Becoming an X-Ray Technician: Education and Career Path

X-ray technicians, also known as radiologic technologists or radiographers, are vital members of the healthcare team. They use specialized equipment to create images of patients' internal structures, assisting physicians and other medical personnel in diagnosing and monitoring various conditions. These imaging techniques, using X-rays, allow medical professionals to see through the skin to capture pictures of patients' tissues, bones, and organs. If you're interested in a career that combines technology with patient care, becoming an X-ray technician could be a rewarding path.

Essential Skills and Qualities

Individuals considering a career as a radiographer should excel in math and science, communication, and critical thinking. In addition to technical skills, several soft skills are crucial for success:

Attention to detail: Ensuring accuracy in positioning and image capture.
Collaboration: Working effectively with radiologists and other healthcare professionals.
Communication: Clearly explaining procedures to patients and addressing their concerns.
Empathy: Providing compassionate care to patients who may be anxious or in pain.
Organization: Managing equipment and patient information efficiently.
Problem-solving ability: Adapting to unexpected situations and finding solutions to technical challenges.

Educational Pathways

The first step toward becoming a radiologic technologist is to attend an accredited post-secondary program in x-ray technology. After high school, higher education paths for radiography include completing prerequisites and applying for an accredited radiography program. There are college-based programs and hospital-based programs that may award a college degree directly or through affiliation with major colleges and universities. Students who have already obtained an associate’s degree or higher can also seek a certificate from an accredited radiography program.

To meet the education requirement for the ARRT certification exam, you must have earned an associate’s degree or higher from an ARRT-recognized educational program.

Your education may include various courses including medical terminology, health science, anatomy and physiology, psychology, image production and radiographic physics. Coursework typically covers key areas such as:

Technique
Exposure
Positioning
Protection
Physics
Patient care
Ethics

Hybrid Learning Models

Some programs offer didactic education through a hybrid distance learning model, combining virtual instruction with required on-campus components. For example, the Indianapolis, Marion and Terre Haute campuses Medical Imaging Programs offer didactic education through a hybrid distance learning model of virtual instruction and a required on-campus component. General education courses can often be taken online, but program-specific courses are typically taught in a traditional, in-person format due to the hands-on nature of the material.

Clinical Experience

Accredited hospitals and clinics provide clinical practice and supplemental instruction. Students should be prepared to be in class during the daytime and are required to provide their own transportation back/forth to clinical sites. Schedules vary based on campus.

Certification and Licensing

Radiologic technologists must complete an accredited educational program, demonstrate moral fitness, and pass an AART exam. Graduates of programs like Ivy Tech's Medical Imaging program can pursue certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). After ARRT certification, graduates may become radiologic technologists who are registered in general radiology.

Although licensing requirements vary from state to state, you may need to become licensed to work.

State Licensure (Massachusetts Example)

State licensure is required to work as a radiologic technologist in Massachusetts, either by holding a temporary or regular license.

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To qualify for a temporary Radiologic Technologist license to practice in Massachusetts, you must have graduated from a two-year JRCERT-accredited program, such as the HCC Radiologic Technology program, and be eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) exam.

To qualify for a Radiologic Technology license in Massachusetts, you must hold current certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Successful completion of the HCC Radiologic Technology program meets the education requirement for primary eligibility pathway in radiography to become board-certified by the ARRT.

For requirements to practice as a radiologic technologist in states other than Massachusetts, please visit the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) webpage on Individual State Licensure Information, which will direct you to each state's requirements for practice.

Career Advancement and Specialization

Nearly all graduates start working in General X-ray roles. Then, after building a strong base of professional experience, graduates can pursue certificates in a variety of specialties ranging from prenatal care to orthopedics.

Radiographers can also earn specialty certificates to increase opportunities for advancement such as in mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), or interventional radiology.

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With additional training and experience, some radiographers move into managerial roles such as shift supervisor or chief radiologic technologist. Others move into education positions such as clinical instructors or program directors.

Post-Primary Certificates

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan Prep Certificate: This certificate is for those who already have a Medical Imaging AAS degree and certification in radiography. The Computed Tomography (CT) Scan Prep Certificate focuses on clinical education and patient safety. After ARRT certification, graduates may become radiologic technologists who are registered in CT scan.
Mammography Certificate: The Mammography CT focuses on clinical education and patient safety and is for those who already have a Medical Imaging AAS degree and certification in radiography. After ARRT certification, graduates may become radiologic technologists who are registered in mammography.
MRI CT: The MRI CT focuses on clinical education and patient safety. Completing the MRI CT program requires 18 credit hours. After ARRT certification, graduates may become radiologic technologists who are registered in MRI.

Where Radiologic Technologists Work

Radiology techs typically work in hospitals (operating rooms, emergency departments, procedural suites, and specialized imaging departments), clinics or doctor’s offices. However, radiology techs may also be found working in stand-alone facilities that specialize in diagnostic imaging, medical labs and even nursing homes.

Radiologic or x-ray technicians work in hospitals and long-term care facilities as well as doctor’s offices and clinics.

Many radiology techs work 40 hours a week, but depending on their employer, their shifts may vary in length from long to short.

Selective Admissions Process (Example: Ivy Tech)

The Medical Imaging program at Ivy Tech has a selective admissions process, which means not all students who apply to the program will be accepted. The Medical Imaging program accepts a limited number of students each year, and there is a separate application process.

