Radiologic Technologist Schools

“Job shadowing is a great way to check your compassion and empathy and to find boundaries in what you are comfortable with in your career.”

– Matt McLinden, RT(R), Former President of the Oregon Society of Radiologic Technologists

For tech-savvy, sociable people seeking a high-growth career in healthcare, becoming a radiologic technologist may be an excellent choice. Not only are opportunities in this field expected to increase in coming years, but it’s also among the higher paying jobs requiring a two-year associate degree as opposed to a four-year bachelor’s degree.

So what do radiologic technologists do? And how has the field changed over the years? According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging, give radiation treatments to treat disease, protect patients from unnecessary radiation, counsel patients through procedures, and maintain detailed patient records. As the Southeast Community College of Nebraska points out on its website, the field incorporates both science and art, combining a scientific understanding of radiologic principles with a discerning eye for interpreting diagnostic imagery (e.g., x-rays). These professionals may specialize in various methods and types of treatment, including radiation therapy, medical dosimetry, mammography, bone densitometry, cardiovascular-interventional radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine, or sonography.

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) adds that radiologic technologists have gone by many names over the years. In fact, prior to the mid 1960s, they were referred to as “x-ray technicians” and were typically trained on-the-job as opposed to enrolling in structured educational programs. The term “technologist” arose in the mid-twentieth century and denoted a new class of formally trained radiological specialists.

The ASRT reports that registered radiologic technologists—referred to as RTs—must have completed at least two years of accredited education, passed an exam, and registered in the profession. Furthermore, these credentials are expected to be maintained following the completion of continuing education (CE) credits. Registration through the ARRT is a prerequisite for most jobs in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024) found that openings in this career are expanding faster than the national average. In fact, between 2023 and 2032, the BLS expects a 6 percent increase in openings for radiologic technologists, while the average growth for all occupations during that time period is 4 percent. With the expected addition of 13,100 positions in this field, aspiring radiologic technologists have a bright outlook.

Read on to discover what to expect from an accredited, two- to four-year program in radiologic technology—on-campus or online—and learn about how much these healthcare professionals make and how to become credentialed.

Meet the Expert: Matt McLinden, RT(R)

Matt McLinden

Matt McLinden is the past president of the Oregon Society of Radiologic Technologists. With an associate of applied science in radiologic technology and science from Portland Community College, McLinden has dedicated his career to advancing radiologic technology.

Currently serving as an X-ray technologist at Kaiser Permanente in Hillsboro, he brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role. His leadership within the Oregon Society of Radiologic Technologists reflects his commitment to professional growth and excellence in patient care.

MedicalTechnologySchools.com: How has graduating from a radiology technologist program enhanced your career?

McLinden: I have had a dream of being a radiologic technologist since I was in high school. After completing an intro to health careers program, I was able to shadow different health career professionals, and this gave me the opportunity to compare and contrast the different professions. I wanted a career where I could create something and one where I could help people. Becoming a radiologic technologist combined both passions, and it’s the best job I have ever had!

After graduating from a radiology technologist program, I could sit for the ARRT exam, and I felt well prepared. I then applied for my license to shoot X-rays in my state and landed a job at the clinic where I completed my externship!

MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What is one piece of advice you would give to a prospective radiologic technologist?

McLinden: In the seven years I’ve worked in this field, between graduation and the pandemic, I have learned so many lessons, and it’s hard to choose just one piece of advice.

For a prospective radiologic technologist, I recommend shadowing a radiologic technologist in a hospital and experiencing it with all of your senses. You might find the smells to be disagreeable, the sights to be too graphic, the icky feeling of subcutaneous emphysema, or the screams of patients having their worst day.

Job shadowing is a great way to check your compassion and empathy and to find boundaries in what you are comfortable with in your career.

Types of Radiologic Technology Programs

Most radiologic technology programs lead to two-year associate degrees, although some lead to a bachelor’s degree. To become credentialed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)—the predominant credentialing agency in the field—a person must have at least an associate degree from an accredited institution. Please reference the “Accreditation” section for more information on this program-approval process.

