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The field of radiologic (x-ray) technology offers an excellent career option to those interested in the allied health field. An x-ray technician, or radiologic technologist, is the individual responsible for performing diagnostic x-ray procedures in hospitals, physician offices, and outpatient imaging centers.

The training period for an x-ray technologist is usually 2-4 years in an accredited college or hospital based radiologic technology program. Training will be split between classroom instruction and hands on clinical training in a healthcare setting. The x-ray student will obtain a thorough working knowledge of radiographic physics and anatomy, radiation safety, proper patient positioning and technique, quality control, and darkroom skills. In addition, the student will receive instruction in infection control, sterile technique, body mechanics, and patient privacy. The successful student will also possess good communication skills and demonstrate an ability to quickly adapt to different situations.

On completion of training, the x-ray technologist will be eligible to take a national registry examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. This is a comprehensive examination which will address many of the skills required of the x-ray technologist. Successfully passing the registry examination will allow the student to add the designation RT to their name to signify that they are credentialed as a registered radiologic technologist. Many states will also require a state licensure for radiologic technologists. The requirements for state licensure and continuing education will vary from state to state, however licensure is generally necessary for employment in states that require it.

The employment prospects for radiologic technologists will tend to remain strong due to the health care needs of our aging population. While most x-ray technicians are employed by hospitals, a significant number are employed by freestanding imaging centers and outpatient clinics. Others may find employment in private physician offices such as orthopedic or urologic practices, portable x-ray services, or in sales support.

The x-ray technician has a number of opportunities for advancement by acquiring proficiency in specialized diagnostic imaging areas. Among them are MRI, Cat Scan, Mammography, and interventional radiology. These fields require specialized training that may be acquired through on the job training or additional college or trade school based programs. The technician will be eligible to take an additional registry examination for the specialties listed above that will identify them as proficient in that area. Generally speaking the more specialties an x-ray technologist can demonstrate proficiency in, the greater the employment options are.

The field of X- ray technology has immense career prospects for those who are interested in making a mark in the allied health field. A student who aspires to be a radiologic technologist has to undertake a course in X-ray technician program for 2 years in an accredited college. With the kind of training that is provided, an X-ray technician is able to perform diagnostic X-ray procedures in clinics, hospitals and outpatient imaging centers.

The X-ray technician program is such that a part of it is in the form of class room instruction while the other is hands-on practical training in a healthcare setting.  Some of the skills that are learnt include thorough knowledge of the human body which includes identifying bone structures and soft tissue for diagnostic imaging, proper patient positioning, dark room skills, radiation safety procedures, quality control and through information on radiographic physics. Other topics covered in an X-ray training program include infection control, body mechanics, sterile methods to be used, good communication skills and patient privacy.

On successful completion of X- ray training, the X-ray technologist is supposed to take the national examination conducted by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. This is an all-inclusive examination which will put the skills of X-ray technicians learnt at the training program to test. If you have completed your X-ray technician program from a quality training school, you should not find the exam difficult.  Once you pass the registry examination, the student can add the designation RT to his or her name which shows that he or she is a registered radiologic technologist recognized by the state.

The radiologic technologist has to interact closely with the radiologist (radiology doctor) and other physicians, and forms a crucial role in the medical team who are investigating a particular medical case.  There is so much scope for the radiologic technologist as he or she can work in various departments like surgery, pediatrics, mammography, clinics, imaging centers and the hospital’s general radiography.

The employment prospects for radiologic technologists are high because of an emphasis on better health care needs and stress on health checks to be done in the form of x-rays.  Employment forecasting has shown that the field of radiology will grow faster than the average of all occupations by the next five years. With new applications and imaging equipment coming in, the field or radiology is constantly evolving and more dynamic which makes it all the more important for aspirants to enroll into an intensive, quality X-ray technician program.

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