Radiology Technician Schools & Programs

Radiologic technologists earn a median salary of $65,140 per year (BLS, OEWS, May 2024), and the field is projected to add 17,400 openings annually over the coming decade. Radiology technician programs train students to operate X-ray machines and other diagnostic imaging equipment, producing the images physicians rely on to diagnose injuries and diseases. Most programs take about two years and combine classroom instruction in anatomy, physics, and patient care with extensive clinical rotations in hospitals and imaging centers. Graduates who earn ARRT certification enter a healthcare career with strong job stability and multiple paths for advancement into specialized modalities.

What Is a Radiology Technician Program?

A radiology technician (radiologic technology) program trains students to perform diagnostic imaging examinations, primarily X-rays, under the direction of radiologists and other physicians. The curriculum covers radiographic positioning, exposure techniques, radiation physics, image evaluation, and patient care. Students spend significant time in clinical settings learning to produce diagnostic-quality images while minimizing radiation exposure using ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles. Programs must be accredited by JRCERT (Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology) for graduates to be eligible for ARRT certification, which is the standard credential employers require. Accredited programs follow a structured sequence that moves from foundational science courses to progressively more complex imaging procedures and patient interactions across multiple clinical settings.

What You’ll Learn

• Radiographic positioning and exposure techniques for all body regions
• Radiation safety, protection principles, and ALARA practices
• Digital imaging systems, computed radiography (CR), and PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems)
• Radiation physics and equipment operation
• Human anatomy, physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy
• Patient care, IV contrast administration, and emergency procedures
• Image evaluation and quality control
• Medical ethics, law, and professional practice standards
• Venipuncture techniques for contrast media injection
• Communication skills for working with patients of all ages and conditions

How Long Does Training Take?

The most common pathway into radiologic technology is a two-year associate degree program at a community college or technical school. These programs balance imaging coursework with general education requirements and clinical rotations that expose students to a range of imaging scenarios. Bachelor’s degree programs take four years and include advanced coursework in management, education, or research methods that may improve career advancement opportunities, particularly for leadership or teaching roles. Hospital-based certificate programs, which typically run 21 to 24 months, are less common today and often require prior college credits for admission.

Regardless of the pathway, all programs include extensive clinical rotations, typically 1,000 or more hours across multiple imaging departments including general radiography, fluoroscopy, mobile and surgical radiography, and sometimes specialty areas. Tuition varies widely depending on the institution, ranging from roughly $5,000 to $15,000 per year at community colleges to $20,000 or more annually at private institutions. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement programs may help offset costs, and many community colleges offer payment plans.

Admissions & Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; prerequisite college courses in anatomy, math, and English are common
• Background check and drug screening required for clinical placements
• Current immunization records (hepatitis B, TB screening, flu shot, and others per clinical site)
• CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association) required before clinical rotations
• Physical ability to assist patients onto exam tables, position equipment, and wear lead protective gear for extended periods
• Competitive admission – many programs accept limited cohorts and use GPA-based or points-based selection
• Observation hours or prior healthcare experience may strengthen applications at selective programs
• Some programs require a minimum science GPA (often 2.5 or higher) in prerequisite coursework

Licensing & Certification

Graduates of JRCERT-accredited programs are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam in Radiography, earning the R.T.(R) credential. The exam is computer-based and covers radiation protection, equipment operation, image production, procedures, and patient care. Most states require licensure to practice, which is typically obtained by presenting your ARRT certification to the state licensing board along with any state-specific paperwork. ARRT requires 24 continuing education credits every two years for certification renewal, ensuring that radiologic technologists stay current with evolving technology and safety standards. After gaining clinical experience, radiologic technologists can pursue advanced ARRT credentials in specialties such as CT, MRI, mammography, and interventional radiography.

Career Outlook & Salary

Radiologic technologists and technicians earn a median annual salary of $65,140, with earners at the 25th percentile making around $52,110 and the top 10 percent earning above $97,710 (BLS, OEWS, May 2024). Employment is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. The BLS projects roughly 17,400 annual openings for radiologic technologists over that period, driven by retirements, career changes, and growing demand for diagnostic imaging services.

An aging population that requires more imaging procedures, combined with advances in imaging technology and expanded use of diagnostic imaging in emergency and outpatient settings, supports steady demand for qualified professionals. Salaries vary by location, employer type, and specialty certifications held. Rad techs who add CT, MRI, or mammography credentials often see meaningful salary increases compared to those with only the base radiography certification.

