We may think of x-ray vision as a comic book superpower, but real people use this power for good every day. Radiology technicians and radiologic technologists use x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) to examine the internal structures of the body and help physicians diagnose health problems in patients.
Exactly what does a radiologic technologist do on the job? Is it possible to earn an online associates degree in radiology? How long do radiology technician certificate programs take to complete? We'll dive into these subjects and others on this page, including radiologic technologist salary figures and job outlook projections.
What do Radiologic Technologists Do?
The specific tasks performed by a radiologic technologist tend to depend on the facility where they work and the individual procedures ordered on a given day, but many of those specific tasks share the same set of general responsibilities. Take a look at this quick list of duties performed by most radiologic technologists in the course of their workday:
- Inspecting, adjusting and maintaining medical imaging equipment
- Preparing patients mentally and physically for imaging procedures
- Aligning the equipment with the area of the patient's body to be imaged
- Capturing radiologic images and keeping detailed patient records
- Working with physicians to determine whether further imaging is necessary
Radiologic Technologist Specializations
There are multiple specialization paths within the medical imaging field. Students in radiologic technologist school may be able to concentrate on one of the following specializations during their training program:
- Bone densitometry
- Mammography
- Computed tomography
- Ultrasound
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Forensic radiography
- Dosimetry
- Nuclear medicine
If your training program doesn't include training in your preferred specialization, never fear. You may be able to focus your attention on a specialized use of radiography while you learn on the job.
How to Become a Radiologic Technologist
Radiology training programs at the college level usually consist of a combination of classroom and clinical training. Take a look at this rundown of the steps that most aspiring radiologic technologists take on their way into the profession:
- Complete your high school diploma or equivalent
- Find out if your state requires radiologic technicians to be licensed
- Consider becoming certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
High school students hoping to get on the path toward a radiologic technology career should try and take as many courses as possible in relevant scientific fields like biology, physics and chemistry. A solid science background can help when studying college-level subjects like these:
- Radiation science
- Radiographic procedures
- Medical imaging
- Medical terminology
- Clinical modalities
- Human anatomy and physiology
- X-ray physics
Radiologic Technologist Degree and Certificate Programs
There are several types of rad tech programs available, mostly from vocational schools, community colleges and health care institutes. Data from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) reveals that nearly two-thirds of surveyed radiologic techs possess an associate degree and around 25 percent hold a post-secondary certificate. Here's a quick rundown of the different levels of training:
- Undergraduate certificates and diplomas. Certificate plans are typically the shortest study plans available in the field, but many radiology technician certificate programs are restricted to students who already have some prior college education. These non-degree programs tend to cover career-focused courses without much general education content.
- Associate degree. The BLS reports that most radiologic technologists need at least an associate degree to begin their careers. These programs can usually be completed in around two years of full-time study, and they aim to provide enough direct clinical experience to help you step into the working world with confidence.
- Bachelor's degree. The four-year undergraduate degree tends not to be required by employers of entry-level radiology techs, but this degree level can be a good choice if you've got an unrelated associate degree or otherwise hold enough college credit to make a bachelor's your best option.
If you're an established radiology tech and you want to move up a level in your career, you can also consider going back to school for a master's degree in radiology. Graduate degrees usually take two to three years of full-time study to complete.
Hands-on Training at Radiologic Technologist Schools
Nearly every accredited radiologic technology program contains considerable hands-on training in its clinical experience sections. Learning in a hands-on environment can not only help you better understand how the lessons translate to a functioning workplace, but you can also become familiar with the practical environment of the profession.
If you think you might have a hard time completing hands-on healthcare training, don't hesitate to discuss it with a registrar or advisor before you enroll.
Radiologic Technologist Online Programs
The hands-on clinical requirements of most training programs in radiologic technology make it somewhat difficult to train students entirely in the virtual classroom. Hybrid programs, where you take classroom courses online and visit a campus or learning center for clinical training, are more common.
Now, the difficulty of conducting clinical training at a distance doesn't mean that online education offers nothing for a prospective radiologic technologist. Online programs exist to help established rad techs complete their bachelor's degree and become radiologic scientists or specialized health care administrators.
Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART) offers a robust selection of certification options for professional rad techs. The credentials it offers include general radiography as well as specializations such as CT, MRI, mammography and bone densitometry.
Two primary levels of certification are available at ARRT: primary and postprimary. If you're new to radiologic technology, the primary certifications in radiography, sonography, MRI, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy are your only options. Once you've been certified and registered, the more specialized postprimary credentials become open to you.
