What is a Basic X-Ray Certification?
Individuals interested in using x-ray technology to help diagnose injuries and conditions in medical patients are required by state to earn licensure and/or certification. If you want to know how to earn basic x-ray certification, keep reading.
Overview of Basic X-Ray Certification
X-rays produce images that can help diagnose any number of medical problems. X-ray certification may prepare individuals for positions as radiologic technologists. These professionals are responsible for preparing patients for the x-ray by explaining the procedure and instructing them to remove jewelry and other articles that can impede the process. They also operate equipment to capture the images and work with physicians to evaluate the quality of the photos.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutRadiologicTechnologists">Important Facts About Radiologic Technologists</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $61,370</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 6% (<i>faster than average</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Career Specializations </td><td> X-ray and computed tomography (CT) imaging; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); mammography; cardiovascular interventional procedures</td></tr>
<tr><td> Continuing Education</td><td> Required every 2 years for AART certification</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---PreliminaryEducation">Preliminary Education</h3><p>Before obtaining your x-ray certification, you must complete the educational prerequisites to become a radiologic technologist. An associate's degree in radiography is usually completed in two years and combines both academic studies and clinical practices. The goal after completing the radiologic program is to sit and pass the national certification examination.
</p><p>Preliminary courses give you a complete overview of necessary medical terminology and basic anatomy. Emphasis is placed on anatomical structures seen through radiology. Radiographic fundamental courses teach you the basics of protection and patient care. Subsequent studies in computer tomography (CT) and radiographic procedures teach you how to position patients based on the need of a specific image. You will also learn how to identify radiographic anatomy and evaluate image quality.
</p><p>Advanced radiographic anatomy studies will focus on the circulatory system, tissue, organs and facial/temporal bone structure and continue with the lymphatic, reproductive and nervous systems. You will also learn about the radiographic system on fetal development and the reparatory and endocrine systems. Clinical education is broken up into rotations, so you can get exposed to producing exposures based on previous classroom education. There are up to 66 radiologic competencies that you can learn, with over 30 required competencies. Each of the competencies will be analyzed and critiqued based on patient profiles, technical factors and radiographic quality.
</p><h3 id="section---XRayCertification">X-ray Certification</h3><p>The American Registry of Radiographic Technologists (ARRT) offers certification for qualified applicants with an academic degree, though one must graduate from an AART accredited program. You must also conform to the ARRT's rule of ethics, which includes no convictions, criminal procedures or military court-martials. Any previous certifications that were subject to discipline must also be disclosed.
</p><p>The content of the basic radiographic examination includes testing in protection, quality control, equipment operation, imaging procedures, imaging acquisition and evaluation and patient care. Passing the certification exam is not always the final step to working as a radiologic or x-ray technologist. While some states do accept the ARRT certification, others also require that you become licensed.</p>