When German physicist Wilhelm Roentgen invented X-ray technology in 1895, he had no idea the implications it would have on society and the medical field. You see, Roentgen's discovery was an accident. Now, over a 100 years later, with X-ray technicians making a major mark on the health care industry, you can transform Roentgen's mistake into a career that matters.

Techs 'R Us
You may have wondered as a child when you thought you broke your wrist or leg how X-ray films of parts of the body get produced. It is the job of an X-ray tech or radiographer to produce and administer certain non-radioactive materials within a patient's bloodstream for diagnostic purposes. Not only do X-ray techs administer the process, they are also responsible for prepping patients, as well as maintaining reports and records. Adjusting, facilitating, and operating the equipment is also a part of the daily routine of an X-ray tech.

Additionally,

X-ray technicians

may specialize in complex diagnostic imaging technologies. This includes computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Computerized tomography techs operate scanners to produce cross-sectional images of patients. You may be more familiar with magnetic resonance imaging (also known as MRI). MRI techs operate machines that use strong magnets and radio waves, rather than radiation, to create an image.

Tech Training, Simplified
Training for aspiring X-ray technicians varies from one to four years. Once a student has completed an X-ray technology program, he or she will receive a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor's degree. Don't worry -- there are plenty of programs from which to choose. In fact, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology accredited 606 radiography programs in 2005.

Once an aspiring X-ray tech is completed with training, he or she must pass a certification exam provided by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Techs on the Job
The medical field is lucrative and plentiful. As a matter of fact, X-ray technicians held about 182,000 jobs in 2004 alone. More than half of that number worked in hospitals. Employment is only expected to grow -- and faster than the average rate of all occupations through 2014. As the population ages, there will be an increasing demand for diagnostic imaging, hence an increasing demand for X-ray technicians.

And, with annual earnings for X-ray technicians averaging $43,350 in 2004, 10 percent earning more than $60,210, this exciting health care field may be one at which to look more closely.

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