Even though radiology is a specialized field of study within medicine, there are a variety of radiologist technician programs offered at medical and health schools. Students can choose to focus on medical imaging technician, musculoskeletal radiology technician, neuroradiology technician, nuclear medicine technician, cellular imaging technician, medical sonography technician, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging technician, mammography technician and more. At many medical schools, students can choose to focus on radiology tech, but after graduating, earning a certificate or graduate diploma is necessary for securing top positions in the field.
Radiologic technician certificates and diplomas can be earned through a residency program or in independent programs offered at medical schools. Programs may be full-time or part-time, depending on the school and your flexibility. Some schools may offer a general radiology technician certificate program, while others may have entire radiologist techincian departments or schools and allow students to specialize their certificate even further, by choosing to earn their radiologist technician certificate, nuclear medicine technician certificate, and related subjects. The time needed to complete a certificate as a radiologist technician or a specialized radiology field largely depends on the type of program. Full radiology residency programs combine radiologist technician specialization with general residency requirements and typically last around 1-2 years. Individual certificate programs may last anywhere from 6 to 18 months. Most accredited programs are designed to prepare students to sit for the board certification test in radiology technician or the particular field.
Becoming a radiologist technician involves a lot of training. Radiologists must first attend an accredited four-year college or university, preferably getting a BS in radiologic sciences. Although not radiologists require applicants to have majored in a medically minded area, coursework in biology, chemistry, and related areas is typically required. Because applying to radiologist technician jobs is very competitive, some students may find that getting a bachelors in medical assisting or a bachelors in radiologist technician is helpful, though it is not usually required. Completing a radiologic tech program usually takes 1 to 2 years, depending on your schedule and program's organization. After radiologist technician school, many students go on to complete a one-year internship program and then begin their career as a technician for a radiologist.
As they begin their career, radiologist technicians usually get experience by completing different rotations which introduce them to hands-on training of specific areas of radiology, like mammography technician, pediatric radiology technician and others. Once the rotations are completed, radiologist technicians may decide to earn an additional certification to further specialize in one of these areas. Once all of this training is completed, you will be ready to sit for the radiologist technician board certification in your area, and if you pass, you will be a licensed radiologist technician.
Radiologist technicians are health care professionals who specialize in using medical imaging to diagnose patients, evaluate injuries, and recommend treatment options. In order to become a radiologist technician, you will need to have earned a degree from an accredited college or university with a health care concentration. Additional on the job training is also required. When researching radiologist technician schools, look for programs that specialize in radiology and offer hands-on practice with cutting edge medical technology. Widely used technologies that students will need to become experienced with include X-rays, CT scanners, MRIs, 3D medical imaging programs, special cameras used in health care and surgery, sonogram machines, and plenty of other computer and web-based software programs.
Other important factors to consider when researching radiologist technician schools include the amount of funding and time spent on radiology research at the school and the size of the radiology department and team at the medical school hospital or clinic. If your medical school is a leader in radiology research and the expansion of medical imaging technology, then the quality of the academic and training programs will be high due to substantial funding and the on-campus presence of leaders in radiology. Medical centers that are known for excellence in radiology will also mean that your school program will benefit from the influence and teachings of experienced, cutting edge radiologists.
The following list of schools includes a variety of different degree programs, including radiologist technician certificates, associate's and bachelor's programs. Students become familiar with radiology equipment and safety, different medical imaging techniques, patient care and medical terminology. Depending on the program, students will also prepare to sit for certification exams and for entry-level positions in the field of radiology.
Northwestern State University (Evanston, IL)
Radiologic Technologist to Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences
Northwestern's RT to BSRT program is designed for radiation technologists who want to go back to school to earn a higher undergraduate degree. The four-year program involves a curriculum of core classes, including upper division classes in the radiologic sciences. Northwestern is one of the only schools in the country to offer a bachelor's degree in the radiologic sciences.
Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences (Orlando, Online)
Associate of Science in Radiography
In this introductory program, students learn how medical imaging is used for to see body organs and structure. The curriculum involves general education requirements as well as classes in radiobiology, radiographic pathology and more.
