X-Ray Technician Career

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What You Do in This Career

If you’ve ever watched a medical show, you’ve probably seen a black and white X-ray of broken bones, unlikely gunshot wounds, or dramatic injuries on your TV screen. All the attention is usually paid to the doctor looking at the slide, but be sure, there is an X-Ray technician in the background who did all the work. X-Ray Technicians, sometimes called Radiology Technicians, take images of the inside of the human body to help doctors diagnose diseases and fix broken bones. The ability to follow instructions from doctors is almost as important as having excellent people skills in this career, since you’ll deal with both every day.

Salary and Career Path

Salaries for X-Ray technicians range from $35,000 to $75,000, with the median income around $52,000 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those who work in medical and diagnostic laboratories make the most money, whereas those who work out of physician’s offices make the least. X-Ray technicians who become credentialed in multiple imaging procedures like CT scans, MR, and mammography, have the best employment opportunities. Online programs often offer management courses in addition to regular coursework, which is another way to advance your career. Those interested in imaging might also consider careers as ultrasound technicians.

What Kind of Degree or Coursework You Need

Producing X-rays is a lot more complicated than one might think, and radiology technicians must always be aware of protecting themselves and their patients from radiation. Courses tend to focus on math skills, physics, biology, and anatomy. Programs range from 18 months up to four years, depending on the degree, and all must be accredited by JRCERT, and are intended to prepare the student to take the board exam. Associate’s and bachelor’s degrees are available in radiology/radiography. There are also bachelor’s degrees in medical imaging sciences. Some states allow “limited scope” radiography in which students can focus on a specific body part, but to improve employment prospects, having a wide range of knowledge is key.

Top Online Health Services Programs

There are multiple educational paths that can be taken to become an ultrasound technician or diagnostic medical sonographer. The schools below do not offer ultrasound-specific training, but they do offer medical assisting and other healthcare programs closely related to sonography. You can request information by clicking the college's logo.

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DeVry University
AS in Health IT
 		DeVry University — Although DeVry University's online associate's degree in health information technology program is not specifically an ultrasound training program, it does prepare students to be HIT leaders in contemporary hospitals, physician's offices, medical clinics, and more.
Virginia College Online
BS in Health Services Mgmt
 		Virginia College Online — If you want to complete a health-based interdisciplinary studies degree online that will prepare you for ultrasound technology as well as for management, then apply for Virginia College's bachelor's degree in Health Services Management or associate's degree in medical office administration. The tuition for each program includes the cost of every textbook for every course. After earning this degree, additional training may be required to become an ultrasound technician.
Herzing University
AS in Medical Assisting
 		Herzing University — The AS in medical assisting degree program from Herzing University is not an ultrasound training program, but it does present students with an introduction to a physician's office, and can help lead to careers in sonography. Students learn how to assist doctors and nurses in the exam room as well as perform routine medical laboratory procedures.
Hodges University
AS in Health Info Mgmt
AS in Health Admin
 		Hodges University — Hodges University's AS in Health Information Technology and AS in Health Administration programs, while not purely an ultrasound training program, do teach students how to use the latest information technology to meet the needs of the healthcare industry. Health information technology allows medical offices to collect and analyze data from patients and doctors, a vital part of the medical process. Students learn to manage patient health information, medical records, administer computer information systems, and code diagnoses and procedures.
Lincoln College
AAS in Health IT
 		Lincoln College — The AAS in Health IT degree program from Lincoln College Online teaches students the ins and outs of technological-related medical work such as data tracking, organizing, and recorded. This degree is useful for anyone wishing to advance in his/her career within a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, ultrasound clinics, physician offices, and more. Additional training is required before becoming an ultrasound technician.

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DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org. Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. In New York, DeVry University operates as DeVry College of New York. DeVry University operates as DeVry Institute of Technology in Calgary, Alberta. DeVry is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. AC0060. DeVry University is authorized for operation by the THEC. www.state.tn.us/thec. Nashville Campus - 3343 Perimeter Hill Dr., Nashville, TN 37211. Program availability varies by location.

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