X-ray technicians, also known as
radiographers, work in the field of diagnostic imaging. They prepare the
patient and then perform the actual imaging process through the use of
radiographic equipment. The resulting radiographs, or X-rays, are then
given to doctors for examination and diagnosis. There are several hybrid
programs that provide some online training in conjunction with clinical
work that can prepare individuals for certification and licensing.
Associate's Degree in Radiography Overview
In many cases, this program is designed for individuals who have some
prior radiography education. Depending on the school, it may be
necessary for applicants to have graduated from a program that has been
accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in
Radiologic Technology
(JRCERT). Applicants may be required to have a certain amount of
verified work experience in the field. Generally, individuals must have
completed prerequisite courses in college mathematics and computer
literacy.
Graduates are eligible to sit for state licensing exams as well as
the certification examination administered by the American Registry of
Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Successful test-takers are qualified
for entry-level positions as radiographic technologists.
The program can take up to two years to complete. Part of the program
is presented online by way of an Internet-based learning system, such
as Blackboard. Hands-on, practical course requirements are generally
satisfied by participation in externships at an approved clinical site
near the student or where the student works.
Technical requirements include a computer with Internet access and an
up-to-date browser and operating system. Most schools will post a list
of the minimum specifications necessary to take their online courses.
List of Common Radiography Courses
Since this is a degree-granting program, a certain number of general
education courses are required, including communications, mathematics
and computer literacy. While the remainder of program requirements
consists of a varied number of theory courses, the majority of
radiology-related courses are taken up by clinical externships.
Fundamentals of Radiography Course
Ethics, nursing procedures and radiation safety factors are stressed
in this orientation course. The theory and principles of X-ray methods
and techniques are emphasized as well.
Positioning Courses
Generally, patient positioning is covered in a series of courses.
Beginning with the upper extremities, chest, shoulders and lower
extremities, students progress through the correct positioning
procedures when dealing with the pelvis, spinal column, thorax and the
gastrointestinal and urinary systems. This type of course usually
involves on-campus lab sessions.
Imaging Course
This is a broad course that introduces the student to different
modalities in imaging, such as fluoroscopy, computed tomography,
thermography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Nuclear
medicine and radiation therapy may also be explored.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Medical Imaging Overview
Graduates of this program are prepared to become registered x-ray
technologists and qualify for entry-level positions as diagnostic
radiography practitioners. Prerequisites include a bachelor's degree
from an accredited institution. Although no prior radiology education
experience is necessary, students typically must have completed courses
in human
anatomy and physiology, algebra or calculus, physics or chemistry, medical terminology and computer literacy.
In general, this is a full-time, 18-month program. The academic
portion of the curriculum is delivered online, while labs and clinical
rotations must be completed onsite at an approved location.
Technical requirements include a computer with Internet access, a
sufficient operating system and browser and a CD-ROM drive.
Communication is handled by e-mail and an Internet learning system such
as Blackboard, which has features like message boards and chat systems.
List of Common Medical Imaging Courses
Onsite laboratories and rotations are interspersed with online
didactic courses. Typically, the appropriate clinical practicum is timed
to coincide with its related academic component.
Fundamentals of Radiologic Science Course
This introductory course in radiography illustrates the
interdependence of the responsibilities of the radiographer with the
policies and principles of the healthcare organization. Professional
ethics as well as the relationships between patients, families and
caregivers are examined.
Patient Care Course
Focusing on the emotional and physical needs and conditions of
patients and families, students study the differences between routine
and emergency procedures, as well as their applications. Infection
control is also examined.
Equipment Course
In this course, students examine standard equipment used in medical
imaging. In addition to an exploration of radiographic, tomographic and
fluoroscopic devices, the construction, circuitry and electronic
components of the machines are emphasized.
Radiation Biology Course
Students learn about the interaction between and the effect of
radiation on living systems. Acute and chronic effects of radiation on
molecules, cells, tissues and the entire body are studied.
Certificate in Applied Science in Mammography Overview
Mammography is a specialization in the field of radiography. The
program is intended to train and qualify individuals to become competent
in the operation of customized X-ray equipment that produces low-dose,
high-resolution images used primarily for the early detection of breast
cancer.
In order to qualify for the program, applicants must be registered as
radiographers with the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians. In
some cases, applicants may be required to provide proof of employment in
radiography. Graduates are prepared to sit for the ARRT national
certification examination in mammography.
The program generally lasts one semester. Lectures and lessons are
delivered online, while competency-based clinical components, which
coincide with the lectures, are conducted at approved clinical sites
near the student's home.
List of Common Mammography Courses
Breast Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology Course
Students learn the structure and parts of the human breast along with
how they function. The causes, processes, development and consequences
of diseases of the breast are explored.
Positioning Course
Students learn different methods and techniques of positioning the
breast on a film plate in order to produce a specific image. Labs and
clinical practice are typically an essential part of this mammography
course.
Instrumentation Course
Students are instructed on recent developments in the use of
different instruments, such as X-ray tubes and generators, that can be
applied differently according to the breast's composition and thickness.
Digital image receptors, stereotactic needle positioning systems and
computer-aided diagnostic applications are among the areas studied.
In many cases, X-ray technicians decide to become technologists; from
that point, they may specialize in one type of imaging, such as
computed tomography, MRI or mammography. Further academic training and
additional experience can result in advancement to a supervisory or
administrative position.
Although not legally required, voluntary certification is advised.
Certification exams are administered by the ARRT. In addition, most
states require licensure in order to practice as a radiologic technician
or technologist. Although requirements can vary by state, many use ARRT
exams for licensing purposes.
Career opportunities for radiologic technicians and technologists
were expected to increase by 17% from 2008-2018, according to the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (
www.bls.gov). In June 2010,
PayScale.com
reported the average annual salary for radiologic technicians to be
$41,961. Mammographers earned an average of $55,897, while medical
imaging technologists averaged $54,594.
