Specialty X-Ray Technician Training

X-ray technicians are a vital part of the medical system and primarily work under the umbrella of the diagnostic imaging or radiology departments in a hospital, medical center or physician's office. X-ray technicians carry out routine procedures that involve diagnostic imaging. They transport and prepare patients for x-rays and other radiography procedures.

Specialized fields in x-ray technology yield high paying positions. Most of the specialized fields require additional schooling and certifications in the area of specialization. Specialty training can be obtained at most colleges and universities that offer programs in x-ray technician training.

Some of these specialty fields include the following:

· Mammography

One of the fastest growing x-ray technician specialty fields includes mammography. A mammographer must be certified to work as an x-ray technician and also certified as a mammographer. The training required for this profession includes being well-versed in performing and producing x-rays and radiographs of women's breasts in an attempt to rule out cancer and other abnormalities.

Special equipment is used in this field and training is required. A two year and four year degree in x-ray technology may also include a certification in mammography.

· Cardiovascular technology

Cardiovascular technology is one of the highest paid x-ray technician training careers. The highly trained individual works directly with a cardiologist or specialized physician to help treat a patient's heart and blood vessel issues.

Within the cardiovascular technology program there are subcategories of specialty that can be learned. These subcategories may include echocardiography, stress testing, invasive and non-invasive cardiology.

· Diagnostic medical sonography

Diagnostic medical sonography requires the ability to perform numerous procedures that result in diagnosing problems in patients. The wide range of procedures performed requires the student to be well-versed in all areas of sonography. Some of the areas of specialty include radiation, radio waves, magnetic resonance imaging or MRI and ultrasound.

This specialty program requires time and adaptability. The workday for a diagnostic medical sonographer may never be the same on any two days because of the versatility required of the job.

· Nuclear medicine technology

A high level of specialty training within the x-ray technician umbrella is the nuclear medicine technology specialization. Nuclear medicine includes the use of unstable atoms to help diagnose and treat ailments found in patients. These ailments may include cancer and other health issues.

Some of the training required for this program includes nuclear cardiology and PET scanning or positron emission tomography. 3-D images of the body are provides through PET scanning and nuclear medicine technicians learn how to operate and produce these images through high-tech machines.

· Radiation therapy

Generally four and six year degrees are required to work in the field of radiation therapy. This advanced training field requires students learn how to treat cancer found in the human body. Most programs lead to a bachelor's or master's degree and very few lead to a general certificate.

Students must become licensed x-ray technicians and then continue their education to become a radiation therapist. This field requires compassion as most patients are dealing with significant health problems.

For more information on x-ray technician schools and how to become an x-ray technician click here.

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