Student X-Ray Tech Jobs: A Comprehensive Overview

The field of radiologic technology offers diverse opportunities for students seeking a career in healthcare. From performing diagnostic imaging to assisting in radiation therapy, X-ray technicians play a crucial role in patient care. This article provides a detailed description of student X-ray tech jobs, covering essential aspects such as job duties, required education, necessary skills, and career prospects.

What Does an X-Ray Technician Do?

An X-Ray Technician produces images that other medical professionals can use to diagnose injuries and diseases and then develop treatment plans to address health issues. Registered radiologic technologists (R.T.s) are medical personnel who perform diagnostic imaging examinations and administer radiation therapy treatments. They work in hospitals, clinics, and physician’s offices, practicing in various clinical specialties, from prenatal care to orthopedics.

Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, perform X-rays and other diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. They are trained in the use of different types of medical diagnostic equipment. They may choose to specialize, such as in x-ray, mammography, or computed tomography (CT) imaging.

Core Responsibilities

The core tasks of radiologic technologists are to:

Explain X-Ray diagnostic imaging procedures to patients.
Perform X-Ray diagnostic imaging procedures on patients.
Adhere to regulations to protect themselves and others from harmful exposure to X-rays. In addition, because radiologic technologists work with imaging equipment that uses radiation, they must wear badges that measure radiation levels in the radiation area. Detailed records are kept on their cumulative lifetime dose.
Assure appropriate maintenance and functioning of diagnostic machinery.
Liaise with physicians and other healthcare professionals to keep appropriate patient records.
Follow instructions exactly to get the images needed for diagnoses.

Specializations

R.T.s may practice general radiography, or specialize in an imaging technique such as:

Bone densitometry
Cardiac or vascular interventional radiography
Computed tomography
Mammography
Magnetic resonance imaging
Nuclear medicine
Sonography

Cardiac Interventional Technologists

Cardiac Interventional Technologists use sophisticated imaging techniques to guide interventional tools into the heart. Using these techniques, many cardiac conditions can be treated internally, without open surgery. This form of treatment often requires patients to be sedated and is commonly referred to as micro-surgery.

Vascular Interventional Technologists

Vascular Interventional Technologists use sophisticated imaging techniques to help guide catheters, vena cava filters, stents or other interventional tools through the veins and arteries of the body. Using these techniques, many diseases can be treated internally, without open surgery. This form of treatment often requires patients to be sedated and is commonly referred to as micro-surgery.

Magnetic Resonance Technologists

Magnetic Resonance Technologists are specially trained to operate MR equipment. During an MRI scan, atoms in the patient’s body are exposed to a strong magnetic field. A radiofrequency pulse is applied to the magnetic field, which knocks the atoms in the patient’s body out of alignment. When the pulse turns off, the atoms return to their original position and give off signals that are measured by the machine and processed to produce detailed images.

Mammographers

Mammographers produce diagnostic images of breast tissue using special x-ray equipment. criteria in order to perform mammography procedures. content. part under examination.

Sonographers

Sonographers use sound waves to obtain images of organs and tissues in the body. body. bounce off organs and tissues. education and certification that qualifies them to serve as radiologist extenders.

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Additional Roles

Limited technologists and imaging assistants provide valuable support within the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession.

Limited Technologists (LXMOs)

Limited technologists, also known as LXMOs, perform basic diagnostic radiographic imaging under the supervision of a licensed provider. Unlike registered radiologic technologists, who are qualified to perform a full range of imaging procedures across multiple modalities, limited technologists are restricted to specific body areas and examination types defined by state regulations.

Imaging Assistants

Imaging assistants help with patient care and safety in medical imaging and radiation therapy environments. They neither acquire medical images nor administer radiation therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging assistants support MR technologists by enhancing patient safety, assisting with screening, positioning and improving workflow in the MR suite. Unlike registered MR technologists, MR imaging assistants do not perform imaging or scanning procedures themselves.

Collaboration with Other Medical Professionals

Radiologic technologists work in hospital or clinical settings, in close collaboration with physicians and nurses. The medical team responsible for treating many types of cancers includes the patient’s primary care physician, a physician specialist known as a radiation oncologist, a medical physicist, a radiation therapist and a medical dosimetrist.

Radiologists are physicians who earn a four-year doctoral degree to become an M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy). They then complete an additional four-year residency in diagnostic radiology or radiation oncology. scans, CT scans, nuclear medicine scans, mammograms and sonograms. identify injury and disease throughout the many systems of the body.

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Radiation oncologists are physicians who specialize in the treatment of cancer. schedule. medical conditions. and ablation techniques.

Education and Certification

Radiologic and MRI technologists typically need an associate’s degree. An associate’s degree is the education typically required for radiologic and MRI technologists. There also are postsecondary education programs that lead to graduate certificates or bachelor’s degrees in healthcare and related fields and science technologies. Depending on the field of degree, education programs may include both academic study and clinical work.

Registered radiologic technologists must earn an associate or more advanced degree from an accredited hospital-based program or academic institution, and pass a national certification examination.

