Techs X-ray the chest to help in diagnosis.
According to the National Institutes of Health's Office of Science Education, "Radiologic technicians take X-rays and administer nonradioactive materials into patients' blood streams for diagnostic purposes." Your role as an X-ray technician could be part nuclear scientist, part healer. To take on such an important and dualistic role, you may wish to review the educational requirements and environment in the field of diagnostic radiography, or X-ray imaging.
High School
No matter your age, fresh out of high school or well past your 20s, you may wish to recall what type of student you were in high school before starting an X-ray tech program. In particular, think about your classical sciences and math classes, such as biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, etc. Your comprehension and performance in these subjects in high school might be a good indicator of your success in an X-ray tech program in college.
Degree Levels
If you are just starting out in the field of radiography, you may not have career advancement ideas just yet. However, the degree level (certificate, associate, bachelor's) you begin with and how long you spend studying (one to four years) may determine your chances for progression.
A certificate usually involves approximately one year of coursework. A certificate is most beneficial to students who may already have some on-the-job experience in radiography or, like registered nurses, may have training from related health occupations. A certificate provides an easy way to change professions, especially in the health field, and you can usually go to work immediately upon graduation.
An associate degree is usually earned over two years, at community colleges and vocational/technical schools. Associate degree X-ray tech programs are the most common. In addition to preparing students to go work in radiography after graduation, the course curriculum is very similar to the first two years of a bachelor's degree program at a four-year university, thus making transfer and advancement in your field of study easier.
A bachelor's degree in the field of radiography will not only encompass the core competencies---such as anatomy and physiology, patient care procedures, and radiation physics---but you will be prepared to take on advanced roles of supervisor, administrator, or teacher in radiological technologies.
Accredited Programs
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredits most formal training programs for X-ray technicians. In 2007, 600 programs around the country were deemed accredited by the institution, and is the only agency recognized by the United States Department of Education for the accreditation of programs in radiography. Attending an accredited institution might be the most important aspect of your education in radiography.
State Licensure and Professional Certification
After attaining your degree to work as an X-ray tech, your educational requirements do not end. Most states require X-ray techs to be licensed. The federal government provides legislative guidelines, which each state then uses to base its respective guidelines. Therefore, requirements vary greatly; contact your state's health board/division for more details.
Concurrent to meeting state requirements, you might also seek out professional X-ray tech certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), which promotes a high standard of patient care. The certification exam used by ARRT serves as the model for exams used by most states for licensing.
Tags: X-ray tech, high school, accredited institution, bachelor degree, Education Radiologic
