X-ray technicians play a vital role in diagnostic medicine.
An X-ray technician, also referred to as a radiologic technologist, is a healthcare professional who takes internal diagnostic images to help doctors evaluate what may be wrong with a patient (e.g., broken bone, tumor). The job function of a radiologic technician spans beyond the X-ray machine to include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomagraphy (CT) scans. There are many personal and professional benefits in becoming an X-ray technician.
Growing Field
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry of radiologic technicians is a growing field. According to the 2010-11 Occupational Outlook Handbook, this profession is projected to grow at a faster pace than most other professions. Being able to see the hard and soft tissues in the body with diagnostic imaging plays an increasingly important role in medical procedures and is even being utilized during surgical procedures (including during childbirth, brain surgery and tumor removal), opportunities are rapidly opening up for individuals who are capable of taking these diagnostic images. This demand provides job security; more than 214,000 X-ray technicians were employed in 2009.
Self-Fulfillment
People often change careers because what they do in their current careers isn't providing them with a sense of satisfaction. X-ray technicians work with patients who need and want their help, providing the diagnostic materials that help doctors cure people and heal injuries. The X-ray technician becomes part of a well-respected medical community that exists for the purpose of helping others, which often leads to feelings of self-fulfillment.
Short Educational Requirement
Becoming an X-ray technician is one way to enter a medical profession that helps people without having to spend extensive years in medical school. An X-ray technician is employable after obtaining an associate's or bachelor's degree with proper certification. Education includes both classroom and clinical instruction; a student will be awarded a certificate at the end of the program distinguishing her specialty field in radiography services. Not all X-ray technician jobs require a certificate, but having one does make a candidate more marketable. The X-ray technician route not only shortens the time spent on education but reduces debt incurred through longer medical programs.
Tags: X-ray technician, X-ray technicians, diagnostic images, help doctors