X ray technicians or radiology technicians work in a highly important and specialized field in the healthcare industry. It involves getting information to be used in medical diagnosis and they prepare patients for x-rays and take and develop the x-ray films. Knowing that x ray technicians are certified will bring comfort to patients since the individuals would be qualified, having met the requisite standards of practice.
Since x ray techs use equipment and processes that may cause injury to patients if they are improperly used, technicians are required by Federal legislation to be licensed and in 38 states, licensure is mandatory. Certification of x ray technicians is offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and this is done on a voluntary basis. However, in order to be a certified x ray technician, you are required to completed training and graduate from an ARRT accredited x ray technician training program. Most training programs for x ray techs are between one and four years, with an award of a certificate, associate or bachelor degree depending on the type of program.
As part of the certification program, x ray techs are required to pass the national certification exam, which is set by the ARRT. In addition, a continuation education (CE) program with 24 hours of credits should be completed every two years.
Getting your x ray technician’s license and certification is recommended since most employers prefer techs who have gained this professional achievement.
Having an x ray tech certification is an indication of the individual’s seriousness and commitment to the profession as well as to quality patient care. It also ensures that x ray techs possess the required knowledge, skills and competencies in their field and gives the technician confidence and a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Completing CE requirements on a regular basis help x ray technicians to keep on the cutting edge of new and advanced technology and techniques. It offers additional training and experience as well as the opportunity for higher pay and advancement to the supervisory level or as an educator as well as to specialize in growing areas such as mammography, cardiovascular intervention or computed tomography.
There is no guarantee that any given hopital will hire you just because you have your X-Ray Tech certification. Your best option is to apply at as many hospitals and medical offices as possible.
X-ray technologists generally have more education and training than an x-ray technician and may have supervisory responsibilities as well. But there are other xray tech degree and certificate options too. You can get an x-ray tech certificate, which typically takes a year or less.
You need to attend a college or university that offers an x ray technician program. Then pass the certification written and lab exams. Then are you are set up to get a job.
Phoenix offers many schools from which you could get your x-ray certification. University of Phoenix is one of the more known educational institutions to offer such program.
Having a dual certification as an MRI and x-ray technician, also known as radiology technician, can give the benefit of more job offers.
There are many online courses offered to get you certification. You can also attend certification programs at local colleges or hospitals.
You have a lot of studying ahead of you to become an x ray tech. This website will guide you through the process and prerequisites of becoming one: http://xraytechnicianeducation.com/
There is a lot of training involved to get an x-ray technician certification. Typically, one must go to trade school to learn how to use an x-ray for about a year, then they must take a national exam to be licensed as an offical certified x-ray tech before they can even apply for a job, which then must undergo additional training to make sure they can follow the institution's protocol.
An x-ray certification can be used for many different things. You can teach at a college or a university. You can work in a hospital such as labs and radiologist rooms.
Each state sets the requirements for certification/licensing as an x-ray tech. Make sure the school you attend offers a program that meets all the requirements set by the state.
You should look for schools that has x-ray tech related classes. It would do you wonders. It will also help later on when you have to take a test to be certified.
The salary of an X-ray tech can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and level of certification. On average, an X-ray tech in the United States can make between $50,000 to $70,000 per year.