Some states require radiology technicians to be licensed. These states require candidates to complete an accredited program and pass a certification exam. ARRT certification may satisfy licensure requirements in some states, while others may ask candidates to complete a separate state exam.
Top Radiology Technician Programs for 2020
To find the best schools for radiology technicians, we analyzed data from the U.S. Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics. We looked for schools that were both accessible and flexible, and our methodology included factors such as tuition, graduation rates and employment rates. Here's a look at the top radiology technician programs in the nation, according to our findings.
Enrolling more than 3,500 credit and continuing education students each semester, Galveston College offers both academic transfer and workforce programs. The school strives to provide a student-focused learning environment that is progressive and dynamic. It is part of the Achieving the Dream initiative which seeks to remove barriers to student success.
Radiology technician programs at GC: Future radiology technicians can earn an Associate of Applied Science in radiography from Galveston College. The two-year program includes several practicum courses in which students can gain hands-on experience. Graduates are eligible to sit for the board exam from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. GC reports that in 2018, 92 percent of graduates passed the exam on the first try and the program had a 100 percent job placement rate.
With more than 200 education options, Central Georgia Technical College works to meet the needs of students from all walks of life. It has both traditional and online degree programs, as well as those that result in diplomas and technical certificates of credit. With a history dating back to 1962, the college is part of the Technical College System of Georgia.
Radiology technician programs at CGTC: Students can earn a radiologic technology associate degree at either CGTC's Warner Robins or Macon campuses. The curriculum includes both classroom and clinical instruction. Across both campuses, approximately 90 percent of students complete the program and nearly an equal amount pass the national certification exam on the first try. CGTC reports that their radiologic technology program has averaged a 100 percent job placement rate over the past five years.
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College maintains four campuses and offers classes at eight different locations as well, including Moody Air Force Base. The school enrolls nearly 5,500 students in its more than 140 programs of study. The college was formed in 2010 and is a part of the Technical College System of Georgia.
Radiology technician programs at WGTC: WGTC offers both degree and certificate programs for those who want to work in the field of radiologic technology. The radiologic technician assistant certificate may be best for those who want to work in a support role. Meanwhile, the radiologic technology degree plan is designed to prepare students for entry-level jobs as a radiographer. Graduates are eligible to sit for the radiography exam from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
There are nearly 120 academic and workforce programs available at West Georgia Technical College. The school maintains nine campuses and instructional sites, and programs in seven fields are available entirely online. WGTC is a part of the Technical College System of Georgia and operates under the core values of professionalism, integrity, student success and academic excellence.
Radiology technician programs at WGTC: The radiologic technology program at WGTC is offered on the college's Douglas and LaGrange campuses. Students can earn an Associate of Applied Science in radiologic technology that aims to provide them the instruction needed to work in entry-level jobs. Not only can students learn about the primary field of radiography, but they are also introduced to subspecialties such as CTs, MRIs and ultrasounds. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification exam.
Mt. San Antonio College has a reputation for providing area residents with affordable and flexible education options. Founded in 1946, the school focuses on providing its students with a full college experience at a cost that is only a tenth of that charged by University of California institutions. The college has more than 260 education options -- including many online degree and certificate plans — plus more than 50 student clubs and athletic programs and 25 support programs.
Radiologic technician programs at Mt. SAC: The popular radiologic technology program at Mt. SAC is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and often has a waitlist. The school's associate degree in radiologic technology program can prepare students for entry-level positions and qualify them to sit for state and national certification exams.
Amarillo College is built on a culture of caring. It seeks to create a learning environment that is fun, innovative and accessible. The school has a No Excuses 2020 strategic plan intended to improve student success and align programs to meet the local labor market's needs. Founded in 1929, Amarillo College was the first junior college district established in Texas.
Radiology technician programs at AC: The radiography program at AC is affiliated with local acute-care hospitals which can provide students access to real-world training and experience. What's more, students may rotate through clinical experiences at area physician offices and free-standing imaging clinics. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science in radiography and are eligible to sit for the national certification exam offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
More than 400,000 students have received an education at the College of Lake County since the school's opening in 1969. Today, enrollment stands at more than 13,500 annually, and students can choose from traditional and online degree programs in academic and technical fields. College of Lake County says that, across all programs, it seeks to nurture a community atmosphere and individual achievement.
