How to become an X-ray technician

X-ray technicians have a relatively short educational and training period and take home higher-than-average pay. And the field has plenty of room for new joiners; the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that by 2032, radiologic technology will experience 6% growth, which is faster than average. What’s not to like?

Curious about what it takes to become an X-ray technician? We outline the steps to get there, including educational and certification requirements.

What does an X-ray technician do?

X-ray technicians, formally known as radiologic technologists (RT), are health professionals who use x-rays and other imaging equipment to take medical images of the human body. Physicians and other medical roles use these images to diagnose and treat illness, injury, and other health issues.

In a typical day, an X-ray technician’s responsibilities involve:

• Preparing and operating radiographic equipment
• Properly positioning patients for imaging and explaining the process
• Communicating with physicians and other medical personnel
• Ensuring diagnostic-quality images for accuracy

Over half of x-ray techs work in hospitals, while others work in physicians’ offices, medical and diagnostic labs, and outpatient care centers.

How to become an X-ray tech in 4 steps

Compared to other allied health professions, becoming an X-ray technician is relatively easy. Typically, you’ll only need an associate degree and certification. Below are the 4 steps to take to become an X-ray technician.

Step 1 – Earn an associate degree

Beyond a high school diploma or GED, the minimum educational requirement to become a licensed x-ray technician is an associate degree from an accredited 2-year or 4-year college.

In a radiology technology program, you’ll study subjects like anatomy, pathology, patient care, radiation physics and protection, and image evaluation.

Make sure your chosen radiology technology program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), the main accrediting body of educational programs in radiography and similar fields. All JRCERT-accredited programs are listed on its website.

Step 2 – Get AART-certified

While not every state requires certification, most do. And, even when it’s not required, many employers prefer certified x-ray technicians.

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART) is the main credentialing body for radiologic technologists. Earning AART certification shows that you’re qualified and committed to delivering quality patient care. After earning your credential, you’ll need to keep it up to date every 2 years through continuing education (CE).

Step 3 – Get licensed in your state

After earning your associate degree and AART credential, it’s time to get licensed. A state license shows that you’ve met a state’s requirements for practicing radiologic technology.

Licensure requirements for x-ray technicians vary by state. In many, AART certification isn’t enough to work legally as an x-ray technician, and licensure is needed. To get licensed in your state, you’ll need to sit a state license exam – this exam is different from the AART certification exam (though AART is often asked to administer it).

Look up your state’s licensing information to find out if you’ll need to get licensed.

Step 4 – Choose a specialization (optional)

After becoming an x-ray technician, you may decide to get certified in other imaging specializations to advance your career. Some areas to specialize in include mammography, sonography, bone densitometry, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Who’s a good fit for X-ray tech?

If you’re interested in working in health care, helping people, and handling technology, radiological technology could be a great field for you. But to know for sure, consider if these skills resonate with you.

How much do X-ray technicians make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), radiologic technologists (X-ray techs) make a median salary of $73,410 per year – nearly double the national average for all associate degree holders.

To compare salaries across states, check out the salary information for radiologic technologists by state below.

The BLS reports that California is the highest-paying state for radiologic technologists, with an annual mean salary of $99,390. Within the state, San Francisco is the top-paying metropolitan area for the occupation.

How long does it take to become an X-ray technician?

After earning a high school diploma or GED, you can become an X-ray tech in about 2 years.

This involves completing a 2-year associate degree program in radiologic technology and getting certified. Alternatively, a certificate program takes between 1-2 years but may have some required training.

How much does it cost to become an X-ray technician?

Most of the costs for becoming an X-ray technician go toward an associate degree and certification.

According to College Scorecard and IPEDS data, the average cost of an associate degree in radiologic technology is $6,674 per year after financial aid (based on schools that share their data with the Department of Education). However, program costs vary, and can be as high as $40,000. Community colleges, where the degree is commonly offered, tend to offer more affordable tuition than traditional 4-year schools.

Beyond tuition, the cost of earning and maintaining AART certification is $225 for the AART application fee and $30 for renewal fees (for the first discipline).

Should I get a certificate or an associate degree to become an X-ray tech?

Certificate and associate degree programs in radiologic technology are both common, which can make deciding between the two confusing.

An associate degree is typically a smarter investment, as it expands employment options and satisfies requirements for certification and licensure in many states. If expediency is your motivation for choosing a certificate over an associate degree, check your state licensure requirements to ensure that shortcut is worth it.

In general, an associate degree makes sense if you plan to get AART-certified, while a certificate program is a good choice if your state doesn’t require an associate degree for licensure.

Final thoughts

If you’d like to join the ranks of an allied health profession that uses technology to help patients, pays relatively well, and doesn’t require too much time or money upfront, becoming an X-ray technician is a great career option.

Alternatively, if you’re leaning toward the diagnosis side of medical imaging, you could think about becoming a radiologist instead.

Still undecided? Consider checking out other career opportunities in the medical and healthcare field.