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Best Online Degrees in: X-Ray Technician Degree

health degree

Explore a Bachelor's Degree in X-Ray Technician

X-ray technicians, also known as radiologic technicians or radiographers, are responsible for preparing patients for an x-ray and operating imaging machinery. If working alongside physicians and patients, operating high-tech machinery, and playing a crucial role in improving the wellbeing of others sounds like a career for you, you may want to consider earning an online x-ray technician degree.

Most states require x-ray technicians to be licensed or certified, and education requirements vary by state. Bachelor's degree programs are being offered online by many post-secondary institutions. On average, bachelor's degrees typically take four years for full-time students to complete. However, the amount of time it takes to complete each of these programs depends on several factors, such as the institution you attend, whether you attend full time or part time, how many transferable credits you have, and your ability to progress through the program.

Class Curriculum

X-ray technician programs will familiarize you with medical terminology, human anatomy, imaging machinery and technology, clinical procedures, and laws and ethics in the health industry. The following is a list of three classes commonly found in x-ray technician programs:

  • Introduction to Radiography. This course will cover the basic concepts of being an x-ray technician, including medical terminology, imaging procedures, the human skeletal system, and radiation physics, production, and protection. This course will be used as a foundation for more advanced courses in the program.
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology. This course will cover all of the major systems of the human body, including skeletal, nervous, muscular, digestive, and reproductive systems. Students will learn about the appearance and functions of each system and be able to recognize abnormalities.
  • Radiographic Technology. This course will introduce imaging machinery and familiarize students with operation techniques and procedures used to property capture images. Students will also learn about x-ray film processing, radiation production, and safety procedures for each piece of equipment.

As a x-ray technology student, some of your assignments may include writing essays and reports to demonstrate your understanding of the topics being covered, such as imaging procedures, health industry laws, or the human muscular system. You may also be required to work through different scenarios and simulations involving taking an x-ray of a particular body part, which allows you to put your knowledge into practice. Some programs and states may require you to complete a certain number of clinical or internship hours to gain real-life, hands-on experience in the field.

Building a Career

Completing a x-ray technician bachelor's degree program will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to properly prepare and align a patient and equipment to capture an image according to the physician's orders. Most x-ray technicians work at hospitals or other healthcare facilities, such as physicians' offices, diagnostic clinics, and outpatient clinics. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual income for a x-ray technician is $54,340.

However, keep in mind that your income may vary from the average, depending on several factors, such as the city and state you work in, your level of experience, and your employer. In addition, while earning a degree does not guarantee employment, it can certainly improve your job prospects. In fact, the BLS is expecting an employment increase of 28% through the year 2020 for x-ray technicians.