Reasons to Earn an X-Ray Technician Associate Degree
Under the direction of a licensed physician, an x-ray technician prepares patients and equipment for x-rays and other procedures. Students graduating from an X-Ray Technician Associate degree program may also be charged with keeping patient records and maintaining x-ray equipment. Students will learn the necessary steps to take in order to protect themselves, patients, and co-workers from unnecessary radiation exposure.
X-Ray Technician Associate Degree Career Opportunities
Occupational Outlook
The Occupational Outlook Handbook states that job opportunities over the next seven years as they relate to the field of radiology are expected to be favorable. Employers will also seek out those individuals who have complex diagnostic imaging backgrounds such as CT and MRI and they look for well-rounded employees.
Salary Information
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, radiologic technologists and technicians (or x-ray technicians) earned average salaries of around $43,350 as of May 2004.
X-Ray Technician Associate Degree Specifics
Required Courses
Throughout your X-Ray Technician Associate degree program, you will learn the correct x-ray and other radiation procedures through hands-on and clinical training. You will also receive classroom instruction in theory and medical terminology. Specific courses may include:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Radiation Biology
- Patient Treatment Plans
- Health Laws, Standards, and Regulations
Skills You Will Learn
Patient care and communication will be skills that you will be able to further develop during your X-Ray Technician Associate degree program. As you have direct contact with patients, these skills are essential. Additional skills you will learn may include:
- Procedures in patient record keeping and data collection
- Advanced procedures in x-ray technology such as CT and MRI
- Procedures and regulations as they relate to healthcare laws
