Does an x-ray technician need the same extensive background as a broader radiologic technologist?

The term 'x-ray tech' is just slang for radiologic technologist. It's a minimum 2 year program with a shift towards a 4 year Bachelor's degree. Research your market to see if there is any hope for employment with a 2 year degree with no experience.

The only shorter programs are for current medical professionals so they can shoot basic in office x-rays.

WHY DO PEOPLE ANSWER QUESTIONS THAT THEY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT? The correct term for someone who take x-rays is radiologic technologist. People still say technician; it means the same thing, but that is not what we prefer to be called. There are, however, places where someone is allowed to do x-rays without being registered, in which case they should not call themselves "technologists". We do not "work" on x-ray machines (does rcbrokebones mean we fix them or something? He is completely incorrect.) And the education is 2 years... for the answerer 'radtech', it is not the same in the US - you can be a radiologic technologist after completing a 2 year certificate program and passing the national registry exam.

My advice is to contact employers or certifying groups directly. I have known many people who did not get employment education requirements straight from the source and got screwed. Maybe this can help also......

Congrats on your initiative. Good research efforts.

Complete thorough realistic research to achieve life sustaining income. Maybe accounting, engineering, law, medicine, computers, .... Always get job descriptions with course requirements from employers, unions, certification groups/associations. Don’t sign up for education till you’ve done this, EVER!!!

Pick a path where you don't start working bankrupt with debt. Don't become another casualty of the Trillion$ student debt. You must earn enough, $200k+ to support a family in a major City. Do not low ball your life and your family. If you can't find work volunteer to get in the door. Try volunteering at good potential employers and go down from there to community service, but get in anywhere and start working/networking, even if its for free.Be a model worker, no yapping, internet, cell phone..start work 30 minutes early and end work 30 minutes after day's end. Keep learning from more courses, read books, get another language, etc

There are almost 50 million people on food stamps, ~20% of males 25 to 54 yrs not working, lowest SATs in 40 years, debt to GDP over 100%, 25% of global prison inmates with only 5% of global population, etc and whats uncle sams answer to America's problems? Corrupt political paralysis and meteroic debt plague spiking by adding a trillion dollars of debt in 2013 to criminally prop up financial markets artificially. What a mess we live in!

You are On Your Own. YOYO's the word. Never forget it. Take control of your own lives and ignore what ever fictonal solutions the politicians and corporate bobble heads throw around as their self-profiteering benevolence.

Abandon obese consumer spending debt addiction culture and resulting self enslavement. Cut your lifestyle in half or less of the destructive unrealistic American dream nightmare standard....small house or apt..one car or no car .. always have a second job cause the one you have can/will disappear ...save and invest over 50% of your income if you can .... stay with your parents....parents move in with your kids...Rent with friends...rent rooms in your home ..Live like the wage you make today could be the last you'll earn, always. Stay away from ponzis, addictions, unhealthy lifestyles, get rich scams, online rip offs and purple koolaid cults.

Most of all maintain constructive positive relationships and forward planning. Have fun at it without spending money. What you are wanting to do is great but do it with a strong dose of reality and caring for your future, family and community. Good luck! Cheers:).

simson g is right!