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How to become an x ray tech ?
Lend your expertise: what does it take to become an x-ray tech?
Note: Given the growing interest in the medical field, we're inviting our experienced professionals to share their knowledge.
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4 answers
Andrew Smith
Graphic Designer
6
Answers
Dawsonville, Georgia
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
To become an X-ray technician (also known as a radiologic technologist), you'll need to follow several key steps. Here’s an overview of what it takes:
1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED
A high school diploma or equivalent (GED) is the minimum requirement to enter an X-ray tech program. Strong preparation in math and science (especially biology and physics) can help.
2. Complete an Accredited X-ray Tech Program
Associate’s Degree: The most common path is completing a 2-year associate degree in radiologic technology from an accredited program. Some schools offer certificate programs that may be shorter (12–18 months).
The program will include both classroom study (anatomy, patient care, radiation safety, imaging techniques) and clinical practice.
3. Get Licensed/Certified
In most states, you need to be licensed or certified to work as an X-ray technician. After completing your program, you’ll need to pass a certification exam, such as the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) exam.
Requirements for licensing and certification vary by state, so check your state’s specific rules.
4. Obtain State Licensing (if required)
Some states have their own additional licensing requirements on top of national certification. You'll need to pass the necessary exams or meet the qualifications to work legally.
5. Gain Work Experience
Many programs include clinical rotations, which give you hands-on experience. After certification, you can begin working in hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, or clinics.
6. Continuing Education
You’ll need to keep up with continuing education to maintain your certification. Most states and organizations, like ARRT, require a certain number of continuing education credits every few years.
Qualities of a Good X-ray Tech:
+ Strong attention to detail
+ Good communication and patient care skills
+ Ability to work well under pressure and follow safety guidelines
Optional: Specialize
You can pursue additional certifications in areas like CT scans, MRI, or mammography if you want to expand your skills and career options.
Time Commitment:
It typically takes 2 years to complete the education and certification process, but certificate programs can be shorter.
1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED
A high school diploma or equivalent (GED) is the minimum requirement to enter an X-ray tech program. Strong preparation in math and science (especially biology and physics) can help.
2. Complete an Accredited X-ray Tech Program
Associate’s Degree: The most common path is completing a 2-year associate degree in radiologic technology from an accredited program. Some schools offer certificate programs that may be shorter (12–18 months).
The program will include both classroom study (anatomy, patient care, radiation safety, imaging techniques) and clinical practice.
3. Get Licensed/Certified
In most states, you need to be licensed or certified to work as an X-ray technician. After completing your program, you’ll need to pass a certification exam, such as the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) exam.
Requirements for licensing and certification vary by state, so check your state’s specific rules.
4. Obtain State Licensing (if required)
Some states have their own additional licensing requirements on top of national certification. You'll need to pass the necessary exams or meet the qualifications to work legally.
5. Gain Work Experience
Many programs include clinical rotations, which give you hands-on experience. After certification, you can begin working in hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, or clinics.
6. Continuing Education
You’ll need to keep up with continuing education to maintain your certification. Most states and organizations, like ARRT, require a certain number of continuing education credits every few years.
Qualities of a Good X-ray Tech:
+ Strong attention to detail
+ Good communication and patient care skills
+ Ability to work well under pressure and follow safety guidelines
Optional: Specialize
You can pursue additional certifications in areas like CT scans, MRI, or mammography if you want to expand your skills and career options.
Time Commitment:
It typically takes 2 years to complete the education and certification process, but certificate programs can be shorter.
Courtney Junior
Sales Consultant
5
Answers
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Updated
Courtney’s Answer
Earn a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Earn a degree in radiologic technology from an accredited two-year or four-year college.
Complete X-ray tech certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or MRI certification through the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT).
Obtain a license or certification, which is required in most states.
Gain practical experience in the field.
Earn a degree in radiologic technology from an accredited two-year or four-year college.
Complete X-ray tech certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or MRI certification through the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT).
Obtain a license or certification, which is required in most states.
Gain practical experience in the field.
Lisa Betterson
Healthcare Regulatory/Compliance Assurance
8
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Becoming an X-ray technician, also known as a radiologic technologist, involves several steps, including education, certification, and sometimes licensure. Here is a general pathway you can follow:
### 1. **Complete High School or Obtain a GED**
A high school diploma or equivalent is a prerequisite. Focus on courses in mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics to build a strong foundation.
### 2. **Enroll in an Accredited Radiologic Technology Program**
You need to complete a radiologic technology program that is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or another recognized accrediting organization. These programs typically offer:
- **Associate's Degree:** Most common, usually takes about two years to complete.
- **Bachelor's Degree:** Less common but available, usually takes about four years.
### 3. **Complete Clinical Training**
As part of your program, you'll need to complete clinical training, which provides hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced radiologic technologists.
### 4. **Pass the Certification Exam**
After completing your educational program, you'll need to pass a certification exam to become a registered radiologic technologist (R.T.). The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is the most widely recognized certifying body in the United States. The certification exam will test your knowledge and skills in radiologic technology.
### 5. **Obtain State Licensure (if required)**
Many states require radiologic technologists to be licensed. State requirements vary, so check with your state's health board or relevant regulatory body. Some states require passing an additional state exam.
