For readers looking into this career path for the first time, you’ll be happy to know that X-ray technician and radiology technologist are simply different names for the same job function. They are in charge of capturing images of the inside of the human body. They are also responsible for providing bedside manners that will keep anxious patients at ease and explaining imaging purposes and procedures. Doctors use images captured by radiology technologists for diagnoses.
An associate’s degree is required along with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certifications. Some states require licensing as well.
Make sure a school has the appropriate credentials before enrolling in coursework. The school must be accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The school must also be accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, according to ARRT. There are many schools and accreditation agencies that are not legitimate. Click on the following link to read more on “degree mills” and “accreditation mills”.
https://www.jrcert.org/degree-accreditation-mills/
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The median annual wage for radiologic technologists was $61,370 in May 2021..
X-ray technicians may go on specialize in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and earn additional income. Additional certification and experience is needed in order to specialize in MRI. The BLS states on their website that
The median annual wage for MRI technologists was $77,360 in May 2021..
Below salaries for radiologic technology positions throughout the country have been listed. The positions all com from
Diagnostic radiologic technologist (MR)
Lexington, KY
$53,232.00 to $68,777.00 per year
Diagnostic radiologic technologist
San Diego, CA
$38,921.00 to $105,640.00 per year
Diagnostic radiologic technologist (CT)
Marion, IL
$52,905.00 to $68,777.00 per year
Diagnostic radiologic technologist — multiple locations
Elmendorf, AK
Maxwell AFB, AL
Little Rock, AR
Davis Monthan AFB, AZ
$33,567.00 to $71,764.00 per year
Diagnostic radiologic technologist
Tripler Army Medical Center, HI
$60,636.00 to $77,002.00 / Per Year
Pine Ridge, SD
$49,572.00 to $62,269.00 per year