According to the ARRT, more than 75 percent of American states have laws governing the practice of radiologic technology. ARRT exams are also used in 35 states for regional licensure, including populous states such as California, New York, and Texas. For all aspiring radiologic technologists, it’s crucial to verify regional requirements before planning for licensure. Please check out the “Licensing & Certification” section to learn more about professional credentialing.

Programs and curriculum can vary by state or institution. Still, all radiologic technologist schools generally feature a combination of didactic coursework and hands-on lab work, as well as supervised clinical experiences. To be accepted into radiologic technologist school, admissions committees typically call for official secondary school transcripts, a personal statement, a completed application, and a fee. Students may also need to complete specific prerequisite classes (e.g., biology), a physical exam, a background check, or a test (e.g., TOEFL for non-native speakers of English).

Associate vs. Bachelor’s Degree: A Comparison for Radiologic Technologists

The ARRT’s Shift Towards Higher Education

Since 2015, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) has mandated the completion of an accredited educational program for professional certification, such as:

• Associate’s of science (AS) or associate’s of applied science (AAS)
• Bachelor of science (BS)

This shift reflects a growing emphasis on advanced training and expertise within the field.

The Benefits of a Bachelor’s Degree

While both associate and bachelor’s degrees qualify individuals for ARRT certification, the latter offers several advantages:

• Enhanced earnings and employment prospects: A bachelor’s degree often translates to higher earning potential and increased job opportunities due to the more comprehensive coursework and clinical training involved.
• Specialized training: Bachelor’s programs may delve deeper into specific techniques and technologies like radiation therapy, MRI, ultrasound, CT, mammography, angiography, and nuclear medicine.
• Pathway to radiology: For those aspiring to become radiologists, a bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for medical school.

On Campus Programs in Radiologic Technology

Bellevue College – AAS

Based in Bellevue, Washington, this associate of applied science degree program in radiologic technology involves eight quarters of classroom work and clinical experiences. Courses include positioning & related anatomy, basic patient care procedures, and principles of radiographic exposure. Students must maintain at least a C in all courses to earn the degree and students should be prepared to sit for the ARRT exam upon completion. Students may later apply their associate degree toward a bachelor’s of science (BS) in radiation & imaging sciences at the school. A certificate of completion to work as an imaging aide is another education option available at the school.

• Location: Bellevue College, WA
• Duration: 24 months
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)

Tarrant County College – AAS

Based in Fort Worth, Texas, this associate of applied science (AAS) degree in radiology technology is a two-year program with selective admission. It comprises courses such as patient care, radiographic imaging equipment, and radiation biology & protection, as well as several clinical practicums. Clinical hours are required and students must meet pre-screening requirements before participating. To even be considered for admission, two biology classes need to be completed as prerequisites. Graduates from this program average a 95 percent first-time pass rate on the ARRT certification exam.

• Location: Fort Worth, TX
• Duration: 24 months
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)

Chaffey College – AS

Chaffey College’s radiologic technology program equips students with the knowledge and skills to become registered/certified radiologic technologists. This accredited program focuses on providing quality patient care and safety while fostering professionalism. Graduates of Chaffey College’s program are eligible to take the national ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) and California (CRT) licensing exams, paving the way for rewarding careers as entry-level radiologic technologists.

• Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
• Duration: 24 months
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)

Foothill College – AS

Based in Los Altos, California, Foothill College offers an associate’s of science degree in radiologic technology. Instruction includes lectures, on-campus labs, and supervised hands-on learning experiences. Students start in the summer of their first year and work through eight terms, finishing up in the spring of their second year. In their second year, they must complete three practicums and learn about professional development in radiology. Students should be prepared to take the ARRT test upon graduation and to seek California state licensure. This program accepts 22 to 24 student in each cohort.

• Location: Los Altos, CA
• Duration: 23 months
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)

Greenville Technical College – AAS

Greenville Technical College offers this associate program in radiologic technology program which comprises two phases. First, students complete general education requirements. The second includes specialized radiologic technology coursework such as anatomy & physiology, radiography, and medical terminology. The clinical assignments are completed during this phase and students may be required to work evenings or weekends. Upon program completion, students are generally eligible to sit for the ARRT exam. Please note that admission into the program’s first phase does not guarantee admission into the second phase.

