Fluoroscopic X Ray Technician Jobs Today

If you are new to a field, the key to succeeding is learning as much as you can about the field and networking with people already involved in the area. This applies to fluoroscopy as much as any other field.

First, find out what a fluoroscopic radiologic technologist does. If you do not know what the job entails, there is no way for you to know what you are signing up for. Once you know the ins and outs of a job, you can speak more intelligently about why this is the job for you and how your strengths match the job description well.

Second, find out where the best fluoroscopic x ray technician training programs are. To be the most competitive candidate for any job, you want the best training possible. Also, going to a good training program will automatically help you network with future colleagues and potential employers.

Third, start searching for a fluoroscopic x ray technician job today. There is no benefit to waiting. The hardest part of any job search is starting, which is why it is imperative to start today. Even if you are just starting to consider the field, or starting to train, it never hurts to look early. The earlier you start something, the better prepared you will be when it comes time to actually apply and interview for positions.

Imagine you wanted to enter a career selling anti-wrinkle creams. You could just start blindly, trying to sell the best anti wrinkle anti aging creams, but you would be unlikely to be successful. However, if you researched the field beforehand, educated yourself about various creams, and knew your competition, your chances of success would increase greatly. A job hunt works the same way. Knowledge is power.

Your knowledge about fluorscopy will be your greatest asset on a job search. You do not need any fancy tools like integrated HR software. Just a browser, time, and the will to succeed. Educate yourself, and endless possibilities will be available to you. Start today!

Ultrasound Technician Schools In California

If you want to become involved in medical imaging, but are not sure you are interested in a radiologic technologist job, perhaps due to the exposure to radiation, you should consider a career in ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound uses sound waves instead of radiation to produce diagnostic images.

Many schools in California offer training in medical sonography. Here is a list of ultrasound technician schools in California:

Kaplan College - Bakersfield
1914 Wible Road
Bakersfield, CA 93304

Kaplan College - Clovis
44 Shaw Avenue
Clovis, CA 93612

Kaplan College - North Hollywood
6180 Laurel Canyon Blvd. Suite 101
North Hollywood, CA 91606

Kaplan College - Palm Springs
2475 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262

Kaplan College - Panorama City
14355 Roscoe Boulevard
Panorama City, CA 91402

Kaplan College - Riverside
4040 Vine Street
Riverside, CA 92507

Kaplan College - Sacramento
4330 Watt Avenue, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95821

Kaplan College - Salida
5172 Kiernan Ct.
Salida, CA 95368

Kaplan College - San Diego
9055 Balboa Ave.
San Diego, CA 92123

Kaplan College - Stockton
722 West March Lane
Stockton, CA 95207

Kaplan College - Vista
2030 University Drive
Vista, California 92083

Western Career College - Antioch
2157 Country Hills Road
Antioch, CA 94509

Western Career College - Citrus Heights
7301 Greenback Lane Suite A
Citrus Heights, CA 95621

Western Career College - Emeryville
1400 65th Street, Suite 200
Emeryville, CA 94608

Western Career College - Pleasant Hill
380 Civic Drive, Suite 300
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Western Career College - Sacramento
8909 Folsom Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95826

Western Career College
San Jose · 6201 San Ignacio Ave.
San Jose, CA 95119

Western Career College - San Leandro
15555 E. 14th Street, Suite 500
San Leandro, CA 94578

Western Career College - Stockton
1313 West Robinhood Drive, Suite B
Stockton, CA 95207

Concorde Career Colleges - Garden Grove Campus
12951 Euclid Street, Suite 101
Garden Grove, CA 92840

Concorde Career Colleges - North Hollywood Campus
12412 Victory Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91606

Concorde Career Colleges - San Bernardino Campus
201 East Airport Drive
San Bernardino, CA 92408

Concorde Career Colleges - San Diego Campus
4393 Imperial Avenue, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92113

