Radiology Technician Schools: Career Profile

It is important when choosing an x-ray technician school to make sure it matches your individual needs. There are many different schools available for training to become an x ray technician. In this blog I would like to briefly outline the x ray technician career. An x ray technician can also be referred to as; radiologic technologists, a radiographer or an x ray technologists. These professionals play an important role in the field of Radiology by conducting x rays ordered by physicians on a variety of body parts and bones. X ray technologists should be sensitive to patients’ physical and psychological needs. They must pay attention to detail, follow instructions, and work as part of a team. In addition, operating complicated equipment requires mechanical ability and manual dexterity. Radiology involves nonintrusive imaging using radiation, which helps a physician diagnose or treat medical conditions. Some instances where one may commonly receive an x ray may be at the dentist’s office or the chiropractor. There are several specializations one can branch into when pursuing x ray technician careers. Four examples of these specializations are MRI, CT, mammography and angiography. These additional fields do not typically require extra schooling but rather additional training or certification. Mammography is one specialty that in some states, such as California, requires the completion of a 40 hour accredited course, observed testing while conducting 25 exams, and passing a state specific exam. Sometimes an x ray technician may have the opportunity to learn the additional skills required to specialize, on the job, if there is an opening in one of these areas and someone is willing to train them. There is a national registry exam available for both CT and MRI, but not all facilities require techs to be certified in order to perform these specialized types of x rays. Now that we have examined the career of an x ray technician, lets look at the types of schooling required to become an x ray technician. If you are interested in learning more about becoming an x ray technician or attending radiology technician schools please visit us at Allied Health World.