I want to be an X-Ray Technologist...need answers!?

Question

Hello, I want to be an X-Ray Tech. I live in Arkansas. I need to know anything and everything about this career. Is a Radiologic Tech. the same thing? Also is there any way you can get your schooling paid for as long as you work for that hospital or clinic for so long? Im just throwing stuff out that I am curious about. Again....anything and everything I need to know.

Thank you!!!

Answer 1

X-ray tech, radiologic technologist, and radiographer are all the same thing. You would have to check with the individual programs to find out about them paying, but generally hospital programs are quite reasonably priced and you get better training than at a college. Check out the links below for more information. Here are the schools in Arkansas:

SCHOOL OF RADIOGRAPHY
SOUTH ARKANSAS COMMUNITY CLG
PO BOX 7010/300 SOUTHWEST AVE
EL DORADO, AR 71731-7010
Program Director: DEBORAH M EDNEY Telephone: [phone]

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SCHOOL OF RADIOGRAPHY
UN OF ARK FOR MED SCI AHEC-NW
2907 EAST JOYCE BLVD
FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72703-0000
Program Director: STANLEY R OLEJNICZAK JR Telephone: [phone]

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RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
EAST ARKANSAS COMM COLLEGE
1700 NEWCASTLE ROAD
FORREST CITY, AR 72335-2204
Program Director: JANIE BAILEY Telephone: [phone]

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SCHOOL OF RADIOGRAPHY
UNIV OF ARKANSAS - FORT SMITH
5210 GRAND AVE/ PO BOX 3649
FORT SMITH, AR 72913-3649
Program Director: NANCY M HAWKING Telephone: [phone]

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SCHOOL OF RADIOGRAPHY
NORTH ARKANSAS COLLEGE
1515 PIONEER DRIVE
HARRISON, AR 72601-0000
Program Director: SONDRA L RICHARDS Telephone: [phone]

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SCHOOL OF RADIOGRAPHY
NATIONAL PARK COMM COLLEGE
101 COLLEGE DRIVE
HOT SPRINGS, AR 71913-0000
Program Director: TIMOTHY J SKAIFE Telephone: [phone]

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SCHOOL OF RADIOGRAPHY
ST VINCENT INFIRMARY MED CTR
TWO ST VINCENT CIRCLE
LITTLE ROCK, AR 72205-0000
Program Director: FRANCIS S PORTER Telephone: [phone]

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SCHOOL OF RADIOGRAPHY
UNIV OF AR FOR MEDICAL SCIENCE
4301 W MARKHAM SLOT 563
LITTLE ROCK, AR 72205-0000
Program Director: JOSEPH R BITTENGLE Telephone: [phone]

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SCHOOL OF RADIOGRAPHY
BAPTIST MEDICAL SYSTEM
11900 COLONEL GLENN, STE 1000
LITTLE ROCK, AR 72210-0000
Program Director: BRENDA A SIMMONS Telephone: [phone]

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SCHOOL OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY
SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS COLLEGE
1900 HAZEL ST
PINE BLUFF, AR 71603-0000
Program Director: TINA M PIERCE Telephone: [phone]

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SCHOOL OF RADIOGRAPHY
ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
CLG NURSING & HLTH PRO/BOX 910
STATE UNIVERSITY, AR 72467-0000
Program Director: RAYMOND F WINTERS Telephone: [phone]

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SCHOOL OF RADIOGRAPHY
UN OF ARK FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES
300 E 6TH ST AHEC-SOUTHWEST
TEXARKANA, AR 71854-0000
Program Director: WILLIAM M PEDIGO Telephone: [phone]

Answer 2

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Good luck. Let me know when
you have had enough.



...

Answer 3

Radiologic technologists and technicians take x rays and administer nonradioactive materials into patients’ bloodstreams for diagnostic purposes. Some specialize in diagnostic imaging technologies, such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

In addition to radiologic technologists and technicians, others who conduct diagnostic imaging procedures include cardiovascular technologists and technicians, diagnostic medical sonographers, and nuclear medicine technologists. (Each is discussed elsewhere in the Handbook.)

Radiologic technologists and technicians, also referred to as radiographers, produce x-ray films (radiographs) of parts of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems. They prepare patients for radiologic examinations by explaining the procedure, removing articles such as jewelry, through which x rays cannot pass, and positioning patients so that the parts of the body can be appropriately radiographed. To prevent unnecessary exposure to radiation, these workers surround the exposed area with radiation protection devices, such as lead shields, or limit the size of the x-ray beam. Radiographers position radiographic equipment at the correct angle and height over the appropriate area of a patient’s body. Using instruments similar to a measuring tape, they may measure the thickness of the section to be radiographed and set controls on the x-ray machine to produce radiographs of the appropriate density, detail, and contrast. They place the x-ray film under the part of the patient’s body to be examined and make the exposure. They then remove the film and develop it.

Experienced radiographers may perform more complex imaging procedures. For fluoroscopies, radiographers prepare a solution of contrast medium for the patient to drink, allowing the radiologist (a physician who interprets radiographs) to see soft tissues in the body. Some radiographers, called CT technologists, operate CT scanners to produce cross-sectional images of patients. Radiographers who operate machines that use strong magnets and radio waves, rather than radiation, to create an image are called MRI technologists.

Radiologic technologists and technicians must follow physicians’ orders precisely and conform to regulations concerning the use of radiation to protect themselves, their patients, and their coworkers from unnecessary exposure.

