To become an Xray Technician there are classroom requirements, backgrounds checks and applications to be completed and more. It is not easy to become a X-ray Technician, but it is so worth the effort and We are here to help you get off to the right start.
Look no further for the inside track on how to become an Xray Technician. Not sure you’re qualified or what exactly you need, but have an interest? Perhaps the following information on how to become an Xray Technician can help.
To become an Xray Technician that is licensed or certifies is no small feat and it is not for everyone. The education and training that are required is very in-depth, not to mention the mental and physical perseverance that is needed.
Basic Requirements To Become An Xray Technician
There is no doubt that any career in the medical field requires the ability to deal with people when they are most vulnerable and stressed, compassion and patience. To become an Xray Technician requires good communication skills as they must be able to reassure their patients and their families and gain their trust.
To become an X-ray Technician you also need a great deal of physical stamina. They spend a lot of their time on their feet, walking or standing and often times lifting heavy equipment throughout their day.
To become an Xray Technician it requires classes in science especially physics, biology, chemistry and calculus along with math courses either at the high school level or college level to be prepared for the work that lies ahead.
Although each state has different certification requirements, they all require some form of formal training. The training to become an Xray Technician is typically done by finishing a two year program at a trade school or community college that is accredited by the American Registry of Radiological Technologists and the US Department of Education. Students can earn a certificate such as an Associate’s of Applied Sciences in radiology or an Associate’s Degree.
The work that is required to become an Xray Technician is quite a challenge, to say the least. Not only do they have to learn by shadowing from a certified Xray Tech in the field but also have to take classes in pathology, imaging principles, radiology, anatomy and physiology along with completing internships at local clinics and hospitals.
Licensing Procedures to Become an Xray Technician
The training program is just one intermediate step to become an Xray technician. Once they have graduated, they become eligible for their state licensing test. Most states use ARRT exam for licensing, however, some states have their own. Graduates must pass the test with a 75 or better to qualify for their certification and only have three times to do so. They must earn back there AA by re-taking the training course if they failed it three times originally.
Post-Licensure
Once a candidate passes their licensure exam to become an Xray Technician, they now can be employed by any number of labs, clinics, or hospitals. however, they are still required to maintain their certification by taking a minimum of 24 hours of education credits every two years.
