How to become a Radiologic Technologist (RT)
Radiologic Technologists operate the imaging equipment that produces diagnostic X-rays, CT scans, MRI, mammography, ultrasound, and fluoroscopy. About 220,000 radiologic + MRI techs work nationally per BLS, primarily in hospital radiology departments, outpatient imaging centers, and specialty diagnostic groups.
Education
Accredited radiologic-technology programs run 22-24 months and award an Associate of Science (AS) degree. Accreditation comes from JRCERT (Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology); only JRCERT-accredited program graduates are ARRT-eligible. A small number of 4-year BS-level programs exist, often combined with management or sub-specialty tracks. Curriculum covers radiation physics, anatomy, patient positioning, radiation safety, imaging principles, and ~1,800-2,000 hours of supervised clinical practice.
ARRT certification
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) administers the primary credentialing exam. Passing earns the R.T.(R)(ARRT) credential — "Radiography" certification, the entry-level RT credential. Most states (37 + DC) require state licensure in addition to ARRT certification; some states accept ARRT certification directly, others require a state-specific exam.
Modality specialties
After working as a general radiographer, techs typically pursue a second ARRT post-primary certification in a modality: Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Mammography (M), Vascular-Interventional (VI), Cardiac-Interventional (CI), Bone Densitometry (BD), Sonography (S), Nuclear Medicine (NM), or Radiation Therapy (T). Most modalities require documented clinical hours + a separate ARRT exam. CT and MRI are the highest-volume specialty paths.
Compensation
BLS reports median annual radiologic-tech salary in the $76k-$80k range. MRI techs and CT techs typically earn 10-25% above general radiography. Night/weekend differentials in trauma centers + IR cath labs add meaningfully to base. Travel radiologic-tech work is widely available.
Career progression
Lead/chief tech, modality supervisor, imaging-department manager, applications specialist (working for a manufacturer like GE/Siemens/Philips), CT/MRI fellowship, or RA (Radiologist Assistant — a master's-level credential that expands scope significantly).