What type of education does a person need to become an xray technician?

Question

Is the education the same to perform ultrasounds?

Answer 1

The education is not the same for x-ray and ultrasound (sonography).

Students follow many paths into radiologic technology. Some attend two-year programs based in hospitals, earning a certificate when they graduate. Other students enroll in two-year programs at community colleges or technical schools, earning an associate degree. And others choose to attend four-year programs at universities and colleges, graduating with a bachelor's degree. With nearly 1,000 accredited programs in the United States, there is probably a radiologic technology school near you. No matter which type of program you attend, you won't spend all of your time in the classroom. You'll also work side-by-side in radiology departments with doctors, nurses and experienced radiologic technologists. During this part of your education, known as clinical rotation, you'll have a hands-on opportunity to practice your patient care skills and fine-tune your technical knowledge.

For information about accredited educational programs in sonography, visit www.jrcdms.org or write to the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 2025 Woodlane Drive, St. Paul, MN 55125-2998.

For names and addresses of accredited schools in radiography, contact the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182, or visit its Web site at www.jrcert.org.

The Web site of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists also includes a list of accredited programs in radiography, radiation therapy and nuclear medicine. Go to www.arrt.org.

The Web sites of many of the profession's membership associations contain information about careers, scholarships and the radiologic science profession. Visit the American Society of Radiologic Technologists at www.asrt.org, the Society of Nuclear Medicine at www.snm.org, and the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography at www.sdms.org.

Answer 2

You need to find a trade school the offers x-ray technician courses. As far as ultrasound that might be a little different and might require additional certifications.