
X-ray Technologist
Career Highlights
- Take x-rays for medical problem-solving purposes
- Work in hospitals, medical laboratories or physicians' clinics
- Help in the diagnosis and treatment of illness

Career Summary
The primary role of an x-ray technologist is to take x-rays for medical problem-solving purposes. They work with physicians to diagnose ailments relating to bone or tissue damage. Under this umbrella there are a few different imaging specialties, such as computerized tomography (CT), mammography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
X-ray technologists' work
X-ray technologists, also referred to as radiographers, first prepare patients for radiologic examinations by explaining the procedure and removing items, such as jewelry, which may prevent x-rays from filming. They then position the equipment at the correct angle and height in order to photograph the appropriate area of a patient's body. After all the needed photographs are taken, they develop the film for doctors. Career advancing x-ray technologists may perform more complex imaging procedures such as fluoroscopies, which allow doctors to see soft tissues in the body.
X-ray technologists are required to follow physicians' orders precisely, as well as following strict guidelines and safety regulations to protect themselves, their patients, and their coworkers from unnecessary radiation exposure.
X-ray technologists may sometimes work under the direction of radiologists, medical doctors who specialize in interpreting radiographs. The information from radiographs is helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury such as fractures. Most technologists work in hospitals, but some work in medical laboratories, clinics, or doctors' and dentists' offices.
More information is available here...
Find x-ray tech / technician / technologist schools.
Salary
$45,000*
Education
Requires a degree in:
- X-ray technician
Career Skills
- X-ray technologies
- Ultrasound devices
- Fluoroscopy procedures
- CT (computed tomography)
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Nuclear medicine
- Patient relations / Customer Service
- Patience
- Detailed oriented
Additional Information
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Comments
Posted on 2008-07-02 15:44:12 by Administrator
X-Ray Tech programs take anywhere from 12 months to 48 months, depending on the level of education you want to reach. 24-month programs are most common.
Where you take classes depends on what programs are available in your area. Junior colleges are a relatively inexpensive, popular choice.
To see what programs are available near you, click "find a school in your area" at the top left of this page, complete the form and select "X-Ray Technologist" from the program drop-down.
Posted on 2008-07-02 01:28:17 by elizabeth horton
how long do the x-ray classes take and can they be takin through a technology center instead of a regular college?
X ray tech school locations
Posted on 2008-06-11 20:13:17 by Peter Richard
I would like a list of all reputable schools in Southern California where someone can get a degree for Xray technician.
More information on X-ray Tech schools
Posted on 2008-05-20 19:40:04 by Administrator
For anyone interested in finding x-ray tech schools, click on the button marked "find a school in your area" at the top of this page. From there you can select X-ray technician from the drop-down and search for campus-based or online programs in your area.
x-ray tech school
Posted on 2008-05-20 14:21:27 by John Elliker
Id like to know of a good college in Southern California in the 92392 zip code
Posted on 2008-05-03 23:04:56 by Stephen McCurdy
I'm very interested in this course, and would like to find a school for Rad. Tech
Posted on 2008-03-21 20:37:03 by Denise Howard
I'm very interested in this course, could I get more
information about x-ray techs?
Info
Posted on 2008-03-18 21:39:32 by Paulette Nicholas
I would really liks to take this course. I think I would like it. I hear it's a two year course and that they only take 35 students at a time. Can I get more info on this?
Posted on 2008-03-13 12:41:38 by Keith D. Franklin
Trying to find school for Rad. Tech, does not have to be based on zio code.