How Long is Radiology Tech School?
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a radiologic technologist, one of your first questions might be: how long does it take to become one? The answer, of course, varies depending on the program and your educational goals.
How Long does it Take to Become a Radiologic Technologist?
According to careersinhealthcare.com, most programs require around 70 credit hours, which typically takes less than two years to complete. However, the length of time it takes to become a radiologic technologist can also depend on whether you choose an associate or bachelor’s degree program.
Associate vs Bachelor’s Degrees
As Northwestern Health Sciences University explains, most radiologic technologists hold an associate degree, which takes around two years to complete. However, some schools offer four-year bachelor’s degree programs in radiologic technology. While a bachelor’s degree may take longer to complete, it can provide a more in-depth education and potentially lead to more advanced opportunities.
Timeframe for ARRT Certification
After completing your education, you’ll need to become certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to work as a radiologic technologist. According to Cambridge College, it typically takes six to eight weeks after graduation to receive your ARRT certification.
Real-World Examples
To get a better idea of how long it takes to become a radiologic technologist, let’s look at a few real-world examples:
- Cleveland University-Kansas City offers an accelerated program that can be completed in as little as 18 months.
- CareerStep offers an online program that can be completed in as little as 14 months.
- RadiologySchools411.com reports that some bachelor’s degree programs can take up to four years to complete.
Now that you know how long it takes to become a radiologic technologist, let’s take a look at some factors you should consider when choosing a program.
How Long does it Take to Become a Radiologic Technologist?
Now that you know the average time it takes to become a radiologic technologist, let’s dive into the specifics.
Range of Program Lengths
As previously mentioned, the length of time it takes to become a radiologic technologist can vary greatly depending on the program you choose. According to w-radiology.com, programs can range anywhere from 18 months to four years.
Credit Hours Needed
Most programs require around 70 credit hours to become a radiologic technologist, as careersinhealthcare.com notes. However, the exact number of credit hours needed can vary depending on the program.
Comparison of Associate and Bachelor’s Degrees
As previously mentioned, most radiologic technologists hold an associate degree, which typically takes around two years to complete. However, some schools offer four-year bachelor’s degree programs in radiologic technology. While a bachelor’s degree may take longer to complete, it can provide a more in-depth education and potentially lead to more advanced opportunities.
Timeframe for ARRT Certification
After completing your education, you’ll need to become certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to work as a radiologic technologist. According to Cambridge College, it typically takes six to eight weeks after graduation to receive your ARRT certification.
Real-World Examples
To get a better idea of how long it takes to become a radiologic technologist, let’s look at a few real-world examples:
- Cleveland University-Kansas City offers an accelerated program that can be completed in as little as 18 months.
- CareerStep offers an online program that can be completed in as little as 14 months.
- RadiologySchools411.com reports that some bachelor’s degree programs can take up to four years to complete.
As you can see, the length of time it takes to become a radiologic technologist can vary widely depending on the program you choose. However, with a little research, you can find a program that meets your needs and gets you on the path to a rewarding career.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Radiologic Technology Program
Now that you have a general idea of how long it takes to become a radiologic technologist, it’s time to start thinking about which program might be right for you. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a radiologic technology program:
Flexibility
When choosing a program, consider how flexible it is. If you’re working while going to school, you may need a program that offers evening or weekend classes. Some programs may even offer online courses, which can be a great option if you need to work around your schedule.
Instructor-to-Student Ratio
Another important factor to consider is the instructor-to-student ratio. You want to make sure that you’re getting the attention and support you need to succeed. Look for programs that offer small class sizes or a low student-to-faculty ratio.
Equipment
Radiologic technologists use advanced equipment to perform medical imaging exams, so it’s important to make sure that the program you choose has up-to-date equipment. Look for programs that offer hands-on training with the latest equipment, as this will give you the skills you need to succeed in the field.
Cost
Of course, cost is also an important consideration when choosing a radiologic technology program. According to Northwestern Health Sciences University, associate degree programs can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000, while bachelor’s degree programs can cost $30,000 or more. Look for programs that offer financial aid or scholarships to help offset the cost of tuition.
Real-World Examples
To get a better idea of what to look for in a radiologic technology program, let’s take a look at a few examples:
- Cambridge College offers a two-year Radiologic Technology program with hands-on training and skilled instructors. The college provides support throughout the program, including resume and job search assistance.
- Cleveland University-Kansas City offers an accelerated program that can be completed in as little as 18 months. The program includes hands-on training and clinical experience, and graduates are eligible to take the ARRT certification exam.
- [RadiologySchools411.com](https://www.radiologyschools411.com/radiology-technologist/become-a
Career Development Opportunities for Radiologic Technologists
If you’re considering a career as a radiologic technologist, you’ll be happy to know that the profession offers plenty of opportunities for career development. Here are a few examples:
Advanced Certifications
After becoming certified as a radiologic technologist, you may choose to pursue additional certifications in areas such as mammography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or nuclear medicine. These advanced certifications can help you specialize in a particular area and potentially earn a higher salary.
Managerial Roles
As you gain experience in the field, you may have the opportunity to move into a managerial role. Radiologic technologists can become supervisors, managers, or directors of radiology departments. These roles involve overseeing the work of other technologists and ensuring that imaging procedures are performed safely and accurately.
Academia
If you’re interested in teaching, you may be able to pursue a career in academia. Radiologic technology programs need qualified instructors to teach courses and supervise clinical experiences. With a master’s degree, you may even be able to become a program director.