Newbridge College - Long Beach
3799 E. Burnett St.
Long Beach, CA 90815

Newbridge College - Santa Ana
1840 E. 17th St.
Santa Ana, CA 92705

Valley Career College - San Diego
878 Jackman Street
El Cajon, CA 92020

Salary options for ultrasound technicians range from $50,000 to $70,000 with many degree options available, including bachelor's degree, master's degree, and even PhD options available. Given the current economic climate, there is not better time to get out there and get the education you need to succeed in a competitive marketplace. Ultrasound technician jobs are rewarding jobs. You need the educational edge to get your foot in the door and stand out to potential employers. Search for a program that suits your learning style and educational goals. Consider tution, teacher:student ratios, program options, and location. Good training is the key to success in this rapidly growing field.

Radiologic Technologist Positions in San Jose, California

Ever wanted to do something really daring, like go skydiving or trekking in Nepal? Well, starting a new career can feel the same way sometimes. You have to prepare a lot beforehand, do a lot of hard work, and still face a great deal of uncertainty. Yet, if you are willing to put in the effort and take on the risks, the payoffs can be quite rewarding, both personally and financially. Plus, your success can unlock the doors to those daring adventures in Nepal.

Opportunities for Radiologic Technologists at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center

Many exciting opportunities exist in the field of radiologic technology. As an example of one such opportunity, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC) provides a unique setting to pursue a career in this field. A little bit about SCVMC:

Santa Clara Valley Medical Center is a 506-bed not-for-profit teaching hospital, owned and operated by the County of Santa Clara. Located in San Jose,
California, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC) has served the region for more than 125 years and is the single most important component of the county’s healthcare delivery system. SCVMC provides a full range of acute care, intensive care, rehabilitation, emergency, level I trauma, and outpatient services. The spinal cord and traumatic brain injury programs at our Rehabilitation Center draw referrals from the entire nation.

As you can see, SCVMC provides top notch care in one of the best locales in the nation: California! The facility not only is adjacent to a local college that provides training in radiologic technology, but it also hosts its own radiology residency program. Specifically, SCVMC is looking for:

Diagnostic Imaging Technologists who are motivated and looking to enhance their career. SCVMC welcomes newly graduated Radiologic Technologists. SCVMC is a great place to begin, or continue your career in Imaging.

Clearly, SCVMC is happy to welcome new radiologic technologists to the field. However, it is up to you to step through that door. When opportunity knocks, you have to open the door!

San Jose Radiologic Technologist

If you were to work at SCVMC, what could you expect from the job? In addition to working with a dedicated faculty and staff, you would also enjoy benefits such as:

Compensation and Benefits for Diagnostic Imaging Technologists are highly competitive.

Benefits include:
• Employer paid public employees retirement system
• Fully paid health coverage for employees and their families, including domestic partners
• 12 Paid holidays
• Generous vacation benefits
• Education leave days
• Tuition reimbursement
• Dental and vision plans
• Eligibility for retiree medical coverage benefits
• State disability insurance
• Sick leave
• Life insurance

For more information on the opportunites and applying, read here. However, if you want to really stand out, go beyond the standard application and make a phone call to the job placement coordinator. Before calling, prepare a list of about five questions you have about the program and facility. The content of the questions isn't terribly important; what matters is the act of calling itself. Making the phone call shows that you have strong interest, that you have the courage to call, and that you are able to present yourself well. When the times comes to review applications, the coordinator will see your name and be able to put a personality to it. Remember, it's not just what you know, but who you know.

X Ray Technician Jobs In California

In any career, jobs types and compensation vary state by state. There are many factors involved, such as supply of medical facilities, demand for medical services, and cost of living in the area. A radiologic technology career is no different. The x-ray technician is affected by the same trends that affect any other healthcare field.

