One of the careers open to Navy hospital corpsmen is radiologic (X-ray) technician.
U.S. Navy hospital corpsmen (medics) assist in delivering a wide variety of health care services. Many of them are trained technicians serving in a number of medical specialties. One of these is X-ray technology and imaging. There are two different levels of X-ray technician training available to hospital corpsmen, a basic course and one that is more advanced. Both training courses are held at the Naval School of Health Sciences (NSHS) in San Diego, California.
Prerequisites
The Navy offers both basic and advanced X-ray technician training.
Sailors hoping to receive X-ray technician training must be qualified hospital corpsmen (Navy rating HM). For HMs intending to become X-ray technicians, attendance at the basic course is the first step. In general, basic training is open to those HMs in pay grades E1 to E6. Advanced X-ray training is a separate course and is open to pay grades E3 to E7. Certain minimum aptitude test scores must be met. High school algebra is also required.
Considerations
Attendance at basic X-ray training is usually a prerequisite to receive advanced X-ray training.
Basic X-ray training is usually a prerequisite to qualify for the advanced X-ray course. An HM who successfully completes the basic course is awarded the Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) of HM-8451. Advanced course graduates receive the HM-8452 code. The advanced course is quite a bit more involved and somewhat lengthier than the basic course. Generally, basic technicians have to attain advanced training within six years. If they don't, they revert to general duty hospital corpsman status.
Basic X-Ray Technician
Basic X-ray technicians learn perform basic diagnostic X-ray exams.
The basic X-ray technician course trains HMs to operate limited medical X-ray equipment. It also teaches the HM how different X-ray techniques are applied in a clinical setting. In addition, she'll learn perform basic X-rays as well as process X-ray film. Academic courses will teach her how an X-ray is administered and how vital department records are maintained. Lastly, basic trainees learn read photodosimeter (radiation exposure) badges.
Advanced X-Ray Technician
Advanced X-ray technicians are trained to operate sophisticated diagnostic imaging equipment.
The advanced course teaches a student operate all diagnostic medical X-ray equipment. In addition, he receives training in the use and operation of an ultrasound apparatus, especially in a clinical setting. The advanced course attendee is taught work closely with physician radiologists. In this, he learns assist in fluoroscopic and computerized axial tomographic (CAT) exams. Other comprehensive training in special radiographic and vascular procedures is also given. Lastly, photodosimetry and administration is taught as well.
Features
The basic and advanced Navy X-ray technician training school is located in San Diego, California.
Basic and advanced X-ray training in the Navy is a mix of classroom and clinical experiences. Clinical training is conducted at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. It takes place on the same compound as NSHS. Students are monitored closely throughout the training by education specialists at NSHS. In addition, they're mentored while in their clinical skills training portion.The opportunities for post-military employment are rated to be outstanding for both basic and advanced technicians.
Tags: X-ray training, basic course, hospital corpsmen, X-ray technician, X-ray technician training, advanced course, advanced X-ray
