How to Become an Xray Technician Through an Online Degree

An X-ray technician is a medical technician responsible for taking X-rays in a medical setting. They operate X-ray imaging tools and administer CT scans to help diagnose medical conditions. They usually work in hospitals or in private medical practice and, although they usually don't analyze the X-rays, they are responsible for safeguarding the patient during the X-raying process. X-ray technologists are also called radiographers, radiographic technologist or a radiological technician. Choosing to complete your education online has certain advantages. You can fit it around your family life and, in some instances, it will allow you to continue working while you study.

Things You'll Need

• High school diploma
• Internet access
• Computer

Instructions

1. Graduate high school. You will need to have a high school diploma or its equivalent before you can pursue a career as an X-ray technician. Try to choose classes in biology, chemistry and anatomy if possible.

2. Enroll in a two- or four-year radiography online program. These programs will focus on medical technology, patient care and pathology. In addition, you will learn how to properly position a patient for specific radiology techniques. At this stage, you may decide to enter into a course in which you will learn therapeutic radiography, which will train you to administer radiography to cancer patients. The majority of your classes will be conducted online, via web-conferencing, text-based chats and via email.

3. Pass the licensing exam, which is administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Application fees for the licensing exams range from $150 to $300.

4. Apply for your state license. Most states require X-ray techs to be licensed, and in some states, such as California, you are required to show proof of continuing education before your license will be renewed.

5. Begin applying for jobs as an X-ray technician. There are many jobs available for those in the radiology field and you can work in hospitals, nursing home facilities, medical centers and rehabilitation centers.

Tips & Warnings

• Due to the nature of the work, X-ray technicians must be prepared to work weekends and nights and to work under stressful conditions.

• Be sure to double-check the school's accreditation before enrolling. Ideally, the school should be accredited by the Joint Review Committee of Education in Radiologic Technology. Furthermore, studying for a degree online requires a tremendous amount of self-discipline, since it is essentially a self-study program.

References

• The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
• ARRT Recognized Education Programs
• Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Online Radiologic Technologist Degrees