Most employers prefer to hire x-ray technicians with a state license. This license can be obtained by completing a certification program that generally takes at least a year to complete. Many colleges also offer an associate's degree (2 years) and bachelor's degree (4 years). There's also a certifying test that must be passed before licenses are issued. Generally, those working in this field will first become certified in utilizing the x-ray machine and then they add additional certification onto their skill set like utilizing the MRI machine or doing CATSCANS.
Great Job Outlook for Basic X-Ray Machine Operators
Those going into this career field have a great employment outlook. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that this field will experience a 17 percent increase in job growth between now and 2018. This growth will be caused by the need for more medical imaging as the technology continues to grow and create new methods for diagnosing and identifying illnesses and injuries. The increase will also come from the aging baby boomer population who will need more medical treatment as part of their aging process.
Great Salary Potential in X-Ray Technician Field
Radiology technicians can earn great salaries. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, in 2008 x-ray technicians had average salaries between $42,000 and $63,000 annually. Those employed in medical and diagnostic laboratories had the highest industry salaries averaging $55,000 annually. Those working in physician's offices had the lowest industry salaries with an average of $48,000 annually. Those with extra certifications like CATSCAN and MRI made more money and were able to obtain better positions.
Colleges Offering Excellent X-ray Technician Degrees and Certifications
Colleges have some excellent radiology technician programs currently available. These programs include certification programs, associate's degrees (2 years) and bachelor's degrees (4 years). Find out more about the exciting and growing field of radiology or x-ray technician today.
Are you interested in working in the medical field with a job that offers great growth and earning potential without needing to go to years and years of college? Then a job as an x-ray machine operator also known as radiology technician may be the right career for you. Those working as radiology technicians or x-ray technicians are mostly employed in hospitals and medical clinics. X-ray technicians work with patients to do ultrasounds, mammograms, x-rays, and other imaging procedures to diagnose illness and injury. X-ray machine operators work under a doctor's instructions and must follow instructions very carefully. The job requires some heavy lifting as patients must be positioned just so to take the correct images required by physicians.
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