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X-Ray Technician Schools: What You Can Learn
X-Ray Technician Schools: What You Can Learn
Are you considering looking into x-ray technician schools for your post-secondary education? Do you want to know what you will learn during x-ray technician training? Here are some of the common skills and knowledge you can expect to gain in an x-ray technician program.
Learning the Basics
Many x-ray technician schools will start off by providing you with a solid theoretical background. In a classroom setting, you can gain a strong general knowledge of radiologic technology and imaging, plus learn how your role as an x-ray technician can contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of various injuries and illnesses. You can also receive important training related to medical ethics, effective communication, analytical thinking, and problem solving.
Turning Knowledge into Action
A vital part of any x-ray technician curriculum is hands-on training. Many x-ray technician schools have an on-site laboratory, where you can have the opportunity to work with industry-current equipment. During this segment of your training, you can practice skills related to correctly positioning patients, and performing standardized x-ray practices and procedures. You can also gain the necessary skills and knowledge to perform specialized procedures, including fluoroscopy.
In addition, the hands-on portion of your training should cover the ins and outs of working with diagnostic images, including film processing and x-ray development. You can also build your technical skills by learning how to use industry-related computer technology to update and maintain patient health records.
Experiencing the Real World
Probably one of the most valuable parts of your x-ray technician training is off-site clinical training through an externship. Many x-ray technician schools include an externship as part of their curriculum in order to give you the opportunity to work within an actual health care setting, under the supervision of health care professionals. Not only does this give you a clear idea of what is expected in the field, it can also be a very valuable chance to network, and make contacts that can help you to break into the industry after graduation.
Preparing for Certification
After graduation, certification could be necessary in order to work as an x-ray technician in some states. Regardless of legal requirements, many employers also give preference to applicants who are certified. Therefore, it can be extremely beneficial to ensure that the x-ray technician school you choose meets certification requirements, and includes examination preparation as part of the curriculum.
Life After Graduation: X-Ray Technician Job Statistics
Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, and successfully taken the certification examination, you will be ready to pursue entry-level positions. Here are some x-ray technician job statistics to consider:*
- The growth projection rate for the radiography field is 17 percent (between 2008 and 2018). In hard figures, the number of x-ray technicians in 2008 was 214,700, and this figure is expected to increase to 251,700 by 2018.
- The mean annual salary for an x-ray technician, as of May 2009, was $54,180. On the lower end of the scale, the average annual salary was $35,700, while the average for the higher percentile was $75,440.
Now that you have a better idea of what x-ray technician training entails, your next step is to research individual schools, and request more information. This guide to x-ray technician schools is a great place to begin your journey toward post-secondary education!
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, web site accessed on Nov. 18, 2010.
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