If you’ve ever had an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI, you’ve already experienced the work of a radiology technician. These professionals play a key role in healthcare by making sure doctors have the images they need to diagnose and treat patients. The demand for this career is strong too.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for radiologic technologists are expected to grow 5 percent between 2024 and 2034, creating thousands of openings each year. That makes this one of the more stable and rewarding healthcare careers you can pursue without medical school.
If you’ve been wondering how to become a radiology technician, this guide gives you 10 clear steps. But first, let’s look at what this profession actually involves.
What Is a Radiology Technician and What Do They Do?
A radiology technician, often called a radiologic technologist, is a healthcare professional trained in medical imaging. They don’t diagnose illnesses, but their work is central to making accurate diagnoses possible. A doctor can’t treat what they can’t see, and radiology technicians are the ones capturing those images.
Their daily tasks include preparing patients for imaging, positioning them correctly for clear results, and operating machines such as X-rays, CT scanners, and MRIs. They also ensure patient safety by minimizing radiation exposure and explaining procedures in a calm, supportive way. It’s a profession that blends technical expertise with compassion.
Because of the growing reliance on imaging in medicine, the role of a radiology technician is more important than ever. Whether it’s detecting broken bones, screening for cancer, or helping guide a surgeon during a procedure, radiology techs are at the center of patient care.
Step 1: Finish High School or Earn a GED
The first step in how to become a radiology tech is completing your basic education. You’ll need a high school diploma or GED to qualify for radiology tech schooling. High school classes in biology, chemistry, and physics give you a strong foundation in science, while math skills help with understanding radiation physics and measurements.
Equally important are communication and computer skills. You’ll be working closely with patients who may be nervous or in pain, so being able to explain procedures clearly is a must. Since imaging equipment is highly digital, comfort with technology will also serve you well.
If you’re still in school, it may help to volunteer at a hospital or shadow healthcare professionals to see if the environment fits your interests.
Step 2: Research the Career Path
Before committing to radiology tech schooling, take time to understand what the career entails. Many people wonder, how many years to become a radiologist technician? The answer depends on the degree you pursue. An associate degree typically takes 2 years, while a bachelor’s degree takes about 4 years. If you choose to specialize later, that can add 1–2 years.
This is relatively short compared to careers like nursing or medicine, where training may take 6 to 12 years. Still, it’s a demanding path that requires dedication and a genuine interest in healthcare.
Researching the field ahead of time gives you realistic expectations about schedules, work environments, and patient interaction. Radiology technicians often work evenings, weekends, or holidays since hospitals run around the clock. Understanding this upfront helps you make an informed choice.
Step 3: Choose the Right Radiology Tech Schooling
Education is the foundation of your career, so choosing the right program is critical. You have two main options:
- Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology
This is the most common path. It takes about two years to complete and prepares you for entry-level jobs. Coursework usually includes anatomy, physiology, patient positioning, imaging physics, and medical ethics. It’s the fastest way to enter the field and start working. - Bachelor’s Degree in Radiologic Technology
This takes about four years and provides a deeper education. Beyond technical training, you’ll study advanced imaging, healthcare management, and leadership skills. A bachelor’s can lead to higher pay and open the door to supervisory roles or teaching positions.
No matter which you choose, ensure the program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Accreditation is necessary if you want to sit for the ARRT exam later.
Step 4: Complete Prerequisite Requirements
Before you start radiology tech schooling, some programs may ask for prerequisites. These can include college-level courses in anatomy, physiology, or medical terminology. You might also need to pass a background check and drug screening, since you’ll be working with vulnerable patients.
Some schools want proof of vaccinations, like Hepatitis B and MMR, before clinical rotations. These requirements may seem strict, but they protect both patients and healthcare staff.
Completing prerequisites also ensures you’re academically ready for the technical and clinical demands of the program. Think of it as a way to build confidence before diving into your radiologic technologist degree.
Step 5: Gain Clinical Experience
Learning doesn’t happen only in the classroom. Every radiology tech program includes clinical rotations where you’ll practice under supervision in real healthcare settings. This is where theory meets practice.
During clinicals, you’ll learn how to operate machines, position patients, and troubleshoot issues on the spot. You’ll also build soft skills, like calming a child who’s scared of an MRI or assisting an elderly patient who struggles to stay still. These moments are where you discover whether the career truly fits you.
The number of required clinical hours varies, but most programs require several hundred. By the end, you’ll feel comfortable handling imaging tasks on your own.
Step 6: Graduate With a Radiologic Technologist Degree
Once you finish your coursework and clinical training, you’ll earn your radiologic technologist degree. This credential proves you’ve completed the academic and practical requirements to enter the profession.
Graduation isn’t just about receiving a diploma. It’s about reaching a milestone that shows you’ve put in the effort and gained the skills needed to succeed. Whether you pursued the associate or bachelor’s path, this is your gateway to certification.
Employers will look at your degree when considering you for jobs, so it’s the first big achievement that sets your career in motion.
Step 7: Get Certified by the ARRT
Certification is the next big step. Most employers require radiology technicians to be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The ARRT exam tests your knowledge of imaging, safety protocols, and patient care.
Passing this exam demonstrates that you’re not just trained but also competent in applying what you’ve learned. Without ARRT certification, your job options are limited, so this step is essential.
Certification isn’t a one-time event either. You’ll need to renew it every two years and complete continuing education to stay current with new technology and procedures.
Step 8: Apply for State Licensure
In addition to ARRT certification, most states require you to hold a license to practice. Licensing requirements vary, but they usually include proof of certification, an application, and a fee. Some states may also have their own exams.
Licensure ensures that only qualified professionals operate imaging equipment. It’s a safeguard for patient safety and healthcare quality.
Checking your state’s licensing board early is smart so you don’t run into delays when you’re ready to start working.
Step 9: Consider Specializing
Once you’ve established yourself, you can pursue specializations that make you more valuable in the job market. Options include:
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- CT (Computed Tomography)
- Mammography
- Radiation Therapy
- Interventional Radiology
Specializing may require additional coursework, certification exams, and clinical practice. While it takes extra effort, it often leads to higher pay and more interesting work. For example, MRI technologists tend to earn more than general radiology techs.
This is also a way to keep your career dynamic and aligned with your interests.
Step 10: Start Your Career and Keep Learning
With your education, certification, and license complete, you’re ready to enter the workforce. Radiology technicians are in demand in hospitals, outpatient clinics, diagnostic centers, and even physicians’ offices.
But remember, learning doesn’t stop once you land a job. You’ll need to take continuing education courses every two years to maintain ARRT certification. Many technicians also go on to leadership roles, teach in training programs, or return to school for advanced healthcare degrees.
This career path rewards those who stay curious and adaptable. By continuing to grow, you’ll open doors to new opportunities and long-term success.
What Radiology Technology Really Offers
Becoming a radiology technician goes beyond finishing school or passing an exam; it’s about stepping into a role where technology and human connection meet every day. Patients often remember the tech who eased their fears during a scan more than the machine itself. That balance of technical precision and empathy is what makes this career so meaningful. If you’re drawn to healthcare but want a path that blends hands-on work, steady growth, and the chance to make people feel seen and cared for, radiology technology is one of the few fields that gives you all three.