Using modern and cutting-edge imaging methods, x-ray technicians (or radiologists) take pictures of our insides to diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses and ailments. The pictures which x-ray technicians create are used by doctors and other medical professionals to treat these illnesses with a high degree of accuracy.
Because of their central role in modern medicine, x-ray technicians have an opportunity to work with some of the most impressive modern medical machinery available, and they get the good feelings which come with knowing that their job has a direct impact on the improvement of patient lives.
#1: The Job Role
The job is so much more than pointing a machine at a certain part of the body and printing an image; it is something which requires a great degree of education and training. An x-ray technician is just as exposed to patients as any other medical professional, too.
At the start of the x-ray process, the x-ray technician will take a medical history from the patient and explain the x-ray process, ensuring that the patient’s questions are answered and that they feel at ease. The x-ray technician then positions the patient relative to the x-ray machine, places any protective equipment over them, and carries out their job, developing the image and distributing it to the physicians.
#2: Becoming an X-Ray Technician
If you are willing to undertake some education and training, there is no reason why you cannot become an x-ray technician. It is a very rewarding job, which is open to people of all backgrounds, and should you pass your accredited course you are almost guaranteed a job because there is an almost constant high demand for healthcare support workers.
There are many xray technician schools throughout the country, so you are not going to have to look far to find the right course for you in the right place.
#3: Do You Need to Be Licensed?
Generally speaking, yes. As with most things, this varies depending on the state in which you want to practice, as not all x-ray technicians are required to be certified. In some states, you will need to be certified and pass an accredited course in order to be a licensed x-ray technician, but in other states, you can skip out certification so long as you have passed the right course.
It is always worth pursuing certification though, regardless of whether your state requires it, as it makes you a stronger candidate and you never know where your career is going to take you. You could end up moving to a state which does require certification.
Being an x-ray technician can be a very rewarding career, which lasts for a lifetime. If you are willing to put in the effort and pursue the right education, there is no reason why you cannot become one – x-ray technicians are always in-demand and there is plenty of opportunities for new candidates to land themselves a rewarding career in the medical industry.
