Becoming a Radiology Technician

By: Andrew Colucci, MD

Last Updated: Jun 29, 2021

Radiology technicians produce clear and accurate images of the body, enabling physicians to diagnose and treat medical conditions that would otherwise be difficult to document. Technicians operate sophisticated equipment that includes X-ray, mammography, computerized axial tomography (CAT), and positron emission tomography (PET) scan devices. By guiding patients through each step of their medical imaging procedures, these specialists ensure the production of high quality images.

Technicians prepare patients by explaining each step of the medical imaging process. They also play an important role in assuaging the anxieties of patients who may be concerned about the procedure. After instructing patients to remove jewelry, clothing, or other items that could interfere with the equipment, radiology technicians position them correctly and protect them from overexposure. For example, they cover parts of the body not being filmed with lead aprons. Occasionally they inject barium- and iodine-based contrast agents to improve image quality.

After focusing the equipment and capturing the images on digital file or film, radiology technicians review the results of their work with radiologists, and take additional views when necessary. A radiology technician may also be responsible for updating patient records and maintaining the imaging equipment itself.

Radiologic technologists are radiology technicians who have progressed through continued education and training or those who acquired additional training and education before entering the field. Many radiology technologists specialize in a particular diagnostic test, such as mammography, and those with more than one specialty are considered highly desirable by employers. Regardless of the level of training - technician or technologist - or specialization, the precision work of these professionals enables physicians to diagnose and treat a wide variety of health concerns with accuracy and confidence.

Workplace Details

Radiology technicians work in hospitals, clinics, imaging centers, private physician offices or even mobile imaging service centers. While hospitals remain the leading job providers, they also tend to be much busier than outpatient settings. A radiology technician typically works a standard 40-hour week, but some positions require on-call night or weekend work.

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The current median annual wage for radiologic technologists is $61,900, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries typically range from $42,180 (the median of the bottom 10% of earners) to $92,660 (the median of the top 10%).

Hospitals and diagnostic laboratories generally pay higher levels of compensation than physicians’ offices. Technicians with certification to handle more equipment and machines are paid more generously than those who do not have additional training and experience. Radiology tech salaries also vary depending on geographical location and employer type. For example, radiology tech jobs in metropolitan areas and medical diagnostic laboratories often pay higher salaries than radiology tech jobs in rural areas and physician’s offices.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for radiologic technologists will rise faster than average at 7% through 2029.

In the past, one- or two-year certificate programs were available for radiology technicians, but today those certificate programs only provide a viable path for students who have already earned at least an associate degree in a different subject. Radiology techs are required to earn at minimum an associate degree, which takes two years to complete. This is the most popular path for aspiring radiology techs at this time. Programs are offered at almost all accredited community colleges and private (for-profit) institutions.

Some universities offer a bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology. Admission to one of these programs comes with its own criteria specific to the school. Common coursework includes radiation physics, anatomy, pathology and radiobiology.

Most schools require a portion of the curriculum to be hands-on to give students valuable patient contact experience. Many radiologic technology programs are now also requiring coding or medical office courses, as some jobs will require those skills to be utilized in practice.

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is the official accrediting body for radiography training programs. It is very important to take a JRCERT-accredited training program because it will later qualify you for certification.

Certification follows radiologic technology training and is awarded by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) after passing the certification exam. While certification isn’t mandatory for radiology technicians, it’s very difficult to get hired without it. Also, primary certification as a Registered Technologist, Radiography (RT(R)) is required for licensure in many states.

In addition to the educational requirements above, you’ll need to pass a background check and achieve a passing score on the certification exam in order to get your RT(R) credential from ARRT. To maintain ARRT-certified status, 24 hours of continuing education every two years is required.

Most states require radiology technicians to secure a license. Requirements differ in each state. Some states use ARRT exams for licensing, but you should contact the relevant state’s health board for more information.

Radiology technicians are frequently “technologists-in-training.” A technologist candidate is eligible to seek certification after meeting experience and training requirements obtained as a technician. Certified radiology technologists may also be asked to train or manage entry-level technicians. Last but not least, numerous specializations within rad tech allow you to focus on a specialty of your choice and enhance your earning potential.

If you already hold an associate degree or higher in any field, you can become a radiology technician by completing a radiography certificate program approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Once you graduate, you’ll be eligible to sit for your primary (entry-level) certification exam.

Most certificate programs have prerequisites. So if your degree is outside the medical field, you may need to take additional classes in anatomy and physiology, algebra, writing, medical terminology, and technology in order to qualify for admission.

Certificate coursework focuses on the skills you need to pass the certification exam and practice clinically as a radiology technician. A few subjects you’ll probably encounter:

As a radiography certificate student, you’ll also rotate through a variety of clinical settings where you’ll practice your skills under supervision.

The most common way to enter the radiology technician profession is to earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in radiologic technology or radiography.

AAS programs can be found at community, technical, and career colleges and some 4-year colleges. To avoid certification hassles down the road, verify that the program you choose is approved by ARRT.

Some AAS programs require you to meet prerequisites before admission. (These will be similar to the prereqs for a certificate program.) Others roll these classes into the first-year of the curriculum. To learn more, check the admissions requirements for each school you’re considering.

The AAS-level radiography curriculum combines classes with supervised clinical practice in hospitals and imaging labs. Some topics you can expect to cover:

Whether you’re already a practicing radiology technician or new to the field, there are several good reasons to consider getting a bachelor’s degree.

A 4-year degree provides a lot of advancement potential. With a bachelor’s, it’s much easier to become a lead technician, healthcare administrator, equipment sales manager, or clinical instructor.

A bachelor’s is also essential if you want to go onto graduate school. This is the typical pathway for techs who want to become college professors, conduct research, or train as radiologist assistants.

Bachelor’s-level students spend 2-3 years completing their radiology prerequisites and general education courses. (General education includes the humanities, physical education, foreign language, and other requirements common to all degrees.) They then spend 1-2 years taking radiology classes and rotating through clinical placements at hospitals and imaging laboratories.

The radiologic technology class sequence is similar to the certificate program curriculum. It covers:

This field presents many opportunities for advancement through specialization. In addition to primary RT(R) certification, ARRT offers 11 post-primary certifications for radiology technicians, listed below. Candidates must meet structured education and clinical experience requirements and pass an exam.

• Mammography
• Computed tomography (CT)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Quality Management
• Bone Densitometry
• Cardiac Interventional Radiography
• Vascular Interventional Radiography
• Sonography
• Vascular Sonography
• Breast Sonography
• Radiologist Assistant