How to Become an X-Ray Technician
1. Find an X-Ray Technician School
Start by researching schools that offer X-Ray Technician programs. It is important that you find a school that will prepare you for state licensing and ARRT certification. When you request information from schools, be sure to ask them how they will prepare you for this. Browse our radiology school directory or search for radiology schools in your state to begin the process of researching information about schools and the x-ray programs they offer.
2. Complete an Associates or Certificate X-Ray Program
Becoming an X-Ray Technician can be done by completing a certificate, associates, or even a bachelor's degree program. The most common methods are certificates and associates degrees. Certificates take an average of 12 months to complete and an associates generally takes two academic years. If you cannot attend radiology courses during the day, you will want to ask about evening degree, online, or hybrid options to complete your education.
3. Become licensed through your state & certified with the ARRT
It is highly recommended that you become registered with the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists). In order to be eligible to take the ARRT exam, completing an x-ray program that is approved by JCERT is necessary . JCERT, which is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology is the accrediting body that approves schools. 38 states require certification and if you search through the job listings of virtually any state, you will commonly see that employers prefer job candidates to be certified.
4. Apply for and obtain a job as an X-Ray Technician
Once you have completed your degree or certificate and passed the certification exam, it is time to update your resume and start applying for jobs. Be sure to stay in touch with other students and contacts you have in the field as they could be a referral source for you while you are seeking a position. Don't be afraid to contact current X-Ray professionals to get interviewing and resume advice. Post your resume on a radiology job board and stay positive.
Radiology Programs:
Fortis Institute
Campus Locations:
JacksonvilleLooking to prepare for your dream career? Fortis Institute can give you the skills and training you need to succeed in the fast-growing and high-demand healthcare field. * Programs vary by location * Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information * Fortis Institute - Indianapolis advertising code is AC-0163.
Programs offered:
Pioneer Pacific College
Campus Locations:
WilsonvillePioneer Pacific College is a nationally recognized college with three Oregon locations. Degree programs are available in Business, Law, Computer Science and Health Services.
Anthem College
Campus Locations:
MinneapolisGet the hands-on training you need to enter the exciting health care or criminal justice fields at Anthem College. Learn from our outstanding professional faculty in a hands-on, real-world environment. We offer financial aid for those who qualify, outstanding student services, placement assistance for graduates, and more.
Ultimate Medical Academy
Campus Locations:
TampaUltimate Medical Academy (UMA) specializes in preparing students just like you for rewarding and challenging careers in Healthcare. While most schools teach many different subjects, UMA is exclusively focused on the healthcare field.
Programs offered:
Concorde
Campus Locations:
MemphisGet your career started with Concorde Career College. Our training programs are short, affordable, and hands-on. We offer training programs in medical assisting, dental assisting, insurance coding, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, vocational/practical nursing, patient care, and more.
Sanford-Brown Institute
Campus Locations:
TampaGet everything you need for the medical career you want. Sanford-Brown Institute's advanced programs allow you to complete your certificate or degree program in as little as 9 months. Learn more today.
Programs offered:
Sanford-Brown College
Campus Locations:
ClevelandGet the skills you need in Tech, Business, or Healthcare in as little as 9 months from Sanford-Brown College. Choose from convenient day, evening, and weekend classes. Learn more today.
Programs offered:
American Institute - Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Campus Locations:
CliftonAdvance your career with American Institute - Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Our program can be completed in as little as 16 months. We offer program specializations in general or cardiac sonography, both of which include vascular ultrasound training.
Programs offered:
Medical Career Institute
Campus Locations:
Newport NewsExperience the Rewards of Caring, With ECPI’s Medical Careers Institute, you can Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree in 2.5 Years or Your Associate’s Even Sooner through Our Year-Round Schedule!
Programs offered:
Keiser University Campus
Campus Locations:
Fort LauderdaleKeiser University offers accredited degree programs in today's high-demand careers: Healthcare, Technology, Paralegal, Business, Nursing and Legal Studies.
Lincoln Technical Institute
Campus Locations:
Saint PetersburgLincoln Technical Institute provides career-focused, hands-on training programs with industry experienced instructors. Get the skills for a rewarding in-demand career.
For more student consumer information, please visit www.lincolnedu.com/lincolnconsumerinfo
Programs offered:
Kaplan College - KHE
Campus Locations:
Las VegasDon't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.
Star Career Academy
Campus Locations:
CliftonStar Career Academy - the career school of choice. What makes us unique, and unlike other trade schools, is the dedication of our staff to provide performance-based occupational training. Students will be prepared for entry-level employment in allied health fields, hotel and restaurant management, cosmetology, or a choice from our professional cooking, culinary, baking or pastry schools. Students gain the knowledge and confidence they need so that they may quickly gain employment and achieve the success they desire.
Programs offered:
St. Joseph's College of Maine
Campus Locations:
StandishMany adult learners are enrolled in courses worldwide and are active in distance learning courses at Saint Joseph's College and are in enrolled in programs such as business, education, health care administration, general studies, nursing, and theology.
Programs offered:
University of Phoenix
Campus Locations:
Los AngelesAs the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.
Programs offered:
