From the Florida Panhandle to Miami-Dade and across the I-4 corridor, hospitals in the Sunshine State continue to expand.
Construction Market Data, an organization that tracks the construction industry, reports that 126 new hospital construction projects have been completed in the last five years, with many more coming through the pipeline.
“There’s never been a better time to work in the health care industry,” said Diane Jasper, academic chair of FTC’s Allied Health program. “The demand for skilled, specialized medical assistants has grown exponentially with no signs of slowing down in sight. Graduates of this program will be able to work in a hospital setting, urgent care facilities, orthopedic clinics, and radiology centers, to mention a few.”
The 12-month program offered at the DeLand, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Orlando, Pembroke Pines and South Miami campuses. Its graduates will be able to work directly under a physician, registered nurse, registered technologist, office manager, or a radiology administrator. They will assist in a limited manner with patients who require chest, extremity and torso x-rays. Responsibilities may include positioning or maintaining X-ray equipment, adjusting controls, positioning patients on the exam table and setting up and adjusting equipment to obtain a better view of specific c bodily areas.
The program expands on FTC’s already ample offerings for medical career training, which include diploma programs for Earn A Medical Assistant Associate of Science Degree medical assistant technicians, Patient Care Technician patient care technicians. Earn An Associate Degree in Medical Administrative Assistance medical coding and billing specialists.
The college also offers an associate degree for medical assistants and a bachelor’s degree in allied health management.
“Our partners in the healthcare industry have expressed a need for medical assistants with a specialty in X-ray and we have stepped up to the plate,” said FTC President and CEO David Ruggieri. ‘’Our partners trust us because we foster job readiness in each and every single one of our students with externships and hands-on training to ensure a smooth transition into the job market.”
By Jose Luis Dieppa
What Does an X-Ray Technician Do?
Radiologic, or x-ray technicians, take images of the inside of the body using radiation. Essential for diagnosing bone fractures and other disorders, radiography is essential in modern medicine. Once performed exclusively in hospitals, x-ray equipment has become so advanced that less education is required to take radiographs.
What Do Medical Assistants with X-Ray Training Do?
The medical assistant technician with emphasis in basic x-ray diploma program prepares you to function as both medical assistant and x-ray technician. You’ll learn the medical assisting skills necessary to handle clinical and administrative duties plus many of the same skills an x-ray technician learns, tasks that are beyond the scope of traditional medical assistants.
Clerical duties include:
- Managing the schedule
- Greeting patients
- Updating medical records
- Completing referrals
- Transmitting prescriptions
- Filling out insurance forms
- Billing and coding
- Stocking exam rooms
- Ordering supplies
Clinical responsibilities include:
- Triaging phone calls
- Taking vital signs
- Collecting biological samples
- Sterilizing instruments
- Giving vaccinations
- Performing EKGs
- Phlebotomy
- Providing patient education
A medical assistant that performs basic x-ray technician duties consist of:
- Screening clients for pregnancy
- Explaining x-ray procedures
- Positioning patients
- Protective draping
- Ensuring radiation safety
- Taking simple, high-quality images
Medical Assistant Technician with Emphasis in Basic X-Ray Diploma
The Medical Assistant Technician with Emphasis in Basic X-Ray Diploma program prepares Florida Technical College students with the knowledge and skills to perform medical assistant with basic x-ray responsibilities. The student will acquire the necessary skills, to perform under the supervision of a physician, to provide medical office administrative services and perform clinical duties including patient intake and care, routine diagnostic, and basic x-ray procedures. Students will be able to prepare the patient for various examinations, including x-rays, electrocardiograms, and phlebotomy.
Ready to move from the classroom to a career? Florida Technical College is here to help. Contact us to learn more about completing the medical assistant technician diploma program, patient care technician program or medical billing and coding specialist program at Florida Technical College.
*These examples are intended to serve only as a general guide of possible employment opportunities. There are many factors that determine the job an individual may obtain, and Florida Technical College cannot guarantee its graduate any particular job. Some positions may require license or other certifications. We encourage you to research the requirements for the particular position you desire.
