What You Should Expect When Considering a Career in Medical Assisting with X-Ray Tech (Limited Scope) and EKG

X-ray technicians work with radiographic equipment to produce X-rays of various parts of the human body. These X-rays help to diagnose patients’ medical problems, whether they happen as a result of injury or another condition. As a beginning X-ray technician or limited radiographer, you may have specific responsibilities and perform basic X-rays on certain parts of the body.

EKG technicians take electrocardiograms (EKGs) of the heart to help diagnose heart disease and problems with circulation. With further training or experience, they may also conduct stress testing and other similar procedures.

In both areas, technicians/radiographers may also have office duties such as keeping patient records, as well as adjusting and maintaining equipment. They may also prepare work schedules and help to evaluate equipment purchases.



According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, both radiological technician and cardiovascular technician employment are expected to grow faster than the average, with jobs for radiological technicians expected to increase by 17 percent from 2008 through 2018⁽¹⁾ and cardiovascular technician jobs expected to increase by 24 percent⁽²⁾ within the same period.

Being in good physical shape is important in this type of job, because you often have to walk or stand for long periods and have to lift or turn patients, some of whom may be disabled. It’s also important for you to be comfortable dealing directly with patients. Generally, techs work an average 40-hour, five-day work week with possible evening, weekend, or on-call hours.

Hospitals have been the main employers for both areas. The remaining jobs were mostly in doctors’ offices and diagnostic imaging centers. Being professionally certified or licensed may help you to move ahead in this field and may be required by medical boards or health departments in some states.⁽³⁾