X-ray specialists see down to the bone.
An X-ray is a medical procedure used to penetrate the thick layers of skin, muscle and tissue in the human body and reveal the bones and organs beneath. X-ray specialists, more formally known as radiologic technicians or radiologic technologists, train to use intricate machines and to protect the human body from the machine's radiation.
The Beginning
Joining the X-ray workforce requires between two to four years' education in a radiography program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Students may choose from an under-two-year certificate, two-year associate's degree or four-year bachelor's degree in the field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the associate's degree is the most common. Upon completion of a course, students are considered ready for the X-ray technician field. There are no licensing or certification requirements, though voluntary credentials are available for X-ray techs that pursue additional coursework.
Typical Training
In traditional X-ray training programs such as the one at Wallace State, prospective technicians receive training in courses such as radiographic procedures, introduction to radiology, exposure principles, radiation protection and radiation biology, image evaluation and pathology, plus imaging equipment. Students at Pasadena City College receive training in classes such as radiographic anatomy and positioning, basic radiologic technology practices, medical procedures for radiologic technology, radiologic physics, radiation protection, principles of radiographic exposure, veinpuncture and mammography. Red Rocks Community College prepares students with training on radiographic equipment, radiologic procedures, radiographic patient care, radiographic pathology and image evaluation, advanced medical imaging, radiation biology, principles of computed tomography, multiplanar sectional imaging, bone densitometry and magnetic resonance imaging.
X-Marks the Spot
Like many other programs of its kind, Wallace State includes a few courses to train students in the more generalized area of medicine, including patient care and clinical education. Students at Red Rocks Community College complete training in English composition, human growth and development, career math and technical writing.
On-the-Job
While X-ray programs do include clinical internships and hands-on experience, most new X-ray specialists will receive on-the-job training, especially on the machines used to capture the X-ray images. X-ray specialists may be trained by other, more experienced technicians or by a physician or registered nurse, along with a period of observation or shadowing.
Tags: X-ray specialists, associate degree, Community College, human body, image evaluation
