Browse through our radiology careers at a glance chart to get an understanding of the differences between the various radiology careers or jump to a specific job family below to get the specifics. Another common question from those looking into radiology is: How to get started? While there are a number of ways to get into radiology, you can check out featured student profiles and learn about how a radiology career starts and continues to grow. Learn more about the Radiologist shortage and how it has created unprecedented demand for radiology professionals.
Other Radiology & Medical Imaging Careers |
|
| Minimum Degree Level for Radiology Career | Professional Radiology Certification Required | Median Radiology Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| X-Ray Technician | Certificate | None; some states will require licensure | $41,612 |
| Radiologic Technologist (R.T.) | Associates Degree & Bachelors for Lead RT positions or Administrative Positions | ARRT Certification required in 38 states | $52,336 |
| Radiologist Assistant (R.A.) | Masters Degree | ARRT Certification required in 38 states | $102,972 |
| Medical Assistant w/ Limited X-Ray | Certificate | No | $38,000 |
| Radiologist (M.D.) | Doctorate M.D. | Doctorate Required | $361,538 |
| Ultrasound Technician | Associates Degree | ARDMS Certification required in only 2 states; but recommended for all states. | $67,670 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist | Associates Degree | NMTCB Certification required in 26 states; but recommended for all states. | $69,083 |
Student Profile: Janet Tomkins
The journey from Medical Assisting to Radiologic Technologist.
We interviewed Janet Tomkins, a Radiologic Technologist (R.T.) who first got inspired to get into radiology from her aunt who was a long time X-Ray Technician at the local hospital. Like many, she was intimidated by what she did not know, like how long it would take, what it would cost, and what the differences were between the jobs. "I just thought it would take years of school and I didn't have that luxury with two kids, rent, and bills to pay, but I learned that I could start by getting a certificate and then I could build upon that foundation." Janet started her journey by enrolling in a 9 month certificate program to become a Medical Assistant with Limited X-Ray training. "As a Medical Assistant, I was able to get my feet wet and explore my options"

The power of images and the healing process
"I enjoyed working with patients and being a part of their healing process. I was able to perform basic x-rays, looking at broken bones and that kind of thing for the most part. I was intrigued by the power of the images and the thrill of navigating around inside the body to find disease and fractures. My friend in the radiology unit let me assist with some CT scans she was performing one day, and I was hooked."
"I completed my associates degree and I was able to do some classes online, which made my life a lot easier." Janet indicated that after she completed her associates degree, she felt very prepared for the ARRT exam, which she said she passed with "flying colors."
Branching out: MRI's, Mammography, & More
"Becoming an RT was the best thing I ever did." I am doing MRI's now and I've just completed a mammography certificate. I was really lucky because my employer paid for most of my additional training. So, it's really been a satisfying experience and has made me a much more valuable employee. I am happy that I am now in a career, instead of just a job that pays the bills.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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LakelandKeiser University offers accredited degree programs in today's high-demand careers: Healthcare, Technology, Paralegal, Business, Nursing and Legal Studies.
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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
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CookevilleLooking 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.
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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.
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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.
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PhoenixCarrington College has helped over 45,000 graduates realize their dream of a career in healthcare. Now it's your turn. Choose from eleven conveniently located campuses.
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Saint PaulAt Argosy University we prepare individuals for careers that make a difference, whether in business, education, or psychology. Learn how you can make a difference in your life, and the lives of others.
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Lake WorthAdvance your health care career with MedVance Institute. We offer programs in various areas of the health care field and students can graduate in as little as a year.
"For consumer information: http://www.medvanceedu.info/"
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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.
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PittsburghGet 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.
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San MarcosCalifornia College San Diego (CCSD)offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.
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OakdalePittsburgh Technical Institute offers you a career-focused education shaped by industry insiders and employers. Get the skills that can get you the job in 24-month associate programs and 9 to 15 month certificate programs that include business, technology, medical and design degree opportunities.
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