Key Points

• Focus: Radiology technicians specialize in operating diagnostic imaging equipment. Registered nurses focus on providing direct, holistic patient care and managing treatment plans.
• Education: Rad techs typically need a 2-year associate degree. RNs can start with a 2-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
• Earnings: Registered nurses have a higher national median salary ($93,600) compared to radiologic technologists ($77,660) as of May 2024.
• Licensure: Rad techs must pass the ARRT certification exam. RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to earn a state license.
• Job Growth: Both careers have steady demand. An aging population and a greater need for healthcare services drive growth in both fields.

Role Comparison: Technician vs Nurse

While both are vital healthcare roles, the day-to-day responsibilities and patient interactions are very different.

Radiology Technician

Radiology technicians, also called radiologic technologists, are experts in creating the diagnostic images that physicians use to diagnose and monitor medical conditions.

• What Radiology Technicians Do: Rad techs prepare patients for imaging procedures, operate sophisticated equipment like X-ray and CT scanners, and ensure high-quality images are captured. A critical part of their job is following strict radiation safety protocols. Their interaction with patients is typically brief and focused on the specific procedure.
• Where They Work: Most rad techs work in hospitals, but many also find jobs in outpatient imaging centers, urgent care clinics, and physicians' offices.
• Best For: This career is an excellent fit for individuals who are detail-oriented, enjoy working with technology, and prefer structured, task-driven work.

If you're exploring this path, you can review the full steps here: How to Become a Radiology Technician

Registered Nurse

Registered nurses (RNs) are on the front lines of patient care, working in a wide variety of settings to promote health, prevent illness, and care for patients.

• What Registered Nurses Do: RNs assess patient conditions, administer medications, perform treatments, monitor vital signs, and create comprehensive care plans. They also play a key role in educating and supporting patients and their families. The job requires strong clinical judgment and the ability to make critical decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Where They Work: RNs work in nearly every healthcare setting, including hospitals, private practices, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, schools, and government agencies.
• Best For: Nursing is ideal for those who are passionate about providing continuous, hands-on patient care, thrive on building relationships with patients, and want a career with broad clinical responsibilities and diverse specialization options.

Education and Training Pathways

The educational paths for these two careers differ in length, focus, and training methods.

Radiology Technician Training

The most common path to becoming a rad tech is completing a 2-year Associate of Science (A.S.) in radiologic technology. These programs combine classroom instruction in anatomy, patient positioning, and radiation physics with extensive hands-on clinical training.

Many JRCERT-accredited programs now offer distance education options, providing more flexibility for students.

To compare training options near you, explore available programs here:

• Radiology Technician classes in Los Angeles
• Radiology Technician classes in San Diego
• Radiology Technician classes in Worcester
• Radiology Technician classes in Seattle

Registered Nurse Training

Aspiring RNs can choose between a 2-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). While both degrees prepare you for the licensure exam, a BSN is often preferred for leadership roles and advanced practice. Nursing education includes coursework in anatomy, pharmacology, and patient care, along with clinical rotations.

According to National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) guidelines, up to 50% of traditional clinical hours can be replaced with high-quality simulation experiences, which has been shown to produce equivalent learning outcomes.

If you're researching nursing programs in your area, this guide can help:

• Registered Nursing classes in San Francisco
• Registered Nursing classes in Stockton
• Registered Nursing classes in San Diego
• Registered Nursing classes in Rochester

Certification and Licensure Requirements

After completing their education, both rad techs and RNs must pass a national exam to become credentialed.

Radiology Technician Certification (ARRT)

Graduates of an accredited radiologic technology program must earn certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The ARRT has a strict "three attempts in three years" policy for its certification exam.

• Candidates have a three-year window, starting from their initial exam eligibility date, to pass the exam.
• If a candidate fails three times or the three-year period expires, they must re-enroll in and complete an ARRT-recognized educational program to regain eligibility.

Registered Nurse Licensure (NCLEX)

To become a licensed RN, nursing graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). The process involves:

1. Completing an approved ADN or BSN program.
2. Applying for licensure with their state's board of nursing.
3. Registering to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
4. Passing the exam to receive a state license.

In the first quarter of 2025, the national first-time pass rate for U.S.-educated NCLEX-RN candidates was 88.4%.

Salary and Job Outlook

Both professions offer competitive salaries and a stable job outlook, though earning potential and growth rates differ.

Radiology Technician Salary

• Median Salary: $77,660 per year (May 2024). The lowest 10% earned less than $52,360, while the highest 10% earned over $106,990.
• Specialty Pay: Technologists specializing in MRI earn a higher median wage of $88,180 per year.
• Job Outlook: 4% growth projected from 2024 to 2034 (BLS).
• Top-Paying States: California ($103,150 median), Massachusetts ($93,270), and Hawaii ($92,170) offer the highest median salaries for rad techs.

Registered Nurse Salary

• Median Salary: $93,600 per year (May 2024). The lowest 10% earned less than $66,030, while the highest 10% earned over $135,320.
• Industry Pay: Salaries vary by work setting. RNs in government roles earn a median of $106,480, while those in hospitals earn $97,260.
• Job Outlook: 5% growth projected from 2024 to 2034 (BLS).

The Impact of New Technology

Technology is rapidly changing the landscape of both radiology and nursing, creating new responsibilities and opportunities.