Becoming a licensed X-ray technologist in Texas requires formal education, national certification, and state-level regulatory approval. This career involves working on the front lines of patient diagnosis, using imaging technology to assist medical practitioners. Successfully navigating the requirements leads to a General Medical Radiologic Technologist (GMRT) license, which is required to practice in the state.
What is a Radiologic Technologist and the Texas Job Outlook
A Radiologic Technologist, often called an X-ray Tech, is a healthcare professional who performs diagnostic imaging examinations using ionizing radiation. They accurately position patients and operate equipment to create images of the body’s internal structures for a physician’s interpretation. This role is distinct from specialists who use non-ionizing modalities like ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The career offers a promising outlook within the Texas healthcare system, which continues to expand with population growth. Employment for radiologic technologists is projected to increase by over 19% over a ten-year period, substantially higher than the national average. The average annual salary for a radiologic technologist in Texas falls in the range of approximately $60,950 to $62,810.
Educational Pathways to Becoming an X-ray Tech
Formal education is a prerequisite for national certification and entering the profession. Aspiring technologists typically pursue an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Radiologic Technology, though a certificate program may be an option for those who already hold a degree. The educational program must be accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) to be recognized for the national exam.
The curriculum features a combination of classroom instruction and clinical experience. Coursework includes subjects like radiation physics, image production and quality assurance, patient care, and human anatomy and physiology. Students learn to select appropriate technical factors for image acquisition and apply principles of radiation protection and safety.
Clinical rotations require students to perform procedures under direct supervision in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital or clinic. These rotations provide hands-on experience in patient positioning and equipment operation across various examinations. Completing a JRCERT-accredited program establishes eligibility for the national certification examination.
Passing the National Certification Exam (ARRT)
Certification is achieved through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), which administers the national examination. Certification requires satisfying three requirements: completing the education program, meeting the ethics standards, and passing the examination. The ARRT examination ensures candidates possess the knowledge to practice safely and competently.
The radiography exam is a computer-based test consisting of 230 questions, with candidates allotted approximately four hours and ten minutes. The content is broken down into four sections: Patient Care, Safety, Image Production, and Procedures. There is a significant emphasis placed on the principles of radiation protection. To pass, a candidate must achieve a scaled score of 75.
Before taking the exam, candidates must undergo an ethics review related to the ARRT Standards of Ethics. This process ensures that all applicants demonstrate good moral character and professional conduct. The ARRT verifies the successful completion of the JRCERT-accredited program and grants a 75-day window for the candidate to schedule their examination.
Securing Your Texas State License
National certification is a prerequisite, but securing a license from the Texas Medical Board (TMB) is the final step required to legally practice. The TMB governs the licensing of Medical Radiologic Technologists (MRTs) under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 601. Individuals apply for a General Medical Radiologic Technologist (GMRT) certificate, which permits the unrestricted use of ionizing radiation for diagnostic purposes.
The application process is managed through the TMB’s License Application Messaging and Status (LAMAS) system. Applicants must submit official documentation verifying successful completion of an approved educational program and a passing score on the ARRT examination. The TMB requires the ARRT to submit the official transcript of grades directly to the board.
A mandatory component of the state license application is a national criminal history background check, requiring the submission of fingerprints through the authorized service provider. The TMB application fee is required to initiate the process. Once all requirements are met and the background check is cleared, the TMB issues the GMRT certificate, which authorizes the performance of radiologic procedures in Texas.
Key Skills and Continuing Education
A successful career requires a blend of technical proficiency and interpersonal abilities. Patient care skills are important, as technologists must communicate clearly with patients to explain procedures and ensure comfort during imaging. Attention to detail and critical thinking are necessary for selecting the correct exposure factors and evaluating image quality.
Maintaining the right to practice involves meeting continuing education (CE) requirements for both the ARRT and the TMB. Texas requires General Medical Radiologic Technologists to complete a minimum of 24 hours of CE every two years. At least 12 of these hours must be “direct credits,” meaning the content relates directly to the application of ionizing radiation.
The TMB mandates that CE must include a course on human trafficking prevention approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. These requirements ensure that technologists remain current with advancements, uphold high standards of patient safety, and stay informed on public health issues. CE credits must be obtained during the biennial registration period to maintain the state license and national certification.
Finding Your First Job in Texas
With a valid GMRT license, new radiologic technologists are prepared to enter the Texas job market. Employment settings are varied, with the majority of positions found within hospitals, including large medical centers in major metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Other common employers include outpatient clinics, diagnostic imaging centers, and physician’s offices.
When preparing to apply, focus on a resume that highlights clinical rotation experience, emphasizing specific modalities and total hours logged under supervision. Interview preparation should include a review of patient safety protocols and radiation protection principles. Networking with former clinical instructors and supervisors can be an effective way to learn about available positions within their hospital or clinic networks.
New technologists should research potential employers, including large health systems such as Memorial Hermann or Baylor Scott & White, as these organizations often have structured onboarding programs. The projected job growth in Texas means that opportunities for specialization in areas like Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are available after gaining initial experience. Securing a first position requires leveraging education and clinical training to demonstrate readiness for the responsibilities of the role.