X Ray technicians (sometimes called radiologic technicians) are responsible for prepping patients for radioactive imaging tests. This includes removing jewelry from patients, positioning their bodies appropriately, shielding their vitals with protective gear, processing images, and coding the tests as necessary for diagnosis by the physician. X Ray technicians also administer non-radioactive tracking agents into patients' bloodstreams to help physicians and surgeons check and monitor internal organs and potential medical complications. Due to the detail-oriented and potential hazardous nature of this occupational field, many States require licensing and extensive training before X Ray technicians can begin practicing professional. Although some hospitals offer on-the-job training, those who graduate from X Ray training schools often enjoy better employment prospects.

What Do X Ray Training Schools Teach You?
Most X Ray training schools last anywhere from 1-4 years, with 2-year associate degrees being the most popular level of certification. The primary purpose of your education is to ensure that you can capture the relevant images without harming yourself or your patients. And thus, the bulk of your X Ray training focuses on physiology, anatomy, radiation physics, medical ethics, radiobiology, medical terminology, radiation protection, imaging technology, computer science, and pathology. Due to changing medical standards and technological advancements, it is recommended that you become recertified every two years. Doing so typically involves 24 hours of continuing education through a vocational program or on-the-job training.

Thanks to growing demand for medical services and our increased understanding of the human body, X Ray technicians can expect to enjoy favorable job growth over the next 8-10 years. According to the US Department of Labor, this occupational field could enjoy growth in excess of 18% through 2016.