In the x-ray technician field, certification is required by employers across the country. And just what does it mean to be a certified x-ray technician? The certification process is as simple as taking the national certification exam. No exam is easy, and this is not an exception to that rule. However, with the proper training through an accredited x-ray tech program, you should be prepared to take and pass the national certification exam with flying colors.
Before you can take the exam, you must meet certain qualifications. While the qualifications are set by the exam board, x-ray tech schools make an effort to educate you in line with those requirements. For example, the current schooling requirement for taking the exam is that you have you GED or a high school diploma, and have attended an accredited x-ray tech training program or college. As a result of that requirement, most training programs and colleges only require that you have your high school diploma when you apply for the program.
However, that requirement is soon to change. Starting in 2015, to take the certification exam you must also have an associate’s degree, or you must have graduated from the x-ray tech training before Dec 31st, 2014. If you graduate after that date but do not have an associate’s degree, you will not be eligible to take the certification exam. The hope is that training programs will adjust their requirements, and it is likely that to be classified as an accredited program they will be forced to do so. There will be room for error, though, so knowing how to become a certified x-ray technician before you enter a training program is critical to your success.
The reason that x-ray techs are required to be certified is fairly simple. Working with x-ray technology is complicated and potentially dangerous. To ensure that all x-ray techs have a certain knowledge and skill set before they enter the workforce, the certification exam was created. It ensures a standard of care for patients across the board.
Becoming a certified x-ray technician is an exciting and challenging process. At the end of your schooling, you will feel accomplished and ready to enter the workforce as a skilled technician. You can hold jobs that not just anyone can be trained to do, and the longer you work in the field, the more in demand your skills will b