| As the initial step toward a rewarding career in medical | | | | courses and clinical rotations in different health care |
| radiologic technology, it is essential that one chooses | | | | facilities, where students can improve their technical |
| an x-ray technician school that offers an associate | | | | skills. |
| degree or a baccalaureate degree program. To have | | | | A two-year associate program in radiologic technology |
| a competitive edge in this field, it is highly | | | | includes lecture classes, laboratory sessions, and clinical |
| recommended that students enroll in x-ray technician | | | | rotations in facilities that specialize in radiologic |
| programs that are accredited by the Joint Review | | | | technology. The curriculum trains students to gain and |
| Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology or | | | | acquire sufficient knowledge of the different |
| JRCERT, the only organization recognized by the | | | | radiographic principles and procedures and radiologic |
| United States Department of Education that accredits | | | | safety. Technical skills in radiograph evaluation and |
| x-ray technician programs. X-ray technician | | | | image production are developed and improved. |
| certifications and degree programs are offered by | | | | Once the student completes an associate degree in |
| numerous junior and community colleges, vocational | | | | radiologic technology, it makes them eligible for a |
| and technical schools, hospitals, medical schools, | | | | baccalaureate degree where advanced courses are |
| universities, and the U.S. Armed Forces. | | | | taught in lectures, laboratory classes, and clinical |
| Most accredited schools that offer x-ray technician | | | | seminars. Some of the courses included are bone |
| programs require a high school diploma, or its | | | | densitometry, cardiac and vascular interventional |
| equivalent, before a prospective technician can enroll. | | | | technology, and quality management, in addition to |
| Completing courses in algebra, medical terminology, | | | | more complex classes in mammography, computed |
| anatomy and physiology, radiologic technology survey, | | | | tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. A |
| and computers and information technology are usually | | | | number of x-ray technician schools have started |
| prerequisites of these programs. | | | | offering baccalaureate degrees, because of the |
| An x-ray technology certification program is usually | | | | increasing responsibilities of radiographers. |
| offered for a year to experienced and registered | | | | These x-ray tech programs prepare students to |
| radiographers or health care workers, like registered | | | | become competent radiographers, ensuring that the |
| nurses, who want to pursue a career in a specific | | | | best patient care is maintained at all times. Completing |
| area of radiologic technology, such as neuroradiology | | | | the requirements of these programs opens many |
| and cardiac and vascular interventional radiology. The | | | | opportunities for professional growth and career |
| curriculum, in general, consists of advanced lecture | | | | advancement. |