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  What is Ultrasound?  
Ultrasound is a form of non-invasive medical imaging, which uses transducers and high-frequency sound to image a patient's internal organs, tissues, and blood flow for the purpose of diagnosis. Diagnostic ultrasound is also referred to as sonography or ultrasonography.
 

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X-Ray Technician Training FAQ

Review our FAQ for complete answers to your most pressing x-ray training questions.

Where will I pursue my x-ray technician training?

X-ray tech training is available at technical institutes, community colleges, four-year universities, and hospitals, as well as within the U.S. Armed Forces.

How long will my x-ray tech training take?

Depending on your immediate goals, x-ray training can take one to four years. Aspiring radiographers have the option of earning a one-year certificate, two-year associate degree, or four-year bachelor degree. Most enter the field with an associate degree from a technical or community college. Bachelor degrees prepare individuals more immediately for jobs as supervisors, administrators, and specialists.

What will I learn during x-ray tech training?

Your x-ray technician training will provide you instruction in patient care, complex radiographic equipment and techniques, radiation physics, and the sciences, including anatomy, physiology, radiobiology, and pathology. Patient positioning, examination techniques, radiation safety, medical ethics, and the use of advanced medical imaging devices and computers is also taught.

What kinds of jobs will my x-ray training qualify me for?

Your x-ray technician training will prepare you for a career as a member of diagnostic imaging team within a number of medical settings. About half of all x-ray technicians are employed by hospitals, according to the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. Clinics and physician offices, outpatient diagnostic-imaging centers, Veterans Affairs hospitals, equipment manufacturers, and the armed forces also employ radiographers.

Is it important to become a registered x-ray technician?

Generally, yes. Many employers prefer radiographers registered by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Registration is also a requirement of licensure in many states. To be eligible for registration, candidates must graduate from an x-ray technician program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Candidates also must pass the ARRT's national certification exam. To maintain their registration, x-ray techs must complete 24 hours of continuing education every other year.

What are the benefits of pursuing continuing education credits?

With additional experience and training, x-ray technicians can become higher-paid supervisors, administrators, educators, and specialists, such as cardiovascular-interventional technologists, computed-tomography technologists, and mammographers.

Are there licensure requirements for x-ray technicians?

Licensure for radiological technologists, including x-ray technicians (radiographers), is mandatory in 38 states. For a complete list of states that require licensure and details on licensure requirements, visit The American Society of Radiologic Technologists.

What are my job prospects as an x-ray technician?

Favorable. Employment of radiological technologists with x-ray training is expected to increase from 20 to 35 percent through 2012, reports the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary and benefit packages also should improve as employers attempt to retain qualified radiographers. Today's national median salary for x-ray technicians is more than $58,000, according to the ASRT.