Your Rad Tech Career
Rad Tech Jobs
Want to help lead the way to more accurate, precise diagnoses and treatments? Become an expert in advanced imaging technology as a radiologic technologist.
Get connected to rad tech jobs that support your career goals with CareerStaff.
What is a Radiologic Technologist?
A radiologic technologist, or radiographer, captures diagnostic images using technology such as X-rays, MRI, and CT scans. Through their expertise and compassion, they help improve patient diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes.
What Do Radiologic Technologists Do?
Radiologic technologists are responsible for:
- