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X-Ray Tech and Radiographer Schools and Training Programs
Featured School
Programs:
- Diploma: X-Ray Technician/Medical Assistant Back Office
- Associate of Occupational Studies: Respiratory Therapy
After doctors and nurses, radiographers are the next-largest category of health care professionals, according to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Because of the expanding use of radiologic technology in the diagnosis and treatment of medical illness and injury, the need for trained x-ray techs is expected to increase. If you're good at working both with people and with high-tech equipment, you could look into this in-demand career.
What Does an X-Ray Tech Do?
Radiographers, also referred to as x-ray technicians or x-ray technologists, conduct imaging procedures to aid physicians in diagnosing medical problems. During setup for an exam, an x-ray tech pays special attention to the positioning of the patient's body and the radiographic equipment to prevent unnecessary exposure to radiation. X-ray techs can set limits on density, detail and contrast to produce the appropriate images. In addition to preparing patients and equipment for imaging procedures, radiographers may also manage patient records and be involved in the maintenance of equipment.
Radiography Specializations
As a radiologic technologist, you might choose a specialty like radiation therapy, bone densitometry or mammography. Another emphasis is computed tomography, CT, using cross-sectional x-rays to produce a three-dimensional image. CT involves ionizing radiation and requires special precautions. Other radiologic technologists specialize in magnetic resonance imaging, taking MRIs to produce 3D images. X-ray technologists typically are qualified to perform more complex procedures than x-ray technicians.
Training for X-Ray Tech Careers
You can choose among different paths to enter the radiologic profession, but an associate degree is most common, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Other programs lead to certification and typically last about 21 to 24 months. Although not as prevalent, some programs result in a bachelor's degree. If you're in high school, courses in math, physics, chemistry and biology can help you prepare to study radiologic technology.
Content for the various programs is similar and contains both classroom and clinical components, with courses such as these:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Medical terminology
- Patient care procedures
- Pathology
- Radiation protection
- Radiobiology
Specialists may have additional training; for example, the Department of Labor estimated that in 2010, 49 percent of nuclear medicine technologists had an associate degree, while 21 percent held a bachelor's and 12 percent a master's degree.
Licensing for Radiologic Techs
In addition to education, most states require licensure in order to protect the public from the dangers of unnecessary radiation exposure. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, ARRT, offers certification for candidates who have completed approved programs and an exam. To maintain licensure, radiologic techs must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years. ARRT also has certifications in specialized areas such as nuclear medicine technology, CT or MRI. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) notes that many employers seek technicians who are certified in the field.
Employment Prospects for Radiographers
As the number of elderly persons increases, so does the demand for radiologic diagnostic procedures to help in the treatment of medical illness and injury. Also, the rapid advancement of medical technology has helped to spur growth in the field of radiography.
The median annual wage for radiologic technologists and technicians was $54,340, per bls.gov data for May 2010. More than half of these professionals work in hospitals, with the rest in doctors' offices, labs or outpatient care centers. Those working in medical and diagnostic laboratories generally earn higher wages than those in physicians' offices.
Employment for radiologic technologists and technicians is expected to increase faster than the average for other occupations; the bls.gov projects 17 percent growth over the 2008-2018 decade. X-ray techs with expertise in multiple diagnostic imaging procedures -- such as CT or MRIs or mammography -- should find the best opportunities.
See our featured x-ray tech and radiographer schools below to find out how to prepare for a career in the fast-growing health care field.
Additional Information for Professionals Enrolling in Radiologic Technician Schools
Career Information for X-Ray Technicians
Pharmacy Schools and Degrees
Additional Resources For Individuals Seeking X-Ray Technician Degrees:
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
Campus and Online X-Ray Tech and Radiographer Schools
- Salida
- Vista
- Diploma: X-Ray Technician/Medical Assistant Back Office
- Associate of Occupational Studies: Respiratory Therapy
- National City
- San Marcos
- San Diego
- Associate of Occupational Studies in Medical Specialties with Radiography Emphasis
- Bachelor Science in Respiratory Therapy
- Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy
- More
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- Surgical Technology
- Alhambra
- Respiratory Therapy Associate of Science
- Fort Lauderdale
- BS in Health Science
- BS in Heath and Wellness
- Anaheim
- Los Angeles
- Ontario
- Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Therapy
- Associate of Occupational Science in Surgical Technology
American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California.
- Hayward
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- LA Puente
- Gardena
- Ontario
- Reseda
- San Bernardino
- Torrance
- Los Angeles
- Diploma - Surgical Technologist
- Medical General
- Bellevue
- BA in Health Science
Bellevue University makes it possible for you to earn a high-quality college degree.
- MS in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner
- B.S. in Health Studies - Health Management
- B.S. in Health Studies - Health Communication
- B.S. in Health Studies - Self-Designed
- More
- Garden Grove
- San Diego
- San Bernardino
- Respiratory Therapy - (AS)
- Surgical Technology
At Concorde, you’ll find that a “learn by doing” approach to healthcare training will get you the skills you need to succeed-- and get you into the workforce quickly.
- Savannah
- Health Sciences (BS)
- Nursing Specialization in Adult Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN)
- Nursing Specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN)
- San Jose
- AS in Surgical Technology
- Certificate - Surgical Technology
Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Midwifery/Womens Health Nurse Practitioner
- Phoenix
- M.S. in Health Care Administration
- B.S. in Health Sciences: Professional Development & Advanced Patient Care
Earn your degree online with Grand Canyon University. We offer approximately 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs in a variety of fields that can be completed 100% online.
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