Over the last few years, there’s been a major increase in job availability for folks who work in the medical field.
There’s been an especially significant increase for x-ray technologists — the field is expected to grow by 13 percent by the year 2026.
There are plenty of job opportunities for x-ray techs, but it can still be hard to get hired. Depending on where you live or the type of practice in which you want to work, you may find that the competition for x-ray tech jobs is pretty stiff.
This is where continuing education can come in handy.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of continuing education and how it can help you increase your chances of getting hired for x-ray tech jobs.
X-Ray Tech Continuing Education Requirements
Once you’ve passed your licensing exam and become an x-ray technologist, you’ll need to complete continuing education courses on a regular basis. As an x-ray technologist, you’ll need 24 continuing education credits every two years.
You have tons of continuing education courses that you can choose from.
All of the courses need to have either Category A or Category A+ classification. This shows that the courses have been approved by a Recognized Continuing Education Evaluation Mechanism (also known as an RCEEM).
Benefits of Continuing Education for X-Ray Techs
There are lots of benefits that come with taking continuing education courses while you’re in the process of searching for x-ray tech jobs. The following are some of the greatest benefits you might not have realized:
1. Keep Your License Current
You need continuing education credits to keep your license current. A lot of people whose jobs require continuing education credits have a tendency to wait until the last minute to complete them.
By pursuing your continuing education credits now, you’ll be ahead of the game. As a result, you will be able to rest easy knowing that, when the time comes to renew your license, you’ll have already done the hardest part.
2. Increase Chances of Getting Hired
There are lots of job openings for x-ray techs right now. There is also a lot of competition for these jobs, though.
If you’ve been working on your continuing education courses, you may be more valuable to folks who are looking to hire technologists for their practices.
This shows a dedication to the field. It also shows that you prioritize education and proactivity.
3. Learn About New Developments
The medical field is always evolving. By making continuing education a priority, you’ll be able to stay on top of these new developments.
This will help you ensure you’re doing things in the most efficient way possible. It’ll also help you to improve your skills as an x-ray tech.
4. Specialize in a Specific Area
There are tons of different continuing education courses out there, and you have a lot of flexibility when it comes to deciding which courses you want to take.
As long as they have the right classification, you can pick any course you want.
This gives you the opportunity to specialize in a specific area. This, in turn, can make you more marketable and increase your chances of getting hired in the future.
5. Serve Patients Better
The more knowledge you have at your fingertips, the better able you’ll be to serve your patients.
As an x-ray tech, you’ll often be working with people who are nervous, in pain, or feeling ill. Don’t you want them to feel as comfortable as possible?
Continuing education courses can teach you new techniques that will allow you to do just this.
6. Increase Your Confidence
You may have passed your course and your licensing exam, but you might still feel a little nervous about actually working one-on-one with patients.
Continuing education can help you hone your skills and increase your confidence.
After passing these additional courses, you’ll feel more prepared to take on whatever comes your way on the job.
7. Hit the Ground Running
After participating in continuing education, you may require less on-the-job training.
You’ll have additional skills and will be able to dive in and start working with patients sooner.
Continuing education might also help to minimize the adjustment period you have to go through once you start working in a new practice.
8. Increase Promotion Eligibility
Finally, continuing education courses can help to increase your eligibility for promotions once you do get hired.
You’ll have more knowledge and qualifications on your side, and that’s something your bosses will definitely appreciate.
If you want to be able to rise through the ranks sooner after you start working as an x-ray tech, continuing education will work in your favor.
Bonus Tips for Landing X-Ray Tech Jobs
There is definitely a need for continuing education in the healthcare industry, especially for x-ray technologists. Participating in continuing education courses isn’t the only step you can take to increase your chances of getting hired, though.
Some other steps to increase the likelihood that you’ll get hired include:
- Start networking with people in the field early (preferably before you’ve finished your training)
- List references who can vouch for your dependability and credibility
- Present yourself in a professional way (dress, speech, hairstyle, etc.)
- Practice answers to common job interview questions
- Start with part-time work to get your foot in the door
Remember to be persistent in your search, too. It may take time, but if you’re persistent and continue to make an effort to put your best foot forward, you’ll eventually find the right job.
Sign Up for Continuing Education Courses Today
There are plenty of benefits that come with taking continuing education courses.
You’ll have a much easier time getting hired for x-ray tech jobs if you invest in continuing education, and you’ll get the added benefit of extra training and new opportunities to sharpen your skills.
Are you ready to get signed up for continuing education?
If so, check out the courses available on our site today. All of them are either Category A or Category A+ courses, and they’re available at great prices.
If you want to save even more money, be sure to check out our combo specials!
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