Radiologic technologists — also called radiographers or simply rad techs — help support people during some of their most vulnerable moments. As a licensed professional trained to perform X-ray procedures, you’ll use modern digital imaging technology to help care teams make informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment. Just as importantly, you’ll combine technical skill with compassion to deliver meaningful patient care.
This guide walks you through essential steps to begin a career in radiation technology, including education, certification, costs, career paths, and how to start your first job.
Why Should I Become a Rad Tech?
Rad techs enjoy steady demand, clear training pathways, and opportunities to specialize. Radiation technology can be a faster path into healthcare compared with careers requiring many years of schooling. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) sets the entry standard at an associate of science degree. Most programs take about two years, allowing you to begin working and gaining experience quickly. This career also offers meaningful patient interaction without the extensive training and demands of more complex healthcare roles.
What Does a Rad Tech Do?
Rad techs operate imaging equipment — such as X‑ray, CT, or MRI machines — to support diagnosis and treatment. Most technologists work full-time and responsibilities depend on the facility and specialty.
Common Work Settings
- Hospitals (emergency departments, operating rooms, inpatient/outpatient imaging)
- Specialty clinics (orthopedic, urgent care, imaging centers)
Core Responsibilities
- Greeting, preparing, and positioning patients
- Explaining procedures in clear, everyday language
- Protecting patients from unnecessary exposure to radiation
- Operating imaging equipment such as X‑ray, CT, and MRI machines (CT and MRI require additional training and licensure)
- Following radiation safety and quality protocols for patients and staff
- Collaborating with physicians and care teams to meet exam goals and quality standards
Rad Tech Jobs and Specializations
Exploring some of the specialties within healthcare and choosing a role that aligns with your interests and goals is an important first step. To get a sense of your options, view these specialties along with their projected salaries and education requirements.
- Diagnostic Rad Tech (Radiographer): Responsible for the accurate imaging of body structures on an image receptor.
- Salary: $77,660 (2024 median pay)
- Education: Associates of Science or Bachelor of Science
- Special Imaging (CT, MRI, CVI): Operates advanced cross-sectional imaging equipment to support detailed diagnosis and treatment.
- MRI salary: $88,180 (2024 median pay)
- CT & CVI salary: Not specified by Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Education: Certificate or Electives in Bachelor of Science
- Cardiac Interventional (CI) and Vascular Interventional (VI): Uses fluoroscopic imaging to support and assist physicians during specialized procedures with quality patient diagnosis and treatment.
- Salary: $67,260 (2024 median pay)
- Education: Certificate or Electives in Bachelor of Science
- Radiation Therapy Tech: Uses targeted ionizing radiation to treat cancer and other diseases under the direction of a radiation oncologist.
- Salary: $101,990 (2024 median pay)
- Education: Entry-level Bachelor of Science degree
- Nuclear Medicine Tech: Prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals, performs and processes imaging, analyzes biologic specimens, and provides data for physician interpretation.
- Salary: $97,020 (2024 median pay)
- Education: Entry-level BS degree
- Radiologist Assistant: Functions as an extension of radiologists under their indirect supervision and performs advanced procedures and clinical exams as needed. Assists with patient assessment and management.
- Salary: Not specified by Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Education: Master of Science degree plus rad tech licensure and years of work experience in radiography
- Ultrasound Tech (Sonographer): Uses diagnostic ultrasound equipment to capture images of organs, tissues, and blood flow.
- Salary: $89,340 (2024 median pay)
- Education: Entry-level Bachelor of Science degree or certificate
Rad Tech Schooling
Prerequisites and Prep
You’ll need a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent to apply to rad tech programs. At LLU, we offer certification and degree programs ranging from six months to three years, depending on your goals. These programs build upon required prerequisites and transferable GE credits to prepare you for success, which can vary depending on the program. Prior clinical experience through volunteering or shadowing can strengthen your application. Strong communication and empathy are also essential, as you’ll help guide patients through exams and procedures that may feel stressful.
How Long Does Rad Tech School Take?
