While requirements vary from state to state, generally it's necessary to pass a licensure exam and graduate from an approved program. Step 1: Earn an associate's degree or bachelor's degree. . The best-paid 25 percent made $76,520 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $50,670. This can be one of the most important steps you take when you are preparing to start a career as a radiology technician. BUT, there are few jobs as . People continuously need X-rays and MRIs. There will always be a steady need for radiologic technologists. 3. Magnetic resonance imaging techs are some of the highest-paid radiologic techs in particular. Junior Colleges in Orange County that offer a Radiologic Tech Program generally have a 4-5 year waiting list. 2. There has never been a better time to become a radiologist technician. Go on the asrt.org! To become a MRI tech you need to at lease do a 16 credit asrt course, do a certain amount of hours, and get signed off on 125 different exams. It's extremely important to prepare a powerful resume that will optimize your skills and talents, and to prepare you for interviews. Radiologic technologist's jobs are expected to grow by 9% from 2018 to 2028 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median pay for a radiologic technologist is $61,900 a year, which is $19,950 more than the median income for all occupations. Depending on the program, a rad tech degree usually takes two years. 5. You'll typically need an associate degree to become a radiologic technologist. That's the minimum my job requires for a tech trainee. You'll be a member of the physician's team. This profession is one of life-long learning. Step 4: Maintain/renew and licenses and certifications. Work locations that pay rad techs the most are outpatient centers, labs, and hospitals. I saved the best tip for last. There may also be requirements relating to practical . Here are some of the ways you can beef up your resume, and . To be completely honest, there are a ton more ways to make a better living then becoming an X-ray tech. Out of all the tips mentioned, if you are not passionate about helping people, then you will not make it through x-ray school, guaranteed. While certificates in radiologic technology are available, most of these professionals hold associate's degrees in radiologic technology. Prepare a dazzling resume. There are a number of x-ray technician requirements that are typically required to work in the field. Medical radiography students can expect to cover anatomy, pathology . The best part is that most of this is all in Texas. Contributing to safer, better healthcare. Step 1: Meet Medical Radiation Technologist Education Requirements. Radiologic Technologists made a median salary of $61,900 in 2020. Tip 5 - You have to be passionate. In most states, you'll need to get licensure as a radiology technician to work in the profession. Becoming a Certified Radiologic Technologist in California Means Sitting on a 5-Year Wait-List at the Junior Colleges The worst part about becoming a Certified Radiologic Technologist in California is the program's wait time. The first step in how to become a radiologist technician is to obtain the necessary education. 8 weeks at basics, 4 months in A school, apply for X ray C school, 13 month program. 8 Educational programs include textbook, classroom study and hands-on clinical work. The fastest way to become a radiology technician is to complete a one-year certification program, but this option is only available for people who are transitioning from other medical careers into the world of radiography. Read on to find the best radiology tech programs. See Full Salary Details . I recommend a 2-4 year X-ray program, that way you have a good base for anatomy and patient experience. Healthcare and information technology are two of the fastest developing industries in the world. Then take the test. If you have no previous experience in the medical field, this option is not the one for you. Step 3: Acquire Licensure as a Radiology Technician. With additional training, they may administer radiation to treat cancer and other diseases. The median salary is $55,554 per year and salary potential increases with experience in the field and additional certifications. Education - Typically, radiologic technologists are required to have an associate degree. What to Know About the ARRT Certification Exam By earning a degree in this field, radiologists, radiologic technologists, and technicians are staying ahead of the curve and gaining better opportunities in a competitive marketplace. Here is a quick bullet point summary of what we have covered. Also they have 100% job placement after training. Become a radiologic technologist, and the field opens up to additional specializations: MRI technologist, computed tomography (CT), radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, mammography, and many more. They also pay you the entire time through your training. You control your career. The fastest way to become a X-ray tech is to join the military. Step 3: Acquire certification. A radiologist technician is an allied health care professional trained to use X-ray and other imaging technologies to help health care providers make proper diagnoses. They position patients and properly shield them to obtain these images. Step 2: Apply for state licensure.