Becoming a Radiologic Technician: X-Ray Tech Career Information

X-ray technicians are certified professionals responsible for using radiation to take images of patients to diagnose and help treat specific conditions. Commonly working in hospitals, imaging centers, and other clinics, x-ray technicians (or radiologic technicians) are an imperative part of any medical team.

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What Are X-Rays?

X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation used in medical imaging, treating cancer, and even looking at the stars. X-rays were first discovered by a German professor named Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen in 1895. In 1901, Röntgen won the first-ever Nobel Peace Prize in Physics based on his discovery of x-rays.

Because x-rays allow medical professionals to see inside the body, doctors have used x-rays to diagnose and treat conditions like cancer, broken bones, blocked blood vessels, digestive issues, blood clots, and so much more. Some of the various x-ray technologies are computer axial tomography (CAT) scans, Barium enema, mammography, radiotherapy, and fluoroscopy.

What's it Like to be a Radiologic Tech?

X-ray techs, or also known as radiologic technicians, are trained professionals who use imaging equipment such as x-rays to view the inside of a patient’s body. Once the images are taken, they are used to help medical professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases or injuries.

An x-ray technician will get the patient’s information including their health history, and then explain what the procedure will entail, while also answering any patient questions. Following the doctor’s orders, an x-ray technician will use the proper form of x-ray technology to take images of the patient. Once the x-rays have been taken, a radiologist will go over them and make a decision whether further testing is necessary, or potentially make a diagnosis if the issue is evident.

More than half of the employed x-ray technicians work in hospitals. However, radiologic technicians also work in clinics, labs, and diagnostic medical facilities. Radiologic technicians daily job duties will often depend on where they work. X-ray technicians can choose to specialize through further education.

Qualities of a Successful X-Ray Technician

To be successful as an x-ray technician, there are some personal skills and qualities you should possess. Many of which can be fine-tuned with some time and practice.

• Strong interpersonal skills: Your patients may be scared and in pain. It’s important to be able to keep them calm and explain to them what they’ll be doing while maintaining empathy. Being a people person benefits you if you’re an x-ray tech.
• Attention to details: A doctor will be giving you instructions, and it’s crucial to follow them word for word. Your attention to detail will also come into play when working with the patient; you may notice something that was missed.
• Mad math skills: There may be some mixing and administering chemicals to go along with the x-rays. Math skills are needed to get the necessary dosing correct.
• Physical stamina: Physical exertion can be part of the radiologic technicians job because patients may need help moving from hospital beds or wheelchairs. Standing for extended periods of time can be tiring.

How to Become a Radiologic Tech

Most skilled trades have a host of educational requirements. X-ray technician careers are no exception. To become a certified x-ray technician, you must have a high school diploma or GED, and attend an accredited program. You can choose an area of study, such as radiography, sonography, nuclear medicine technology, or MRIs.

There are certificate, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees in radiography programs available. Through all radiologic technology programs, you can expect courses such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, infection and radiation protection, patient positioning, and more. Many programs offer externships with imaging centers and hospitals where students learn more hands-on.

Certification programs are offered through hospitals and other healthcare facilities. These programs typically won’t provide any liberal arts courses which make them shorter in length than associate or bachelor's degree programs.

The most common path to becoming an x-ray technician is an associate degree program. And, since January 2015, an associate degrees is required, per the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The associate degree does not need to be in radiographic studies but needs to be earned before entering a radiographic certificate program if this is the chosen route.

The Cost of an X-ray Tech Course

The exact cost of your program will vary depending on your school, location, and program you enroll in (certificate or degree). Again, most employers prefer x-ray technicians who have at least an associate degree. Most schools offer and accept some form of financial aid to alleviate the cost of x-ray technician school. We've included a chart below to reflect the approximate costs of x-ray technician programs throughout the U.S.

Radiologic Tech Licensing & Certification

Most states do require their x-ray technicians to be licensed and certified and the requirements vary by state. There are also voluntary certifications available to x-ray techs who qualify. You MUST graduate from an accredited x-ray tech program to be eligible for licensure. Even if your state doesn’t require a license, most employers prefer those x-ray technicians who have been licensed. X-ray technician certifications are available through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Here is a step-by-step guide to licensing:

• Graduate from an accredited program. These programs MUST be approved through the ARRT or the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
• Obtain your certification through ARRT. Their eligibility requirement is that you must pass a written exam issued from an accredited school
• Sit for the 4-hour, 220 question test which is given a pass/fail grade
• Recertification is every 2 years, and there is a 24 credit hour continuing education requirement
• Get your x-ray tech license which is mandatory in all but 11 states. Licensing is granted through the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. However, some states offer state-specific licensing exams.

Choosing an X-ray Tech Program

As with any post-secondary program, deciding where to go can be a difficult decision. Some ideas to keep in mind when selecting the best x-ray technician program for you are as follows.

• Is the school you’re thinking of attending accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology?
• Ensure that you qualify for any needed financial aid and that the specific form of financial aid you're eligible for is accepted at the school.
• Does the school prepare their students for the certification exam?
• Are classes flexible? Day, evening, weekend courses? Ensure class schedules line up with your personal/work schedule.
• Does the school offer real-world experience through hands-on learning?
• Are there job placement opportunities?
• Is the equipment and the curriculum up-to-date?
• Do credits transfer if you want to continue your education?

Radiologic Tech Jobs Outlook

Jobs for x-ray technicians are expected to see a 6 percent increase through 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth is as fast as the national average across all occupations nationwide.

Radiologic Tech Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that radiologic or x-ray technicians earned an average of $70,240 in 2022. This number is tabulated through a national average but could look different for every single radiologic technician. The top 10 percent of x-ray technicians earned closer to $97,940, or more.

States with the Highest Salaries for X-Ray Technicians