X Ray Tech Schools in Florida

Located in the southeastern portion of the United States, Florida is known for its warm and humid weather, hurricanes, and outdoor attractions. The beaches and cruise ship ports are among the most significant drawing cards to the sunny state. Nicknamed the “Sunshine State,” Florida is ranked in the top five most populous states in the United States. The growing number of immigrants and elderly population has caused an influx of medical and x-ray schools in Florida to be built and expanded.

Ultimate Medical Academy

Among the top x-ray schools in Florida are the Ultimate Medical Academy and Heritage Institute. The Ultimate Medical Academy offers a diploma based program called the Basic X-ray Technician. The program provides students with the training required to become a successful x-ray tech. In Florida, the demand for x-ray and radiology services continues to increase and physicians are hiring x-ray technicians in house to staff their own x-ray departments.

Certificate
Basic X-ray Program
Clearwater, Tampa

Herzing University

Associate
AS in Radiologic Technology
Winter Park

Is a Career as an MRI Technician Right for Me?

An MRI technician takes pictures of a person's insides and organs using radio waves, a magnet, and a computer. MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. The advantage of having an MRI done is that there is no radiation. Through the use of an MRI, a radiologist can read the images, interpret them and diagnose medical problems.

Educational Requirements

Currently, there are several paths that can lead to becoming an MRI technician. There are bachelor's and associate degrees that focus just on MRI. Most people don't go that route because there aren't that many schools that offer those type of programs. 

There are also certificate programs for MRI technicians, but most enter the field first by going through X-ray school. It is very important that a student is well versed in anatomy and physiology so that they are able to understand a doctor's orders and correctly position the patient. After X-ray school the training to become an MRI technician is minimal. 

An MRI technician must:

  • Be people-oriented, friendly, and able to communicate well
  • Accommodate and make the patient as comfortable as possible
  • Help the patient to relax and explain the procedure

The large magnet that is used to perform the exam is very powerful. There are safety procedures to follow, and the technician is trained in case there is ever a problem. An MRI technician is trained how to handle emergencies and remain calm. They are taught how to turn on and off the magnet as well as who to contact for what type of emergencies.

Work Environment

The majority of the job is sitting down behind a computer taking the images, and walking the patient through the procedure through an intercom. Easing a patient's nerves is one of the most important parts of the procedure. They also communicate and interact with a nurse for the procedures that require injections and consult with the radiologists to ensure they are producing the required images. 

Expected Salary and Job Opportunities

An MRI technician makes a decent salary, and the job opportunities are plentiful.  MRI technicians continue to be a big demand due to the baby boomers aging. 

Deciding if MRI is right for you is the first step into entering this promising career, then determining the proper path to becoming a technologist is in order. A career in MRI is not right for everybody; is it right for you?

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