescribed number of hours of classroom instruction and practical clinical experience and complete the institute's exams to become an X-ray technician.
5. Obtain certification to practice as an X-ray technician by taking Florida's certifying exam. Depending on the nature of your qualification, the type of certification you need will vary. If you have completed an associate's degree, apply to become a general radiographer, nuclear medicine technologist or a radiation therapist. If you have completed an accredited basic X-ray machine operator educational course, apply to become a Basic X-Ray Machine Operator (BXMO). Download the appropriate application form from the Florida Department of Health website, fill in all pertinent details and submit with the prescribed fee. Take the exam and pass it to become a certified X-ray technician.
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