When diagnostic imaging is required to diagnose medical conditions, radiologic technologists are responsible for capturing high-quality images and ensuring that patients are protected from radiation during exams.
Working alongside radiologists (the physicians who interpret the medical images and make a diagnosis), radiologic techs should have strong patient-facing communication skills, compassion, and technological literacy.
If you are interested in this career, you may be wondering how long it takes to train to become a radiologic technologist. Because an associate degree is the minimum education required to enter the profession, individuals can typically complete their radiologic technology education in approximately two years. A state license or national certification may be required depending on the state.
What Is a Radiologic Technologist?
Radiologic technologists are trained to perform medical imaging exams on patients using medical diagnostic equipment. Technologists perform several types of imaging exams, including X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. Radiologic techs take images of internal organs, soft tissue, and bones. Radiologists use these images to monitor and diagnose medical conditions for patients ranging from infants to the elderly.
Radiologic technologist duties include the following:
Positioning the patient and equipment for the exam
Maintaining detailed patient records
Reading and following physicians’ orders on imaging certain body parts
Operating, maintaining, and adjusting diagnostic equipment
Performing scans, including X-rays, mammograms, CT scans, and MRIs
Conducting radiation therapy treatments
Also known as radiographers, rad techs, or RTs, these professionals primarily work in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, or physicians’ offices, according to 2022 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Becoming a Radiologic Technologist: Steps and How Long They May Take
The BLS notes that the minimum education required to become a radiologic technologist is typically an associate degree, which takes about two years to complete for full-time students. Coursework in associate degree programs often includes anatomy, radiologic positioning, image production, radiation safety, and radiation physics.
High school students can prepare themselves for this career by completing and earning strong grades in courses such as chemistry, anatomy, physics, advanced mathematics, and biology. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline is another avenue for entering the field, but the process will take longer due to the four-year commitment.
Licensure and Certification
Students should check with their state’s licensing board for the exact requirements regarding postgraduate credentials. Most states require aspiring radiologic technologists to become licensed and/or certified before entering the practice; this may take a few months or weeks to achieve after graduating from a degree program.
To be eligible for licensure, individuals must typically graduate from an accredited radiologic technology associate degree program. They must also typically pass a licensure exam administered by the state or a certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The 200-question ARRT exam includes questions on patient care, safety, image production, and procedures. Continuing education courses may be required to maintain licensure or certification.
How Long Does It Take to Train to Become a Radiologic Technologist at Fortis?
The Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology program at Fortis can be completed in as little as 96 instructional weeks, which is approximately two academic years of school. Depending on their location, students can enroll in a hybrid or an on-campus learning format. The rad tech program, which helps prepare students for a wide range of entry-level radiography positions, is available at numerous Fortis campuses in states including Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas. Graduates are eligible to sit for the ARRT radiologic technologist certification exam.
Benefits of Becoming a Radiologic Technologist
One of the biggest draws to becoming a radiologic technologist is the short length of study to enter the field. It is also a high-tech profession that allows individuals to operate complex equipment and learn about emerging technologies.
Radiologic technologists also have career growth opportunities. They commonly expand their career prospects by moving into specialty areas of radiography, such as diagnostic medical sonography, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, vascular sonography, mammography, and bone densitometry.
The BLS projects 6% employment growth for radiologic technologists between 2022 and 2032. This faster-than-average growth is largely due to rising rates of chronic disease and the growing number of older adults needing diagnostic care.
Discover How Fortis Can Train You to Become a Radiologic Technologist
In regards to how long it takes to train to become a radiologic technologist, the comprehensive program at Fortis takes about two years of study to complete. It combines classroom, small group, and hands-on learning, so students can develop the skills needed for entry-level positions.
Individuals who complete a radiologic technology associate degree program at Fortis can gain extensive knowledge in radiologic imaging techniques, protocols, and equipment. They also learn soft skills, such as patient communication, problem-solving, and collaboration.
If you are ready to get started in the medical technology field and make a difference in patients’ lives, learn how Fortis can help you achieve your career goals today.
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