X-ray technicians in Massachusetts have many opportunities.
Radiology technicians, also known as X-ray technicians or radiographers, are an integral contributor to any hospital setting. An indispensible diagnostic tool, the X-ray is used to detect broken bones, lung and abdomen abnormalities and more. There are an abundance of radiology techs in Massachusetts, and radiographers within the state are better compensated than their peers in other states. To become a radiology technician in Massachusetts, one must train through an accredited program at a college, technical institute or hospital, pass a certification test and acquire a state license.
Education
Massachusetts radiology technicians need to complete a two-year training program that includes courses in anatomy, pathology, physiology, radiation physics and radiobiology. Among the schools and institutions offering radiology degree programs are: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Nuclear Medicine Technology School, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Lawrence Memorial/Regis College Medical Radiography Program, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Science, and Salem State College. Additionally, most of Massachusetts' community colleges offer radiology training including Bunker Hill, Holyoke, Massasoit, Middlesex, Northern Essex, North Shore, Springfield Technical and Quinsigamond Community Colleges.
Testing
Radiology technicians must pass a certification exam administered by one of the following Massachusetts-recognized certification boards: American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, American Society of Clinical Pathologists, British College of Radiographers, Australian Institute of Radiography, Canadian Association of Medical Radiologic Technologists, Nuclear Medicine Technologists Certification Board, Massachusetts Radiologic Technologists, or the Massachusetts Civil Service.
Licensure
To be licensed in Massachusetts, technicians must fill out a radiologic technologist license application, and send it, along with a notarized copy of their testing certification and a $75 application/processing fee (as of 2010) to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Department of Public Health's Radiation Control Program. Once the licensing board has reviewed and accepted the applicant's documents, they will issue an invoice for a license. When the candidate has paid the licensing fee, he will be granted a license.
Salaries and Job Opportunities
With more than 400 hospitals, Massachusetts offers a bounty of job opportunities to radiology technicians. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth in this field should continue. In addition to an abundance of jobs, Massachusetts technicians are among the best paid in the country. Average salaries are more than $65,000 annually with average hourly wage rates at $32.95 (2009) for radiology technicians. In comparision, although West Virginia has more per capita technicians, its rate of pay is $41,400 annually and $19.91 hourly.
Continuing Education
In addition to annual certification renewal through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, radiology technicians can improve their marketability in Massachusetts by specializing within the field of radiology. Certification in magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography garners more opportunity and higher pay. Additionally, a four-year bachelor of science degree with a concentration in nuclear medicine can hasten advancement in the field.
Tags: Radiologic Technologists, American Registry, American Registry Radiologic, magnetic resonance, magnetic resonance imaging