A weighted point system is used to evaluate applicants for admission. Student applications are assigned points based on their grades in prerequisite courses. Point totals for applicants receiving admission offers will vary between campuses.

When multiple course attempts are reported on applicant transcripts (including transcripts from other colleges and universities), the highest earned grade of the first two attempts within a three-year period will be used for the selection decision score through the application period.

Additional Requirements (Example: Ivy Tech)

In order to be successful in the program, students will need to have access to transportation to courses and clinic. Additionally, Internet access is vital to student success.

Admitted students must pay for and complete drug testing, a physical exam, and a criminal background screening.

Application Process (Example: Ivy Tech)

Students interested in the Medical Imaging program must first submit the Ivy Tech general application and complete the requirements for admission to the college. If you are not a current Ivy Tech Community College student, please Apply Now.

Students interested in the Medical Imaging program must apply to Ivy Tech first using the Ivy Tech general application. In this application, apply for the Healthcare Specialist program with a concentration in Medical Imaging. After you've completed your prerequisite courses, you may apply for the Medical Imaging program through the online application for health science programs.

Gather all required or optional documentation that you will need to upload into the system. View more about requirements here.

Select the programs and campuses you would like to be considered as an applicant. You can select up to three different programs and three different campuses. You must meet all of the prerequisites for a program in order to submit your application. Make sure grades in the system are accurate.

Once you have submitted your application, you have the option to reopen it to make changes. Note: DO NOT USE THE “BACK” function on your computer. Students can select up to three credential types and three campuses on the application.

Offers of acceptance are for a specific credential and a specific campus. Depending on their rank and offers, a student could potentially receive multiple offers. If a student fails to respond, then the offer expires. You do have the ability to withdraw your application at any point during the admission cycle.

If you are accepted into the program-first off, congratulations!-you will be required to attend an orientation session at your local campus during the summer semester prior to beginning classes.

The Medical Imaging program does not maintain a waitlist. Non-admitted applicants can reapply in the next semester’s application cycle. You may also want to meet with your advisor. Advisors can assist students in exploring other programs of interest in Ivy Tech’s School of Health Sciences if they have applied several times and have not been accepted into the program.

ATI TEAS Test (Example: Ivy Tech)

Additionally, we highly recommend that students complete the following courses before starting the Medical Imaging program. TR grades are not recognized by the online application.

The ATI TEAS test measures your ability in four categories: Reading, English, Math, and Science. Your TEAS test must include all four test components to be considered valid; partial tests will not be accepted. Applicants must score at the PROFICIENT level or higher to be considered for admission.

Ivy Tech Testing Services does not offer the TEAS exam during the months of May or June, between the TEAS deadline date. TEAS testing must be completed within the published application deadlines (see table above) in order to be considered for the corresponding application period. Due to processing time for the ATI TEAS to appear in the student’s application, it is recommended that testing times be scheduled 2 to 4 weeks prior to the posted TEAS test deadline date.

The test takes approximately 3 1/2 hours to complete. You will need your valid (non-expired) government-issued photo ID. All TEAS exam appointments must be made and paid for online through our self-serve site.

Create an ATI account at atitesting.com (if you already have an account at atitesting.com you can skip this step). Use something you will remember as a username and password. In order for your TEAS test scores to migrate to the Ivy Tech record system, you must select your Ivy Tech home campus as your institution, add your full Ivy Tech Community College student ID number (C0#######), birth date, and your last name must match the Ivy Tech record system when creating your ATI profile and. Select “Pay now via credit card online”. See when specific classes will be offered by searching our class list in Schedule Builder.

Medical Imaging AAS is open to full-time students only.

Essential Functions (Example: HCC)

The following essential functions will be necessary to successfully complete the radiologic technology program. In some cases, assessment and developmental courses may help students meet these standards. These functional abilities may be performed with reasonable accommodation.

Helping in positioning patients who may be comatose, paralyzed, or otherwise incapacitated, from wheelchairs and beds, to x-ray tables, and vice versa. Handling and moving objects: Use of hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. Positioning, placing, and moving equipment, i.e.
3. 4. If you require accommodations, please contact the HCC Office for Students with Disabilities & Deaf Services/Documentation. Students admitted to the program must meet the Essential Functions.

Additionally students must meet additional requirements to be eligible for clinical placement. Admitted students will be provided instructions on when and how to complete the requirements.

Physical: Admitted students must also receive a physical performed and documented by a licensed healthcare provider (MD, NP, PA).

Each student must hold liability insurance. This is offered as a group policy (at a group rate) through the program.

Trajecsys is a clinical document tracking system. Students are required to purchase a Trajecsys account that is linked to the HCC Radiology program.

Students must create and pay for a subscription to Castlebranch, a third party vendor contracted by Holyoke Community College to verify, track, and maintain documents. You will be provided with directions on when and how to create the account so that it is visible to HCC administrators.

Financial Aid and Costs

Financial barriers shouldn't hinder your education. Connect with the Financial Aid team at your home campus to find out if you can receive financial aid for the program of your choice.

In addition to tuition, there are several costs that students incur during the program. If you have questions or concerns about these costs, please contact our financial aid team to discuss your options.

Job Outlook

One of these areas, radiologic technology, is one of the fastest growing careers available. X-ray technology is a great place for you to begin your medical career. You can make a difference using your skills, education and passion for x-ray as a technician.

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