How Can I Become a Radiology Technician?

Your first step to becoming a radiology technician is to go back to school. All certified radiology technicians have undergone some type of degree or certification process through a radiography training program offered at a hospital, college or university. Whether you decide to enroll in an online or campus-based college program, you will receive the same training and hands-on experience to prepare you for work. These formal programs vary in length from one to four years, in which students will acquire a certificate, an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree. Two-year associate’s degrees are the most common avenue for students and usually the minimum requirement for most positions. A full two years of training provides students with the knowledge of X-ray technology and prepares them for procedures on patients in an entry-level position. In order to enroll in any radiology technician programs, you will need at least a high school diploma and a good academic background in science and math. Students with an undergraduate degree can apply as well.

After completing your training, you should consider becoming certified. While certification is not necessary for getting a job, many employers only hire certified radiology technicians. Graduates can become certified through The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. This organization is dedicated to promoting high standards of patient care by recognizing individuals who uphold these standards. In order to be certified, graduates must meet three required standards: completed educational preparation standards, complies with ethics standards and passed a certification exam. Once you have been certified, you must maintain this certification with through annual registration. ARRT registrants are radiology technicians who continue to comply with the ARRT rules, regulations and ethics standards, as well as meeting the continuing education requirements for renewal of registration. The ARRT provides certification in five primary disciplines of radiologic technology, including radiography, nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapy, sonography and magnetic resonance imaging. According to ARRT, employers, state licensing agencies and federal regulators consider the ARRT certification an indicator of a technician’s knowledge, skills and ability to meet national standards within the profession.

During your radiology technician career, you may be asked to perform more specialized forms of medical imaging. With additional training and work experience, you could start doing CT scans, MRI exams, angiography procedures and mammograms. Your radiology technician degree and work experience give you basic knowledge of equipment, patient care and radiography that can be useful in additional imaging specialties and careers.