Becoming a radiology technician typically takes two to four years, depending on the degree you pursue. The path involves completing an accredited educational program, passing a national certification exam, and obtaining a state license. The median annual wage for radiologic technologists was $77,660 in May 2024, and employment is projected to grow 5 percent over the next decade.
Education You’ll Need
The minimum educational requirement is an associate degree in radiologic technology, though some programs offer bachelor’s degrees. You’ll find accredited programs at community colleges, universities, vocational schools, hospitals, and military facilities. Programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) are the standard, and completing one is a requirement for sitting for the national certification exam.
Associate degree programs generally take about two years to complete, though some accelerated formats compress the timeline. Prerequisite courses vary by program, but most expect foundational coursework in anatomy, physiology, math, and English before admission. There’s no universal prerequisite list set by the accrediting body, so check directly with the programs you’re considering. Tuition varies widely depending on the institution. A private university program can run $30,000 per year, while community college programs are often significantly less expensive, sometimes under $10,000 annually for in-state students.
Coursework covers radiation physics, patient positioning, image quality, anatomy, and radiation safety. You’ll also spend a significant portion of your training in clinical rotations, working alongside practicing technologists in hospitals or imaging centers. Clinical hours typically run about 20 hours per week alongside your classroom schedule, giving you hands-on experience with real patients and equipment before you graduate.
Passing the ARRT Certification Exam
After graduating from an accredited program, your next step is earning certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). This is the credential most employers require and most states recognize. To qualify, you need to meet three requirements: education (completing your accredited program), ethics (demonstrating good moral character through a background review), and examination (passing the ARRT exam in radiography).
The primary eligibility pathway is the route most people use for their first ARRT credential. It’s straightforward: finish your program, apply, and take the exam. The test covers patient care, radiation safety, image production, procedures, and equipment operation. Once you pass, you can use the R.T.(R) credential after your name, which signals to employers and patients that you’ve met a recognized professional standard.
State Licensure Requirements
Nearly every state regulates the practice of radiography, though the terminology differs. Some states issue a “license,” others call it a “certificate,” “permit,” or “registration.” The practical effect is the same: you need state-level permission to work. States like New York, California, Texas, Florida, and most others all have some form of regulatory requirement. Missouri is a notable exception, with no specific radiography licensure listed on the American Society of Radiologic Technologists’ regulatory summary.
Most states require ARRT certification as the baseline for granting a state license. Some add their own application, fees, or background check on top of the national credential. Before you start job hunting, check your state’s radiation control or health department website for the exact process. If you plan to move or work across state lines, you’ll likely need to apply for licensure in each new state.
What the Job Looks Like Day to Day
Radiology technicians spend most of their time working directly with patients. Your core responsibilities include assessing patients before procedures, positioning them correctly for imaging, and operating the equipment to produce diagnostic images. You’ll perform or assist with X-rays, mammograms, fluoroscopy studies, and sometimes MRI or CT scans depending on your credentials and workplace.
Radiation safety is a constant part of the job. You’ll apply shielding, monitor exposure levels, and follow strict protocols to protect both patients and yourself. Beyond the technical work, you’re also responsible for documenting procedures, managing patient records, and in some settings, preparing and administering contrast agents used to enhance images. The work environment can range from a large hospital radiology department handling trauma cases around the clock to an outpatient imaging center with scheduled appointments and predictable hours.
Salary and Job Growth
Radiologic technologists and technicians earned a median annual wage of $77,660 in May 2024, which works out to roughly $37.97 per hour. Those who specialize in MRI earned more, with a median of $88,180. The broader category of radiologic and MRI technologists had a combined median pay of $78,980.
Job prospects are solid. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5 percent employment growth from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average across all occupations. An aging population that needs more diagnostic imaging drives much of this demand. Hospitals remain the largest employers, but outpatient care centers and physician offices also hire radiologic technologists in significant numbers.
Specializing After Certification
Once you hold your initial ARRT credential in radiography, you can branch into higher-paying specialties through postprimary certification. Common paths include CT (computed tomography), MRI, mammography, interventional radiology, and cardiac catheterization. Each specialty requires structured education in that modality, documented clinical experience, and passing an additional ARRT exam.
For the most ambitious, the Registered Radiologist Assistant (R.R.A.) credential represents the highest level of advancement. It requires a master’s degree on top of your initial radiography certification. R.R.A.s work under radiologist supervision and take on advanced clinical duties, including fluoroscopy procedures and preliminary image evaluations. This path adds several years of education but significantly expands your scope of practice and earning potential.
Keeping Your Credentials Current
ARRT certification isn’t a one-time achievement. Every two years, you must complete and report 24 approved continuing education credits to maintain your credential. This requirement stays at 24 credits regardless of how many ARRT credentials you hold, so adding a CT or MRI specialty doesn’t double your CE burden. Registered Radiologist Assistants have a higher bar at 50 credits per biennium.
Continuing education covers topics like new imaging techniques, updated safety protocols, patient care practices, and advances in technology. Many technologists complete these credits through online courses, professional conferences, or workshops offered by employers. Staying current isn’t just a credential requirement; imaging technology evolves quickly, and the skills you learned in school will need regular updating throughout your career.