If you've ever had an X-ray or a CT scan, there's a good chance you've interacted with radiologic technologists. But few people consider this incredible healthcare career for their future—which is a shame because working in radiology can be so rewarding.
If you are looking into this hands-on healthcare career, you already know a radiologic technologist (also called radiology tech or rad tech) uses medical imaging equipment to scan patients and provide images for a radiologist to evaluate and diagnose.
*Note, some people assume the term "rad tech" stands for radiology technician, but that's a different role! The correct term in the industry for someone who performs imaging exams is technologist.
This career that combines the interpersonal aspect of patient care with some of the more high-tech elements of modern-day healthcare. It offers a defined role in one specific section of the hospital or outpatient center, and a more reliable schedule than most healthcare jobs.
Does that sound like what you're looking for? Read on to discover how to become a radiologic technologist.
5 steps to become a radiologic technologist
The first news is good news, radiology techs don't usually need a traditional four-year degree. You do, however, need specific training in the technical skills and tools radiologic technologists use. This could include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scanning and the medical imaging procedures a radiology technologist will follow.
1. Choose a radiologic technology program
Most radiologic technologist programs are offered at an associate degree level. At Rasmussen, you can complete the radiologic technology program in as few as 24 months.1
Though there are some four-year programs, the field of radiology has so many post-certification options that an associate degree program is often the perfect starting point to launch your radiologic technologist career.
If you are worried about managing a full load of courses, however, there are flexible options. For example, Rasmussen College offers a Radiologic Technology Associate's degree program with online coursework in addition to clinical experiences and on-campus labs.
When choosing a program, one of the most important things to consider is how adequately it prepares you for certification. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® (ARRT) is the primary certifying organization for radiologic technologists.
In fact, many states require radiologic technologists to obtain AART credentials as part of their licensure process. If you’re not sure your prospective program will work, check the AART website.
2. Complete your coursework and get certified
If you’re curious about the kind of courses you’d have to take as a radiologic technology major, you can expect topics like anatomy, pathology and patient care. You can also expect a fair amount of hands-on training, working directly with various technology equipment and programs.
With good instructors and a bit of dedication, you will be well-prepared to get certified by the time you graduate. To acquire certification, the ARRT requires applicants to take a comprehensive exam, testing your vocabulary and relevant knowledge.
Before you take the ARRT exam, there a couple of things to know.
- It can be intimidating at first. Security at an ARRT testing center is pretty intense. On top of showing two forms of ID and being photographed, your palms will be scanned before and after the test for authentication.2
- You can request accommodations. Not only can you submit a formal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) request, but if you just test better without the sound of people coughing or typing loudly, you can request earplugs or noise-reduction headphones before the test begins.2
- Your preliminary score is not your final score. When you finish the exam, your computer will display a score based on the multiple-choice questions you answered, but this does not reflect the entire exam. You will receive your final score via mail within three weeks of your exam date.2
3. Seek out state licensure where you want to work
More than 75 percent of states require radiologic technologists to be licensed. Though some states have stricter policies than others, many accept certification from the ARRT or an equivalent organization as sufficient proof of qualification.
Before you venture on your path to becoming a radiologic technologist, check your state’s requirements to ensure you’re checking all the right boxes as you map your route.
4. Start your job search!
While most radiologic technologists work in hospitals, you can also look for opportunities at imaging centers, therapy centers or obstetrician centers. Regardless of where you work, you should be able to expect a pretty consistent work schedule.
Compared to other healthcare professionals who often have to work long shifts and overnight hours, radiologic technology professionals tend to have steadier scheduled hours. For example, some employers allow you to choose between eight- and ten-hour shifts; four- or five-day weeks; first, second or third shifts; and weekend programs.
Keep this variety in mind as you launch your radiologic technologist job search.
5. Look into a post-certification area of specialization
After completing your associate or bachelor's degree, earning your certification, becoming licensed and launching your career in radiologic technology, you might feel drawn to some of the specialization options for radiologic technologists.
There are a number of different areas you could focus your radiology career on if desired. Post-certification options for radiologic technologists include the following:
- Angiography technologist
- Bone densitometry technologist
- CT technologist
- Mammography technologists
- MRI technologist
- Nuclear medicine technologist
- Sonographer
- Vascular sonography technologist
These specializations all require different or additional education than is offered at Rasmussen University or additional work experience or certification(s).
The post-certification process typically involves taking 16-20 classroom hours, completing a list of clinical procedures and taking an exam similar to your basic ARRT exam. Continuing education classes are offered from a variety of third-party organizations and universities, as well as the American Society of Radiologic Technologists® (ASRT).
A day in the life of a radiologic technologist
Now that you see the steps laid out, you might want some assurance that you'd enjoy the daily work of a radiologic technologist. Take a look to decide if you are a good fit for this career.
Diagnostic imaging exams
A radiologic technologist performs diagnostic imaging examinations like X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT scans, but one of the most important aspects of the job is actually communicating with patients.
Working with patients
In many cases, patients visiting a radiologic technologist come to their appointments scared or in pain. After all, your scans could reveal the presence of cancer or life-threatening abnormalities. Children can be terrified of your imaging equipment, and patients might also be experiencing high levels of pain.
A comforting, compassionate and competent presence in that imaging room can make all the difference to patients. If you are good at helping people feel safe, this is a really good career to consider.
Communicating with physicians
Radiologic technologists also communicate regularly with physicians. Unlike radiology technicians, who focus mainly on setting up X-rays and maintaining the equipment, technologists help interpret the X-rays, often collaborating with the primary doctor to reach a diagnosis.
Perfecting your scans
Along with being a communication-heavy profession, radiologic technology also requires some creativity and precision. Working in diagnostic imaging means getting the right picture for a diagnosis which requires you to use your expert eye to find the right angle.
It’s not quite the same as framing vintage pics on social media, but you’ll have to use your attention to detail to get the right depth and contrast for an effective image.
Okay, so what does a radiologic technologist program cost?
If you’re hoping for a rewarding career in healthcare, becoming a radiology tech is a great move. But there are important logistics to consider. What is the tuition cost for one of these programs? When could you start? Are there any prerequisites? How do you enroll?
Get all the specifics at Rasmussen College’s Radiologic Technology degree page. If you don't see an answer to all your questions, fill out the information form at the bottom of the page, and a representative will get back to you.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2019. It has since been updated to include information relevant to 2024.
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® is a registered trademark of The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
American Society of Radiologic Technologists® is a registered trademark of American Society of Radiologic Technologists.
1Completion time is dependent on number of transfer credits accepted and the number of courses completed each term.
2The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, What To Expect On Exam Day, (accessed April, 2024), Exam Day - ARRT
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