Radiologic technologists play a critical role in the healthcare system, making a direct impact on patient treatment and outcomes. Whether you’re looking to become a radiologic tech, or you’re a seasoned professional looking to advance into a more specialized role, this dynamic field offers a number of paths toward a fulfilling career.
In this guide, we’ll walk through each phase of a radiologic technologist’s career and offer actionable next steps to help you expand your skills, increase your earning potential, and grow your career.
Start Here: Get Certified
If you’re just getting started, your first priority should be completing a radiologic technology educational program to earn your certification. A program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) will prepare you for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Radiography Exam. Once you pass the exam, you’ll earn your Registered Technologist Radiologist (RTR) and can begin working as a licensed radiologic technologist, depending on your state’s licensing requirements.
Choose the right program for you
There are multiple ways to earn your education. Radiologic technologist programs vary in both length and structure, so choose the one that’s right for you—whether you’re looking to fast-track your education or build a strong foundation to pursue advanced specializations or leadership roles down the line.
The most common education tracks include:
Certificate programs are often hosted by hospitals and technical or vocational schools. They offer the quickest way into a career as a radiologic tech, with some programs taking as little as one year—but they offer fewer general education courses, potentially limiting your options to specialize in the future.
2. Associate’s Degree (18-24 months)
An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Science (AS) degree in radiologic technology is the most common way for rad techs to earn their education. These programs typically include a mix of classic coursework and clinical rotations, helping you prepare for both certification and to enter the workforce.
3. Bachelor’s Degree (4 years)
Earning a bachelor’s degree in radiologic sciences or health sciences opens the door to the most advanced opportunities as you progress in your career. These programs offer a strong educational foundation that make you highly competitive in the job market and present opportunities for higher earning potential. If you already know you want to pursue advanced specialization or a leadership role, this could be a rewarding path.
4. Military Programs
Radiologic technologist training is also available through the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force medical corps. These programs offer the most hands-on clinical experience, though you may need additional training or education to qualify for the ARRT exam after your service.
Choose an accredited program
Choosing a program accredited by the JRCERT ensures that your education aligns with industry standards and prepares you for the ARRT certification exam. Plus, most employers require graduation from a JRCERT-accredited institution. Visit the JRCERT and ARRT websites to find an accredited program near you.
Early Career: Build Core Skills & Maintain Your Credentials
In your first few years as a radiologic technologist, your focus should be on strengthening core skills, gaining confidence in the clinical environment, and building experience with the tools of the trade. Honing your strengths during this period of your career will help shape how you want to grow from here, whether you’re looking to specialize or take on a leadership role.
It’s also a great time to grow your professional network. Attend conferences and workshops, seek mentorship relationships with more senior techs. and think about joining the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) to stay up-to-date on advancements in the industry.
Keep your certification active with CE credits
CE credits are professional development hours earned by participating in educational activities or experiences in your field. One credit typically equals 60 minutes of activity, and all credits must be approved by and submitted to ARRT to maintain your credential. Visit ARRT’s website to find a list of approved CE activities.
To maintain your ARRT certification, you must earn 24 continuing education (CE) credits and renew your certification every two years. At least 16 of those hours need to be directly related to radiologic science and imaging, while the rest can help you learn soft skills like management, or expand your clinical knowledge.
How to earn CE credits as a radiologic technologist
There are many ways to earn CE credits, depending on what you’re interested in and what style of learning you prefer. Here are some of the most common options:
ASRT and other organizations offer online modules and webinars that you can take at your own pace. Courses are available on a wide range of subjects, from patient safety to advanced anatomy.
2. Read and complete CE articles
Professional journals such as ASRT’s Radiologic Technology publish articles that allow rad techs to read the article, then take a comprehension test. Passing the test will earn you a CE credit.
3. Attend live conferences and workshops
Local and national imaging conferences often offer CE workshops and sessions that count toward CE credits. These live events also serve as crucial networking opportunities to connect with others in the field.
4. Take a college course
If you’re enrolled in a degree program for imaging, healthcare management, or other relevant areas of study, your coursework may be eligible for CE credit. Verify with ARRT to ensure your degree qualifies.
5. Earn additional certifications
Post-primary certifications like CT, MRI, or Mammography will often qualify for CE credit, as long as they are properly accredited. Plus, these certifications will also qualify you for new roles in advanced specialties.
6. Attend vendor-sponsored trainings
Many imaging equipment manufacturers offer CE-eligible trainings for rad techs. To qualify for CE credit, most sessions will include a testing component to confirm your participation.
Mid-Career: Specialize or Explore Leadership Opportunities
About 3-5 years into the job, many radiologic technologists are ready to branch out. After building a strong foundation of clinical experience and knowledge, now’s the time to determine whether you want to specialize in a certain type of imaging or explore a leadership-focused career. Both offer plenty of opportunities for advancement and higher earning potential—it all depends on whether you want to stay hands-on or transition to more of an admin role.