California Radiologic Technologist Jobs

Working in California has advantages and disadvantages, as one might imagine. For many people outside of California, the disadvantages come to mind first. Cost of living is higher in California due to the large number of people vying to live in a few large cities primarily. Also, the state has a 9.5% sales tax as well as an income tax. Also, the higher density means that there are more technologists in the job market, which drives down salaries. Not to mention, in certain areas, traffic can be a major issue, to such a degree that it can affect your quality of life.

Still, living in California has many career positives. The state has a wonderful climate on average, with many opportunities to pursue activities outside of work. Whether you are an urban creature or outdoor enthusiast, there is something in California for you. Additionally, even though costs of living are higher, compensation generally is slightly higher as well relatively to the national average to help one maintain a household. Furthermore, while there is more competition for jobs, there are more medical facilities in general, which translates into more job opportunities for x ray technicians. If you are good at maintaining your budget, you can live quite well in California on an x ray technician's salary.

California X Ray Technician Salary

Generalizing is always a difficult task. However, a few examples might help. This recent posting for a radiology manager shows the earnings potential of an x-ray technician in California, specifically the Silicon Valley:

Our client is a unique healthcare provider that is committed to meet the community needs into the 21st century.

They are seeking a Radiology Manager who has great leadership skills and can maintain a great standard of quality. They will supervise all technical aspects of the department in regards to services, programs, and evaluations of such programs.

Salary: $120k-130k
Excellent Benefit Package
No Relocation for this position

We wish to thank all applicants for applying to this job opening, however only those candidates with qualifying skill sets will be contacted.
Requirements
· CRT (California Radiologic Technologist license)
· Must have budget experience
· Knowledge of all regulation to the practice of radiology and relating radiology administration
· Strong interpersonal skills, customer focused, high volume outpatient

Source: http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?ipath=EXIND&siteid=cbindeed&Job_DID=J8B07X5WFF3R4F0DFSH&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=dfdf330f750741228c8b35cf29a3791c-300150323-wq-6

Yes, you read correctly: a six figure salary as an x-ray technician in a high demand area. Here is another example:

Be a part of what sets us apart. Sure, hospitals get recognized by the technology they possess. But what they truly take pride in is the committed people they employ. At Lucile Packard Childrens Hospital, were looking for a different kind of healthcare professional. The kind that knows medicine is the priority, but only when accompanied by compassion and respect.

MRI/CT SUPERVISOR

You will oversee the day-to-day operations of the MRI/CT, including patient flow, staffing and hiring. You will also perform general and specialized radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures or CT/MRI studies. We require a valid, current CA certificate for diagnostic radiology (CRT) and satisfactory completion of a formal radiologic technology training program from a JCERT approved school. A valid ARRT, fluoroscopy permit and BCLS are preferred, as are at least 3 years of MRI experience and supervisory background.

Source: http://www.healthecareers.com/jobs/mrict-supervisor/957122.htm?partner=ASRT

As it should be clear by now, many lucrative opportunities exist for x-ray technicians in California. Upcoming posts will discuss how to get x-ray technician training in California, as well as specific job markets in the area. Get searching today!

X Ray Technician Jobs And Accreditation

Why is training so important to becoming an x ray technician? Of course, in any x ray technician job, you want to be good at what you do. However, beyond that, new regulations will make it important to be certified and accredited. A recent article in the NYTimes, "Good or Useless, Medical Scans Cost The Same" by Gina Kolata, described these regulatory changes and the impact they will have on imaging centers, and therefore, x ray technicians: 

Imaging centers can, if they choose, become accredited by the American College of Radiology. That requires, among other things, scanning a phantom, a device that simulates a body part. Technologists must also be certified, and there are standards for supervising physicians (emphasis added). And the scanners must be regularly assessed to ensure they are properly functioning.

But many centers are not accredited, although the percentage is not known because there is no national registry of imaging centers.

