How to Become an X-Ray Tech: 3 Steps

X-ray technicians perform imaging tests on a variety of patients in order to diagnose internal injuries or conditions.

To become an X-ray technician, you'll need training and may also need a certificate or license to practice.

Keep reading to learn more about what an X-ray technician does and how to become one.

What Is an X-Ray Tech?

An X-ray technician is a professional who runs an X-ray machine and performs X-rays. X-rays are a type of diagnostic test that uses a safe amount of radiation to take images of the inside of the body.

These tests are particularly used to view bones or teeth, but can also be used to examine muscles, tissues, and organs.

The job duties of an X-ray tech often include:

• answering patient questions
• documenting images
• following X-ray safety protocols
• maintaining and troubleshooting equipment
• positioning patients for imaging
• setting up exam rooms
• taking X-ray images

A tech who does X-rays as well as other radiologic imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) scans or mammograms, are called radiology techs or radiographers.

X-ray techs can work in clinics, hospitals, outpatient centers, and dentist offices. Their schedule depends largely on the type of setting they work in.

It's important to note that X-ray tests do not diagnose patients. They may notice things on the scan, but the actual diagnoses must be made by a licensed physician.

How to Become an X-Ray Tech

To become an X-ray technician, you'll need training and may also need certification. We've broken down these steps below.

Step 1: Complete X-Ray Technician Training

Once you've graduated high school or completed your GED, you can pursue X-ray technician training.

Most often, you'll find programs for radiology technology, although some programs that specifically focus on X-rays do exist.

These programs are most commonly offered as X-ray associate degrees, but you can also find certification and diploma programs as well as bachelor's degree programs.

While in your X-ray or radiology technology program, you'll study topics like:

• anatomy and physiology
• medical terminology
• patient care
• X-ray physics
• X-ray safety

In some programs, you may be able to take the bulk of your coursework online while attending labs and clinical experiences in-person.

Typically, an associate degree takes two years to complete, while certification or diploma programs vary from a few months to a couple of years. Bachelor's degrees usually take four years.

When looking for a training program, you want to be sure to choose one that's accredited. You can find a list of approved accreditation agencies through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Step 2: Become Certified as a Technician

Certification and licensure vary between states. Some states require only radiologic technologists to be licensed or certified, while others require this of X-ray techs as well.

Even if your state does not require licensure or certification, many employers require, or at least prefer it.

If your state requires licensure, you may need to pass a state exam. Otherwise, certification is available through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

For ARRT-certification, you'll need to meet the eligibility requirements for the radiography credential. This includes:

• graduating from an ARRT-approved educational program with an associate's degree or higher
• meet the ethics requirements and pass an ethics review
• pass the radiography certification exam

The radiography certification exam is a 200-question test. It covers the following content areas:

• patient care, including patient interactions and management
• safety, which includes radiation protection and radiation physics and radiobiology
• image production, including image acquisition and evaluation and equipment operation and quality assurance
• procedures, which include head, spine, and pelvis procedures, thorax and abdomen procedures, and extremity procedures

The test also includes 30 unscored questions. Students will have 230 minutes to complete the entire exam. Including things like the tutorial and survey, the total test time is 250 minutes.

This is a computer-based exam, but you must take the exam at one of the approved testing centers around the United States.

Step 3: Earn Additional Certifications

Once you earn the radiography certification, you can then go on to earn additional certifications.

There is no certification for X-ray, but there is certification for bone densitometry, CT, and mammography, which all use X-ray equipment.

To keep your certification current, you'll need to renew it every year. This requires fulfilling a certain amount of continuing education requirements.

You'll also need to fulfill continuing qualifications requirements every ten years to ensure you're staying up to date on the latest information and trends.

Become an X-Ray Tech

To begin a career as an X-ray technician, you must undergo specialized X-ray or radiology technology training. They often are required to hold a certificate or license.

With the steps above, you can start your career path toward becoming an X-ray tech today!