X-Ray Technician Alaska

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.

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