Radiology Technician Salary Adviser

There a number of x ray technician requirements that you need to meet in order to qualify. The best and most common way to qualify is to complete an X ray technician certification. Becoming certified is not absolutely compulsory as there are many unlicensed X ray technicians who practice within this  medical field. However, you will find that being certified will offer your  more employment opportunities as well as securing a higher salary.

X-Ray Technician Education

Becoming a technician is probably the fastest way that you can enter the medical field of radiology as the x-ray technician requirements are not a stringent as compared to other specializations within a similar salary compensation bracket. Training to be an X ray technician can take between 1 to 4 years depending on your situation. For example, if you are already a trained nurse or medical assistant and you want to change your career to radiology then, you will only need to enroll in a 1 year certificate program.

In most situations the common path is to take a 2 year certification qualification program in which you will be awarded an associate degree. Depending on your preference you can study for this degree in either a university or medical college. Obtaining an associate degree is sufficient for you to qualify as an X-ray technician however, if you want to have further opportunities in securing more supervisory roles then, the minimum eligibility for these opportunities is to obtain a bachelor’s degree.

To recap the 3 different X ray technician requirements that you could choose from are as follows:

• Certificate program that takes one year.
• Associate degree course that takes 2 years
• Bachelors degree that can take between 3 or 4 years depending on the subject.

The best place to start is by researching X-ray technician schools and colleges that provide certificate or associate programs. Look for technician programs that are authorized by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiographic Technology (JERT). JERT is a recognized national organization that approves school and college training certificate programs. Although, it is not necessary to be certified you will find it quite difficult to find employment opportunities as a technician because a certificate is requisite in at least 38 states.

Being certified means you can enhance your career opportunities more effectively. If you decide for example, to train as a radiologist you will need to acquire a licence. In order, to be eligible for a license the minimum X ray technician requirements is to have a certified qualification that is accredited by JERT. A radiologist licence is provided by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. It is highly advisable that you consider obtaining one if you wish to progress your career and qualify as a radiology technician.

X Ray Technician Salary

The expected salary for an x-ray technician is quite competitive and favorable compared to other professions in  healthcare. At the lower end of the scale salaries can start at $37,000 which is a pretty good wage for an average American family. Fortunately, there is plenty of room for career advancement in this field and a highly qualified technician can expect a top salary in the region of $75,000+. However, the median salary is around $54,000 which works out at approximately $25.86 for a technician salary per hour which is a very good rate when you compare that to the national minimum wage.  It is important to point out that salaries can vary greatly depending on the industry, location and industry you work in. I hope you found this information useful in helping you understand more about x ray technician requirements.