First and foremost, you’ve got to find out what your state’s licensing requirements are to work with radiology and x-ray equipment. You will also need to determine if getting certified through the ARRT is required in your state. Many states utilize the exam administered by the ARRT as a licensing requirement. You can view contact information on the radiology certification and licensing pages within this site to get specific questions answered. Even if your state does not require that you become certified, it may be a good idea anyway in order to make yourself a competitive job applicant upon graduation.

If your state requires certification, you will want to be sure to choose a radiology degree that is accepted by the ARRT and that will sufficiently prepare you for the exam. The most common degree pursued is the radiology associates degree. It is a two year programs that will provide you with foundational knowledge about working in health care, core curriculum in radiology, and a hands on externship.

Another option is to pursue a radiology certificate which are shorter programs usually lasting between 9 to 12 months. This is a good option for those who will be working in states that have less stringent licensing and certification requirements. It is also a quicker, more efficient route to an entry level position.

A radiology bachelors degree is usually pursued by those who have already been working in the field and would like to attain supervisory or leadership positions. In addition, a bachelors degree in radiology is a good option for those seeking positions as radiology trainers and educators in hospitals and community colleges.

If in doubt, I always recommend that you look through some of the job postings at local hospitals and diagnostic imaging labs and read the education and certification requirements. Regardless of the degree you pursue, the good news is that you have set in motion a highly rewarding career with endless expansion and possibilities.

The associates degree usually takes two academic years to complete and has three main phases. The first phase is the general medical and health care knowledge you will need such as medical terminology, anatomy, patient records management, and medical ethics. The second phase consists of the core radiology courses which usually include subjects such as patient positioning, radiographic physics, medical imaging technology, sectional anatomy, and a set of courses designed to acquaint you with imaging major anatomical areas. The third phase is the clinical experience where you will work with an existing Rad Tech and work through a set of competencies, skills, and knowledge out in the field.

The certificate programs for radiography are quicker and usually take about one academic year to complete. Associates programs are more popular than the certificates because there are many more approved programs through JRCERT (Joint Review Committee for Education in Radiologic Technology), and they more thoroughly prepare you for the ARRT examination. The ARRT, known as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, is the national organization that administers tests and grants certification to Radiologic Technologists. Completing an associates degree is one of the best ways to prepare yourself for the exam.

Bachelor’s degrees are another option that will provide you with a much more robust education; however, this path is pursued less because it is not required unless you are planning on pursuing a supervisory role, becoming a trainer, or setting the foundation for a masters degree.

Radiology has become a popular career choice because it is getting the reputation as one of the highest paying and rewarding health care jobs you can get with a two year degree, which is why a radiology associates degree is a popular option.