• Location: Greenville, SC
• Duration: 24 months
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)

Metropolitan Community College – AAS

Metropolitan Community College offers an associate of applied science (AAS) in radiologic technology lasts 24 months and includes classes such as imaging modalities, human physiology, and digital imaging environment and imaging analysis. Students need to receive a C or better in all their coursework and may be required to travel outside the Kansas City area to complete some of their clinical mentorships. The program prepares students to sit for the ARRT exam upon completion.

• Location: Kansas City, MO
• Duration: 24 months
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)

Online Programs in Radiologic Technology

While there’s a wealth of accredited educational programs across the country, enrolling in an online or hybrid (i.e., blended online and on-campus) program may be preferable for students in more rural regions or with temporal constraints. These flexible programs typically involve completing online classes and in-person clinical practicums at approved facilities near a student’s home.

For students seeking this convenient learning format, here are examples of online and hybrid radiologic technologist programs.

Indian Hills Community College – AAS

With two campuses in Iowa, this hybrid two-year associate program offers online learning during the second year. Classes include human anatomy, medical terminology, radiology & medical imaging, and positioning & film critique. After graduating, students are eligible to sit for the ARRT exam. In 2023, program graduates had a five-year 92 percent pass rate on the certification exam.

• Location: Ottumwa & Centerville, IA
• Duration: 24 months
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)

Southeast Community College – AAS

This two-year program includes a track for clinical coursework to be completed in Lincoln, but the didactic portion may be learned online or in the classroom. Classes include diagnostic imaging theory, radiation biology, and advanced patient care management. Students must maintain at least a C+ in all of their program courses and those pursuing the online option must attend a multi-day workshop at the Lincoln campus at their own expense. In 2023, the program had an 82 percent pass rate on the certification exam over five year’s time.

• Location: Lincoln, NE
• Duration: 24 months
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)

Ball State University – AS

Based in Muncie, IN, BSU provides a 26-month hybrid associate of science (AS) in radiography. Please note that while classes are offered mainly online, clinical work must be completed at specific sites in Indiana, including IU Health Methodist Hospital or Hendricks Regional Health.

• Location: Muncie, IN
• Duration: 26 months
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)

St. Joseph’s College – BS

This online bachelor of science (BS) in radiologic science administration program may be ideal to advance the careers of aspiring leaders in the field. Designed to prepare supervisors and educators, this unique online program has classes in human resource management, ethics in healthcare, healthcare informatics, and reimbursement methodologies. SJC also offers the option to “fast track” to a master of health administration (MHA) degree program.

• Location: Standish, ME
• Duration: 15 to 26 months
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)

Red Rocks Community College – AAS

Red Rocks Community College’s associate of applied science (AAS) in radiologic technology program equips students for a career in x-ray imaging as a radiologic technologist. This intensive, 21-month program is offered full-time and starts in the fall. The curriculum blends classroom instruction on the Arvada campus with online learning and hands-on clinical experience at area hospitals and clinics. Students gain a strong foundation in radiographic principles and techniques, with the opportunity to rotate through various clinical settings to discover their ideal work environment. Graduates are prepared to take the ARRT certification exam, boasting a 96 percent pass rate in 2024, and launch successful careers.

• Location: Arvada, CO
• Duration: 21 months
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)

Core & Elective Courses

According to the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians (ARRT), students must demonstrate several core competencies before receiving their licensure. As of January 1, 2015, aspiring radiologic technologists must have at least an associate degree in order to pursue the nationally recognized ARRT certification.

Degree programs are specially designed to expose students to the didactic and clinical experiences that will prepare them for the national ARRT exam and state licensing procedures. In addition to general education requirements, associate degree programs in radiologic technology may offer the following preparatory courses:

• Anatomy & radiographic positioning
• Basic radiographic procedures
• Imaging modalities
• Medical procedures for radiologic technologists
• Medical terminology
• Patient care
• Radiation biology & protection
• Radiation physics
• Radiographic imaging equipment
• Radiographic pathology
• Specialized imaging

Bachelor’s degrees in radiologic technology typically feature the following:

• Advanced patient assessment & treatment
• Anatomy & radiation biology
• Introduction to CT
• Introduction to mammography
• Introduction to MRI
• Patient professional interaction
• Physics in medical imaging
• Physics of radiation protection
• Procedures in imaging
• Radiographic exposure
• Radiographic legal & ethical aspects
• Radiographic technique
• Radiologic pathophysiology

In addition to field-specific coursework, students need to gain hands-on experience through supervised instruction sessions known as practicums or clinicals. This training typically occurs in the latter half of programs after students have developed their skills and knowledge of a healthcare setting. Clinicals allow students to put their newfound abilities into practice in a real-world environment while working under the supervision of a skilled professional.

