Intro
Discover the rewarding career of an Army X-Ray Tech! Learn the 5 essential ways to become a certified radiologic technologist in the military, including meeting eligibility requirements, completing training programs, and obtaining certifications. Advance your skills in radiography, medical imaging, and patient care, and serve your country with a fulfilling career in the Armys medical field.
Are you interested in a career that combines healthcare and military service? Becoming an Army X-Ray Tech, also known as a Radiologic Technologist, can be a rewarding and challenging profession. As a vital member of the Army's healthcare team, you'll have the opportunity to work with advanced medical equipment, develop valuable skills, and serve your country. In this article, we'll explore five ways to become an Army X-Ray Tech and provide valuable insights to help you get started.
The Importance of Army X-Ray Techs
Radiologic Technologists play a crucial role in the Army's healthcare system. They use advanced imaging equipment to produce high-quality X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and other diagnostic images. These images help doctors and other medical professionals diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses, ensuring the best possible care for soldiers and their families.
5 Ways to Become an Army X-Ray Tech
1. Enlist in the Army and Choose the Radiologic Technologist MOS
One way to become an Army X-Ray Tech is to enlist in the Army and choose the Radiologic Technologist Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). To qualify, you'll need to meet the Army's basic enlistment requirements, including being a U.S. citizen, being between the ages of 17 and 35, and scoring well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. Once you've enlisted, you'll attend Basic Combat Training (BCT) and then report to the Army's Medical Department Center and School at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, for radiologic technologist training.
2. Attend a Civilian Radiologic Technology Program and Join the Army Reserve
Another way to become an Army X-Ray Tech is to attend a civilian radiologic technology program and then join the Army Reserve. This path allows you to gain the necessary education and training in a civilian setting and then bring your skills to the Army. To qualify, you'll need to earn an associate's degree or certificate in radiologic technology from a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Once you've completed your education, you can join the Army Reserve and attend the Army's Radiologic Technologist course.
3. Apply for the Army's Health Professions Scholarship Program
The Army's Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) offers a third way to become an Army X-Ray Tech. This program provides full tuition and fees for students pursuing a degree in radiologic technology, as well as a stipend and other benefits. In exchange, you'll agree to serve in the Army for a certain number of years after graduation. To qualify, you'll need to meet the Army's basic enlistment requirements and be accepted into a JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program.
4. Transfer from Another Military Branch
If you're already serving in another military branch, you may be able to transfer to the Army and become an X-Ray Tech. This path requires that you meet the Army's basic enlistment requirements and have a background in radiologic technology or a related field. You'll need to apply for a transfer through your current branch's personnel office and then attend the Army's Radiologic Technologist course.
5. Apply for the Army's Direct Commission Program
The Army's Direct Commission Program offers a fifth way to become an Army X-Ray Tech. This program allows professionals with a degree in radiologic technology to commission directly into the Army as an officer. To qualify, you'll need to meet the Army's basic enlistment requirements and have a bachelor's degree in radiologic technology from a JRCERT-accredited program. You'll also need to complete the Army's Officer Candidate School (OCS) and then attend the Army's Radiologic Technologist course.
Conclusion
Becoming an Army X-Ray Tech requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for healthcare and military service. Whether you choose to enlist in the Army, attend a civilian radiologic technology program, or apply for a scholarship or direct commission program, you'll have the opportunity to develop valuable skills and serve your country. We hope this article has provided valuable insights to help you get started on your journey to becoming an Army X-Ray Tech.
Gallery of Army X-Ray Techs
Army X-Ray Tech Image Gallery
FAQs
What is the role of an Army X-Ray Tech?
+Army X-Ray Techs, also known as Radiologic Technologists, use advanced imaging equipment to produce high-quality X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and other diagnostic images. These images help doctors and other medical professionals diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses.
What are the requirements to become an Army X-Ray Tech?
+To become an Army X-Ray Tech, you'll need to meet the Army's basic enlistment requirements, including being a U.S. citizen, being between the ages of 17 and 35, and scoring well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. You'll also need to complete a radiologic technology program and obtain certification.
How long does it take to become an Army X-Ray Tech?
+The length of time it takes to become an Army X-Ray Tech varies depending on the path you choose. If you enlist in the Army and attend the Army's Radiologic Technologist course, it can take around 12-18 months. If you attend a civilian radiologic technology program and then join the Army, it can take around 2-3 years.