How to Become an X-Ray Tech

X-ray techs take images of patients to help doctors understand their ailments. They accomplish this by performing X-ray exams.

As an X-ray tech, you’d work directly with patients to ensure their comfort while you take the clearest possible images, which help doctors make accurate diagnoses.

Radiologic technology — the field that X-ray techs work in — is growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the number of jobs for this role to grow by 6% by 2033, with around 16,000 openings projected each year. This is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.

Our guide aims to help you learn more about how to become an X-ray tech.

By following these steps, you’ll gain the interpersonal and technical skills needed to succeed as an X-ray tech.

While some X-ray techs hold bachelor’s degrees, you only need an associate degree to work in this profession.

Your coursework will include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, imaging techniques, patient care, and radiation safety. You’ll complete clinical rotations to gain hands-on training in real healthcare settings.

To get the certification necessary to become an X-ray technician, you must study for and pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam.

By passing this exam, you show that you are ready to practice radiologic technology.

You can also pursue specializations, such as mammography or MRI, to potentially grow your career and increase your pay.

While state licensure isn’t federally required, most states require X-ray techs to hold licensure.

Even in states that don’t require licensure, you’ll likely find employers who prefer it. So carefully consider licensure and research your state’s requirements.

Keep in mind that state licensure differs from ARRT certification. State licensure shows that you know radiation safety standards and can safely take X-ray images.

Because you’ll need an associate degree to work as an X-ray tech, it’ll take at least two years to enter the profession. However, many X-ray technicians hold bachelor’s degrees, which take four years to complete as a full-time student.

You’ll then take the ARRT certification exam, which is required for licensure in most states. This process takes 6-8 weeks after graduation. Your state may require background checks and additional exams.

One reason many people are drawn to X-ray technology is its high salary potential. These professionals earn a median salary of $77,660 each year, according to the BLS.

Salaries vary depending on location and work environment. For example, X-ray techs in outpatient care centers earn a median salary of $81,000 per year, while those in physicians’ offices earn less: a little over $66,000 each year.