Associate of Science in Nuclear Medicine Technology
Students get an overview of radioactive pharmaceuticals and how to administer them in order to explore a body's tumors and to study its bone, organ, cardiac and liver functions. This program also introduces the use of the high tech systems and equipment used in such procedures.
Bachelor of Science in Radiologic SciencesAs a bachelor's program, students take 27 general education credits plus 33 radiologic science credits. This program is offered online requires that students already have an Associate's degree in radiography, Radiologic Technology, or Radiologic Sciences. Radiologic science courses in the bachelor's program cover topics in digital medical imaging, health care trends, magnetic resonance and computed tomography.
Nuclear Medicine Technology Certificate Program
Health care professionals who already hold a certificate in radiography can take this program to get advanced training in the field. Classes cover topics like radiopharmacy, clinical nuclear medicine, and a lab in nuclear medicine instrumentation.
Pima Medical Institute (Online)
Advanced Placement Track Radiography program
Students prepare to become radiologic technologists and to sit for the ARRT certification exam in this program. Students must already have experience with clinical radiography and have completed a JRCERT-accredited program or another approved program in radiography. Even though the program is offered online, students will be able to get real-life experience at local clinics.
Keiser University (Ft. Lauderdale, Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, Kendall, Lakeland, Melbourne, Orlando, Port St. Lucie, Sarasota, Tallahassee, Tampa, West Palm Beach, FL)
Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology
Students are taught how to use technology equipment and systems relevant to the field of radiology. Classes introduce students to medical terminology, radiographic procedures, patient safety, and understanding medical imaging data. Graduates of the program will be prepared for entry-level jobs in radiologic technology.
Concorde Career College (Denver)
Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology
Concorde's AAS in Radiologic Technology prepares students for entry-level positions as radiographers. The program introduces them to medical imaging technology and techniques, as well as teaching valuable skills in medical terminology, taking vital signs, understanding anatomy, and more.
Ultimate Medical Academy (Clearwater, FL)
Basic X-Ray ProgramStudents prepare to become X-ray technicians in this program, which teaches them anatomy, medical ethics, and terminology, as well as familiarizes them with handling X-ray machines and ensuring patient safety. Upon completion of the program, students should be prepared to sit for the HRS Basic X-ray Machine Operator exam.
Spencerian College (Louisville)
Limited Medical Radiography Diploma
This introductory program teaches students how to prepare patients for a radiological procedure. They will learn how to explain the procedure, position the patient and become familiar with the basic functions of the technology itself. Spencerian's program also teaches students to use X-ray machines.
This accredited program is designed for students who want to perform radiologic procedures in a variety of health care settings. Students learn how to work with patients, explain procedures, use radiologic technology equipment, and feel comfortable working in a clinical environment. Graduates of the program will also be well on their way to preparing for the professional licensing exam.
Argosy University (Twin Cities)
Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology
Argosy's AAS program focuses on both technical skills in diagnostic radiography and general education. Classes familiarize students with radiography equipment and medical terminology, and also requires 21 credits of general academic study. Students prepare to work as entry-level radiographers and get a solid foundation for future education and professional development.
Colorado Technical University (North Kansas City)
Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology
During the course of this radiologist technician program, students learn to use X-ray machines, prepare patients for radiological procedures, and be comfortable, competent leaders in a variety of health care environments. After graduation, students should be ready to enter the workforce as entry level radiologic technicians.
This full undergraduate degree program gives students a more thorough understanding of the practical and conceptual aspects of radiologic technology. Courses cover topics in radiation protection, radiological physics, image production, radiographic evaluation, emergency procedures and more. In addition to these techniques, students also become familiar with positioning patients, using medical terminology, and working in a clinical setting. After graduating, students are qualified to sit for The American Registry of Radiologic Technologist exam.
