How to become a radiology technician

1. 1Take math and science in high school

   Time: 4 years (high school)Sources 1

   Algebra, biology, chemistry and physics are the most useful courses, because radiography programs cover radiation physics, exposure calculations and anatomy from the first semester. Anatomy or health science classes help too. Volunteering at a hospital or asking to observe in an imaging department shows you what the work looks like, including the lifting and the time spent with patients who are hurt or frightened.

2. 2Finish program prerequisites

   Time: One semester to 1 yearCost: Community college tuitionSources 6

   Most associate degree programs admit students in a competitive cohort once a year, and they usually want college courses such as anatomy and physiology, college algebra, English composition and medical terminology done first. Grades in these courses often decide admission. Check each program's list, since some build prerequisites into the degree and others will not consider you until they are finished.

3. 3Complete an accredited radiography program

   Time: About 2 yearsCost: $4,650/yr median public in-state tuitionSources 3, 6, 7

   Choose a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or another mechanism ARRT accepts, because ARRT requires an approved program to sit for the exam. Coursework covers anatomy, positioning, patient care, radiation protection, physics and image evaluation. Clinical rotations are close to full time: Hutchinson Community College's program, for example, schedules 1,260 clinical hours in its last three semesters.

4. 4Make sure you hold an associate degree

   Time: Done with the program, or before applyingSources 3

   Since 2015, ARRT requires an associate degree or higher to apply on the primary pathway. The degree does not have to be in radiologic science, so a hospital certificate program works if you already have a degree in another field. You can earn it before or after the radiography program, but it must be complete before you take the exam.

5. 5Pass the ARRT Radiography exam

   Time: Within 3 years of finishing the programCost: $225 (2026)Sources 2, 4

   The ARRT Radiography exam is a computer-based test of patient care, safety, image production and procedures. You apply after completing the program, pass an ethics review and receive a candidate status report. ARRT then allows three attempts within three years, and you must apply within three years of finishing your education. Passing earns the R.T.(R) credential.

6. 6Get your state license and start work

   Time: A few weeks to a few monthsCost: State license feeSources 5, 8, 1

   More than three-quarters of states license radiologic technology, and many of them use ARRT exam scores or the ARRT credential to grant a license. Some require ARRT registration outright; others give their own exam or accept other proof. Look up your state's agency in the CareerOneStop License Finder before you apply. Many employers also want CPR or Basic Life Support certification.

Programs, tuition and graduates’ earnings

U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard (most recent cohorts, released 2026-10-15). Scorecard groups programs by 4-digit field, so a row can include related programs. Tuition is the median published undergraduate tuition and fees of the colleges offering the program (shown only for undergraduate credentials); debt is the median of programs’ median federal loan debt at completion; earnings are the national median for the field and credential four years after completion.

Requirements differ by state. Check your state’s rules in the CareerOneStop License Finder (U.S. Department of Labor) before you enroll.

Precise positioning

A few degrees of rotation can hide a hairline fracture, so the tech has to place the body part and the beam exactly as the protocol describes.

Radiation safety judgment

Choosing the right exposure and shielding keeps the dose as low as possible for the patient, coworkers and the tech while still producing a readable image.

Calm with injured patients

Trauma and elderly patients are often in pain or confused, and a tech who explains each move gets them to hold still for the exposure.

Physical stamina

Shifts are spent standing, pushing portable units and helping patients from stretcher to table.

Comfort with technology

Rad techs run digital x-ray and CT consoles, adjust settings on the fly and manage images in PACS.

O*NET 31.0 rates these skills as most important for the occupation: reading comprehension, active listening, speaking, critical thinking, monitoring.

Training cost

$9.5K–$14.2K

Before financial aid

Time

2-3 years

Typical path

Median pay

$80,110

All US jobs: $50,980

Payback once qualified

Under 1 year

Pay above the all-jobs median vs. cost

Low: 2 years x College Scorecard median public in-state tuition for allied health diagnostic associate programs, $4,650 = $9,300, plus the ARRT radiography application fee of $225. High: 3 years (prerequisites plus the program) x $4,650 = $13,950, plus $225. Not included: fees, uniforms, dosimetry and background checks, state license fees, books and living costs. Private and for-profit programs can cost much more; the median federal loan debt for these associate programs is $15,565.

Rough guide only: ignores taxes, aid, interest and earnings given up during training. How we calculate it.

• MRI technologist$95,480 median

  Many radiographers add MRI through ARRT's postprimary pathway, which requires structured education and documented clinical procedures under supervision.

• Ultrasound technician (sonographer)$96,590 median

  Sonography uses different physics and scanning skills, so it usually means a separate sonography program, though some are shortened for credentialed techs.

• Radiation therapist$105,310 median

  Radiographers can enter shorter certificate programs in radiation therapy instead of a full degree, then take the ARRT radiation therapy exam.

• Lead technologist or imaging manager

  Comes with experience, extra modalities and often a bachelor's degree in radiologic sciences or health administration.

• Radiologist$420,860 median

  Requires a bachelor's degree, four years of medical school and a radiology residency; tech experience helps but does not shorten the training.