How to Become a Certified X-Ray Technician
According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics, the demand for X-ray technicians is expected to grow faster than the national average (see reference 1). The majority of people employed as certified X-ray technicians, also referred to as radiologic technologists, work in hospitals, but there are emerging trends for employment in private practice and imaging centers. X-ray technicians must obtain the proper training and certification in order to be hired. Additional training in more specific fields allow X-ray technicians to continue learning throughout their career.
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Instructions
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Graduate high school. In order to be admitted into an accredited X-ray technician training program, a high school diploma or the equivalent is required. Also, academic emphasis in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics proves helpful in post-secondary training.
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Attend an accredited training program. Most X-ray technicians earn a two-year associates degree, but programs range from one to four years (see reference 2). One-year programs are typically for experienced health care professionals such as registered nurses that are changing fields.
According to Bureau of Labor statistics, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology accredited more than six hundred programs in 2007 (see reference 1). Programs can be found in two-year colleges across the United States.
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Get Certified. After training, most people attempt to get certified because employers prefer to hire certified X-ray technicians. Most states use the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist's standards for licensing purposes. The ARRT has three requirements to determine an individual's certification: ethics, education and examination. An individual must be in good ethical and legal standing, have graduated from an accredited program and pass an exam administered by the ARRT before becoming certified (see reference 3).
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