Radiology technician programs at CLC: The medical imaging program at CLC is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Students who complete it earn an Associate of Applied Science in medical imaging and are qualified to take the national certification exam from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. This is a popular program with a competitive admissions process. CLC notes approximately 90 applicants vie for 25 spots each year.
As one of the largest community colleges in Michigan, Lansing Community College offers more than 200 degree and certificate programs. The school was founded in 1957 and serves more than 23,000 students annually across its five campus locations. Online courses and programs are available as well.
Radiology technician programs at LCC: Students at LCC can earn an Associate of Applied Science in radiologic technology from the school's medical diagnostic technologies program. The degree program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, and LCC's courses may be taken online, on-campus or through a hybrid format. The five-semester program includes hands-on instruction at clinical sites. Graduates are eligible to take the national certification exam from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Established in 1986, Ogeechee Technical College is a part of the Technical College System of Georgia. Initially, the school taught nursing students, but it has since expanded to offer programs that culminate in degrees, diplomas or certificates in 35 fields of interest. Students learn in small classes — a 14:1 ratio — where they can get personalized attention.
Radiology technician programs at OTC: Starting each spring semester, the radiologic technology program at OTC uses a competitive admissions process to admit students to its accredited degree program. Students can gain hands-on experience in clinical settings and should be prepared to sit for the national certification exam from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists after graduation. OTC notes that, since 2003, its students have had a 100 percent first-time pass rate on the exam.
This public community college has a long history, dating all the way back to 1898. St. Philip's College is part of the Alamo Colleges District and is the only school in the nation to be federally designated as both a Historically Black College and a Hispanic Serving Institution. More than 11,500 students are enrolled at SPC, which offers both traditional and online courses.
Radiology technician programs at SPC: St. Philip's College offers a radiography technologist program that is accredited by the Joint Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Graduates earn an associate degree in radiology technology and are qualified to sit for the national certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Students can expect to gain hands-on clinical experience in area hospitals and imaging centers.
Career Advancement Options for Radiologic Technologists
Radiologic technology is similar to many other health care fields in that it has several levels of clinical responsibility for entry-level techs to aspire to. Job titles such as lead radiographer and chief technologist may be available to experienced rad techs without much additional schooling.
If you're hoping to take a big leap forward, though, returning to school and earning a bachelor's degree or higher may help you move up several rungs on the career ladder. Learning health care administration or advanced concepts in radiology can prepare you to work as a medical office manager or a registered radiologist assistant (RRA).
Program Costs and Financial Aid
Skills and Abilities for Radiologic Technologists
Having a certain set of skills and tendencies may be able to give you an edge over other working rad techs, once you take your skills out into the workforce. Here's a list of the top traits for radiologic technologists, according to a list compiled by O*NET:
- Active listening can help you better communicate with patients before and during radiologic procedures
- Operation monitoring helps you determine when tests have completed successfully, as well as whether or not your equipment is working as it should
- Reading comprehension is a must, since instructions from physicians and other healthcare personnel tend to be delivered in writing
- Control precision, or the ability to quickly and accurately adjust the controls of a machine, can help one of your main tasks go more smoothly
- Information ordering can help you make sure that you're doing the right steps in the right order — a vitally important trait in diagnostic medicine
Radiologic Technologist Salary and Career Outlook
How much you can expect to make in a radiologic technology career depends on several factors. Geography can come into play, with certain states paying more on average than others, and the amount of education and experience that you have is often taken into account when determining your pay rate.
Despite that natural variation, national radiologic technologist salary averages can give you a good idea of what you might earn on the job. Here's a table of salary and job outlook data, compiled using numbers from the BLS:
Career | Total Employment | Average Salary | Projected Job Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | 207,360 | $63,120 | 9% |
Professional Resources for Radiologic Technologists
Not all graduates of rad tech programs take up membership in a professional organization once they're part of the workforce, but most trade associations and other groups offer a range of benefits for those who do choose to join. Here are just a few of the organizations available to radiologic technologists in the U.S.:
- The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) participates in legislative advocacy on behalf of the radiologic professions, as well as offering instant access to continuing education credits and professional development webcasts.
- The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) offers its members hundreds of continuing education courses, opportunities for research and education grants and free subscriptions to its newsmagazine and peer-reviewed journal.
- The Society for MR Radiographers & Technologists (SMRT), a division of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM), provides its members with career assistance, networking opportunities and a variety of discounts on products and services.