### 6. **Seek Employment**
With your education and credentials, you can seek employment in hospitals, clinics, diagnostic imaging centers, and other healthcare facilities.
### 7. **Consider Specialization (Optional)**
After gaining some experience, you might want to specialize in areas such as CT (Computed Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), mammography, or interventional radiology. Specializing often requires additional education and certification.
### 8. **Continuing Education**
Radiologic technologists must complete continuing education credits to maintain their certification with the ARRT and, if applicable, their state licensure. This ensures that they stay current with advances in technology and practices.
### Summary Checklist:
1. **High School Diploma or GED**
2. **Accredited Radiologic Technology Program**
3. **Clinical Training**
4. **Certification Exam (e.g., ARRT)**
5. **State Licensure (if required)**
6. **Seek Employment**
7. **Specialization (Optional)**
8. **Continuing Education**
Following these steps can help you become a qualified and certified X-ray technician.
### 1. **Complete High School or Obtain a GED**
A high school diploma or equivalent is a prerequisite. Focus on courses in mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics to build a strong foundation.
### 2. **Enroll in an Accredited Radiologic Technology Program**
You need to complete a radiologic technology program that is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or another recognized accrediting organization. These programs typically offer:
- **Associate's Degree:** Most common, usually takes about two years to complete.
- **Bachelor's Degree:** Less common but available, usually takes about four years.
### 3. **Complete Clinical Training**
As part of your program, you'll need to complete clinical training, which provides hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced radiologic technologists.
### 4. **Pass the Certification Exam**
After completing your educational program, you'll need to pass a certification exam to become a registered radiologic technologist (R.T.). The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is the most widely recognized certifying body in the United States. The certification exam will test your knowledge and skills in radiologic technology.
### 5. **Obtain State Licensure (if required)**
Many states require radiologic technologists to be licensed. State requirements vary, so check with your state's health board or relevant regulatory body. Some states require passing an additional state exam.
### 6. **Seek Employment**
With your education and credentials, you can seek employment in hospitals, clinics, diagnostic imaging centers, and other healthcare facilities.
### 7. **Consider Specialization (Optional)**
After gaining some experience, you might want to specialize in areas such as CT (Computed Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), mammography, or interventional radiology. Specializing often requires additional education and certification.
### 8. **Continuing Education**
Radiologic technologists must complete continuing education credits to maintain their certification with the ARRT and, if applicable, their state licensure. This ensures that they stay current with advances in technology and practices.
### Summary Checklist:
1. **High School Diploma or GED**
2. **Accredited Radiologic Technology Program**
3. **Clinical Training**
4. **Certification Exam (e.g., ARRT)**
5. **State Licensure (if required)**
6. **Seek Employment**
7. **Specialization (Optional)**
8. **Continuing Education**
Following these steps can help you become a qualified and certified X-ray technician.
Christie Marshall
Radioligy
1
Answer
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Christie’s Answer
Here's a friendly guide to help you become a radiology technician, step by step:
1. Get your high school diploma or GED: This is the basic schooling you need to get into most radiology programs.
2. Join a recognized radiology program: These programs usually give out associate degrees or certificates. Make sure you pick a program that's approved by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
3. Get some real-world experience: Most programs will want you to have hands-on experience in a healthcare setting. You'll usually get this experience as part of your program's coursework.
4. Ace the ARRT exam: The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is in charge of the national certification exam for radiology technicians. You'll need to pass this exam to get your certification.
5. Get your state license: Not all states require this, but some do. Make sure you know what your state's rules are.
Extra Tips:
* Do your homework on programs: Look for programs that are well-respected and have experienced teachers.
* Think about specializing: Once you're a general radiologic technician, you might want to focus on areas like MRI, CT scans, or ultrasound.
* Keep learning: The world of radiology is always changing, so it's important to keep up with the latest news.
Here are some websites to help you find approved programs and get more information:
* JRCERT: https://www.jrcert.org/about-accreditation/
* ARRT: https://www.arrt.org/
By sticking to these steps and really committing to your studies, you can become a radiology technician and make a difference in healthcare.
1. Get your high school diploma or GED: This is the basic schooling you need to get into most radiology programs.
2. Join a recognized radiology program: These programs usually give out associate degrees or certificates. Make sure you pick a program that's approved by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
3. Get some real-world experience: Most programs will want you to have hands-on experience in a healthcare setting. You'll usually get this experience as part of your program's coursework.
4. Ace the ARRT exam: The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is in charge of the national certification exam for radiology technicians. You'll need to pass this exam to get your certification.
5. Get your state license: Not all states require this, but some do. Make sure you know what your state's rules are.
Extra Tips:
* Do your homework on programs: Look for programs that are well-respected and have experienced teachers.
* Think about specializing: Once you're a general radiologic technician, you might want to focus on areas like MRI, CT scans, or ultrasound.
* Keep learning: The world of radiology is always changing, so it's important to keep up with the latest news.
Here are some websites to help you find approved programs and get more information:
* JRCERT: https://www.jrcert.org/about-accreditation/
* ARRT: https://www.arrt.org/
By sticking to these steps and really committing to your studies, you can become a radiology technician and make a difference in healthcare.