In addition to preparing patients and operating equipment, radiologic technologists and technicians keep patient records and adjust and maintain equipment. They also may prepare work schedules, evaluate purchases of equipment, or manage a radiology department.



Working Conditions [About this section] Back to Top

Most full-time radiologic technologists and technicians work about 40 hours a week. They may, however, have evening, weekend, or on-call hours. Opportunities for part-time and shift work also are available.

Physical stamina is important, because technologists and technicians are on their feet for long periods and may lift or turn disabled patients. Technologists and technicians work at diagnostic machines, but also may perform some procedures at patients’ bedsides. Some travel to patients in large vans equipped with sophisticated diagnostic equipment.

Although radiation hazards exist in this occupation, they are minimized by the use of lead aprons, gloves, and other shielding devices, as well as by instruments monitoring exposure to radiation. Technologists and technicians wear badges measuring radiation levels in the radiation area, and detailed records are kept on their cumulative lifetime dose.



Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement [About this section] Back to Top

Preparation for this profession is offered in hospitals, colleges and universities, vocational-technical institutes, and the U.S. Armed Forces. Hospitals, which employ most radiologic technologists and technicians, prefer to hire those with formal training.

Formal training programs in radiography range in length from 1 to 4 years and lead to a certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree. Two-year associate degree programs are most prevalent.

Some 1-year certificate programs are available for experienced radiographers or individuals from other health occupations, such as medical technologists and registered nurses, who want to change fields or specialize in CT or MRI. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in one of the radiologic technologies is desirable for supervisory, administrative, or teaching positions.

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology accredits most formal training programs for the field. The committee accredited 606 radiography programs in 2005. Radiography programs require, at a minimum, a high school diploma or the equivalent. High school courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology are helpful. The programs provide both classroom and clinical instruction in anatomy and physiology, patient care procedures, radiation physics, radiation protection, principles of imaging, medical terminology, positioning of patients, medical ethics, radiobiology, and pathology.

Federal legislation protects the public from the hazards of unnecessary exposure to medical and dental radiation by ensuring that operators of radiologic equipment are properly trained. Under this legislation, the Federal Government sets voluntary standards that the States may use for accrediting training programs and certifying individuals who engage in medical or dental radiography.

In 2005, 38 States certified radiologic technologists and technicians. Certification, which is voluntary, is offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. To be eligible for certification, technologists generally must graduate from an accredited program and pass an examination. Many employers prefer to hire certified radiographers. To be recertified, radiographers must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years.

Radiologic technologists and technicians should be sensitive to patients’ physical and psychological needs. They must pay attention to detail, follow instructions, and work as part of a team. In addition, operating complicated equipment requires mechanical ability and manual dexterity.

With experience and additional training, staff technologists may become specialists, performing CT scanning, angiography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Experienced technologists also may be promoted to supervisor, chief radiologic technologist, and, ultimately, department administrator or director. Depending on the institution, courses or a master’s degree in business or health administration may be necessary for the director’s position. Some technologists progress by leaving the occupation to become instructors or directors in radiologic technology programs; others take jobs as sales representatives or instructors with equipment manufacturers.



Employment [About this section] Back to Top

Radiologic technologists and technicians held about 182,000 jobs in 2004. More than half of all jobs were in hospitals. Most of the rest were in offices of physicians; medical and diagnostic laboratories, including diagnostic imaging centers; and outpatient care centers.



Job Outlook [About this section] Back to Top

Job opportunities are expected to be favorable. Some employers report difficulty hiring sufficient numbers of radiologic technologists and technicians. Imbalances between the demand for, and supply of, radiologic technologists and technicians should spur efforts to attract and retain qualified workers, such as improved compensation and working conditions. Radiologic technologists who also are experienced in more complex diagnostic imaging procedures, such as CT and MRI, will have better employment opportunities, brought about as employers seek to control costs by using multiskilled employees.

Employment of radiologic technologists and technicians is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2014, as the population grows and ages, increasing the demand for diagnostic imaging. Although healthcare providers are enthusiastic about the clinical benefits of new technologies, the extent to which they are adopted depends largely on cost and reimbursement considerations. For example, digital imaging technology can improve the quality of the images and the efficiency of the procedure, but remains expensive. Some promising new technologies may not come into widespread use because they are too expensive and third-party payers may not be willing to pay for their use.

Hospitals will remain the principal employer of radiologic technologists and technicians. However, a greater number of new jobs will be found in offices of physicians and diagnostic imaging centers. Health facilities such as these are expected to grow rapidly through 2014, due to the strong shift toward outpatient care, encouraged by third-party payers and made possible by technological advances that permit more procedures to be performed outside the hospital. Some job openings also will arise from the need to replace technologists and technicians who leave the occupation.



Earnings [About this section] Back to Top

Median annual earnings of radiologic technologists and technicians were $43,350 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $36,170 and $52,430. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,020, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $60,210. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of radiologic technologists and technicians in May 2004 were:

Medical and diagnostic laboratories $46,620
General medical and surgical hospitals 43,960
Offices of physicians 40,290



Related Occupations [About this section] Back to Top

Radiologic technologists and technicians operate sophisticated equipment to help physicians, dentists, and other health practitioners diagnose and treat patients. Workers in related occupations include cardiovascular technologists and technicians, clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, diagnostic medical sonographers, nuclear medicine technologists, radiation therapists, and respiratory therapists.

its a really great field to get into! where im at im taking the 23month xray tech course.. you deff want to get more info at ur school.