How to Be X-ray Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 24, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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X-ray technicians play an important role in diagnosing and treating a variety of medical conditions. They are responsible for operating X-ray machines to produce images of the body, which can help doctors diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, and other medical conditions. By producing detailed images of the body, X-ray technicians enable doctors to identify and treat issues such as broken bones, tumors, and other abnormalities in a timely manner.

X-ray technicians are responsible for calibrating and maintaining the X-ray machines, ensuring that the equipment is functioning properly and producing accurate images. As a result of their accurate imaging capabilities, X-ray technicians are essential for helping diagnose a wide range of medical issues quickly and accurately.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma. You must have a high school diploma or equivalent in order to become an X-ray technician.
Complete an X-ray Technician Program. After obtaining your high school diploma or equivalent, you should enroll in an X-ray technician program at a college or trade school. The program should be approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Pass the National Certification Examination. After you have completed your X-ray technician program, you must pass the national certification examination administered by ARRT. This is a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as radiation safety and patient care.
Get Licensed. Once you have passed the national certification exam, you must obtain a state license. The requirements for licensure vary by state, but usually include a criminal background check, completion of continuing education credits, and payment of a fee.
Seek Employment. Once you are licensed, you can begin searching for employment as an X-ray technician. Hospitals, physician offices, and imaging centers are all potential employers.

X-ray technicians must demonstrate reliable and competent performance to ensure accurate results in medical imaging. Being reliable means consistently providing quality work, while being competent implies having the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to do the job correctly. To become a reliable and competent X-ray technician, one must undergo extensive training and education, often in the form of an accredited program.

This training provides the technician with important knowledge about how to use and maintain the equipment, how to accurately position the patient for the best results, and how to identify and interpret abnormalities in X-rays. continuing education classes are available to keep X-ray technicians up to date on the latest technology and safety protocols. By dedicating themselves to ongoing education and training, X-ray technicians can become reliable and competent professionals who produce accurate medical imaging results.

You may want to check X-ray Film Processor, X-ray Research Scientist, and X-ray Aide for alternative.

Job Description

Prepare patients for X-ray examinations by positioning them and adjusting immobilization devices.
Set up and adjust equipment to get optimal images.
Prepare and administer contrast media and medications as directed by a radiologist.
Follow radiation safety procedures to ensure patient and personnel safety.
Operate radiologic equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.
Maintain patient records, enter data into a computer, and perform other clerical duties as needed.
Monitor and maintain equipment, making minor repairs as needed.
Explain processes to patients, answer questions, and help them feel comfortable during the process.
Follow infection-control protocols to ensure a safe environment for patients and staff.
Work with radiologists to evaluate results and determine if repeat imaging is necessary.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of medical terminology
Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of radiographic techniques
Knowledge of radiation safety
Ability to operate X-ray equipment
Ability to adjust and maintain X-ray equipment
Good communication skills
Ability to follow instructions
Good organizational skills
Ability to take accurate patient history
Ability to position patients correctly
Ability to explain procedures to patients
Knowledge of radiological anatomy
Knowledge of radiation protection principles
Knowledge of radiation exposure techniques
Knowledge of imaging software
Ability to produce quality X-rays

X-ray technicians play an important role in the medical field, helping to diagnose and treat medical conditions. Having the right skills is essential to performing this job successfully. One of the most important skills for an X-ray technician is strong communication.

This includes the ability to effectively explain what they are doing and answer questions that patients may have. X-ray technicians need to be able to read and interpret X-rays accurately, as well as operate the machines and equipment safely. They must also be organized and detail-oriented, since they must ensure that all images are properly labeled and stored according to hospital protocol.

Finally, it is important for X-ray technicians to be able to work well with others, since they often collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Possessing these skills allows X-ray technicians to provide excellent patient care and help diagnose and treat medical conditions effectively.

X-ray Engineer, X-ray Technician Supervisor, and X-ray Applications Consultant are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in X-ray technology?
Why did you choose a career as an X-ray Technician?
How do you ensure patient safety when taking X-rays?
What challenges have you faced while working as an X-ray Technician?
How do you stay organized and efficient in a busy imaging department?
Describe your experience managing radiation safety regulations.
What techniques do you use to position patients correctly for imaging?
How have you managed difficult conversations with patients or family members?
What measures do you take to ensure accurate results when taking X-rays?
How would you handle a situation where a patient refuses to comply with instructions?

Common Tools in Industry

X-ray Machine. A machine that produces X-rays to be used in medical imaging. (eg: CT Scanner)
Radiation Protection Gear. Protective clothing, lead and non-lead shielding, and other equipment used to protect from radiation exposure. (eg: Lead Apron)
Cassettes. Plates used to capture X-ray images during an exam. (eg: CR Cassette)
Film Viewer. A device used to view X-ray films. (eg: Lightbox)
Positioners. Devices used to position the patient for an X-ray exam. (eg: Head and Neck Positioner)
Calipers. Instruments used to measure the size of an area on the film. (eg: Radiographic Caliper)
Intensifying Screens. Specialized screens that are placed between the X-ray source and the plate to improve the exposure. (eg: Rare Earth Intensifying Screens)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
Society of Radiographers (SoR)
National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
Association of Radiologic and Imaging Nursing (ARIN)
American College of Radiology (ACR)
American Association of Radiologic Technologists (AART)
International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technicians (ISRRT)
Radiological Society of North America (RSNA)

We also have X-ray Maintenance Technician, X-ray Safety Officer, and X-ray Production Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Radiography. A type of imaging used to capture images of internal body structures, and diagnose and treat medical conditions.
Radiologic Technologist. A healthcare professional trained in the use of radiation to diagnose and treat diseases.
Radiation Protection. Measures taken to protect individuals from the potential effects of radiation.
Radiopharmaceuticals. Radioactive drugs used for diagnosing and treating medical conditions.
Computed Tomography (CT). A diagnostic imaging procedure that produces cross-sectional images of the body, which can be used to detect tumors, fractures, and other conditions.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). A diagnostic imaging technique used to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
Ultrasound. A diagnostic imaging technique that uses sound waves to create images of organs, tissues, and blood vessels.
Nuclear Medicine. A branch of medicine that uses radioactive isotopes to diagnose and treat diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical salary of an X-ray Technician?

The typical salary for an X-ray Technician ranges from $42,000 to $65,000 per year.

What educational requirements are needed to become an X-ray Technician?

To become an X-ray Technician, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a state-approved X-ray training program, and pass a certification exam.

How long does it take to complete an X-ray Technician training program?

Most X-ray Technician training programs take between six months and two years to complete.

What skills are needed to be an effective X-ray Technician?

To be an effective X-ray Technician, you must have excellent communication skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work with a variety of medical equipment.

What duties is an X-ray Technician responsible for?

An X-ray Technician is responsible for taking X-rays of patients, preparing patients for scans, operating radiology equipment, and maintaining patient records.