Accrediting will be partly addressed by a little noticed aspect of a wide-ranging Medicare law passed last year. After it goes into effect in 2012, Medicare will pay only for scans done at accredited centers. But imaging experts say the law fixes only part of the problem. High-tech scanning is complicated, and there is no consensus on objective measures to ensure quality. Even with the new law, there is still little assurance that scans will be appropriately ordered and interpreted or that a scanner will be up to date.

Radiologists are struck by the wide variation in the quality of scans, and they say there is little patients can do other than to ask why the scan is necessary and, if it is, to ask about accreditation, the credentials of the person reading the scan and the age of the scanner

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/02/health/02scans.html

While 2012 is still a ways off, it is important to plan ahead and make sure that you have the appropriate training and certification prior to the law going into effect. If poor scans are the issue, that may be due to equipment, but it can also be due to the operator, which is the technologist in many cases. Therefore, when training, it is imperative to not only find a program that will give you the best chance of becoming certified, but to also find one that provides numerous opportunities for hands-on experience in a wide variety of modalities.

Radiologic Technologist Certification

Being in imaging is a rewarding career, given the dynamic nature of the field. However, this dynamism also requires one to be mindful of what lies ahead in the future and prepare for coming advances. Accredited imaging centers will benefit the industry, but it is imperative that you as an x ray technician are ready for these changes when the time comes. In a tight job market like the one we are in now, the more you can stand out due to your training and credentials, the more valuable you become to an employer. This value translates into not only higher pay and benefits, but also increased job security, which may be the most valuable item of all. Do not fear the changes that are coming, but embrance them, prepare for them, and you shall be successful. Good luck! 

X Ray Technician Jobs In Houston, Texas

Previously, in Cost of Living and Your X Ray Technician Job Search, we looked at the importance of considering cost of living along with salary when analyzing the true benefit of a particular job. One of the cities mentioned in that post was Houston, Texas. Well, recently a new study from the Center for an Urban Future demonstrated that a $50,000 salary in Houston, Texas was equal to a $123,000 salary in New York City, New York! According to the study:

"A new report from the Center for an Urban Future (whose previous report, "Attack of the Chains," sparked a bidding war between Fox and Warner Bros.) confirms the obvious: the so-called middle class can no longer afford to live in New York and are relocating in large numbers to the exburbs or far-flung cities like Houston, where $50,000 a year gets you the same standard of living as a $123,322 salary does in Manhattan. Don't scoff; Space City has theater, opera, ballet, air-conditioned skywalks, a Holocaust Museum—even a lively local weblog, just like the one you enjoy here!

But if you're really determined to make a go of it here in New York, this report [PDF] is as sobering as it is unsurprising. Focusing on data primarily gathered before the economic deathspin went "full Bale," the study contends it's not just Manhattan that's cost-prohibitive to your average working stiff, but the boroughs as well: Queens is the fifth most expensive urban area in the U.S! Perhaps that's why twice as many New Yorkers relocated to Philadelphia ("the sixth borough!") in 2006 than in 2000. Or maybe they were just following orders from the Times Style section."
Source: http://gothamist.com/2009/02/06/50k_in_houston_equals_120k_in_nyc_r.php

Guess what is approximately an x ray technician's salary nationally? $50,000! Clearly, one can live quite well on this amount in Houston, Texas, which is why you should consider searching for an x ray technician job in Houston! Besides excellent x ray technician schools in Texas, the city itself boasts one of the top training programs, the Harris County Hospital District's School of Medical Radiography. After receiving training here, there are many x ray technician job opportunities in Houston. The city of Houston is the 4th largest in the United States in terms of population, but has a very reasonable cost of living. The city hosts the Texas Medical Center (TMC), the largest medical center in the United States and possibly the world. The TMC is comprised of nearly 100 medical institutions involved in both clinical medicine and research. Outside of the TMC, there are several other large hospitals, many of which are part of either the The Methodist Hospital, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, or Memorial-Hermann Hospital Systems. Job opportunities abound!

