How Long Does It Take to Become a Radiology Technician?
See if you qualify for Radiology Technician programs
Answer a few questions in 2 minutes. Free, no commitment.
Becoming a radiology technician takes about 2 years through the most common path, a JRCERT-accredited associate degree, though the full range runs from roughly 1 to 4 years depending on whether you choose a fast Limited Scope certificate or a full degree. A Limited Scope X-ray operator certificate can take as little as 8 to 12 months in states that recognize it, an associate degree takes about 24 months, and a bachelor's degree takes about 4 years. Those numbers cover school, but they are not the same as the time it takes to legally start working, which also includes passing the ARRT exam and clearing state licensing. The single biggest factor in your timeline is which credential path you pick, so this page breaks the total into training, certification, and licensing so you can plan around your own situation.
Medical Radiography Associate's — ECPI University
- Format: Hybrid
- Length: As little as 18 months
- JRCERT-accredited AAS; graduates are eligible for the national ARRT Radiography exam
CCI offers its Limited Scope training through two delivery formats, so compare both to see which schedule fits how you learn. Tuition is not listed here; open each program on Dreambound to see current cost, length, and start dates before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to become a radiology technician?
The fastest route is a Limited Scope X-ray operator certificate, which can take as little as 8 to 12 months, compared with about 2 years for an associate degree. The trade-off is scope: Limited Scope qualifies you for a defined set of X-ray procedures, and only some states recognize it, so confirm your state does before choosing it.
How many years of school does a radiology technician need?
Most radiology technicians complete a 2-year associate degree, which is the credential most employers expect. A Limited Scope certificate can take under a year, and a bachelor's degree takes about 4 years. Note that a radiology technician is different from a radiologist, who is a physician and trains for far longer.
Can you do radiology tech school online?
Partly. The classroom coursework for many programs can be completed online or in a hybrid format, but the required clinical hours must be done in person at a hospital or imaging facility. Fully online training with no in-person clinical component does not meet ARRT requirements for the full credential.
How much does a radiology technician earn?
Radiologic technologists and technicians earn a median of $77,660 per year, about $37.34 per hour, according to BLS May 2024 data. The lowest 10% earn under $52,360 and the top 10% earn more than $106,990, with pay varying by state, setting, and specialty credentials.
Planning Your Radiology Technician Timeline
The number that matters most is not the length of school but the time from your first class to your first day cleared to work, and that depends on the credential you choose. A Limited Scope certificate can have you working in under a year where it is recognized, while the associate degree path that works everywhere runs closer to 2 to 3 years once certification and licensing are counted.
Decide which credential fits where you want to practice, then plan for the prerequisites and licensing steps that competitors often leave out of their estimates. Compare radiology technician programs on Dreambound by length and format to see which timeline is realistic for your situation.
