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Navy NEC · Medical

L17A Advanced X-Ray Technician

Current service use not established

This code is listed in the directory. Inclusion alone does not confirm current service use.

A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.

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Overview

An Advanced X-Ray Technician operates medical X-ray and ultrasound equipment for diagnostic examinations and assists radiologists with fluoroscopic examinations and CAT scans. The technician performs special radiographic and vascular procedures, processes X-rays, and maintains knowledge of Radiology Service administrative procedures and photodosimetric duties.

Minimum clearance: Secret

Core Skills

  • Fluoroscopic examination and clinical procedure assistance
  • CT dose safety and exam reconstruction
  • Radiology service administration and dosimetry

Civilian Career Paths

Career associations are editorial assessments of the cited evidence, not an official crosswalk unless the evidence explicitly says so. O*NET supplies civilian occupation information, not proof of a military match. Related experience does not confer civilian qualifications. Tasks and tools below describe civilian work, not military training.

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Diagnostic X-ray equipment operation and assistance with fluoroscopic examinations directly overlap with civilian radiography work.

How to prepare: Ask your intended state's health board to identify the licensing or certification route applicable to your education and military training. Most states require licensure or certification, usually involving graduation from an accredited program and a state or credentialing examination.

What the civilian work involves
  • Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
  • Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
  • Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
Civilian tools and software (examples)
  • eClinicalWorks EHR software
  • MEDITECH software

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Documented ultrasound operation using acoustical physics and clinical procedures provides a transferable foundation for diagnostic sonography.

How to prepare: Have a sonography program evaluate your training against its associate's degree or postsecondary certificate curriculum, including supervised clinical work. Some states require licensure, and employers may require or prefer professional certification.

What the civilian work involves
  • Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.
  • Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations.
  • Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.
Civilian tools and software (examples)
  • Patient medical record software

Notes & Sources

  • The military ultrasound scope requires L15A plus proper on-the-job training and/or radiologist approval; CT operation requires proper on-the-job training and radiologist approval. Count these capabilities only when those conditions were met.
  • For ARRT's primary pathway in radiography or sonography, candidates need an associate's degree or higher, an ARRT-approved educational program in the same discipline, compliance with ethics requirements, and a passing examination.
Evidence for this guidance (6 documents)
  1. NAVPERS 18068F Vol II (NEOCS, Jul 2026 edition): NEC L17A

    [1] NEC entry "L17A - Advanced X-Ray Technician"; cached text line 7722; NAVPERS 18068F Vol II, 2026-07 edition

    Supports: Fluoroscopic examination and clinical procedure assistance, CT dose safety and exam reconstruction, Radiology service administration and dosimetry, Radiologic Technologists and Technicians (O*NET 29-2034.00), Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (O*NET 29-2032.00)

  2. O*NET: Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

    [2] O*NET 30.3 occupational data

    Supports: Radiologic Technologists and Technicians (O*NET 29-2034.00)

  3. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Radiologic and MRI Technologists

    [3] What They Do; How to Become One, Education and Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations; retrieved 23 September 2026

    Supports: Radiologic Technologists and Technicians (O*NET 29-2034.00)

  4. ARRT: Primary eligibility pathway requirements

    [4] Education, Ethics, and Examination requirements. Radiography and Sonography are listed primary-pathway disciplines. Checked 2026-09-24.

    Supports: Radiologic Technologists and Technicians (O*NET 29-2034.00), Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (O*NET 29-2032.00)

  5. O*NET: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

    [5] O*NET 30.3 occupational data

    Supports: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (O*NET 29-2032.00)

  6. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

    [6] How to Become: Education; Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. Updated 2026-08-27; checked 2026-09-24.

    Supports: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (O*NET 29-2032.00)

Defense contractor jobs for L17A

Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.

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