What Is an X-ray tech?
As one with fifteen years of experience in the medical field, I can say authoritatively that the position of X-Ray Tech is one of the least stressful, cleanest and yet rewarding positions in any hospital for one simple reason: they hardly ever have to deal with body fluids.
An X-Ray Tech work in Radiology departments, which is almost strictly diagnostic. The most common service they provide, understandably, is shooting x-rays, sometimes in the comfort of their properly shielded laboratories, but also in Emergency Rooms, Critical Care units, Nursing units and even occasionally in Operating Rooms, though the most common use of x-ray equipment in the OR is for fluoroscopy, where a constant low-intensity stream of x-rays is shot through the patient, providing a semi clear picture of what is happening inside them during procedures (most commonly used to aid the physician in the insertion of venous or arterial catheters).
With extra training, an X-Ray Tech can become Cat Scan Techs, MRI Techs, Nuclear Medicine Techs (where radioactive dyes are injected into patients rather than bombard the patient with radiation from a machine) and Radiation Therapy Techs, who provide therapy for cancer patients.
An X-Ray Tech answers to a medical director for their department, which is almost always a Radiologist, an MD specializing in Radiation therapies and the interpretation of x-rays, Cat Scans, Nuclear Medicine imagery and MRI results.
The pay scale for an X-Ray Tech is comparable to other hospital technicians, such as Respiratory Technicians and Lab Techs, which is a lower wage than that earned by nurses, but considerably more than the positions requiring little or no college education (janitorial, engineering apprentices, nursing aids). Of course, those who opt for further education and specialize in one or more aspects of Radiology will earn more. Most X-Ray Tech jobs require at least an Associate’s Degree from a junior college.
The position of x-ray tech in a hospital is also a great beginning step to advancing in healthcare. Most hospitals have a tuition reimbursement for employees, which can give a person a little help getting through school. There are several positions a person could build onto the knowledge obtained in x-ray school with Ultrasound Tech being a much higher paying position and probably more rewarding. The other option you might have as an x-ray tech is to smile alot and marry a rich doctor!
X-ray techs, also referred to as X-ray technicians, serve an important role in medical facilities. They are trained in skills that enable them to take X-rays, which help radiologists diagnose problems or illnesses. X-ray tech jobs have an good salary potential, and the demand for this occupation is on the rise. So if you enjoy working with people and have an interest in the medical field, this may be a great occupation for you.