Licensure and Certification

Most states require radiologic technologists to be licensed or certified, but few states require licensure for MRI technologists. To become licensed, technologists usually must graduate from an accredited program and either pass a certification exam from the state or obtain certification from a credentialing organization. Technologists may be certified in multiple specialties.

Employers typically require or prefer prospective technologists to be certified even if the state does not require it. Employers also may require or prefer that prospective technologists have certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or basic life support (BLS).

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is a credentialing organization that certifies and registers X-Ray technicians through examination and continuing education requirements, as well as ethics requirements (www.arrt.org), thereby ensuring high-quality patient care in medical imaging, interventional procedures, and radiation therapy. Radiology programs graduates are examined by ARRT to become certified radiologic technologists. Registered radiologic technologists are required to complete continuing education requirements and renew their registrations annually. This ongoing annual registration with the ARRT signifies continued compliance with standards and ethics set down by the professional organization. Only X-Ray technicians who renew their registrations annually may use the ‘R.T.’ professional designation after their names to indicate their qualifications.

To remain registered, they must also earn 24 continuing education credits every two years. The largest certification agency, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists®, has more than 300,000 registrants.

The Bureau of Radiation Control of the Florida Department of Health oversees certification for X-Ray Technicians in the State of Florida.

Educational Programs

Training programs grant several types of educational recognition, which include certificate courses, associate’s degree programs, and bachelor’s degree programs. Students studying to become X-Ray technicians also learn how to protect themselves and their patients from harmful radiation, which is an important component of their job. X-Ray technician programs generally take place in both classrooms and in clinical settings.

FNU offers an Associate’s of Science degree program in Radiologic Technology (RT). The program, which requires a minimum of 86 credits, prepares the student, upon successful completion of the Certifying Examination, for a position as a member of a health care team in a hospital, clinic or of medical equipment or management. This program is designed to prepare the student for the NationalCertifying Examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), as well as for the State of Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Service General License Examination. FNU also offers a Career Education Diploma as an X-Ray Technician. The purpose of the Basic X-Ray Technician program, which requires a minimum of 45 credits, is to prepare the student for the position of basic X-Ray machine operator. The program offers the knowledge and skills necessary for doing radiologic work on the extremities and chest. This course of study trains students to perform their duties with a high level of professionalism in both in terms of communicating, caring, and protecting the patient during the taking of X-rays, as well as in sufficient knowledge of medical terms necessary to competently carry out the technician’s duties. The program prepares the student for the Basic X-Ray State of Florida Licensure Examination, and includes all the required courses for the first year toward the Radiologic Technology A.S. program.

Skills and Qualities

To perform well in X-Ray Technician careers, candidates benefit from possessing a few specific skills. The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties.

Detail oriented. Radiologic technologists must follow instructions exactly to get the images needed for diagnoses.
Interpersonal skills. Radiologic and MRI technologists work closely with patients who may be stressed or in pain.
Math skills.
Physical stamina.
Technical skills.

Workplace Environment

Radiologic and MRI technologists work in healthcare facilities, and more than half work in hospitals. Like other healthcare workers, radiologic and MRI technologists may be exposed to infectious diseases. In addition, because radiologic technologists work with imaging equipment that uses radiation, they must wear badges that measure radiation levels in the radiation area. Detailed records are kept on their cumulative lifetime dose. Most radiologic and MRI technologists work full time.

Salary and Job Outlook

Wages of radiologic technologists are competitive with other health professionals who have similar educational backgrounds.

The median annual wage for magnetic resonance imaging technologists was $88,180 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The median annual wage for radiologic technologists and technicians was $77,660 in May 2024. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010 median pay for X-Ray Technicians/Radiologic Technologist was $54,340 annually or $26.13 per hour (“Radiologic Technologists”).

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.org. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area.

Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. The growing size of the older population and the rising prevalence of chronic disease will lead to greater demand for healthcare services, including diagnostic procedures. Falls and associated injuries, such as broken bones or head trauma, are common in older people and require x rays or computed tomography (CT) scans to assess the extent of harm. In addition, MRI scans are useful for imaging various types of cancers, including of the brain, spine, and liver.

Magnetic resonance imaging technologists held about 44,100 jobs in 2024. Radiologic technologists and technicians held about 228,000 jobs in 2024.

Alternative Career Paths

With additional training and certification, X-Ray Technicians may specialize in a certain type of testing or work with a specific patient population.

Radiologist

A Radiologist is a medical doctor who has advanced training in interpreting diagnostic images and making diagnoses based on imaging tests.

Travel X-Ray Technician

A Travel X-Ray Technician is an allied health professional who works for a health care facility on a temporary basis. Travel X-Ray Technicians typically aren’t employees. Instead, they work as independent contractors for a set length of time established by a contract. Your facility may prefer to hire a Travel X-Ray Technician if you need to temporarily replace an employee who is on leave or if you have an urgent need to fill an open position and have struggled to find the right candidate.

Contributing to Quality Healthcare

When they do their jobs well, X-Ray Technicians contribute to the overall quality of care provided by a health care facility, reducing the risk of medical errors. By properly operating, maintaining and cleaning equipment, they play an important role in infection control and patient safety.

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