Education · 1 of 5
The path
Two years, most of it hands on in a real imaging department.
- 1
High school diploma
Grade 12
Biology, physics, math and anatomy if your school offers it. Some programs want a health course or volunteer hours too.
- 2
Get into an accredited program
Apply a year ahead
Look for accreditation by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Admission is competitive and cohorts are small.
- 3
Associate degree in radiography
2 years
Anatomy, positioning, radiation physics and protection, plus clinical rotations in hospitals from your first semester.
- 4
Pass the national exam
After graduation
The radiography certification exam from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, which also has an ethics review before you may sit it.
- 5
State license and first job
Weeks
Most states license anyone who operates radiation equipment on people. Then hospitals hire, often from their own clinical students.