Today's imaging technology from x-rays to MRIs helps diagnose patients more precisely than ever. The ability to pinpoint an exact location for surgery or find a broken bone, no matter how small, improves patient care. If you are looking for an exciting new career path, becoming an x-ray technician may be the path for you. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 9 percent career growth for radiologic technologists and technicians, which x-ray technicians fall under. Here is a brief look at the typical responsibilities of an x-ray technician and how a normal day might look.
Job Responsibilities
Today's x-ray techs take x-rays and generate films to help doctors diagnose injuries and diseases. X-ray technician schools also prepare technicians to perform the following tasks:
- Prepare patients and position them for an x-ray
- Correctly position x-ray equipment at the right height and angle
- Follow all regulations and guidelines to protect patients and staff from over-exposure to radiation
Set up equipment and controls
Operating machinery that produces radiation comes with some risks, so there are precautions that x-ray technicians must take to help prevent any negative consequences. Lead aprons, gloves, radiation monitoring devices and other shielding items minimize the risks to technicians as they repeatedly use radiologic equipment. In some cases, techs perform the imaging capture from within a shielded room, depending on the type of equipment they use.
A career as an x-ray technician may include a physical component of the daily tasks. X-ray technician courses cover body mechanics, as techs must be able to assist disabled patients by lifting and adjusting their body positioning. They must also adjust equipment. Spending most of a work day on your feet is common for technicians and technologists and many x-ray technicians practice in a hospital setting. There are other options though, and some techs use portable equipment to x-ray patients outside a hospital setting.
Ultimate Medical Academy offers a combined x-ray technician and medical office procedures program. The combination gives graduates the opportunity to sit for two distinct certification examinations, Basic X-Ray Machine Operator (BXMOP) and Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), improving employability. No matter what x-ray technician schools you choose, the ability to help improve lives makes a day in the life of an x-ray technician a rewarding one.
Originally posted: November 17, 2015
Last updated: January 9, 2017