What does an X-Ray Technician do?

An X-Ray Technician produces images that other medical professionals can use to diagnose injuries and diseases and then develop treatment plans to address health issues. When they do their jobs well, X-Ray Technicians contribute to the overall quality of care provided by a health care facility, reducing the risk of medical errors. By properly operating, maintaining and cleaning equipment, they play an important role in infection control and patient safety. Because they work directly with people undergoing medical testing, they also influence overall patient satisfaction.

X-Ray Technician skills and qualifications

To perform well in X-Ray Technician careers, candidates benefit from possessing a few specific skills. Here are some qualifications that can indicate a quality candidate:

• Strong oral communication skills to provide clear instructions to patients during testing
• Critical thinking skills to interpret orders
• Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot problems with equipment
• Attentive to detail to set equipment properly and maintain accurate records
• Observational skills to spot problems with images and ensure that patients remain correctly positioned
• Computer skills to use picture archiving and communications systems and medical records software
• Working knowledge of X-ray safety precautions and infection control best practices
• Understanding of radiologic science, anatomy and complex medical terminology related to X-rays

X-Ray Technician experience requirements

Generally, X-Ray Technician careers are entry-level. Provided a technician has the proper training, they may not require any previous experience to succeed in the position. However, you may prefer to focus on candidates who have one or more years of experience if scheduling needs at your facility will mean that your new hire will be required to work with little or no supervision on a regular basis. You might also prefer more experienced X-Ray Technicians if the position involves supervising other technicians or training new hires.

X-Ray Technician education and training requirements

Most states require X-Ray Technicians to obtain a license prior to working in the field. Requirements for licensure vary but usually involve completing a radiology associate degree program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). These programs typically last for one year and include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. In many cases, graduates from radiography programs must also pass a licensing exam to begin their X-Ray Technician careers.

As you compare candidates, you may wish to look for individuals who have earned certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The organization offers numerous certifications related to X-ray technology. To gain certification, an X-Ray Technician must meet work experience and training requirements and pass an examination.

Job description samples for similar positions

If the X-Ray Technician job description provided isn’t an exact match for your open position, check out the following related job titles:

• Radiologic Technologist
• Radiologist
• Dosimetrist
• Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

X-Ray Technician job description FAQs

What is the difference between an X-Ray Technician and a Radiologic Technologist?

Radiologic technologists also perform X-rays, but they complete longer training programs and typically hold a bachelor’s degree in radiography. As a result, they are able to analyze some X-rays and discuss certain results with patients. They also may perform more complex imaging tests than X-Ray Technicians.

What is the difference between an X-Ray Technician and a Radiologist?

A Radiologist is a medical doctor who has advanced training in interpreting diagnostic images and making diagnoses based on imaging tests. They are usually the medical professionals who receive the films created by X-Ray Technicians.

What are some X-Ray Technician specialties?

With additional training and certification, X-Ray Technicians may specialize in a certain type of testing or work with a specific patient population. Examples of specialties include pediatrics, mammography, computed tomography (CT scans) and bone densitometry.

What is a Travel X-Ray Technician?

A Travel X-Ray Technician is an allied health professional who works for a health care facility on a temporary basis. Travel X-Ray Technicians typically aren’t employees. Instead, they work as independent contractors for a set length of time established by a contract. Your facility may prefer to hire a Travel X-Ray Technician if you need to temporarily replace an employee who is on leave or if you have an urgent need to fill an open position and have struggled to find the right candidate. Be sure that candidates for travel positions are licensed to work in your state before you extend a job offer.