In this Article
Professional insights: Peter Rath
There are three primary education options to become a radiology technologist: certificate or diploma, associate degree and bachelor’s degree. Which you choose may depend on your radiology career ambitions, finances and how quickly you want to begin working in the field.
Key takeaways
- Radiology programs are available as a certificate/diploma program, associate degree and bachelor’s degree.
- Each type of program can lead to different career outcomes in the field of radiology, and the choice that makes sense for you may depend on your state’s education requirements for radiology technologists.
- When searching for a program, accreditation is essential to ensure that the program meets industry standards and will qualify you for certification through organizations like the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Overview
“The main route to become a radiologic technologist is to attend a radiography program,” said Peter Rath, MPA, R.T. (R), ARRT, a radiology technician on staff at the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), where he evaluates continuing education programs. “An associate or bachelor’s degree makes you eligible for certification, which you need in order to work as a radiographer.”
Here, we explain the three educational paths so you can decide which is the best fit for you.
What degree options are available for radiology technologists?
“Students in a radiography program must gain knowledge as well as clinical skills,” Rath said, explaining what students should expect from their education.
Certificate or diploma
A certificate or diploma program typically teaches you to create one type of radiologic image—for instance, X-rays or MRIs—so you’ll need to choose a procedure to specialize in. Keep in mind that certificate and diploma programs often only qualify you to work as a limited-scope radiology technologist, and you won’t qualify for the ARRT’s Registered Technologist (R.T.) credential.
Associate degree
An associate degree in radiology technology is the minimum education required to work as a radiology technologist (also known as a radiologic technologist and radiographer). An associate degree is also necessary to earn the Registered Technologist R.T. certification from the ARRT.
Bachelor’s degree
A bachelor’s degree in radiologic science provides more in-depth and advanced training. Earning a bachelor’s may also allow students to pursue training and hands-on experience in imaging procedures beyond X-rays, such as CT imaging and mammography.
Are online education options available?
Yes—but with a caveat. If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional, in-person education, you might be interested in online programs for radiologic technology.
Associate and bachelor’s degrees require in-person work, such as learning how to operate equipment and position patients. That means “online” programs are more accurately called hybrid programs.
In a program like this, you’ll take coursework covering topics such as medical ethics and medical terminology online and do your clinical program in person at a medical facility approved by your program.
Online programs can offer more flexibility than campus programs by allowing students to attend class online in real time or watch a videotaped class at their convenience. An online program in radiologic science may be a good fit for people who are working, have caregiving responsibilities or have other limitations that make traditional education difficult.
Online programs may not be a good fit for everyone, however. Students who are self-motivated, independent learners are more likely to thrive in this learning format.
What should I look for in a radiology program?
When choosing a school to become a radiology technologist, you’ll need to consider many factors, including:
Accreditation
Any school you consider, though, should be accredited.
Earning a degree from an accredited school is a requirement to earn a certification as a radiology technologist, and nearly all workplaces will require RTs to be certified. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is the primary accrediting agency for radiography programs, and while JRCERT accreditation is a good indication of a quality program, it’s not required to pursue certification. The ARRT maintains a list of ARRT-recognized accrediting agencies on their website, which includes JRCERT.
Licensure and certifications
More than 75% of states require radiology technologists to be licensed, and the vast majority require them to be certified by the ARRT. Moreover, nearly all employers require radiographers to be certified, so regardless of state requirements, it makes sense to pursue their credentials.
Most states have their own licensing procedures and requirements, so check with the state where you plan to work to find out what they are. The ASRT is a good resource for finding out the licensing requirements in your state.
Salary and job outlook
Salaries for radiology technologists can vary based on where you live, where you work, your experience, whether you’re certified and more.
As in many healthcare fields, radiography is growing to meet increased demand as the large baby boomer generation ages—and lives longer. Patients in this generation may need medical imaging to diagnose cancers, lung infections, heart disease and more, in addition to broken bones.
“Employment rates for radiographers continue to be high, stable and growing,” Rath said. The BLS projects jobs to grow by 4.3% through 2034, faster than average across all occupations
Financial aid
You’ve already learned that you need to attend an accredited radiology program to earn certifications. Your program should be accredited if you want to take advantage of financial aid or apply for the FAFSA.
Federal student aid can make your education more affordable. Your individual circumstances, including income and family size will determine how much, if any aid, you are awarded.
In addition, most colleges and universities offer financial aid. By taking advantage of all the resources available, you can make earning a degree in radiography more affordable.
Frequently asked questions about radiology programs
How long does it take to train as a radiology technologist?
It depends on your career goals and the type of program you choose to attend. In order to get certified, you’ll need at least an associate degree which takes about two years of full-time study. If you opt for a certificate or diploma program, these can be completed in usually six to 18 months. A bachelor’s degree takes about four years.
Can I become a radiology technologist online?
Yes and no. Some radiology programs offer hybrid learning options where you can complete some of your courses online, but you’ll need to complete any hands-on clinical training in person.
Do all states require ARRT certification?
No. Some states do not have licensing or certification laws for radiology technologists, but most do. That said, even in states without certification requirements, most individual employers prefer or require radiology technologists to have a certification appropriate to the job scope.
Can you become a radiology technologist with a certificate or diploma?
In some cases, yes. Certificate or diploma programs can prepare students for entry-level, limited-scope radiography roles, but eligibility for certification and licensure depends on program accreditation and state requirements.