How Long is Radiology Tech School

If you’re considering a career as a radiology technician, one of the first things you’ll want to know is how long training will take. The duration of radiology tech school can vary depending on the type of degree you pursue and your personal schedule. The two most common educational paths to becoming a radiologic technologist are an Associate’s degree and a Bachelor’s degree. Each of these degrees can prepare you to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam, which is a requirement for state licensure in most regions.

In this guide, we’ll explore the differences between these degree options, how long each program typically takes, and why someone might choose one path over the other. Let’s break down each type of degree and what it entails.

An Associate’s degree is the fastest path to becoming a radiologic technologist, typically taking two years for full-time students. However, part-time students may take up to three years to complete the program. Here’s what to expect if you choose this route:

Curriculum and Structure

Associate’s degree programs focus primarily on the core skills and knowledge required for a career in radiologic technology. These programs include both classroom learning and clinical training to ensure that students are well-prepared for entry-level positions. Courses usually cover:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Radiographic imaging techniques
• Radiation safety
• Patient care and ethics
• Clinical procedures and positioning
• Medical terminology

In addition to theoretical classes, these programs require clinical rotations at hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities. Clinical training is essential for hands-on experience, allowing students to apply what they’ve learned in a supervised, real-world setting.

Certification and Licensing

Once you complete your Associate’s degree, you’ll be eligible to sit for the ARRT certification exam, a crucial step in becoming a licensed radiologic technologist. Passing the ARRT exam qualifies you to work as a radiology tech in most states, as this certification is a standard requirement across the U.S. An Associate’s degree combined with ARRT certification will qualify you for entry-level positions in a variety of healthcare settings.

Why Choose an Associate’s Degree?

An Associate’s degree can be a great choice if you want to start working as a radiology tech as quickly as possible. With a shorter program length and lower tuition costs compared to a Bachelor’s degree, this path is often preferred by those who need a faster and more affordable option. Additionally, Associate’s programs tend to focus solely on the skills and knowledge needed to pass the ARRT exam, which means you’ll be job-ready in a relatively short time frame.

However, it’s worth noting that some advanced roles in radiologic technology, such as management positions or specializations in imaging modalities like MRI or CT scanning, may require a Bachelor’s degree. If your career goals include these areas, a Bachelor’s degree may be worth considering despite the longer time commitment.

A Bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology typically takes four years for full-time students and can extend to six years for part-time students. This degree option provides a broader education that includes more advanced imaging techniques, as well as healthcare management and leadership courses. While it requires a longer commitment, a Bachelor’s degree can open doors to more specialized and advanced career opportunities.

Curriculum and Structure

Bachelor’s degree programs build on the foundation provided by Associate’s degrees but cover additional topics and offer more in-depth training. Students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology will study subjects such as:

• Advanced radiographic imaging techniques
• Sectional anatomy and cross-sectional imaging
• Research methods and evidence-based practice
• Healthcare management and leadership
• Radiologic pathology
• Advanced patient care
• Specialized imaging modalities (e.g., MRI, CT, sonography)

Like Associate’s programs, Bachelor’s programs also require clinical rotations, but these are often more extensive and may involve specialized imaging areas. Some programs allow students to choose specific tracks, such as CT, MRI, or interventional radiography, to gain advanced skills in a chosen field.

Certification and Licensing

Graduates of a Bachelor’s degree program are also eligible to take the ARRT exam and can meet state requirements for licensure as radiologic technologists. A Bachelor’s degree can give you an edge in competitive job markets, and the additional training can make you a strong candidate for specialized imaging positions or leadership roles in radiology departments.

Why Choose a Bachelor’s Degree?

While a Bachelor’s degree requires a longer time commitment and higher tuition costs, it offers a few key advantages. Here’s why you might consider this path:

• Advanced Career Opportunities: A Bachelor’s degree may qualify you for advanced imaging positions that require additional training, such as MRI technologist or CT technologist roles. Some hospitals and clinics prefer Bachelor’s degree holders for specialized or supervisory positions.
• Management and Leadership Roles: If your goal is to move into management within a radiology department, a Bachelor’s degree will provide the education necessary to pursue roles such as lead radiologic technologist, department manager, or even instructor in radiologic technology programs.
• Greater Job Flexibility: A Bachelor’s degree equips you with broader skills that may be transferrable to different areas within healthcare. This degree can be a foundation for pursuing roles in healthcare administration or transitioning into related healthcare fields.

For those who are certain about long-term career growth within radiologic technology, investing the time in a Bachelor’s degree can be well worth it.

Aspect	Associate’s Degree	Bachelor’s Degree
Program Duration	2 years full-time; 3 years part-time	4 years full-time; 6 years part-time
Typical Coursework	Core radiology and patient care	Advanced imaging, leadership, and specialized modalities
Clinical Requirements	Standard rotations	Extensive rotations, often in specialties
Eligibility for ARRT Exam	Yes	Yes
Cost	Lower tuition overall	Higher tuition, especially in private universities
Career Opportunities	Entry-level radiologic technologist	Advanced imaging tech, management, or specialized roles
Salary Potential	Standard entry-level salary	Higher potential in advanced roles

Selecting the right degree program depends on your career goals, budget, and time availability. Here are a few key considerations to keep in mind:

• Cost and Financial Aid: Bachelor’s degrees are typically more expensive than Associate’s degrees, although financial aid, grants, and scholarships are often available for both. Weigh the cost against your long-term career goals and the potential salary benefits of a Bachelor’s degree.
• Time Commitment: If you want to start working quickly, an Associate’s degree is the faster route. However, if you’re willing to invest more time, a Bachelor’s degree can set you up for greater flexibility and higher earning potential in the future.
• Specialization: If you have a specific imaging field in mind, such as MRI or CT, you may want to consider a Bachelor’s degree that allows for specialization. While some Associate’s degree programs include courses on advanced imaging, Bachelor’s programs offer more extensive training and clinical experience in these areas.
• Career Advancement: An Associate’s degree will qualify you for entry-level roles, while a Bachelor’s degree may qualify you for supervisory or specialized roles. Consider where you see yourself in the field over the next 5 to 10 years and choose the degree that aligns with those goals.