X-Ray Technician
Duties and Responsibilities:
They combine bits of several professions into their job
descriptions. Like nurses, they prepare patients for radiologic procedures,
usually making sure patients are calm and in the proper position for the x-rays
to be taken. This includes talking to the patients and defining their areas of
concern, as well as sometimes collecting survey information or filing
paperwork. The bulk of an x-ray tech’s job is operating x-ray machines–both
smaller, convenient equipment and larger, motionless ones–to capture pictures
of patient’s bones, soft tissues, and organs. They then develop these pictures
and pass them on to doctors and radiologists, making sure to alert related
staff member to any urgent problems that may need fast care.
Salary:
$40,000-$80,000
Education:
A certificate program that takes one to two years, a two-year
associate’s degree, or a four-year bachelor’s degree. Certificate programs are
available through traditional or online courses, community colleges, technical
schools, and some hospitals. These institutions often require an intensive
coursework schedule. Prerequisites to radiology programs may include previous
medical experience and/or medical terminology, office technology or ethics
coursework. The foundation of radiology education usually includes anatomy,
chemistry, biology, radiology theory, mathematics and patient safety courses. A
two-year associate’s degree is the most popular path for aspiring radiology
techs at this time. Programs are offered at almost all accredited community
colleges and private (for-profit) institutions.
I do not think that I would like to become an X-ray’s technician.