This is an exciting stage in your career where you can begin shaping your long-term career aspirations. Here are a few paths to consider:
Go deep by specializing
Focusing on a specialized area of imaging allows you to become an expert in a more technical and advanced skill set. Most specializations require additional education and training, as well as passing additional post-primary exams with ARRT.
Some of the most in-demand imaging specialties include CT, MRI, mammography, bone densitometry and more. See a list of common specialties and which one might be right for you.
While every specialization is different, here are the common steps rad techs will take to specialize:
2. Complete any required CE credits or education. Most specialties require you to complete coursework in the specific modality, which can often be completed online. These courses will also satisfy CE credit requirements for your foundational certification renewal. Depending on the specialty you choose, you may need to complete anywhere from 16 to 24 CE credits in that specialty to qualify for post-primary exams.
3. Log your clinical experience with ARRT. The ARRT requires you to meet a set number of documented procedures to be eligible for a post-primary exam to specialize. For example, to specialize in CT, you must complete 125 procedures across various protocol types such as head, chest, abdomen, and spine. Learn more about logging clinical experience on the ARRT’s website.
4. Pass the ARRT post-primary certification exam. Once you meet the educational and clinical requirements, the final step is to take the ARRT’s post-primary exam in your chosen specialty. Upon passing, you’ll earn an additional credential like RT(R)(CT), RT(R)(MR), or RT(R)(M), opening the door to new roles and advancement opportunities.
Pursue a lead tech or supervisor role
If you’re more interested in mentoring new techs or managing team operations, pursuing leadership opportunities may be the right path for you. Working your way up the leadership ladder will lead to higher earning potential, as well as greater responsibility on the healthcare team.
You’ll need to build both practical experience and soft skills to thrive in a leadership role. While your path may vary by facility, here are some common steps you can take to get started:
2. Take initiative with administrative tasks. Begin seeking opportunities to assist with the operations side of the job. By offering to help with tasks like coordinating shift schedules, coordinating cases, and assisting with daily operations, you’ll not only gain the management skills you need, but also show your supervisor that you’re serious about taking on a leadership role.
3. Earn CE credits in soft skills like leadership and communication. Continuing education isn’t just for clinical skills—it’s also a great way to build your leadership toolkit. Some organizations offer courses on topics like conflict resolution, healthcare operations, and clinical communications.
4. Consider additional management education. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or radiologic sciences will make you more competitive in the job market and boost your earning potential. Many schools offer flexible options like part-time or online courses so you can earn your degree while working full-time. Some employers even offer programs like tuition reimbursement or professional development budgets to help you pursue higher education.
Maintain your credentials
Don’t forget that you’ll still need to earn CE credits and renew your ARRT certification every two years for as long as you’re a practicing radiologic technologist. As you advance your career, use your CE activities as an opportunity to further deepen your expertise and expand your skill set in your chosen specialization.
Senior-Level Career: Lead, Teach, or Transition
With several years of experience under your belt, you’re ready to take on more advanced roles both within and beyond the clinical setting. Taking on more advanced roles promises greater responsibility, higher pay, and more opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
There are many paths forward depending on your unique interests and skill set gained over years of experience. Many senior rad techs will choose to further advance in leadership and administration, become an educator, or transition to a related field outside of the clinical setting.
Advance into imaging leadership or administration
Becoming an imaging manager or supervisor requires several years of clinical experience, as well as either formal or informal training in the administrative side of radiology. Leaders in these roles are responsible for guiding teams, ensuring smooth operations, and overseeing department communications.
To qualify for team leadership roles, consider earning a management-specific certification like Certified Radiology Administrator (CRA) in addition to your ARRT certification to help you stand out in the job market. Pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, radiologic sciences, or general management also provides a strong foundation and competitive portfolio to help you thrive in a leadership role.
Radiology administrators must uphold the highest standards in compliance, so consider CE credits and additional training in compliance offered by organizations like the ASRT.
Become a radiologic technology educator
Educators play an essential role in shaping the next generation of rad techs. You can choose to become a full-time educator working in a JRCERT-accredited program, or work as a clinical educator or preceptor in hospitals or imaging centers.
To become an educator, you’ll need an active ARRT certification. Most educational roles also require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, as well as several years of experience working in medical imaging.
Transition to a related field
Seasoned rad techs sometimes opt to leave the clinical setting entirely and branch out to roles in related fields. Becoming a PACS administrator, compliance officer, or imaging analyst offers a unique opportunity to put your skills to use in a new setting—a refreshing change of pace for senior techs who are looking for a new challenge.
Many of these positions require advanced certification or additional education, but offer greater flexibility and high earning potential depending on your chosen field.
Navigating your future as a radiologic technologist
Wherever you are in your career as radiologic technologist, you’ve chosen a field that offers a wide variety of ways to have an impactful and exciting career. Whether you’re passionate about mastering a specific type of imaging or leading a radiology team, the next step is up to you.
Incredible Health helps radiologic technologists find permanent roles at top hospitals nationwide. If you’re looking for your next rad tech role, join Incredible Health today to start writing your next chapter.
Plus: Read our healthcare technician resume guide and rad tech intervew guide for tips and tricks to land an interview—and then ace it.
