An x-ray tech is responsible for the operation of the equipment used to take the various types of x-rays. X-ray staffs are also known as radiologic technologist and radiographer. These professionals also have the duty of giving ionizing radiation and other radioactive materials to individual patients to help cancerous cells and tumors become visible on the x-ray images. The images of the body are taken with the radiation producing equipment to better assess internal injuries and illnesses within a patient.
The responsibility of the x ray technicians is great in keeping the patient safe while taking excellent data for the physicians to make determinations and create health care plans. This having been said the technician is limited in what they are allowed to divulge to the patient regarding the data. An x ray tech is not allowed to read the x-rays or assess the situation of the patient in any way. This is the express responsibility of the radiologist or the physician on the case. Therefore, the x-ray tech has the responsibility of being able to deal with patients well on a one to one basis.
Hospital Work a Different Look
An x-ray tech can work in many different venues all over the country. An x ray tech could work within a nursing home, in a hospital, in one of the many now popular x-ray centers and even in a private physician’s office. The x-ray tech will have close contact with the patients instructing them on how to properly use devices intended to protect areas of the body that do not need to be x-rayed that may be vulnerable to the radiation levels given off by the equipment. There job can be difficult because they are required to get as high quality picture as possible so that the physician can properly assess the issues at hand and begin immediate treatment. This can be hard to do when the patients move about.
Risks for Techs
The patient is not the only one at risk of exposure to radiation when an x-ray is taken. The x-ray technician is also at risk of high exposure particularly since they work with the radiation on a daily basis. To reduce the risks associated with exposure to radiation the gurus must take precautions to include remaining out of the direct line of the radiation giving device and to remain behind safety walls. Using the equipment is typically done from a distance behind protective plates in the walls through a window to the patient. This is intended to help reduce how much exposure the technician is subjected to in a day.
Degree
The typical minimum requirements for an x ray technicians are a one to two year degree with a licensing in the state in which the technician intends to work. There are a variety of educational programs available in technical and trade schools as well as community colleges. There are a number of schools that offer training online for those individuals who need to fit the classes into a busy schedule. Once the courses have been completed the individual will be required to go through any local processes for licensing within their community.
Pay Outlook
As in most professions there is a range of salary based on studies, location and facility in which the individual chooses to work. This having been said the average median for an x-ray technician’s income in the United States is in the United States is between $33,132 and $50,503 annually, which works out to about $15.42 to $23.13 hourly. Typically an x ray technicians can expected a substantial advantages package possibly including profit sharing, medical insurance, bonuses and vacation time. The need for x-ray tech is increasing and is expected to increase as much as 18% over the next five years. The salary will vary based on the venue the technician works in such as hospital, private physician’s offices, dental offices and elderly care facilities will determine the wage that they can expect.
Individuals who have some experience in the medical community are more likely to easily transition into an x-ray technician position and may even find that they can obtain a higher wage then an individual who has never been in the medical field. This can assist an individual in getting further ahead in their position by working within the medical community while taking courses.
Author Resource:
Linda Broke is a certified x ray tech she writes and blogs on various healthcare websites.
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