X-Ray Careers

X-Ray Technician Job Description

X-RayThe x-ray technician job description consists of daily responsibilities of a radiologic tech, x-ray tech or imaging technologist. Generally, the x-ray technician job description involves the usage of radiation in producing images of patient's body parts, bones and internal organs, which are then used by doctors and dentists to diagnose and treat their condition.

Radiologists need to work directly with patients as their x-ray technician job description entails. As such, they should be able to explain the x-ray procedures to patients, set up the equipment, position the patient properly to produce quality images and operate the machine. Part of the x-ray technician job description is to follow safety procedures by using protective gear, such as a radiation shield, to avoid dangerous radiation that both the patients and the medical staff may be exposed to.

X-ray technician job description for radiographers with two or more years of experience is more demanding. They perform multiple and more complex imaging procedures, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT scans and fluoroscopies. For instance, the x-ray technician job description for fluoroscopies techs require preparing a solution for the patient to drink, allowing the machine to see soft tissues of the patient's body.

Some radiologists follow different x-ray technician job description, depending on individual specialization. Other career options in the field of radiology include cardiovascular techs, diagnostic medical sonographers, mammography techs and nuclear medicine technologists, among others. With experience and continuous training, your x-ray technician job description could improve and include supervisory, administrative, chief technologist, director, department administrator and other tasks performed by senior roles.

The x-ray technician job description for those who with a high school diploma and a certificate may largely differ with techs who have an associate's degree and license. As such, many obtain continuing education for increase in pay, career advancements and even a shift in other healthcare fields.