Most students complete school and initial credentialing in 2 - 4 years:
- Associate degree (about 2 years)
- Bachelor’s degree (3 - 4 years) for expanded advancement options
Tuition and Costs
Tuition varies by location and program. In California, associate degrees typically range from $7,000 - $ 40,000 over two years, including tuition, fees, uniforms, and boards/licensing costs. Bachelor’s programs vary more widely and can range from $30,000 - $80,000.
Choosing a Rad Tech Program
When comparing schools, look for accredited institutions that provide comprehensive clinical rotations and teach compassionate patient care, positioning, radiation physics, exposure and protection, and image analysis. More specifically, look for:
- Accreditation and professional alignment (e.g., JRCERT), signaling a high-quality curriculum and clinical training that meet national standards. It is a common requirement for certification and state licensure, and JRCERT is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). Choosing an accredited program helps you become eligible for employment across states.
- Student support and training outcomes, including resources that assist with job placement, preparation for certification exams, and strong board pass rates that reflect the program’s effectiveness.
- Flexible scheduling options, such as traditional on‑campus instruction, hybrid learning models, and night/weekend schedules designed to accommodate working students or those with complex commitments. Explore LLU’s online options for rad tech programs.
- Supportive faculty & staff with years of experience. Look for faculty members with extensive knowledge and experience in your field of interest and get to know your future mentors.
Rad Tech Certification & Licensing
After completing your program, you’ll need to get certified and licensed. Requirements vary depending on where you live, but in general you will need to get both national certification and state licensure.
National Certification (ARRT)
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) credential is the gold standard and widely recognized. To earn it, you must complete an approved education pathway, meet ethics standards, and pass the ARRT Radiography national certification exam. You’ll also need to stay current with continuing education (CE) requirements and annual renewal. Many employers and states require ARRT certification. The primary exam fee is $225 (with similar fees for most post‑primary credentials) and annual renewal is $65.
LLU graduates are eligible to sit for their registry examination in their chosen field, opening the door to a wide range of professional opportunities.
Other Certifications
Some radiation technology specializations require other certifications. For example, those pursuing a career as a nuclear medicine technologist need to be certified by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board alongside the ARRT. Sonography graduates can sit for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) exam. If you’re pursuing a rad tech subspecialty like nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapy technology, or sonography, be sure to research the proper certification path.
State Licensing
Most states require licensure. In California, the Department of Public Health Radiologic Health Branch (CDPH‑RHB) issues the Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT) certificate. To get your license, you’ll need to submit your education info, pass the ARRT Radiography exam, and then complete California’s fluoroscopy permit exam if your job requires it.
It is $112 to apply and $104 renewal every two years (ARRT exam fees are separate). If you plan to work outside of California later, choosing a JRCERT‑accredited program keeps more doors open.
Checklist for Starting Your Career
To summarize, here’s the typical progression if you want to start a career in radiation technology:
- Complete prerequisites (math/science, BLS)
- Choose an accredited program that aligns with your interests and goals
- Complete didactic and clinical training
- Pass the applicable board exam (i.e., ARRT, ARDMS, etc.)
- Apply for state licensure Want to learn more about Loma Linda University’s radiation technology programs? Register for a program information session, watch an on-demand info session, or request more info.
Want to learn more about Loma Linda University’s radiation technology programs? Register for a program information session, watch an on-demand info session, or request more info.
FAQ
Is a radiologic technologist the same as a radiation therapist?
Not exactly. Radiologic technologists focus on diagnostic imaging (X-ray/CT/MRI), while radiation therapists deliver therapeutic radiation in oncology.
How much does a rad tech make?
According to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median yearly wage for radiologic technologists is $77,660, with MRI technologists earning around $88,180. Overall employment is projected to grow 5% (2024–2034), faster than average.
Do I need certification to work as a rad tech?
Most employers prefer or require ARRT certification, and many states use ARRT eligibility for licensure. In California, you’ll pursue the CRT plus fluoroscopy license.
What skills are important for rad techs?
Strong communication, attention to detail, patient‑focused care, technical accuracy, and strict adherence to radiation safety.
Do rad techs work directly with patients?
Yes. You’ll greet, prep, position, and support patients throughout the exam and coordinate with radiologists and other providers.
Is it dangerous to be a rad tech?
There are occupational risks such as potential radiation exposure and physical strain, but modern safety protocols greatly reduce these risks.