Advancing X-ray Technician Jobs to Address More Demand
According to the 2010-2011 edition of Occupational Outlook Handbook released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, a 17% increase in employment is expected from 2008 to 2018 for X-ray Technician jobs. This percentage translates to a 37, 000 workforce demand for the job with hospital jobs being a major employer. This projection is better than the average demand rate and with the increasing need for diagnostic imaging jobs in the future, the employment prospects are higher for those whose knowledge include Commuted Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Mammography.
What is an X-ray Technician?
X ray technicians, also referred to as Radiologic Technologist and Technicians are responsible in the completion of x ray plates of patients as ordered by the doctors. These radiographs are then used by doctors to diagnose medical concerns of the patients hence he should adhere strictly to the doctor’s instructions.
It is also the x ray technician’s job to ensure that he abides by the regulations on radiation use so as to protect, not only himself, but more importantly the patient from exposure.
The work environment of x ray technician may require him to work for 40 hours a week. Since the job entails long hours of standing and, in some cases, assisting disabled patients, physical stamina is important.
Exposure to radiation is a serious risk for x ray technicians. Strict measures are undertaken in the work area such as the use of gloves, lead aprons, and other devices that will shield the technician from radiation. Adherence to regulations is important for their safety.
How can one train to be an X ray Technician?
Educational programs for radiologic technologist can be taken from one to four years in order to get x-ray technician jobs after graduation. This can give the person a certificate, associate, or a bachelor’s degree in the specific field depending on the length of the education undertaken. For those intending to pursue managerial roles in the field, it is best to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Licensure examinations for technicians are important to ensure that only trained radiologic technologist are able to practice the profession because of the hazards of the profession. However, the licensure requirements of the profession may vary from state to state. However, many employers prefer to hire certified radiologic technologist. A person applying for certification from The American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) needs to have graduated from their accredited program and needs to pass the examination. Once certified, the technician needs to undergo a 24 hours of continuing education every two years to keep their ARRT certification.
The need for x-ray technician jobs has been prevalent even in the past and going to the future. The bulk of these jobs are employed in hospitals while the rest are employed in laboratories, private physician offices, and outpatient centers. The job prospect is expected to increase in the coming years for the radiologic technologist who has knowledge on more than one diagnostic imaging procedure having the biggest opportunity. A large part of these opportunities will be hospital based but there is also an expected increase in the demand for technicians in private offices of doctors and diagnostic centers.