How to Become an X-Ray Technician

X-ray technicians, also referred to as radiology technicians, are in very high demand in hospitals, doctor's offices, and clinics all across the United States. If you are considering a career change, or even a first career with great potential, being an x-ray technician is a very safe choice. You would be working directly with patients and physicians on a daily basis to take detailed diagnostic pictures of different parts of the patients' anatomy. Radiology technicians take orders from doctors, perform diagnostic tests on the patients, and then confer with the physicians again about the findings.

Programs for x-ray technicians range from 1-4 years. One year fast programs are usually for those already in the medical field who wish to focus on a specific area of radiology. Two year programs are the generally accepted rule. After completing the two year program, you will be certified to perform radiology services. The certification will require that you complete regular ongoing training each year in order to remain certified.

Radiology technician jobs are in high demand, and they are projected to increase again by about 15% by 2016 due to the increasing technological advances in the medical field, as well as the baby boomers reaching old age and needing more and more diagnostic services. Being part of the medical field, x-ray technicians are pretty recession proof as well, because there will always be a need for medical and diagnostic care.

You are probably wondering what the possible income is for this type of job. An x-ray technician can expect a salary of $44,900 - $49,500. These figures will vary based on geographical location, experience, and employer, but overall you can see that a radiology technician job pays rather well. The starting salary is rather high.

The first thing you can do is check out some online sites today, such as DegreeFinder to see if the job of radiology technician feels like it might be a good fit for your future. The training is relatively short, and not terribly expensive, and the job prospects are fantastic! Look into it today and perhaps find the job you have been looking for.