A few years ago I broke my pinky during a softball game. It hurt like crazy and I actually passed out on the pitcher’s mound on my way to the in-field. Pretty embarrassing since it was just one little finger. A friend drove me to an urgent care center where a radiology technician took xrays of my finger. Yep, it was broken. In several places. Did you know they don’t give you casts for your fingers, only splints?

So this radiology technician, what exactly did she do? Well she took an xray of my finger. My step-dad spent twenty five years as a radiology technician. He said it was pretty tough work and he’s seen some pretty awful things but he also said it was very rewarding.

Radiology technicians prepare and take xrays in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and other out patient facilities. An xray can save your life.One guy I knew was in a car accident. He was having trouble breathing and the ER docs couldn’t figure out why. An xray showed that a broken rib had punctured and collapsed his lung. They inserted a chest tube and he was all better. Rad Techs, as they’re known in the field, usually get certified in two to three years. Many trade schools offer these programs. Rad Tech jobs are expected to grow 15% in the next few years. According to the US Bureau on Labor Statistics they make anywhere from $40,000 to $70,000 per year. Rad Techs can also go on to become certified CT techs, US techs and a variety of other diagnostic imaging technicians.

To find a radiology technician school in your area, visit our school search page.