South College (Asheville)
Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology -
Students who want to become entry-level radiologist technicians will find that this program teaches them how to position patients and prepare them for procedures, understand patient safety and how to administer quality patient care, work with high tech equipment and contribute to the overall efficiency of their clinic of hospital. South College expects that graduates of this program will ultimately pursue a higher degree and continue to grow in their careers.
Pioneer Pacific College (Wilsonville)
Diploma in Medical Assisting with Limited X-Ray
Students are introduced to X-ray procedures and anatomy, especially regarding the head, spine, chest and upper and lower extremities. The diploma program focuses on limited radiography and requires that students complete 180 hours at an externship program, gaining real-life skills.
Pioneer Pacific College's AAS program gives students an introduction to limited radiography, as well as health care related computer skills. Students must complete a 180-hour externship, where they will gain hands-on experience in x-ray use and preparing patients for procedures.
South College (Knoxville)
Associate of Science in Radiography
The aim of South College's Associate of Science in Radiography program is to give students the skills they need to promote quality patient care and practical use of radiography equipment. Courses cover these technical skills while also focusing on medical ethics, reasoning skills, communication and helping patients feel comfortable and safe during a procedure.
Graduates of this program should be prepared for more advanced careers in radiography. Coursework covers radiography techniques as well as medical ethics and the overall mission of serving in a health care community, and is a good choice for diploma- or AAS-holding professionals interested in furthering their training.
ECPI College of Technology (Charlotte)
Associate Degree of Diploma in Medical Imaging Technology
This program teaches students how to use, maintain and repair diagnostic medical imaging equipment. Students learn basic radiological systems, troubleshooting techniques, anatomy, medical terminology and more skills that will serve them in a variety of health care and business formats.
Sanford-Brown Institute (New York)
Diagnostic Radiography Training
This program is divided into three sections: lectures, lab, and a clinical component that teach students about patient safety, radiography physics, radiographic testing and pathology, and digital image acquisition. This program is not accredited by the JRCERT, so students will most likely not be eligible for the ARRT exam.
Apollo College (Phoenix, Spokane)
Medical Radiography Program
Apollo's Medical Radiography program prepares students to manage radiography procedures in all kinds of health care environments, including emergency rooms, diagnostic centers and in the Intensive Care Unit. This program is nationally accredited and instructs students in all aspects of radiography, including technology, safety, terminology, and helping doctors with diagnosis.
Baker College (Auburn Hills, Owosso, Clinton Township, Muskegon, MI)
Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Students learn entry-level skills and concepts regarding diagnostic medical sonography that will prepare them for work in hospitals and doctors' offices. This program also prepares students for advanced education and training in the field.
Baker College understands that radiologic technologists are in-demand professionals. This degree program provides introductory training in radiologic technology, medical terminology and patient safety.
California College San Diego (San Diego)
Associate of Occupational Studies Degree
This unique degree program exposes students to a variety of health care specialties, including limited scope radiology. After graduation, students will be prepared to apply for entry-level positions as Medical Assistants in hospitals, clinics, and physical therapy facilities, as well as other health care environments. Students can also apply for the RPT Radiology Practical Technician-License (Limited Scope X-Ray) certification after graduation.
Kaplan College (North Hollywood, Vista, CA)
Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography Certificate
This program is designed for all kinds of health care professionals, including doctors, ultrasound technicians and EKG technicians. After graduating, students will have a certificate in diagnostic cardiac sonography and will have received very specialized training in this area.
Graduates of this program are eligible for entry-level positions in the field. Sonography is a growing aspect of radiology, and this diploma program instructs students in the concepts and technical skills needed to succeed.
Diagnostic Vascular Sonography Certificate
Doctors and other health care professionals can advance their careers with this highly specialized program. Kaplan College's program is approved by the state of California but not accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology.
Radiologic Technology Diploma
Kaplan's diploma program prepares students to become entry-level professionals in this fast-growing field. The program includes a classroom component and a lab component.
X-Ray Technician/Medical Assistant Back Office Diploma
Students practice using X-ray machines and learn about patient safety and positioning in this program. The program is offered at the North Hollywood campus and the Vista campus, and features a classroom component as well as a hands-on training component.
