| The field of radiologic (x-ray) technology offers an | | | | are credentialed as a registered radiologic |
| excellent career option to those interested in the | | | | technologist. Many states will also require a state |
| allied health field. An x-ray technician, or radiologic | | | | licensure for radiologic technologists. The |
| technologist, is the individual responsible for | | | | requirements for state licensure and continuing |
| performing diagnostic x-ray procedures in | | | | education will vary from state to state, however |
| hospitals, physician offices, and outpatient imaging | | | | licensure is generally necessary for employment in |
| centers. | | | | states that require it. |
| The training period for an x-ray technologist is | | | | The employment prospects for radiologic |
| usually 2-4 years in an accredited college or | | | | technologists will tend to remain strong due to the |
| hospital based radiologic technology program. | | | | health care needs of our aging population. While |
| Training will be split between classroom instruction | | | | most x-ray technicians are employed by hospitals, |
| and hands on clinical training in a healthcare setting. | | | | a significant number are employed by freestanding |
| The x-ray student will obtain a thorough working | | | | imaging centers and outpatient clinics. Others may |
| knowledge of radiographic physics and anatomy, | | | | find employment in private physician offices such |
| radiation safety, proper patient positioning and | | | | as orthopedic or urologic practices, portable x-ray |
| technique, quality control, and darkroom skills. In | | | | services, or in sales support. |
| addition, the student will receive instruction in | | | | The x-ray technician has a number of |
| infection control, sterile technique, body | | | | opportunities for advancement by acquiring |
| mechanics, and patient privacy. The successful | | | | proficiency in specialized diagnostic imaging areas. |
| student will also possess good communication skills | | | | Among them are MRI, Cat Scan, Mammography, |
| and demonstrate an ability to quickly adapt to | | | | and interventional radiology. These fields require |
| different situations. | | | | specialized training that may be acquired through |
| On completion of training, the x-ray technologist | | | | on the job training or additional college or trade |
| will be eligible to take a national registry | | | | school based programs. The technician will be |
| examination administered by the American | | | | eligible to take an additional registry examination |
| Registry of Radiologic Technologists. This is a | | | | for the specialties listed above that will identify |
| comprehensive examination which will address | | | | them as proficient in that area. Generally speaking |
| many of the skills required of the x-ray | | | | the more specialties an x-ray technologist can |
| technologist. Successfully passing the registry | | | | demonstrate proficiency in, the greater the |
| examination will allow the student to add the | | | | employment options are. |
| designation RT to their name to signify that they | | | | |