X-ray tech work refers to the job of conducting X-ray tests and giving radiation doses to the patients as per the directions of the physicians. X-ray techs are generally supervised by the licensed radiologists or X-ray specialists.
X-ray techs are responsible for providing necessary information regarding the X-ray tests and help them to position themselves to get appropriate diagnostic images for further analysis. Before starting the X-ray examination, these techs cover the other parts of the patient body that are not required to be diagnosed. This avoids the unnecessary risk of exposing other parts of the body to the harmful radiations released during these tests.
After making sure that everything is in place, the X-ray tech inserts the X-ray film in the X-ray machine. He then captures the images of the relevant parts of the patient's body and puts them into the patient database for the doctors to perform the further investigations. At times, they may even execute repeated or continual X-ray imaging procedures to keep a track of the development or changes taking place in the patient's body.
Requirements of X-Ray Tech Work
There are a few basic requirements of X-ray tech work. Take a look at these requirements given below:
Work Conditions of X-Ray Tech Work
X-ray techs are constantly involved in the task of lifting and moving the patients during the course of X-ray examinations performed in the X-ray laboratories. They perform most of their duties on their feet and get very little time to relax due to their busy schedule. Therefore, the job of a X-ray tech includes much of physical work. They commonly suffer from back and shoulder pain as they are required to handle heavy devices and position the patients for proper execution of the X-ray experiments.
Besides, they frequently deal with dangerous beams of light and light rays that are released from the X-ray devices while executing the X-ray tests. This may cause damage to eyes, skin, and other parts of the body that are sensitive to these rays. Hence, it has become obligatory for the X-ray techs to be attired with anti-radiation clothes, masks, scrubs, and other safety wearables to prevent from the harmful effect of the X-rays. They also make use of X-ray badges which helps them to determine the total ratio of X-rays present.
Their work hours are generally 40 per week, however they can be extended during staffing situations and for meeting other requirements of the health care facility. X-ray techs earn approximately $48,000 per year as per the 2006 statistics.
Job Prospects of X-ray Tech Work
X-ray techs can look forward for a persuasive vocation in this field due to the growing demand for X-ray technology and radiology in this world of modern health care. X-ray techs have the opportunity to work for private practices, hospitals, X-ray laboratories, clinics, doctor's offices, and other health care mediums where there is a major use of the X-ray technology.
They can relish good job benefits like employment security, lifetime health insurance, attractive compensations, etc. If they are associated with the union department, they can receive even more exciting employment perks.
Applicants with proficient knowledge of diagnostic imaging procedures and relates studies can find competitive job prospects in this sector. X-ray techs can do a specialization course in any of the sub-fields like cardiovascular radiology, mammography, nuclear science, radiation therapy, bone density radiology, etc., and gain more demand in the job market.