how much money do beginning x-ray technicians make and what exactly do they do?

Question

i am wonderin what the salary is for x-ray technicians coming straight out of college, and how much they make after a year or so, and what exactly they do

Answer 1

The correct term is radiologic technologist.

Salary varies widely, depending on location, type of facility, experience, etc. I graduated almost two years ago in Michigan and make $42,000/year working in a medical center. Here is a salary survey from a few years ago: http://www.asrt.org/content/RTs/SurveyResults/WageandSalarySurvey/WageSalSurvey2004.aspx

Besides regular x-rays (chest, bones), we also do fluoroscopy (upper GIs, barium enemas), intravenous pyelograms (IVP), hysterosalpingograms (HSG)...the list goes on and on. We go to operating rooms to do live x-ray during surgeries. Sometimes we even go to the morgue.

Answer 2

Wrong field then. X-ray techs take the x-rays that the doctor orders. It can be gory, especially if you are working by the emergency room. Techs also do exams that are enemas, injections of tubes in the body, clean up poop and barf just like nurses if needed. It is also a very physically demanding job. Not just pushing buttons all day like my kids think. Lots of lifing, pushing, walking, and also a lot of patience is needed. The pay is good, it's usually easy to get a job. The school is usually 2-3 years, depending on if it is a college based program or hospital based. I've been a tech for over 20 years and it has been good to me, but a lot of people think that it is an easy, non physical job. Try volunteering at a local hospital in x-ray. In fact some x-ray schools require that you do. X-ray techs DO NOT read X-rays. That is the job of the doctors. Techs are trained to make sure of correct positioning, exposure factors and that a quality x-ray is produced so the doctor can read it. Good luck. Ask more questions on this if I can be of any more help. Wow, lots of technologists on here. Hey all you Rad Techs - and we are rad, aren't we?

Answer 3

Here is a site for general information about careers: US Occupational Outlook Handbook www.bls.gov/oco and can type into search box 'radiographer'. I know that the curriculum is supposed to be pretty intense as one would most likely be working with patients that have bone fractures, internal bleeding or other injuries or diseases. Physics is also covered in an x-ray/radiography program.

Answer 4

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.


First starting..$30,000 or so a yr. but you can make as much as 60,000 a yr with experience

Answer 5

alison you are a wise woman, the medical field is booming and no end in sight. Get the license immediately.

Answer 6

Dont join the army!