4 answers
Marquessa
Student
Illinois City, IL
3
Questions
Updated
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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
Suzanne Sorkin
Retired family physician and medical educator
115
Answers
Traverse City, Michigan
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
kiki t
nuclear medicine technologist
2
Answers
Miami, Florida
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
Patricia Hotzel
1
Answer
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
Marcelius Levites Saint-Juste Israelities
Leading All
84
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
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