X-ray technicians take X-rays, among other tasks.
An X-ray technician, also known as a radiologic technologist or radiographer, is a trained health care worker who takes X-rays using an X-ray machine. To do this, they must complete a one- to four-year program that trains them in the skills they need to become an X-ray technician. They take jobs in various places such as in hospitals and clinics where they perform other important tasks.
Responsibilities
An X-ray technician produces X-ray films of parts of the body that doctors use to diagnose medical problems. Part of their job includes explaining the procedure to patients, making sure patients remove certain accessories such as earrings and necklaces before the procedure and properly positioning patients to be X-rayed. X-ray technicians also properly set controls and equipment to achieve accurate images. X-ray technicians also remove and develop the film.
Additional Tasks
In addition to being responsible for patients and taking X-rays, technicians keep patient records, aid in maintaining equipment, prepare schedules and appointments, and purchase equipment. Sometimes, their responsibility includes managing the radiology department.
Specialization
Some X-ray technicians specialize in other forms of medical imaging such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to produce cross-sectional pictures. Others specialize in mammography, which uses X-rays to produce images of the breast.
Training and Qualifications
Training to be an X-ray technician is offered in hospitals, colleges and universities and at vocational-technical institutes. X-ray technicians with formal training are mostly employed by hospitals, doctor and dental clinics, but some X-ray technicians are self-employed. X-ray technicians are either certified or have an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree.
Education
Training programs in radiography range in length from one year for a certificate course to four years for a bachelor's degree. Certificate courses are offered to those who come from other health occupations such as medical technologists and registered nurses. Most formal training in the field of radiography is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. The minimum requirement to enroll in a program is a high school diploma or GED. Programs train students in anatomy and physiology, patient care procedures, radiation physics, radiation protection, principles of imaging, medical terminology, positioning of patients, medical ethics, radiobiology and pathology.
Salary
The salary of an X-ray technician is usually based on the years of experience. According to PayScale.com, as of 2009, a certified X-ray technician with less than a year experience will have an average salary of $10.68 to $11.69 an hour. A technician with one to four years' experience will have an average salary of $12.26 to $20.50 an hour. A technician with five to nine years' experience will have an average salary of $13.77 to $21.56 an hour. A technician with 10 to 19 years' experience will have an average salary of $16.52 to $23.60 an hour. A technician with 20 years' experience or more will have an average salary of $16.75 to $31.79 an hour.
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