3 answers
Erika
Student
Herndon, Virginia
1
Question
Asked
617 views
what type of schooling do I need to become a radiology tech?
I'm in 12th grade trying to figure out what I have to study
Login to comment
3 answers
Andrew Flinchbaugh
Operations and Enablement within higher education
2
Answers
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
I will add to the previous recommendations by first saying that the Radiology Tech space is a great, in-demand career pathway. If you're still in high school, there are some newer pathways that you can actually explore now that can all stack into a Radiologic Technologist degree. You can start with an IMA program (Imaging Medical Assistant), which can stack into an IMA-MR (Imaging Medical Assistant, Magnetic Resonance credential) and then into a Limited Scope X-Ray Tech and then ultimately rolling up into a Radiologic Technologist AAS Degree or Bachelors. You can potentially work while earning these stackable credentials, providing the opportunity to both earn and learn and advance your career in this exciting and in-demand space of healthcare. I'm sure you're very familiar with https://www.arrt.org/, but please check it out for details around these credentials and stackable pathways. Best of luck to you in your career!
Cally Latchford
Academic Operations Manager
3
Answers
Union City, New Jersey
Updated
Cally’s Answer
To add to Alja's recommendation of checking at a community college, you might google certificate programs as well. There aren't a lot of them, but there may be some in your area via local colleges or community colleges or some online ones you could start with. These are usually less investment (less courses, less cost) and might get you into the role in a junior way. This can help you learn if this is something you'd like to do long-term with less risk, too.
Alja Hojnik
Managing digital course production
5
Answers
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Updated
Alja’s Answer
Hi Erica — if by “radiology tech” you mean the person who performs X-rays, the job title to search for is radiologic technologist or radiographer.
In Virginia, the usual route is:
1. Finish high school.
2. Complete an Associate of Applied Science in Radiography or Radiologic Technology. These programs are commonly offered by community colleges and usually take about two years, although prerequisite courses or competitive admission can make the total journey a little longer. A bachelor’s degree is another option, but it is not normally required for entry-level work. ARRT requires at least an associate degree and completion of an approved professional program. ARRT
3. Complete clinical training. Your program will include subjects such as anatomy and physiology, patient care, X-ray positioning, imaging equipment, radiation physics and radiation safety, together with supervised experience in hospitals or imaging facilities. TCC.edu
4. Pass the ARRT Radiography examination to become a certified and registered radiologic technologist. ARRT
5. Apply for Virginia licensure when required. Virginia’s Board of Medicine requires an ARRT-acceptable educational program and evidence that you passed the relevant certification examination. State exemptions for certain workplaces exist and are scheduled to change on July 1, 2029, so check the current Virginia rules again when you are close to graduating. Virginia Law
While you are still in 12th grade, useful classes include biology, anatomy, algebra, chemistry and physics. Keep your grades as strong as possible because radiography programs can be competitive. Depending on the college, you may first need college courses such as Anatomy and Physiology, English and math, and possibly an entrance test such as the TEAS. For example, Northern Virginia Community College currently requires Anatomy and Physiology I and II, English, math readiness, a minimum GPA and the TEAS for admission to its radiography program. NVCC Catalog
When comparing colleges, ask these questions:
- Will graduating make me eligible for the ARRT Radiography exam?
- Is the program JRCERT accredited?
- Are the prerequisite courses included in the advertised program length?
- Where are the clinical placements?
- What percentage of applicants are accepted and what percentage pass the ARRT exam?
Be careful not to confuse a full radiography program with a short limited X-ray technician course. Limited technologists have a much narrower permitted scope. For the broadest employment options, look for an associate-degree program called Radiography A.A.S. or Radiologic Technology A.A.S.
I hope this helps!
In Virginia, the usual route is:
1. Finish high school.
2. Complete an Associate of Applied Science in Radiography or Radiologic Technology. These programs are commonly offered by community colleges and usually take about two years, although prerequisite courses or competitive admission can make the total journey a little longer. A bachelor’s degree is another option, but it is not normally required for entry-level work. ARRT requires at least an associate degree and completion of an approved professional program. ARRT
3. Complete clinical training. Your program will include subjects such as anatomy and physiology, patient care, X-ray positioning, imaging equipment, radiation physics and radiation safety, together with supervised experience in hospitals or imaging facilities. TCC.edu
4. Pass the ARRT Radiography examination to become a certified and registered radiologic technologist. ARRT
5. Apply for Virginia licensure when required. Virginia’s Board of Medicine requires an ARRT-acceptable educational program and evidence that you passed the relevant certification examination. State exemptions for certain workplaces exist and are scheduled to change on July 1, 2029, so check the current Virginia rules again when you are close to graduating. Virginia Law
While you are still in 12th grade, useful classes include biology, anatomy, algebra, chemistry and physics. Keep your grades as strong as possible because radiography programs can be competitive. Depending on the college, you may first need college courses such as Anatomy and Physiology, English and math, and possibly an entrance test such as the TEAS. For example, Northern Virginia Community College currently requires Anatomy and Physiology I and II, English, math readiness, a minimum GPA and the TEAS for admission to its radiography program. NVCC Catalog
When comparing colleges, ask these questions:
- Will graduating make me eligible for the ARRT Radiography exam?
- Is the program JRCERT accredited?
- Are the prerequisite courses included in the advertised program length?
- Where are the clinical placements?
- What percentage of applicants are accepted and what percentage pass the ARRT exam?
Be careful not to confuse a full radiography program with a short limited X-ray technician course. Limited technologists have a much narrower permitted scope. For the broadest employment options, look for an associate-degree program called Radiography A.A.S. or Radiologic Technology A.A.S.
I hope this helps!