Xray Tech Training

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: January 25th, 2010

What are the daily tasks of Radiology Techs?

Radiology Techs have the daily tasks of helping prepare the patient in a gown if necessary, lining up the equipment to the body part of being x-rayed, shielding sensitive areas, taking and reviewing images, checking the images with the radiologist to see if more are needed, releasing the patient, and informing the patient of how long results will take to get to their physician. Other daily tasks may include cleaning equipment, stocking rooms, and getting films loaded. Radiology techs may also work with interns in training them and checking their work.

Learn more about radiology technician schools.

Radiology Techs are typically trained to do any type of x-ray they are presented with. Some techs conduct just general exams (such as spine, ankle, or anything in between). In addition to the general exams, some techs carry pagers so that in between exams they may be called to the emergency room to do trauma x-rays.

Other radiology techs work for orthopedic surgeons’ offices. Along with doing orthopedic x-rays, the techs also assist radiologists in injecting the shoulder, knee, spine, or a joint with dye. They then watch under live x-ray using fluoroscopy or MRI to get the necessary images and diagnosis.

Along with having training on performing X-Rays, radiology techs also have training on conducting the following more invasive procedures:

Gastrointestinal studies, such as esophagrams (swallowing studies), upper GI exams, and barium enemas.

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) which is an x-ray of the pelvic organs using a dye through the cervix and into the uterus and fallopian tubes.

Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) involves using a technique that involves catheterizing to fill the patient’s bladder with contrast so the radiologist can observe the patient’s urethra and bladder while they urinate. This is considered to be a “real time” or “live” x-ray.

Some radiology techs spend part of the day working in these specific areas but likely get shuffled between these specialties and general x-ray. All of these more invasive studies are done in partnership with a radiologist, who actually performs the injections. The radiologist also conducts most of the imaging while the X-ray Tech explains the procedure to the patient, positions the patient, and provides them with the dye or contrast media, if necessary, to obtain the images.

Learn more about radiology technician degrees.

During some procedures, such as barium enemas, the radiology tech takes still images after the radiologist has completed the fluoroscopy. The tech is also there to calm and comfort the patient and observe them following the procedure to make sure they are feeling well enough to leave.

Are internships or other forms of experience required?

While most programs don’t have formal “internships” as part of radiologic technology programs, there is a lot of hands-on clinical work required. Typically students in these programs are referred to as “student interns” because in both the first and second years of the program they are working in a clinical setting for up to 32 hours.