X-Ray Technician
Radiographers and radiologists are other terms for an x-ray technician. The technician uses controlled radiation to produce images of the body’s anatomy. These images or x-rays often help detect tumors, cancer, or bone fractures. The technician or radiologist makes recommendations based on his findings to the patient’s doctor or other specialists. You can find x-ray technicians working in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, as well as dentist’s offices.
An x-ray technician manipulates x-ray equipment to help him find injuries, disease, or other conditions. The results from an x-ray often help to diagnose health conditions early and may even save people’s lives. Although a skilled technician might be able to identify a specific condition or problem, normally he is not allowed to discuss his findings with the patient. The radiologist, doctor, nurse practitioner, or doctor’s assistant is the one that normally discusses the results with the patient.
Technicians are trained to identify problems needing emergency assistance. In such a situation, the x-ray technician will notify a radiologist of his findings immediately so the patient can receive prompt attention. If a patient’s x-rays do not reveal issues needing emergency care, he will normally have to wait a few days before receiving the results.
X-ray technicians may work in hospitals, clinics, or doctor’s offices. Other facilities where you may find x-ray technicians are radiology clinics, convalescent homes, and dental offices. The conditions under which an x-ray technician works are often stressful. He frequently works on patients under severe pain and discomfort. Although it is not always realistic to solve every problem, the x-ray technician plays an indirect role in the treatment and care that a patient receives.
A basic certificate program prepares the x-ray technician to work in hospitals or clinics. Besides taking x-rays, the technician is trained to perform exams using diagnostic imaging equipment. The technician is further trained to perform ultrasound, mammograms, and other radiographic procedures. Technicians are guided by good practices in the radiology field and put the patient’s comfort and safety first.
The basic certificate takes about one year to complete the program. The student receives training in proper techniques regarding assessing film quality and the use of x-ray equipment. Moreover, the student learns to administer diagnostic, non-radioactive materials to patients. They also work with magnetic resonance imaging or MRI and computerized tomography (CT).
The following areas are normally covered in the certification program:
Medical Terminology • Introduction to Physics • Human Anatomy and Physiology • Diagnostic Imaging Research • Structure and Function of the Body • Introduction to Radiologic Technology • Radiographic Positioning • Fluoroscopy Imaging
A student taking courses to become an x-ray technician should have taken chemistry and algebra to qualify. There is a great demand for x-ray technicians, especially for those that can perform complex procedures. Having a certificate no doubt increases the possibilities of obtaining a position as an x-ray technician.
According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), the lowest 5 percent of technicians make less than $30,000 yearly. On the other hand, the highest 5 percent make more than $90,000. Currently, the median technician’s salary is $58,065 reports ASRT. Salary.com reports a slightly lower median salary of $42,397. This is equivalent to a difference of over $15,000.
According to ASRT, a new x-ray technician starting out with less than two years of experience can expect to earn approximately $36,918 on a national level. Furthermore, chief technicians can expect to earn $42,768 while senior technicians make $48,331. The average salary for a program director is approximately $64,290.
One way that an x-ray technician can increase his pay is through continuing education. A technician or radiologist with a high-school diploma and a certificate can expect to earn an average salary of $56,378. On the other hand, the mean salary for a radiographer with a bachelor's degree can expect to earn $63,028.
You have many options to increase your salary. One way is to become specialized in MRI, CT, or angiography. Working as trainers for equipment manufacturers or sales agents is another way. Working toward a management position in a hospital or radiology department is still another option.
There is a great demand for personnel in the medical field and x-ray technicians are no exception. Some facilities even offer sign up bonuses as incentives for applicants to join their team. Leads can be found in newspaper ads, online medical job boards, hospital’s or clinic’s websites, and through word of mouth.
Temporary agencies are another method of finding leads. Some agencies may specialize in recruiting for medical facilities and organizations. Even if an agency does not specialize in this area, it is a good place to start. Most agencies have contracts with businesses in the local area, including hospitals and doctor’s offices. They receive a list of requirements and qualifications from the hiring department, which they use to screen their applicants. Applicants fulfilling the requirements are set up with an interview. The good thing about using a temporary agency is that if you do not get that job, you can go on other interviews. You can also register with several agencies to maximize your possibilities of being accepted for a position.
Physically going to hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices and filling out applications could also prove effective. This is something that most people don’t do anymore due to technology taking over. However, meeting staff employees at those locations might help you get first hand insight if any positions are available.