Research
Radiologic technologists can also pursue careers in research. They may work in medical imaging research labs, helping to develop new imaging techniques or improve existing ones. They may also work for medical device manufacturers, helping to design and test new equipment.
Radiology Assistant
Another career path for radiologic technologists is to become a radiology assistant. Radiology assistants have additional education, training, and certification, allowing them to work as radiologist extenders. They can perform advanced imaging procedures and even interpret images under the supervision of a radiologist.
Real-World Examples
Here are a few real-world examples of career development opportunities for radiologic technologists:
- According to w-radiology.com, radiologic technologists with advanced certifications can earn higher salaries. For example, a mammography technologist may earn around $65,000 per year, while a CT technologist may earn around $75,000 per year.
- Radiology Today reports that many radiologic technologists move into managerial roles as they gain experience. They may become supervisors, managers, or directors of radiology departments, with salaries ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 per year.
- The Balance Careers reports that radiologic technologists with a master’s degree may be able to become program directors, with salaries ranging from $80,000 to $120,000 per year.
As you can see, there are plenty of opportunities for career development in the field of radiologic technology. Whether you
Growth and Outlook for Radiologic Technologists
If you’re considering a career as a radiologic technologist, you’ll be happy to know that the profession is growing and offers a positive outlook for job opportunities. Here are a few key points to consider:
Job Growth
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of radiologic technologists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. The aging baby boomer population is expected to increase demand for diagnostic imaging.
Healthcare Settings
Radiologic technologists can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, diagnostic imaging centers, and physician offices. This means that there are plenty of job opportunities available, no matter where you live.
Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for radiologic technologists was $62,280 in May 2020. The highest 10 percent earned more than $86,350, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,110.
Real-World Examples
Here are a few real-world examples of job growth and outlook for radiologic technologists:
- Northwestern Health Sciences University reports that the field is projected to grow by 9 percent, with an additional 25,000 jobs expected to be created by 2029.
- Radiology Today reports that there are plenty of job opportunities for radiologic technologists, with many hospitals and imaging centers struggling to find qualified candidates to fill open positions.
- The Balance Careers reports that radiologic technologists with advanced certifications or specializations can earn higher salaries, potentially making over $100,000 per year.
As you can see, the field of radiologic technology offers plenty of opportunities for job growth and a positive outlook for job opportunities.
Conclusion
Becoming a radiologic technologist can be a rewarding career choice for those interested in healthcare and medical imaging. Here are a few key takeaways from this article:
- Radiologic technologists use advanced equipment to perform medical imaging exams, requiring an associate or bachelor’s degree.
- The length of a radiologic technology program can vary from 18 months to four years, depending on the level of degree and program type.
- When choosing a program, consider factors such as flexibility, instructor-to-student ratio, equipment, and cost.
- Radiologic technologists have plenty of opportunities for career development, including advanced certifications, managerial roles, academia, research, and becoming a radiology assistant.
- The field of radiologic technology is projected to grow 7-9 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations, and offers a positive outlook for job opportunities.
If you’re considering a career in radiologic technology, be sure to do your research and choose a program that’s right for you. With the right education and training, you can build a fulfilling career in this exciting and dynamic field.
Ready to Start Your Career in Radiologic Technology?
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in radiologic technology, there are plenty of resources available to help you get started. Here are a few tips to help you on your journey:
Research Programs
Start by researching radiologic technology programs in your area. Look for programs that are accredited by organizations such as the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). These accreditations ensure that the program meets certain standards of quality and will prepare you for certification exams.
Consider Your Goals
Think about your long-term career goals and how they align with a career in radiologic technology. Do you want to specialize in a particular area, such as mammography or MRI? Do you eventually want to move into a managerial or academic role? Knowing your goals can help you choose a program and career path that’s right for you.
Get Experience
Many radiologic technology programs require clinical experience as part of the curriculum. Consider volunteering at a hospital or imaging center to gain hands-on experience and learn more about the field. This can also be a great way to network with professionals in the field and potentially land a job after graduation.
Check Out Our Other Content
At Techslax, we’re committed to providing valuable resources and information to help you succeed in your career. Be sure to check out our other articles for more tips and insights on a variety of healthcare and technology topics.
We hope this article has been helpful in your journey to becoming a radiologic technologist. With the right education, training, and experience, you can build a fulfilling career in this exciting and dynamic field.
Questions & Answers
Q. Who is eligible for radiologic technologist programs?
A. Anyone with a high school diploma or GED can enroll in a radiologic technologist program.
Q. What is the length of a radiologic technologist program?
A. The length of a radiologic technologist program can vary from 18 months to four years.
Q. How much does it cost to become a radiologic technologist?
A. The cost of a radiologic technologist program varies depending on the school and program type.
Q. What factors should I consider when choosing a radiologic technologist program?
A. Consider factors such as flexibility, instructor-to-student ratio, equipment, and cost.
Q. How can I advance my career as a radiologic technologist?
A. You can advance your career by obtaining advanced certifications, pursuing managerial roles, or becoming a radiology assistant.
Q. What is the job outlook for radiologic technologists?
A. The field of radiologic technology is projected to grow 7-9 percent from 2019 to 2029, offering a positive outlook for job opportunities.
Q. But isn’t the job market for radiologic technologists competitive?
A. While some areas may be more competitive than others, there are plenty of job opportunities available in a variety of healthcare settings.