Where You’ll Work

Most radiologic technologists work in hospitals, which employ the largest share of the workforce in both inpatient and emergency department settings. Outpatient imaging centers represent a growing segment of the market as more diagnostic work moves outside hospital walls. Physician offices, urgent care clinics, and orthopedic practices also employ rad techs for on-site imaging needs. Some radiologic technologists work in mobile imaging units that travel to nursing homes, surgical centers, or rural locations where fixed imaging facilities are not available.

Hospital-based positions may include evenings, weekends, and on-call hours, particularly in facilities where imaging services run around the clock. Outpatient and clinic settings tend to offer more predictable weekday schedules. Regardless of the setting, rad techs work in environments that require attention to radiation safety protocols, patient positioning, and equipment operation.

Online vs In-Person Options

Radiology technician programs require substantial in-person attendance for clinical rotations and hands-on equipment training. Some programs offer hybrid delivery where didactic courses (radiation physics, anatomy, medical terminology) are completed online, but all positioning labs, equipment operation training, and clinical education must be done in person at approved sites. Fully online rad tech programs do not exist because JRCERT accreditation requires supervised clinical competencies with actual imaging equipment and patients. Students considering hybrid programs should confirm that the online components are delivered by the same accredited institution and count toward the same credential.

Browse by Location

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Career Guide

Radiologic technology offers a stable healthcare career with multiple advancement paths. After earning your initial ARRT certification in radiography, you can specialize in high-demand modalities like CT, MRI, mammography, or interventional radiography, each of which typically comes with higher pay and more focused clinical responsibilities. Many rad techs also move into supervisory roles such as lead technologist or imaging department manager, while others transition into quality assurance, radiation safety, equipment sales, or education positions. The combination of a relatively short training period, strong job outlook, and clear specialization pathways makes radiologic technology an appealing entry point into the broader healthcare imaging field.

Career Guide: Radiologic Technologist →

FAQs

What is the difference between a radiology technician and a radiology technologist?

The terms are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, but “radiologic technologist” is the official professional title used by the ARRT and most employers. Both refer to the same role: professionals who operate X-ray and imaging equipment. Some people use “technician” informally, while “technologist” reflects the formal credential (R.T.) and the level of education required. When searching for programs or job listings, you may see either term, but the credential and job duties are the same.

Can I specialize after becoming a rad tech?

Yes. After earning your initial ARRT certification in radiography, you can pursue post-primary certifications in computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammography, interventional radiography, cardiac catheterization, and other modalities. Each specialty requires additional clinical experience and passing the relevant ARRT exam. Specialization typically leads to higher pay, and many rad techs hold two or more ARRT credentials over the course of their careers.

Is radiation exposure a safety concern for rad techs?

Rad techs are trained extensively in radiation safety and follow ALARA principles to minimize exposure. They wear lead protective equipment, use shielding devices, monitor their cumulative exposure with dosimetry badges, and follow strict protocols for distance, time, and shielding. When these practices are followed correctly, occupational radiation exposure for rad techs is well within safe limits established by regulatory agencies. Programs devote significant curriculum time to radiation safety, and it is a major component of the ARRT certification exam.

How much do radiology technicians earn in their first year?

Entry-level radiologic technologists typically earn in the range of $39,000 to $52,000 per year, which corresponds roughly to the 10th to 25th percentile of wages reported by the BLS (OEWS, May 2024). Your starting salary depends on your geographic location, the type of facility you work in, whether you are in a metropolitan or rural area, and whether you hold any specialty certifications beyond the base radiography credential. Salaries tend to increase steadily with experience, additional certifications, and shift differentials for evening or weekend work.

What is the ARRT certification exam like?

The ARRT Radiography exam is a computer-based test with 200 multiple-choice questions covering five content areas: radiation protection, equipment operation and quality control, image acquisition and evaluation, procedures, and patient care and education. You have 3.5 hours to complete the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. Most graduates of accredited programs pass on their first attempt with thorough preparation using ARRT-aligned review materials. You must apply to ARRT, meet their ethics requirements, and have your program director verify your eligibility before scheduling.

Are there travel positions available for rad techs?

Yes. Travel radiologic technologist positions are widely available through healthcare staffing agencies and often come with premium pay, housing stipends, and other benefits. Assignments typically last 8 to 26 weeks at hospitals and imaging centers across the country. You generally need at least one to two years of clinical experience and current ARRT certification to qualify for travel assignments. Travel rad techs who hold multiple modality certifications, particularly CT, are especially in demand and may command higher compensation packages.

Salary data reflects U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for May 2024. Actual salaries vary by location, experience, and employer. Program availability and tuition costs vary by school.

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