March 17, 2025

How to Become a Radiologic Tech: Requirements and Salary

From education to salary, this guide will help you understand what it takes to become a radiology technician.

Written by

Emma Collins

Reviewed by

Maegan Baker, BSN RN CCM

Heading 2

What is a Radiologic Technologist?

Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers or radiology techs, are allied health professionals who perform diagnostic imaging procedures such as:

X-rays
Computed tomography (CT)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Positron emission tomography (PET)
Mammography
Vascular interventional radiography
Bone densitometry
Nuclear medicine
Sonography

These imaging procedures help visualize bones, tissues, and organs, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions, from broken bones to stroke and cancer. Rad techs are responsible for:

Reviewing and recording patient histories
Preparing patients for imaging procedures
Positioning patients and equipment correctly
Maintaining radiation safety protocols
Ensuring images are clear and accurate for physician interpretation
Operating specialized imaging equipment
Documenting procedures and maintaining patient records

It's important to understand the difference between a radiologic technologist and a radiologic technician. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, technologists generally have more education and responsibilities than technicians. Technologists typically hold an associate's or bachelor's degree, while technicians may have certificate-level training.

Radiologic Technologist Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), radiologic technologists earned a median annual salary of $76,020. However, salaries can vary significantly based on:

Geographic location (state and urban vs. rural areas)
Years of experience
Level of education (associate's vs. bachelor's degree)
Specialization and additional certifications
Work setting (hospital vs. private practice)

Specialized certifications can significantly increase earning potential.

Learn more about rad tech salaries here.

The job outlook for radiologic technologists remains strong, with the BLS projecting an 6% growth for diagnostic medical sonographers and related imaging technicians over the next decade. This growth rate is faster than the average for all occupations, driven by an aging population that will require more medical diagnostic procedures.

Steps to Become a Radiologic Technologist

Step 1: Complete High School Education

Build a foundation with a high school diploma or GED, focusing on science courses like biology, anatomy, physics, and chemistry. Math and computer skills are also valuable.

Step 2: Earn a Radiologic Technology Degree

Most rad techs complete an associate's degree from a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). These programs typically take 2 years and include:

Classroom instruction in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and radiation physics
Laboratory work with imaging equipment
Supervised clinical practice in health care settings

Bachelor's degree programs in radiologic technology are also available and may provide additional career advancement opportunities.

Step 3: Earn ARRT Certification in Radiography

In addition to completing an associate’s degree (or higher), the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) candidates must meet two additional requirements: ethics and examination.

Ethics Requirement

Applicants must adhere to ARRT’s Standards of Ethics, which require demonstrating good moral character. This includes reporting any potential ethical violations or issues, such as criminal convictions, that might affect certification eligibility. Maintaining high ethical standards is critical for ensuring professionalism in the medical imaging field.

Examination Requirement

After meeting the education and ethics requirements, candidates must pass the ARRT examination in radiography.

This computer-based test evaluates your knowledge of topics such as:

Patient care
Radiation safety
Image production
Imaging procedures

Additional Notes

Candidates must apply for ARRT certification within three years of completing their educational program; otherwise, they must redo the education and ethics requirements to requalify.

Step 4: Secure State Licensing

State licensing is a critical requirement for most radiologic technologists, though the specific rules vary widely across the United States. It’s important to note that state licensing is separate from ARRT certification, although many states incorporate ARRT credentials into their licensing process. There are three main types of state regulation:

Licensure: Requires formal permission from a state board, typically involving proof of education, passing exams, or holding ARRT certification.
Standard-Based Regulation: Includes meeting specific national credentialing requirements, such as ARRT certification, before practicing.
Equipment-Based Regulation: Focuses on specific requirements for operating imaging machinery.

Some states, such as California and Texas, have strict licensing requirements, including passing additional exams specific to the state. In contrast, states like Colorado and Missouri do not require a state license, leaving it up to employers to set credentialing expectations, with ARRT certification often being preferred.

Radiologic technologists must verify and meet their state’s unique requirements, which can include graduating from an accredited program, passing the ARRT exam, or adhering to federal standards like the MQSA (Mammography Quality Standards Act) for mammographers. Failing to meet these requirements can delay or prevent career progression.

To ensure compliance, check with your state’s licensing board or regulatory agency for up-to-date requirements. Moving between states may also require fulfilling additional licensing steps, depending on local rules.

Learn more about rad tech licensing here.

Step 5: Maintaining Your Rad Tech Certification

Maintaining your ARRT certification is not just about meeting standards—it's a crucial step in staying competitive, adapting to industry advancements and building a lasting career in radiologic technology. Radiologic technologists must renew their certifications annually, completing this process by the last day of their birth month. This ensures compliance with ARRT’s professional standards and includes a renewal fee, which will shift to a flat $65 rate starting in January 2026. Additionally, every two years, technologists must earn 24 approved continuing education (CE) credits (or 50 for Registered Radiologist Assistants). Acceptable CE activities include online courses, self-study readings, or seminars, and individuals should track their biennium dates to avoid probation.

For those who earned ARRT credentials after January 1, 2011, or for Registered Radiologist Assistants, completing Continuing Qualifications Requirements (CQR) every 10 years is also mandatory. This process helps technologists identify skill gaps and ensures they meet current industry standards. It includes creating a professional profile, completing a self-assessment, and fulfilling any assigned CE activities within a three-year timeframe.

