Quick answer: To become a radiologic technologist (X-ray tech) in the U.S., you usually need to: complete an accredited radiography program (most are about 2 years and lead to an associate degree), pass the ARRT Radiography exam, and get a state license if your state requires one. Radiologic technologists earned a median of about $80,000 a year in May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the field is expected to grow faster than average.
What does a radiologic technologist do?
Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging exams. Day to day, that means:
- Positioning patients and equipment for X-rays and other exams
- Using the lowest radiation dose that gives a clear image
- Explaining the procedure and keeping patients safe and comfortable
- Checking image quality and working with radiologists
- Keeping patient records and following safety rules
Many start in general X-ray and later move into CT, MRI, mammography, interventional radiology or other specialties.
Step 1: Meet the basic requirements
You’ll need a high school diploma or GED. Most programs also ask for:
- Prerequisite courses, such as algebra, anatomy and physiology, biology, and sometimes physics or medical terminology
- A minimum GPA
- Background check, drug screening and vaccinations, because you’ll work with patients
- Sometimes CPR certification or a job-shadowing visit
Step 2: Choose an accredited radiography program
This is the most important decision. To take the ARRT exam, you need to graduate from a program recognized by ARRT, usually one accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or a recognized regional accreditor.
| Program type | Typical length | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Associate degree (community college) | About 2 years | The most common path; usually the lowest cost |
| Hospital-based certificate | About 2 years | Some are combined with a college for the degree requirement |
| Bachelor’s degree | 4 years | Useful for leadership, education or advanced roles later |
ARRT requires an associate degree or higher, which can be earned before, during or after the program.
Tip: Ask each program for its ARRT first-time pass rate, job placement rate and completion rate. Accredited programs publish these.
Step 3: Complete your classes and clinical training
Programs combine classroom learning (anatomy, patient positioning, radiation physics, radiation protection, patient care, imaging procedures) with clinical rotations in hospitals and imaging centers. You’ll perform real exams under supervision and complete required competencies.
Clinical rotations are demanding, often full-time hours, so plan your finances and schedule.
Step 4: Pass the ARRT Radiography exam
After graduation, you apply to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), meet its ethics requirements and take the certification exam.
- Format: computer-based, about 200 scored questions
- Fee: about $225
- Passing score: a scaled score of 75
- Time limit to apply: within 3 years of finishing your program
Passing earns you the R.T.(R) credential. See our guide to passing the ARRT exam on your first try.
Step 5: Get your state license
Most states require a license or certification to perform X-rays, and many accept ARRT certification as the basis for it. Requirements vary, so check with your state’s radiation control or health licensing board before you start working.
Step 6: Find your first job
More than half of radiologic technologists work in hospitals. Others work in imaging centers, physician offices, urgent care and outpatient clinics. Your clinical sites are often your best job leads, so treat rotations like a long job interview.
Step 7: Keep your credential, and keep growing
- Continuing education: ARRT requires 24 continuing education credits every 2 years.
- Continuing Qualifications Requirements (CQR): a self-assessment every 10 years for credentials earned after 2010.
- Annual renewal with ARRT and your state.
Many technologists add a second credential, such as CT, MRI or mammography, to increase pay and options.
How long does it take and what does it cost?
- Time: About 2 years for most programs, plus any prerequisites.
- Cost: Varies widely. Community college programs are usually the least expensive; private colleges and for-profit schools cost much more. Add books, uniforms, background checks, the ARRT exam fee and state license fees.
Compare total cost, not just tuition, and check whether federal financial aid is available.
Salary and job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025):
- Radiologic technologists and technicians: median pay about $80,110 a year
- MRI technologists: median pay about $95,480 a year
- Job outlook: about 5% growth from 2025 to 2035, faster than average, with about 15,000 openings a year
Pay varies a lot by state, setting and specialty. See our salary by state guide and our Imaging Careers Salary Comparison Tool.
Where you can go from here
| Specialty | How you usually get there |
|---|---|
| CT technologist | Additional training and the ARRT CT credential |
| MRI technologist | ARRT MRI credential (post-primary or primary pathway) |
| Mammographer | ARRT Mammography credential |
| Interventional radiology | Cardiovascular-interventional or vascular-interventional credentials |
| Nuclear medicine or sonography | Usually a separate program and certification |
| Lead tech, educator, manager, PACS or applications specialist | Experience, sometimes a bachelor’s degree |
| Travel technologist | 1–2 years of experience, then agency contracts |
From the scanner room
[TU EXPERIENCIA: por qué elegiste la profesión; qué te habría gustado saber al empezar; cómo fueron tus prácticas clínicas; qué cualidades ves en los buenos técnicos (empatía, precisión, calma bajo presión).]
Is this career right for you?
It may be a good fit if you:
- Like technology and working directly with people
- Can stay calm with anxious, injured or very sick patients
- Don’t mind being on your feet, lifting and moving patients
- Pay attention to detail and follow safety rules
- Can work evenings, weekends or on-call shifts, especially early in your career
FAQ
How long does it take to become an X-ray tech?
Usually about 2 years in an accredited program, plus any prerequisites.
Can I become a radiologic technologist online?
Not fully. Some classes can be taken online, but clinical training must be done in person at hospitals or imaging centers.
Is the ARRT exam hard?
It’s challenging but very passable with good preparation. Most first-time takers from accredited programs pass.
Do all states require a license?
Most do, but not all. Check your state’s requirements, and remember that most employers require ARRT certification anyway.
Is radiologic technology a good career?
For many people, yes: solid pay with a 2-year degree, steady demand and many paths to specialize.
This article is for general information only. Requirements, fees and pay change; check ARRT, JRCERT, your state licensing board and the programs you’re considering for current details.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Radiologic and MRI Technologists (May 2025 data).
- ARRT. Initial requirements; Radiography exam; Continuing education and CQR.
- JRCERT. Find an accredited program.
- ASRT. Careers in radiologic technology; state licensure information.
- ExamCert. How to Become a Radiologic Technologist (2026).