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What is the required education to become an x-ray technician?
I am using mypace to decide what I wish to do, but it does not say the required education level, I am wondering if I'd need through college or medical school to become an x-ray technician, or if a highschool education will be enough.
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4 answers
Updated
Suzanne’s Answer
Marquessa, to become an x-ray tech (also called a radiology tech) the program is typically done thru a community college and is a two year associates degree program. Here is a typical description of such a program:
https://www.nmc.edu/student-services/advising-center/transfer-guides/colleges/ferris-state-university/radiography-xray-tech.html
After getting the associates degree, you then are eligible to take the national certifying exam of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. After working for a while with basic X-rays, some techs will then go on into more specialized areas such as CT or mammography.
If you wanted instead to become a radiologist (a physician who specializes in X-rays, scans, etc.) you would need to get a college degree, then go to medical school and do a radiology residency.
Good luck with your planning and write back if you have more questions.
https://www.nmc.edu/student-services/advising-center/transfer-guides/colleges/ferris-state-university/radiography-xray-tech.html
After getting the associates degree, you then are eligible to take the national certifying exam of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. After working for a while with basic X-rays, some techs will then go on into more specialized areas such as CT or mammography.
If you wanted instead to become a radiologist (a physician who specializes in X-rays, scans, etc.) you would need to get a college degree, then go to medical school and do a radiology residency.
Good luck with your planning and write back if you have more questions.
Thank you that really cleared it up.
Marquessa
Updated
kiki’s Answer
in order to become an x-ray technologist, you do need more than a high school education. you must attend an accredited college or community college for approximately 2 years ( 5 semesters). there are dedicated x- ray programs around the country. attending an accredited school will make job procurement a lot easier. after you have some healthcare work experience, you can also use x-ray as a stepping stone to move into other areas of radiology, nursing, etc. ( ie.. CT, MRI, ultrasound and nuclear medicine, PA, DR.) many hospitals will pay for your schooling if you choose to further your education after becoming an x -ay tech. healthcare is a very rewarding profession. good luck!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Marquessa
Updated
Marcelius Levites’s Answer
Well, if you truly believe that is your calling in life and your purpose in life, I will say that you must go to school for it. Medical School is what I see that would draw you close to your career .
Look up requirements for your field on DuckDuckGo
Then Find a College course or an Online Course
Marcelius Levites recommends the following next steps:
Your advice was so helpful!
Marquessa
Updated
Patricia’s Answer
First, you will need to find a vocational school to get your x-ray License it will take 6 months to a year depending what type of x-ray tech you want to become Medical or Dental? For Dental I was taught by a Dentist I was in high school it was an after school job. And the Dentist sent me to dental. School for the certificate.
thank you!
Marquessa