Love for people is probably at the top of the list. A technician that does not love to help people will have a hard time doing a good job. Sensitivity to people’s feelings and dignity is also very important. A technician will need to exam patients that are going through extremely difficult situations. Many may not have very long to live. The radiologists need to show compassion for the patient as an individual and toward the family members. This may not be so easy to do after dealing with patients in this type of situation regularly. However, to be effective and ethical, the radiologist would need to see each patient as an individual with personal needs and feelings rather than a number. A positive outlook and cheerful personality may go a long way in helping patients. If they’re already going through a life full of pain and stress, coming across someone who is cheerful and positive might be a breath of fresh air for them.
Attention to detail is extremely important for an x-ray technologist. Their observations and recommendations play a big role in the treatment that the patient receives. Missing any details could mean the difference between life and death for the patient. A high energy level is equally important in this position. The radiologist or technician may need to work long shifts or be on his feet for many hours at a time. This type of work environment requires energy and endurance.
Every job has its negative points regardless of how rewarding it may be. X-ray technicians also have to deal with the negative and stressful side of their position. Many complain of being scheduled too many hours. Frequently, they take additional education to advance. When you think of their personal or family responsibilities, going to school, and working too many hours, no wonder many feel stressed out and exhausted. Depending on where a technician works, he may also have to work evenings or weekends. This may pose another problem if the technician is a single mom with small children. She will need to arrange for baby-sitting and will need to be at work while her children are home.
There are situations when you cannot do very much to help a patient. At times like these, the technician may feel a sense of failure due to not being able to help. This is especially true if he loves to help people.
Moreover, the simple fact that a radiologist is surrounded by illness and negative situations on a daily basis may have a negative effect on him. Every person is different and is affected differently. A factor that leads to stress or even depression in one technician does not necessarily have an affect on all technicians.
The ability to help people provides a source of satisfaction for the radiologist. The fact that he can contribute to the patient’s treatment is also rewarding. He is able to keep his own problems in perspective knowing that there are many in worse situations than his.
The opportunity for advancement is another rewarding aspect of this career. The entry-level technician knows that he will be able to increase his pay and is not stuck in a salary bracket with no way out. Even starting out without experience, many technicians are able to find decent paying jobs.
An abundance of available positions counts as a reward. No one wants to work in a field where positions are very limited. Radiologists on the other hand, can find work in any city or town and in any part of the country. This provides peace of mind knowing that if you lose your job you can easily find another one.
Not having to take too long to become an x-ray technician or radiologist is another rewarding factor. You can normally finish the program in about two years. Once you are ready to practice what you have learned, you may be able to find a position with a signup bonus.
X-ray technicians need to know how to operate all equipment and machines properly. This can minimize accidents and unforeseen situations. For example, in order to avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation, it is important to know the proper settings as well as the radiation exposure limits. The technician should always make sure that all safety devices such as warning lights and shielding are in good working order. Additionally, the technician should step behind protective walls when the x-ray is active. Wearing a shielded apron is another protective measure that the technician can take.
Always make sure to wear gloves and goggles at all times. A mask and a gown should be worn when necessary. To practice infection control, always wash and disinfect all equipment used. This measure protects the patient as well as the technician.
Be aware that patients can react unpredictably due to pain or injury. Employ the help of other workers when assisting or transporting patients. It is important to use good lifting techniques such as keeping a straight back and soft knees at all times.
Chemicals and equipment are used to develop x-ray films. The technician should read all the material safety data sheets (MSDS). They should also make sure that they have the appropriate training to operate the equipment properly and safely. He should be familiar with the mix ratios of all the chemicals. In addition, he should always wear chemical resistant gloves and goggles when working with chemicals.
When you hear the term x-ray technician, you may think that all this person does is take x-rays. The truth is that this position involves a lot more duties than taking x-rays. The technician is also responsible for maintaining radiology supplies inventory. He checks stock to see what supplies are available and what needs to be ordered. He places and expedites orders for supplies and verifies receipt when supplies are delivered.
The technician also makes sure that he complies with federal, state, and local requirements. To stay up to date, he studies current and new legislation. He is also responsible for making sure that adherence is enforced and advises management on what actions to take. All this contributes to maintaining a safe working environment.
Additional duties include providing explanation of treatment, preparing patients for radiological exams and employing radiation protection techniques to protect patients and staff from radiation exposure. Furthermore, the technician documents patient care services by recording information in department records.