About
Radiography is a specialized field that combines science with human interaction. If you’re interested in earning a degree in radiography, this research project has the tools to get you started on this rewarding career path. Perhaps you have concerns about the job requirements, dangers, and rewards. The X-Ray Technician Schools Project has gathered the most up-to-date information and statistics relating to this growing field. If you are already in the field, this resource presents articles that will aid in your lifelong education process.
XRay Technician Guide
What is X-ray technology?
X-ray technology is the science applied to the modern devices and methods of taking medical images using X-rays.
What should I look for in an online X-ray technician school?
The best online X-ray technician schools should either possess regional or national accreditation from an accrediting body that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
In addition, you can often recognize top online X-ray technician schools based on:
- The school’s name and status
- The school’s history
- Teacher credentials
- Alumni network
In choosing the best online X-ray technician school for you, you should consider the following factors:
- Admission requirements
- Residency requirements
- Class and teaching style
- Testing methods used
- Course content and presentation
- Program length
- Class size
- Student-teacher interaction
- Technology use
- Tuition and financial aid
- Transferability of credits
- Availability of a dedicated administration team and resources
What levels of online X-ray technician programs are available?
The following levels of X-ray technician degree online programs are available:
- Online X-ray Technician Certificate Programs
- Online Associates in X-ray Technician
- Online Bachelor in X-ray Technician
- Online Masters in X-ray Technician
- Online PhD in X-ray Technician
How long does it take to get an online X-ray technician degree?
The amount of time it takes a student to earn an accredited online X-ray technician degree depends on the level X-ray technician degree being pursued and the pace of the student.
Typically, the breakdown is as follows:
- Online X-ray Technician Certification Programs – 6 months to 1 year
- Online X-ray Technician Associates Degree – 2 years
- Online X-ray Technician Bachelor Degree – 4 years
- Online X-ray Technician Masters – 2 years
- Online X-ray Technician PhD – 2 to 5 years
What are some examples of online X-ray technician courses?
Some of the best career-oriented courses you could take in an accredited online X-ray technician program include:
- Radiographic Imaging
A cornerstone to online X-ray technician schools, this class discusses the factors and approaches in producing quality X-ray images.
- Medical Terminology
As an introductory class for any medical field, this online X-ray technology course provides medical terms, their meaning, pronunciation, and use, so that students and professors can communicate effectively in courses to follow.
- Principles of Radiographic Exposure
This course is required by top online X-ray technology programs to teach students about the production and exposure of X-radiation in producing quality images. Often this class will include a lab element or at least require students to follow interactive videos and lessons.
- Anatomy and Physiology
An essential requirement in good online X-ray technology programs, this course provides information about human anatomy and physiology involving skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, lymphatic, and nervous systems.
- Principles of Radiographic Exposure
This course is required by top online X-ray technology programs to teach students about the production and exposure of x-radiation in producing quality images. Often this class will include a lab element or at least require students to follow interactive videos and lessons.
- Mathematics in Radiography
This online X-ray technology course walks students through grid procedures, methods of measuring not only length, width and depth, but density with an understanding of the magnification, angle, and logarithmic analysis.
What specializations are available for X-ray technology?
Because X-ray technology is already such a specialized field, very few focuses exist within it. Some of the specialized fields include:
- Crystallography
- Diagnostic Radiography
- Hard-Tissue X-ray Imaging
- Osteography
- Radiation Therapy
- Soft-Tissue X-ray Imaging
What can I do with an X-ray technician degree?
Students graduating from accredited online X-ray technician programs can look for work as radiology technologists specializing as X-ray technician. Some X-ray technician jobs include:
- Crystallographer
- Medical Assistant
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist
- Radiologic Technologist/Radiology Technician
- Veterinary X-ray Technician
- X-ray Technician
What is an X-ray technician?
X-ray technician are medical professionals who operate X-rays to produce medical images and sometimes conduct radiation therapy.
What does an X-ray technician do?
As the first step in finding broken bones, or other internal patient complaints X-ray technician work is most often diagnostic, though some do use X-rays to treat cancer cells in radiation therapy. X-ray technicians are responsible for controlling and measuring radiation output precisely, as well as recording, charting, and graphing findings, and being able to interpret those findings to a physician or surgeon for their diagnosis. They usually perform under direction of physicians, and must be conscious of and strictly following all rules and regulations of work with radiation.
How much does an X-ray technician earn?
X-ray technician, also known as radiology technologists, earn a mean annual wage of $54,180. The employment is only supposed to grow 0.8% in the coming year, but an estimated 17% in the next ten years. Though presently stable, the expected increase is due to increased need in professionals in this medical field.
How do I become an X-ray technician?
After obtaining a degree at an accredited and often specialized school, X-ray technicians are usually required to be licensed or certified by the state. Most X-ray technicians find employment in hospitals and work under physicians.
