X-ray Careers: Image is Everything

February 22, 2006
By Gabby Hyman
Healthcare Programs Columnist
gabby.hyman@healthcare-programs.com

It may be old news that healthcare careers are booming, but you may not know that x-ray jobs are among the fastest-growing professions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for x-ray techs are expected to "grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012." Specialists trained at x-ray tech schools should find an abundance of job openings at hospitals, clinics, physicians' offices, and outpatient diagnostic imaging centers.

Most states require licensing for x-ray technicians and the American Registry of Radiological Technologists offers voluntary registration for graduates from x-ray tech schools. Hospitals are the number one employer of people beginning their x-ray careers.

Preparation at X-ray Tech Schools

X-ray tech schools offer programs in the necessary fundamentals to launch your x-ray career, and advanced programs can take you further into specialties such as CT scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Two-year programs in radiography are the most common choices among newcomers entering an x-ray tech school. Curriculum and programs may range in length from one to four years, depending upon the program and your priorities for your x-ray career. Programs lead to certificate, associate degree, or bachelor's degrees.

In addition to learning how to work with patients, about medical ethics, and clinical procedures, you can expect to study medical terminology, anatomy, pathology, physiology, radiobiology, and imaging techniques. In a hands-on practicum, x-ray tech schools introduce you to draping, radiation protection, image processing, and record-keeping procedures.

Your x-ray career can expand as you combine practical, on-the-job experience with ongoing training in medical business and management. Many x-ray techs move up to supervisory jobs, department administration roles, or teaching positions.

About the Author

Gabby Hyman has written for print and online media for more than 20 years. He has created online content for eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Avaya, and Nissan UK. He has also been a web consultant to the Governor of California. As an author of fiction, journalism, and poetry, Gabby is a former English professor for the University of Illinois, University of Alaska, and Old Dominion University. He holds an MFA in fiction writing from the University of Alabama.

Healthcare Programs Article