To start your x ray technician job search in Houston, simply search for "radiologic technologist jobs in Houston" in either the search engine Google.com, or use the job search engine indeed.com and search for the same terms. The jobs are out there; it's up to YOU to go find them! Start today!

Cost Of Living And Your Rad Tech Job Search

What is cost of living? It is the average price you pay in an area for the basic essentials: shelter, clothing, food, gas, etc. Intuitively, everyone understands cost of living: it's more expensive to live in New York than New Mexico, Chicago than Cheyenne. What people often forget to do is factor in cost of living when doing a job search. Recognizing how much cost of living will affect you is key to maximizing your income. The cost of living is especially nice since it includes everything that is a drain on your income, like the cost of food or real estate. In economic times such as these, it pays to know how much you are spending and where your dollars are going. 

Even though x-ray technicians are well paid, the same x-ray technician salary is worth twice as much in an area where the cost of living is half. That means you can buy twice as many cups of Starbucks coffee, or a house that's twice as larger, or a car that's twice as good. Imagine that! Now, of course, you would have less say over where you lived, but there are many quality cities, like Houston, Texas or Charlotte, North Carolina, with low cost of living but still have many opportunities and things to do. These cities also have vibrant healthcare sectors, which means there are plenty of job opportunities for radiographic technologists. 

Want to find out more? Check out this Cost of Living Calculator on CNN/Money. You'll be shocked at how much you can save in a low cost city!

Job Security For X Ray Techs

In a difficult job market, x ray technicians are viewed by hospitals as a valuable resource. Even when staff in other departments face layoffs or hiring freezes, hospitals are unlikely to make changes in their radiology department, especially their support staff. Without x ray technicians, diagnostic procedures would not occur. As diagnostic procedures are money makers for hospitals, you can bet they want to make sure their radiologic technologists are happy. Job security is very high in this field for these simple economic reasons. Check out this excerpt from a recent article on how the economy is affecting hospitals:

"Around the country, while some hospitals still are doing well, closings and bankruptcies seem to be picking up.

In New Jersey, where 47 percent of hospitals posted losses in 2007, five of the 79 acute-care hospitals closed this year, and a sixth may close soon. In Hawaii, nearly every hospital is in trouble, with two filing for bankruptcy and one nearly closing recently.

All over, hospitals are cutting costs by outsourcing services like housekeeping and security and trimming staff through layoffs, hiring freezes and attrition. Most are trying not to touch patient care jobs _ nurses, pharmacists, therapists and X-ray technicians _ as those already have staff shortages.

"The last thing we can do is skinny down our staffing right where we need it the most," said Mike Killian, marketing vice president for the three Beaumont Hospitals in suburban Detroit."
Source: Huffington Post

Why does job security matter?

Job security in the United States depends more upon the economy and business conditions than in most countries because of the capitalist system and the minimal government intervention in businesses. Job security in the United States can vary a lot since the supply and demand for jobs depends on the economy. If the economy is good, companies make more profits and create more jobs, which increases job security. However, in periods of economic slowdown or recession, companies try to cut costs and layoff workers which decreases job security. The costs of being unemployed are high, both economically and psychologically. Other jobs may promise high salaries and benefits, but if they do not have high job security, be prepared to be out looking for another job soon. Job hunting means lost wages and lost time, time that would have been better spent in a secure job with a secure income. 

Job Security High For X-Ray Technicians

Clearly x ray tech job security is as high as for a diagnostic radiology job. By being involved in patient care, the hospital does not view you as an expendable resource when times are tough but rather as an essential component of the core hospital team. A career as an x ray technician offers a promising future, job stability and good salaries. As technology advances and the American population ages, the demand for radiologic exams and procedures has soared. The country needs a growing number of qualified professionals to provide medical imaging and radiation therapy. Wages of xray technicians are competitive with other health professionals who have similar educational backgrounds. A 2004 survey by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists showed that wages averaged about $18 per hour for entry-level radio-graphers and $25 per hour for entry-level radiation therapists. With experience, additional education or supervisory responsibilities, wages can reach an average of $25 to $30 per hour. In addition, many employers allow xray techs to work flexible schedules, including part-time or evenings, giving you the time you need for family, friends, school or other activities, while still feeling secure about your x ray tech job! 

