What are the requirements for X-Ray Tech ?

Depending on the state, X-ray technicians may need different education backgrounds. However, an associate's degree is the most common degree required. In order to include the abbreviation 'R.T.' showing that a professional is a certified X-ray technician, they must pass the certification exam, maintain their registration, and complete additional schooling.

Essential Information
X-Ray technicians, often called radiologic technologists, record medical images for use in patient diagnosis. They must explain X-ray procedures to patients and adhere to regulations to protect themselves and others from harmful exposure to X-rays. Most radiologic technologists hold associate's degrees, although certificate and baccalaureate programs are also available. Certification is very common and is required in some states.

Required Education: Certificate, associate's and bachelor's degrees in radiologic technology available

Additional Requirements: Certification required by some states

Education Requirements for X-Ray Technicians
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), X-ray technician educational requirements vary by state; however, the federal government requires all of these techs to be properly trained. Certificate, associate's degree and bachelor's degree programs are available, with the associate's degree being the most prevalent.

Students in X-ray technician or radiologic technologist programs learn about anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, imaging, patient care and ethics. They also learn how to protect themselves and their patients from harmful radiation. X-ray technician programs take place in classrooms and in clinical settings.

High school students interested in the X-ray field should take science, math, biology and chemistry courses, says the BLS. To guarantee licensure nationwide, students should enroll in X-ray tech programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), according to the JRCERT website.

Certification, Registration and Licensure
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certifies and registers X-ray techs through examination. Graduates of radiology programs sit for the ARRT examination to become certified radiologic technologists. Certification by the ARRT signifies that an X-ray technician meets certain education and ethical standards.

Registered radiologic technologists complete continuing education requirements and renew their registrations yearly. Registration by the ARRT signifies continued compliance with standards and ethics set down by the organization. Only X-ray techs who renew their registrations annually may use the 'R.T.' initials after their names.

Some states require X-ray techs to be licensed to practice. ARRT's examination is used by 35 states in the licensing process.

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Programs focus on the proper use of x-ray diagnostic equipment and the production of images that can be interpreted by an attending physician or other qualified health care worker. Because x-ray radiation can be harmful, students are trained in the proper use of safety equipment and techniques to limit exposure both to the patient and to the x-ray technician.

Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED
Other Requirements: Some programs require entrance exams in science and math

X-Ray and Radiologic Technology Certificate Programs:

A high school diploma or GED is required for admission to an x-ray technician program. A high school background in math, chemistry, biology and physics is helpful, since some schools require a minimum score on an entrance exam. In some programs, students must take a course in medical assisting or show prior experience in the health care field before entering the x-ray technician program. Students in an x-ray technologist certificate program learn the technical skills they will need to produce images. They also study medical terminology, back office practices and medical ethics. Courses in a certificate program may include:

Radiation protection
Radiographic positioning
Chest and extremity radiography
Film processing
X-ray equipment and maintenance
Office procedures

Most states require that x-ray technicians graduate from an accredited training program and pass a licensing exam. The BLS reports that employers may prefer to hire radiologic technicians who hold voluntary certification from the ARRT. Beginning in 2015, the ARRT will require candidates for certification to hold associate degrees or higher. Anyone who graduates from a certificate program by Dec. 31, 2014 will be eligible for ARRT certification (www.arrt.org).

Many graduates of x-ray technician certificate programs go on to seek additional training in an associate, bachelor's or master's program in radiography in order to perform specialty procedures or become radiologist assistants. Opportunities for promotion are also open to workers with more education and experience.

In: http://study.com/x-ray_tech_certification.html

Good luck in your studies!!

Beginning in 2015, technicians have been required to obtain an associate’s degree from an accredited institution in order to be eligible for national certification through The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). A number of states require that the program be accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

Training programs in X-ray technology include courses in anatomy, biology and physics. Students take an in-depth look at the complex interactions between radiation and living tissue. Some programs also cover phlebotomy and intravenous drug administration. Most X-ray technicians complete both classroom and practical training.