Radiologic Technologist: Duties, Salary + How to Become One

Radiologic technologists use specialized equipment, such as X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, to take diagnostic images of patients. In effect, radiologic technologists pair their knowledge of specialized technology with expert interpersonal skills to provide patients with potentially life-saving care.

If you enjoy working directly with technology and patients, then a career as a radiologic technologist might be right for you.

Learn more about radiologic technologists, including what they do, earn, and how to become one. Explore flexible, cost-effective courses that may help you start gaining job-relevant skills today.

What is a radiologic technologist?

Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging in health care settings like hospitals, medical laboratories, and physicians’ offices. Working with patients under the supervision of a doctor, radiologic technologists perform diagnostic images on parts of the body in order to diagnose or monitor existing health conditions.

During their day-to-day duties, radiologic technologists must use their knowledge of health care and radiologic equipment to position patients correctly for procedures and minimize their exposure to radiation. Some radiologic technologists specialize in areas, such as mammography, sonography, nuclear medicine, cancer radiation treatments, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

What does a radiologic technologist do?

Radiologic technologists operate and maintain imaging equipment and perform procedures such as mammograms, MRIs, and X-rays. Other duties include patient interaction, ensuring patient safety, and producing quality images. You can expect to do some of the following on the job:

• Manage, handle, and maintain imaging equipment.

• Prepare patients for procedures by explaining what will take place and answering any questions they may have.

• Ensure patient safety to limit exposure to radioactive material.

• Communicate with patients before, during, and after procedures to ensure they are calm and well taken care of.

• Coordinate with other health care professionals to ensure patients receive proper care.

Radiologic technologist salary and job outlook

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, radiologic technologists and technicians earn a median annual salary of $73,410 as of May 2023. The BLS reports the lowest 10 percent of radiological workers earn less than $50,020, and the highest 10 percent earn over $102,380 annually [1].

The BLS also notes that radiologic technologists and technicians have a projected growth rate of 6 percent between 2023 and 2033, resulting in about 16,000 new job openings each year throughout the next decade [2].

Where do radiologic technologists work? 

A radiologic technologist has many career options available when choosing a work setting. Those working in a hospital typically work in a specific area, such as an emergency room or critical care unit. Medical laboratories serve outpatients who need diagnostic imaging. Private imaging centers and doctors’ offices also employ radiology technologists. According to the US BLS, 60 percent of radiologic technologists work in public or private hospitals as of 2023 [3]. 

How to become a radiologic technologist

Your path to becoming a radiologic technologist depends on your education, licensure, and skill development. Regardless of your chosen path, a rewarding health care profession may await you. Discover what you can expect to do on your path to joining this impactful field:

1. Obtain your degree.

Typically, radiologic technologists must possess an associate or bachelor's degree in a health or health technology field. In some cases, you may also be able to obtain a postsecondary certificate that prepares you for the career. Depending on the course of study, relevant degree or certificate programs may include a combination of clinical work and academic instruction.

2. Get certified or licensed.

Many states require radiologic technologists to gain licensure or hold a certification. However, each state has its own educational requirements for licensing or certification, so reach out to your state officials to learn more about the precise requirements before attempting to earn your license. After completing the required degree program, radiological technologists must often pass an examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

How long does it take to become a radiologic technologist?

The educational path you choose may determine the time it takes to prepare for a job as a radiologic technician. Certificate programs typically take one year to complete. However, before considering a certification program, you’ll want to make sure it meets accreditation requirements from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. 

The minimum requirement is typically a two-year associate degree that can qualify you for an entry-level position. A bachelor’s degree provides more opportunities for advancement. Be sure to check with your state licensing board to determine its education requirements.

3. Hone your skills.

To be a successful radiologic technologist, you’ll need communication and analytical skills as well as mechanical aptitude. As a radiologic technologist, you may work with all age groups and demographics, so you’ll also need diverse, effective communication skills.

To ensure you do the best possible job, explore some of the skills you should consider honing to excel in the workplace:

• Communication

• Empathy

• Knowledge of specialized imaging technology, including how to operate and maintain it

• Understanding of safety measures to prevent over-exposing radiation to the patient and yourself

• The physical ability to position a patient so quality images can be captured while keeping the patient comfortable

• Attention to detail in order to keep careful patient medical records

4. Explore career advancement opportunities.

You may advance your radiologic technologist career to an MRI technologist through experience and MRI coursework. Unlike a radiologic technologist who operates several types of equipment, an MRI technologist works solely with magnetic resonance imaging.

Another career path is to become a mammography technologist. These professionals play a major role in early disease detection and prevention using low-dose x-ray imaging. Mammography is commonly used to detect breast cancer. Along with an associate degree, you’ll need to complete 40 hours of continuing education credit in mammography.

If your career goal is health care management, the position of chief radiologic technologist provides the opportunity to oversee a radiological team and manage a radiology lab.

Get started as a radiologic technologist with Coursera

Radiologic technologists use equipment to take x-ray images of patients. As a radiologic technologist, you work as part of the health care system to perform X-ray examinations with the option to specialize in areas such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammography, or sonography..

When considering a career as a radiologic technologist, you’ll want to select an educational program to help you achieve your goals. If you're looking to start a health care career, you might consider taking a flexible, cost-effective course on Coursera.

Explore radiology courses, such as Visualizing the Living Body: Diagnostic Imaging or MRI Fundamentals, to learn more about the opportunities that await you. Discover the benefits of radiation in the medical community through The University of Sydney's course in Life, Health, and Radiation.