If you enjoy working with people, working with your hands and are thinking about a career in the healthcare industry, becoming an X-ray tech may be the perfect career choice for you. X-ray tech jobs are found in radiology departments big and small across the United States. With jobs available in different areas of radiology, there are always new skills to learn and opportunities to explore.
Types
X-ray tech jobs can be found in the radiology departments of hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and doctor's offices. Technologists may work in several areas of radiology. They may operate equipment used to take mammograms, bone density scans, CT scans or MRI scans. They may also work in interventional radiology. Some techs work in operating rooms and take X-rays during surgeries. Regardless of what department of radiology X-ray techs work in, they must pass the radiography exam (also called the national boards) offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Time Frame
To become an X-ray tech, individuals must attend an accredited program that will provide them with eligibility to sit for the national boards. These programs can be certificate programs, 2 year associate programs or 4 year bachelor's degree programs. Programs consist of both classroom and clinical time. X-ray tech job shifts can vary where you work. Most hospitals have X-ray techs on duty 24 hours per day and divide the day into 3 hour shifts, while a doctor's office may only have only one tech available from 9 to 5.
Identification
Most X-ray techs are required to wear scrubs, and they must all wear a Dosimeter badge. This is a badge that measures the amount of radiation that the technician receives. X-ray techs also carry left and right markers in their pockets or on their badges. These markers are used to indicate the side of the body that they are imaging.
Warning
"Since x-ray techs move and position patients and maneuver heavy equipment they are at risk for back and shoulder injuries" says Jeff Conover, an X-ray technician at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, MA. He regularly stretches his back and shoulder muscles before work and is always cautious to properly lift patients and move machines.
Benefits
Once you have a license, you can work anywhere in the United States. This can be great for those who like to move around a lot or who aren't sure where they want to settle. Some X-ray technicians even work as travelers and travel from hospital to hospital. Many radiology departments in hospitals are staffed by union workers. Union jobs often provide great benefits like good health insurance, competitive pay and job security (see Resources).
Tags: X-ray tech, radiology departments, areas radiology, back shoulder, departments hospitals, found radiology, found radiology departments
