X-Ray Technician Career

Find an Ultrasound Tech Degree

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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 students can take 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 that are closely related. You can request information by clicking on any of the links below.

AS in Health IT	DeVry University — For over 80 years, DeVry University has focused on relevant areas of study, offering associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs and specializations that cover 34 different career fields. Earn your associate degree in Health Information Technology from DeVry University, and prepare to be an HIT leader in contemporary hospitals, physicians' offices, medical clinics, and more. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
AS in Medical Assisting	Herzing University — With a 45 year history, Herzing University is an accredited university that offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees as well as diplomas in over 45 different programs. The AS in Medical Assisting program builds on the online diploma program by incorporating the general education requirements required for this level of degree. Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
AS in Medical Assisting	Keiser University — Keiser University, founded in 1977, is a private, regionally accredited career university offering certificates, associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The AS in Medical Assisting program prepares students to perform medical assisting duties under the direction of a physician or practitioner. Keiser University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
AS in Health Info Mgmt AS in Health Admin	Hodges University — Founded in 1990, Hodges University is one the premier private universities in the State of Florida. The AS in Health Information Management and AS in Health Administration programs, while not ultrasound training programs, do teach students how to use information technology to meet the needs of the healthcare industry. Hodges University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
AAS in Health IT	Rasmussen College — Founded in 1900, Rasmussen College has grown to now include 22 campuses and more than 40 diverse online degree programs where students can choose from many bachelor's and associate's degrees. The AAS in Health Information Technology program prepares students to become health information technicians. Rasmussen College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
BS in Health Services Mgmt	Virginia College — Founded in 1983, Virginia College is a private institution of higher education committed to offering associate degrees, diploma courses, and baccalaureate degrees at over 20 different campuses. The BS in Health Services Management program prepares you for mid-level management positions in health care organizations including hospitals, physician practices, and home health agencies. Virginia is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.