X Ray Technician Schools

The Radiologic career field is a growing profession and you have a number of X Ray Technician Schools who offer the education you need for entrance into the profession.

Fortunately, there are many means of entry into the radiology career field. Training is offered in hospitals or colleges and universities. To ensure adequate training is achieved, most States require some kind of licensure and requirements for licensure vary from state to state.

X Ray Technician Schools And Training

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredits formal training programs in radiography. Formal radiography training programs have different end-goals in mind.

  • A Certificate
  • An Associate degree
  • A Bachelor’s degree

X Ray Technician Certificate Program

The JRCERT has accredited 213 programs that award a certificate upon completions. Certificate Programs usually run for 21-24 months.

A Basic X-Ray Technician schools Certificate Program prepares students for careers in hospitals and clinics performing radiologic exams using X-Ray and diagnostic imaging equipment. Radiology technicians work with patients during ultrasounds, mammograms and other radiographic procedures. X-Ray technicians ensure the safety and comfort of their patients while operating imaging equipment in accordance with good practices in the radiology field.

A Basic X-Ray Technician certificate is a one year program that trains students in the proper techniques for using X-Ray equipment and assessing film quality while caring for patients. Radiologic technicians administer diagnostic, non-radioactive materials to patients or work with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT).

X Ray Technician Associate Degree Program

For the two-year associate degree, the most common form of educational attainment among radiologic technologists and technicians, there are 397 accredited programs.

Enrolling in a X ray Technician Schools Associate’s degree program prepares students for working with the industry’s latest diagnostic technology. Additionally, the 2-year program provides familiarity with human anatomy and physiology.

Students must also be skilled in communication in order to work well with patients. Courses may include Human Anatomy and Physiology, Communications, Venipuncture Techniques, Nursing Assistance and Radiology.

Associate’s degreed X-Ray technicians graduate with the skills necessary for immediate employment into their chosen career field. Graduate’s skills include:

  • The use of radiological equipment & understanding both its form and function
  • Knowledge of limiting patient and staff exposure factors
  • Be able to evaluate images obtained from radiographic equipment in order to determine quality
  • The ability to interact effectively with both patients and medical staff.

X Ray Technician Bachelor Degree Program

There are 35 X Ray technician schools of higher learning that are accredited to bestow the 4-year, baccalaureate degree. These programs provide both classroom and clinical instruction in anatomy and physiology, patient care procedures, radiation physics, radiation protection, principles of imaging, medical terminology, positioning of patients, medical ethics, radiobiology, and pathology.

Why would you want to invest the time and money in a 4-year program? Good question!

Having a bachelor’s degree can dramatically increase your employment chances especially over another candidate without a degree. Another reason is the depth of knowledge a bachelor degree brings. You’ll have a much better understanding of the radiologic career filed as a bachelor degree holder than those with an associates degree or certificate.

A bachelor’s degree can also increase your earnings potential and open doors for promotion and greater responsibility.

If you’re currently working in the X Ray field, you’ll find that many colleges and schools have programs designed for X Ray working professionals . Additionally, there are many online X Ray bachelor degree programs currently available.

As you can see, there are a vast array of X Ray technician schools and educational options available to you. It’s a great career field to be in!