Safety For Radiologic Technologists

Safety is an issue to definitely consider when entering the field. Radiography (with few exceptions) involves ionizing radiation. The radiation used is in low doses, but x ray techs receive more than the average person, potentially resulting in a large cumulative dose. Radiation causes disease by damaging DNA within our bodies, leading to cancer. While these risks are real, being educated about them and taking the proper preventive measures will insure your safety as a x ray technician.

To prevent harm from the x ray radiation, it is important to wear proper safety equipment such as lead aprons. Make sure to protect as much as your body as possible with proper fitting lead-coated garments. If the garment (collar, apron, etc) is not covering your body, it is not protecting your body. 

Beyond lead garments, proper positiong is also important. Make sure to focus equipment properly on patients. Attempt to stand as far away from the radiation source as possible, with an appropriate barrier in between you and the radiation source. Always wear your radiation badge, which monitors your cumulative radiation dose. If you ever suspect a safety issue, notify the proper supervisors or authorities at your place of employment. Remember: a good x ray technician is a safe x ray technician. 

Note: MRIs use magnetic forces to acquire images and do not use ionizing radiation. However, MRIs also pose several hazards and require the same attention to safety. 

X Ray Technician Or Radiologic Technologist?

While there is some overlap in terminology, the definitions of the two terms refer to different professions.

• Radiologic Technologist - the formal term for the person who assists diagnostic radiologists in the acquisition of diagnostic films in a healthcare setting
  
  
• X Ray Technician - the person who fixes radiographic equipment
  

While these definitions are correct, the term "X Ray Technician" is often used colloquially to refer to someone who is formally trained as a radiologic technologist. As these posts are aimed at a general audience, the general term "X Ray Technician" will be used from here on. 

What Does An X Ray Technician Do?

A common question when one hears of the profession x ray technician is about the nature of the job, or more specifically, what does an x ray technician do?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "X ray technicians take x rays and administer nonradioactive materials into patients’ bloodstreams for diagnostic purposes.

X ray technicians also referred to as radiologic technologists or radiographers, produce x-ray films (radiographs) of parts of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems. They prepare patients for radiologic examinations by explaining the procedure, removing jewelry and other articles through which x rays cannot pass, and positioning patients so that the parts of the body can be appropriately radiographed. To prevent unnecessary exposure to radiation, these workers surround the exposed area with radiation protection devices, such as lead shields, or limit the size of the x-ray beam. X ray technicians position radiographic equipment at the correct angle and height over the appropriate area of a patient’s body. Using instruments similar to a measuring tape, they may measure the thickness of the section to be radiographed and set controls on the x-ray machine to produce radiographs of the appropriate density, detail, and contrast. They place the x-ray film under the part of the patient’s body to be examined and make the exposure. They then remove the film and develop it.

X ray technicians must follow radiologists’ orders precisely and conform to regulations concerning the use of radiation to protect themselves, their patients, and their coworkers from unnecessary exposure.

In addition to preparing patients and operating equipment, radiologic technologists keep patient records and adjust and maintain equipment. They also may prepare work schedules, evaluate purchases of equipment, or manage a radiology department."

Clearly,  x ray technicians play a valuable role in medical care. However, as a career, x ray technicians jobs are plentiful. Typically jobs are found in hospitals, but x ray technicians are increasingly being employed in physician offices as well as imaging centers. Many medical schools and hospitals offer training programs. Salaries range from $30,000 up to $70,000. There is also room for career advancement, with experienced x ray technicians performing more complex procedures. 

Radiologic technologists play an important role in medical care while enjoying a satisfying and rewarding career. Find out more today!