How To Become An X-Ray Technician

If you'd like to know how to become an x-ray technician, you've chosen a field that is ripe with opportunity. Medical jobs are typically secure jobs, since health care demands of our country keep growing as science advances and people are living longer and longer. If you're considering several medical career paths, consider these six reasons for choosing one of the many x-ray technician jobs available.

1. X-Ray Technician Job Opportunities Abound
As long as you live somewhere near a city, you should be able to find job opportunities in this field. As our population ages, the need for x-ray technicians has also increased, opening job opportunities that were not previously available.

2. Short Amount Of School For A Medical Career
X-ray technician programs are typically two-year programs, available at technical schools, colleges and universities. You can become an x-ray technician in under two years if you are willing to take on a heavier than average course load. If you want to increase your salary potential, you'll want to consider a four-year bachelor's degree and seek certification with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. If you are licensed and registered in your state, you'll be set up for the best jobs. Even with the maximum education requirements for this job, you're getting into the medical field with far less time and monetary commitment than a doctor, surgeon or anesthesiologist.

3. Non-Invasive Way To Work In The Medical Field
If you'd like to work in the medical field but you are not comfortable with the high risk or invasive practices of many medical jobs, you may enjoy being an x-ray technician. You'll still get to learn all about how the body works-focused on the skeletal system-and will get to work with medical equipment and do a job that benefits people. You may see some gruesomely broken bones or really unique skeletal formations, but you won't be in the emergency room trying to save a life. This job is calmer and more positive than many medical positions.

4. Good Salary Potential
The average entry-level x-ray technician makes $35,000 a year. The salary potential varies per region and working environment, but you can expect to make around $60,000 if you have a bachelor's degree and experience. If you decide to pursue becoming a department director, your salary potential will increase further.

5. Varied Work Environment Potential
As an x-ray technician, you can work in a doctor's office, a hospital or an urgent care center. If you're interested in travel, you can apply for jobs with the military or world health organizations. There is great potential to work either in a private doctor's office, such as an orthopedic office, or in a busy hospital, depending on the work environment you desire.

6. Opportunities For Specialization
You can choose to specialize in this field. Consider specializing in orthopedics, pediatrics or general diagnostics.