Most radiologic technologists complete an accredited associate degree program in radiography, which takes about two years, then pass the ARRT radiography exam to earn the R.T.(R) credential. Most states also require a state license. Once working, many technologists add advanced credentials in CT, MRI, mammography or interventional imaging.
Inside the imaging department
Radiologic technologists, often called rad techs or X-ray techs, produce the images that radiologists read. The job is part technology, part patient care, part physics.
- Positioning patients: getting a clear image means moving people who are in pain, injured or anxious into exact positions, quickly and kindly.
- Radiation safety: choosing exposure settings, shielding and protecting patients, coworkers and yourself.
- Where you work: hospitals (including the emergency department, surgery and bedside imaging with portable machines), outpatient imaging centers, urgent care and orthopedic clinics.
- The physical side: long stretches on your feet, lifting and transferring patients, and in hospitals, nights, weekends and on-call shifts.
Training options
- Associate degree: the most common route, about two years at a community college or technical school, combining coursework in anatomy, physics, positioning and patient care with extensive clinical rotations.
- Bachelor’s degree: about four years, helpful if you want to move into management, education or advanced modalities later.
- Hospital-based certificate programs: often about two years, best for people who already have a degree, since the ARRT requires an associate degree or higher to sit for the exam.
- Military training: the armed forces train radiologic specialists, and that experience can count toward civilian credentials.
Look for programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), the main accreditor for radiography programs, so your path to the ARRT exam is clear.
Credentials and state licensing
The ARRT exam is the national credential most employers expect, and keeping it requires ongoing continuing education. Most states also license or regulate radiologic technologists, often relying on ARRT status. A few states have their own exams or rules for limited-scope operators. Requirements vary by state, so check your state licensing board or radiation control agency.
The path from high school
- Take biology, anatomy if offered, algebra and physics. Health science classes help too.
- Volunteer or work in a hospital or clinic to get comfortable around patients.
- Complete prerequisites, often anatomy and physiology, math and English, then apply to radiography programs. Many are competitive and some have waitlists.
- Finish coursework and clinical rotations, then pass the ARRT radiography exam.
- Get your state license and take a first job, often in a hospital where you see a wide range of cases.
- Add a specialty such as CT or MRI after gaining experience.
How to know if it fits
- Shadow a rad tech in a hospital, including time in the emergency department.
- Take an intro anatomy and physiology class at a community college.
- Work as a patient transporter or front desk staff in imaging for a few months.
- Talk with technologists through informational interviews about which specialties they recommend and why.
Who it suits
This work suits people who like technology and science but want patient contact, can follow protocols precisely and stay calm with someone in pain. Common reasons people switch out include physical strain, repetitive work in some settings and shift schedules. Many move into specialties, sonography, management or teaching.
For career changers
Radiography is a popular second career because an associate program is relatively short and leads directly to a job. Prior medical, military or customer-facing experience helps with patient care. See our guides to changing careers, starting at community college and building a career without a bachelor’s degree. For pay and outlook, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Where a mentor helps
A mentor helps a young adult explore imaging and other health careers, plan prerequisites and applications, stay accountable through demanding clinical rotations and prepare for the first job. Mentors are not credentialed career counselors, admissions counselors or licensing experts. Learn about our career and education mentoring and young adult mentoring.
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Common questions
How long does it take to become a radiologic technologist?
Most people finish an associate degree program in about two years after prerequisites, then take the ARRT exam.
What is the ARRT?
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists is the national credentialing body for radiologic technologists. Passing its radiography exam earns the R.T.(R) credential.
Is a rad tech the same as a radiologist?
No. A radiologist is a physician who interprets images after medical school and residency. A radiologic technologist operates the equipment and works with patients to produce the images.
Can I move into MRI or CT later?
Yes. Many technologists add credentials in CT, MRI, mammography or other modalities after working in radiography.
Get started
Interested in a health career with a shorter training path? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.