X-Ray Careers

X-ray Tech Training

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X-RayX-ray tech training includes a background on taking x-rays and CAT scans, while learning how to diagnose and treat human diseases or broken bones. Generally, x-ray tech training should provide students with knowledge on treatment alternatives, drug interactions, computer technology, biology, preventive healthcare measures, patient care and medical ethics.

During your x-ray tech training, you will learn how to introduce a dye or other non-radioactive material into a patient's bloodstream, which helps enhance a particular image. You will also learn how to use shielding techniques in minimizing patients' exposure to excessive radiation. This is an important part of x-ray tech training because without it, you will not be meeting government regulations.

X-ray tech training could get you a long way. Contrary to popular belief, there are other specialties available upon completing x-ray tech training and working as a radiographer. You can also choose to continue your education and work as a radiologic technologist, mammographer, magnetic resonance tech, cardiovascular interventional tech and advanced practice specialties in radiologic technologist. After your x-ray tech training, it is your decision on which career path to take.

Mammographers use radiation in producing images for diagnostic procedures for breast disease detection. Magnetic resonance technologists use magnetic fields, radio waves and computer technologies to produce images of body tissues, while computer tomography technologists use radiation and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images of a patient's body.

Cardiovascular interventional technologists work by using radiation to produce images needed in diagnosing or treating vascular abnormalities, such as coronary artery disease. For those who wish to take an advanced practice specialties in radiologic technology, you should have a certification in nuclear medicine, radiography, radiation therapy or any document-specific clinical competencies.

After completing x-ray tech training, you can check with your school and decide on which subjects you wish to specialize in.