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Job descriptions: Medical x-ray technician (radiologic technician)

X-ray technicians, also referred to as radiologic technicians or radiographers, produce X-ray films (radiographs) of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems.

They prepare patients for radiologic examinations by explaining procedures. They also position patients so that the parts of the body can be radiographed appropriately. In addition to preparing patients and operating equipment, X-ray technicians keep patient records and adjust and maintain equipment.

Hospitals, community colleges, universities, career colleges and the U.S. Armed Forces offer preparation for this profession. Hospitals, which employ most X-ray technicians, prefer to hire those with formal training. X-ray tech training ranges in length from one to four years and leads to a certificate, an Associate degree or a Bachelor's degree. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology accredits most formal training programs for the field. The committee accredited 606 radiography programs in 2005.

Certification, which is voluntary, is offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. To be eligible for certification, technologists generally must graduate from an accredited program and pass an examination. Many employers prefer to hire certified radiographers. To be recertified, radiographers must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years. In 2005, 38 states certified X-ray technicians.

X-ray technicians should be sensitive to patients' physical and psychological needs. They must pay attention to detail, follow instructions and work as part of a team. Operating complicated equipment requires mechanical ability and manual dexterity.

Physical stamina is important, because X-ray technicians are on their feet for long periods and must lift or turn disabled patients. Technicians work at diagnostic machines, but also may perform some procedures at patients' bedsides.

Most full-time X-ray technicians work about 40 hours a week. In a hospital environment, work may require evening, weekend or on-call hours. Opportunities for part-time and shift work may also be available.

Although radiation hazards exist in this occupation, they are minimized by the use of lead aprons, gloves and other shielding devices, as well as by instruments monitoring exposure to radiation. X-ray technicians wear badges measuring radiation levels in the area. Detailed records are kept on their cumulative lifetime dose. Technicians must also conform to regulations concerning the use of radiation to protect themselves, their patients and their coworkers from unnecessary exposure.

In 2004, X-ray technicians held about 182,000 jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. More than half of all jobs were in hospital environments. On average, technicians earned between $36,170 and $52,430. The highest 10 percent earned over $60,210.

As the population grows and ages, career opportunities for X-ray technicians are expected to grow faster than average through 2014. Hospitals are expected to remain the principal employer of radiographers. Nevertheless, due to the strong shift toward outpatient care, a number of new jobs will be created in physicians' offices and diagnostic imaging centers.

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