X-ray technician schooling????

[heartsclovers]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey guys,

I heard from a dentist I shadow that it would be a good idea to get an X-ray technician license to up my chances for D-schools (my gpa is rather lacking, and I need to do as much as I can, besides taking some post-bac classes, to increase my chances).
Does anyone know where I can go to do this, how long it takes, and how much it costs?
Also, are there any other things that I can do to increase my chances? Any other certificate programs/licenses/etc.?

Thanks much!!!!!

 

[Get Accepted]

Hi,

I am currently doing my undergraduate classes for my major (Biology). I also though work with my orthodontist and I am now studying for my X-Ray certification exam. It costs $400 dollars for the study booklet and costs $200 for the actual exam. Im pretty sure if you ask the dentist that you shadow she could get hold of an exam for you, and maybe even pay for all the costs. If not, anyone that wants to become certified can purchase the exam.

 

[heartsclovers]

thanks for the reply. so is there actual schooling for this exam? or do I just study a book and take a test? and where can i find more info. on all of this?

 

[Get Accepted]

First you should ask the dentist that you shadow and see if he/she has that book i mentioned. If they don't have it, im 100% positive that they have a magazine that they can order it from. Its a self test that you take and send in to get your results, no schooling involved.

 

[Fonz]

First you should ask the dentist that you shadow and see if he/she has that book i mentioned. If they don't have it, im 100% positive that they have a magazine that they can order it from. Its a self test that you take and send in to get your results, no schooling involved.

I have never heard about self study x-ray licensing. All the x-ray licensing programs I know of cost around 600$ including the book and film. Its like a four week course (only two days a week on weekends). You need an outside office to practice in however because you need to bring in samples of x-rays you did on your own. There is a written test and a practical. For the practical you need to bring someone in with you to take x-rays on. You are NOT an x-ray tech though. Those are people who operate imaging machiney for hospitals: ultrasound, x-rays, CTs, MRI/A. It's a totally different program......

 

[heartsclovers]

That sounds more like what my dentist told me. Do you know where I can go to take the class? And also, what exactly does this licensing do for me? Does it look better on your D-school application? Can I actually get paid if I work as a part-time assistant in a dental office with this license? Thanks!

 

[Frederico Albin]

That sounds more like what my dentist told me. Do you know where I can go to take the class? And also, what exactly does this licensing do for me? Does it look better on your D-school application? Can I actually get paid if I work as a part-time assistant in a dental office with this license? Thanks!

There are several people out there that are getting paid working as a dental assistant and are not x-ray certified. Some dentist are willing to train their assistants, but it is always a plus if you are certified.
Hope that helps. I am also looking for some information about this topic.

 

[DentalGal2005]

I got my x-ray certification so I could be an assistant of value. Mine only cost 250 from Tidewater Tech. Most of the tech schools (i'm not sure where you are from or else I would list some) offer x-ray cert. It's not hard. Mine took literally 6 hours and I was done. No biggie. Good luck to you.

 

[bisconito]

It depends on which state you are in whether you need to be certified. In VA, I did a distance learning class with a half-day lab and got X-Ray certification. D-Schools like to see that you have the additional experience and are already seeking dental education before you are even admitted. Certification can only make you look better!

 

[tekstyle]

the place i went to requires that you are employeed by a dental office under a licensed dentist. you will be required to bring your own scrubs, goggles for protection. some dentists are willing to pay for their employees.. cost is about 300-800. it's about a 4-5 week course. 4-8 hours a meet. you will need to study for a written exam. and also you will practice on typodonts before you do the real thing on your volunteers.

 

[SugarNaCl]

Just out of curiousity, how would becoming an X-ray tech help one get into dental school? I could see how it may help you when you take radiology but other than that? 😕

Not saying it won't help...just not certain how it would. I guess it is essentially the same as getting extra science classes, no? The offices I was in had their staff take the x-rays and develop them. Just trying to understand.

 

[Fonz]

Just out of curiousity, how would becoming an X-ray tech help one get into dental school? I could see how it may help you when you take radiology but other than that? 😕

Not saying it won't help...just not certain how it would. I guess it is essentially the same as getting extra science classes, no? The offices I was in had their staff take the x-rays and develop them. Just trying to understand.

Well it is just another way to show experience and dedication to the field. I personally did not take it even though I am working as an assistant. I didn't have the time or the money to pay for something that I will learn in dental school anyway.

 

[Frederico Albin]

Just out of curiousity, how would becoming an X-ray tech help one get into dental school? I could see how it may help you when you take radiology but other than that? 😕

Not saying it won't help...just not certain how it would. I guess it is essentially the same as getting extra science classes, no? The offices I was in had their staff take the x-rays and develop them. Just trying to understand.

In some dental offices, dentist require assistants to be certified, and like the post above, it show that you are really interested in the field.