Accreditation

As mentioned in the overview of radiologic technology programs, students are encouraged to verify the accreditation status of their educational programs. The process of accreditation ensures that a school or program is meeting certain standards of quality concerning curricula, student outcomes, and facilities. Furthermore, to qualify for professional certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), a person must have graduated from an accredited associate, bachelor’s, or graduate-level program.

One of the popular accreditation organizations in this field is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). According to its website, JRCERT is the only agency that is recognized by the US Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to accredit traditional and online learning programs in magnetic resonance, medical dosimetry, radiation therapy, and radiography. Its website lists the full set of standards used when deciding whether to grant accreditation to a school, as well as a handy search tool to organize radiologic technologist programs by state and degree level.

While JRCERT is one program-approval option to qualify for credentialing in the field, the AART provides a full list of recognized accrediting agencies for radiologic technologist schools, including programmatic, regional, national, and faith-related institutions.

State Authorization

Please note that due to state-based restrictions on distance-based education, residents from some states may not be authorized to receive online instruction from another state. Be sure to ask coordinators of online programs about the school’s “state authorization” status.

Career Outlook

As mentioned in the introduction, the outlook is bright for radiologic technologists. By illustration, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024) predicts that openings for radiologic technologists will increase by 6 percent between 2023 and 2033, faster than the average growth projected across all occupations (4 percent). In that decade, 13,100 new positions are expected to be in demand.

Furthermore, the salary prospects are also promising, particularly for a career that requires a two-year degree. The BLS (May 2023) found that radiologic technologists make an average annual salary of $75,250 with the following percentiles:

• 10th percentile: $50,020
• 25th percentile: $60,690
• 50th percentile (median): $73,410
• 75th percentile: $84,670
• 90th percentile: $102,380

Finally, PayScale (2025)—an aggregator of self-reported salaries—found much lower figures among its 1,122 responding radiologic technicians nationwide:

• 10th percentile: $45,000
• 50th percentile (median): $61,000
• 90th percentile: $91,000

Licensing & Certification

Radiologic technologists need to be professionally credentialed to practice in their field. The most common credentialing agency is the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), which has both generalized and specialized registration exams. The ARRT offers several types of certification, including:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR)
• Nuclear Medicine Technology (N)
• Radiation Therapy (T)
• Radiography (R)
• Sonography (S)

Additionally, the ARRT credentialing exams are used in the majority of states to license radiologic technologists. To learn more about regional credentialing in this field, please consult the ARRT state contacts list and contact the proper governing body.

Finally, these certifications must be renewed and maintained after completing qualifying continuing education (CE) credits every two years and continuing qualifications requirements (CQR) every ten years. Please check out the ARRT continuing education requirements page to learn more about what’s required to maintain specific credentials.

Rachel Drummond, MEd

Writer

Rachel Drummond has contributed insightful articles to MedicalTechnologySchools.com since 2019, where she offers valuable advice and guidance for those pursuing careers in the healthcare field, combining her passion for education with her understanding of the critical role that healthcare professionals play in promoting physical and mental well-being.

Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.

Jocelyn Blore

Managing Editor

Jocelyn Blore has interviewed dozens of medical technology and healthcare professionals, and edited hundreds of articles related to this field since 2015. After graduating from UC Berkeley, Jocelyn traveled the world for five years as freelance writer and English teacher. After stints in Japan, Brazil, Nepal, and Argentina, she took an 11-month road trip across the US, finally settling into lovely Eugene, OR. When Jocelyn isn’t writing about college programs or interviewing professors, she satirizes global politics and other absurdities at Blore’s Razor (Instagram: @bloresrazor). Thank you for being so interested.