Do you need a degree to become an X-ray technologist?

Question

As bad as this sounds,i want to be able to work and have a decent job one day but dont want to deal with college anymore.

I went for 2 years and just absolutely hate school.i have no problems working,i really enjoy working,and im a quick learner at almost any job.i am intrested in working as an x-ray technician...can i be trained to work as one or do i need a degree first?is there some kind of entry level job i can do first to work my way up?

Answer 1

The correct title is radiologic technologist (technician is demeaning). You do not need a degree, but you still have to go to school, which is generally 40 hours per week for 2 years, split between classroom and clinical work. Many hospitals have certificate programs. After graduation, you would take the national registry exam. You can find accredited schools here (choose Radiography): http://arrt.org/index.html?content=http://www.arrt.org/nd/listOfSchools.ndm/listSchools&iframe=yes

Answer 2

It takes two years to complete the x-ray technologist course. You can choose to go two years at a hospital program and receive a certificate, or you can go two years at a college that offers it and get an Associate's Degree. You will be going to school two years straight through, including summers. It is a combination of fast-paced classes and hands-on clinical work, which is just like an internship. You'll have lab classes which teach you the body parts, organ systems, and the radiologic positioning and other exams that you'll use on the job, and you'll have classes on radiation physics, radiology equipment, radiation biology, radiation protection, and exposure qualities. You will probably also take a nursing-based course on basic patient care. Material in the classes is usually covered quickly, and you test often, which means lots of studying. The college I went to tested us an average of three times weekly! The summer semesters at my college were spent just doing clinicals at a hospital, which is basically working without pay. Hope this helped!

Answer 3

I don't think that sounds bad at all and I think it's a very smart move that more people should make.

But to answer your question, many hospitals and community colleges have X-Ray Tech programs which take 1 1/2 to 2 years. You don't need a degree to enter the programs, and you get a certificate afterwards, and you can work anywhere.

Answer 4

Yes, it will take a degree before employers will consider you.

Answer 5

I think my sister was going to do something like that I can't remember if she had to get like, certified for it if she did actually have to go to school. Sorry I wish I could remember!

And I totally agree with you about school!

Answer 6

NOPE, NO DEGREE NECESSARY. TAKE THE REQUIRED COURSES AT A JUNIOR COLLEGE AND PASS THE TEST TO BE CERTIFIED. EASY PICKINGS!!