Step 6 (Optional): Pursue Specialization Certifications

After establishing yourself in the field, you may want to expand your expertise and career opportunities by pursuing specialization certifications in advanced imaging modalities. For example:

Computed Tomography (CT)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Mammography
Bone Densitometry
Cardiac Interventional Radiography
Vascular Interventional Radiography
Sonography
Nuclear Medicine

Each specialty certification requires clinical experience in specific procedures plus passing another exam.

Day in the Life of a Radiologic Technologist

A typical workday for a radiologic technologist is varied and fast-paced, often requiring flexibility and a strong ability to multitask. Lyndsey, a dual-modality technologist working at Children’s Hospital Colorado, provides a glimpse into the role.

As a radiologic technologist with five years of experience, Lyndsey handles both X-ray and CT imaging. Her day begins by reviewing the schedule, preparing imaging equipment, and ensuring everything is ready for patients. She performs diagnostic X-rays throughout the day, carefully positioning patients and following protocols to produce clear and accurate images.

In addition to her X-ray duties, Lyndsey is trained as a CT technologist, meaning she can step in to start IVs for CT scans, assist with administering contrast media, and operate the CT scanner when needed. This dual role allows her to move between departments depending on staffing or patient needs, ensuring smooth workflows and minimizing delays in care. “If CT needs help or needs an IV started, I am able to assist in both places,” she explains.

Interaction with patients is a key part of the job. Many of Lyndsey's patients are children who come in feeling nervous or scared. She takes time to explain the procedures in a calming way to help them feel safe and comfortable. “Just being able to successfully get a scan and see that relief on their face—they’re like, ‘Okay, I did it.’ That’s one of the most meaningful aspects for me,” Lyndsey shares.

Lyndsey also collaborates closely with her team, which she describes as supportive and family-like. Teamwork is essential in radiology, as technologists often rely on one another to manage urgent cases or solve technical challenges. Outside of patient care, some of her responsibilities include documenting procedures, maintaining imaging equipment, and adhering to safety protocols to minimize radiation exposure.

Radiologic technologists like Lyndsey play a crucial role in the health care system. Their work ensures that physicians have the critical diagnostic imaging needed to make informed decisions about patient care. From conducting imaging procedures to supporting patients and working as part of a team, the role is both dynamic and impactful.

Radiologic Technologist FAQs

Is Becoming a Radiology Tech Hard?

While the education involves mastering technical skills and medical knowledge, many find the 2-year associate's degree program manageable with dedication. The career requires comfort with health care environments, attention to detail, and good interpersonal skills. The challenging aspects include mastering radiation safety protocols and proper positioning techniques.

What Is the Best Degree for a Rad Tech?

An associate's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program is the standard entry-level qualification for radiologic technologists. A bachelor's degree in radiologic sciences provides additional knowledge in specialized modalities, management, and teaching for those seeking advancement opportunities.

Is a Radiologic Technologist a Doctor?

No. Radiologic technologists are allied health professionals who work under the supervision of radiologists, who are medical doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating diseases using medical imaging. Radiologists complete medical school, a residency, and often a fellowship—a total of 13-14 years of education after high school.

What's the Difference Between a Radiologic Technologist and a Radiologic Technician?

While often used interchangeably, these terms technically refer to different levels of training and responsibility:

Radiologic Technologists typically have associate's or bachelor's degrees, perform a wider range of procedures, and may specialize in advanced modalities
Radiologic Technicians may have certificate-level training and typically perform basic X-ray procedures

The industry is increasingly standardizing on "technologist" as the preferred term.

Professional Organizations for Radiologic Technologists

Joining professional organizations provides networking, continuing education, and advocacy opportunities:

American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) - Offers continuing education, professional development, and advocacy
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) - The primary credentialing organization that administers certification exams
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) - Accredits educational programs
Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiologic Sciences (AEIRS) - Supports educators in the field.
State radiologic technology associations - Provide local networking and state-specific regulatory updates.

How Much Do Rad Techs Earn?

When considering radiologic technology, it's helpful to compare salaries with related health health care professions. Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics , radiologic technologists earned a median annual salary of $73,410.

Bottom Line

Radiologic technology offers a rewarding career path for those interested in health care, technology, and direct patient care. With a relatively short education period (typically 2-4 years), strong job prospects, and competitive salaries, it's an attractive option for many entering the medical field. The profession requires a unique blend of technical expertise and interpersonal skills, as radiologic technologists work closely with both advanced imaging equipment and patients.

Key takeaways:

Education requirements typically include an associate's or bachelor's degree from an accredited program.
Certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is crucial for most positions.
State licensing requirements vary, so it's important to research your specific state's regulations.
Ongoing education and potential specialization can lead to career advancement and higher salaries.
The field is evolving with technological advancements, offering continuous learning opportunities.

Ideal candidates should possess strong technical aptitude, excellent communication skills, attention to detail, physical stamina, compassion for patients, adaptability to new technologies, and a commitment to safety protocols. Radiologic technology could be an excellent fit if you're looking for a health care career that balances cutting-edge technology with meaningful patient interaction.