Attending an X-ray Technology Program
Date: September 13, 2019
X-ray films parts of the body and administers nonradioactive materials into the bloodstream for diagnostic purposes. An X-ray technician or radiographer produces them. The X-ray technician is also responsible for preparing patients and their records and adjusting, maintaining, and operating the specialized equipment.
X-ray technicians may specialize in complex diagnostic imaging technologies, such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), within the field, as CT technologists operate CT scanners to produce cross-sectional images of patients. MRI technologists operate machines that use strong magnets and radio waves rather than radiation to create images.
An X-ray program may range in duration from one to four years. Graduating from an X-ray program may help you achieve certificates such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. The X-ray program offers classroom and clinical instruction in anatomy, medical ethics, medical terminology, pathology, patient care procedures, physiology, positioning of patients, imaging principles, radiation physics, radiation protection, and radiobiology.
Upon graduation from an accredited X-ray program, you may take a registry certification exam upon graduation. An important aspect that must be considered is that you must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years to be recertified or registered.
Employment in radiology is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the next decade. As the population grows and ages, the demand for diagnostic imaging increases.
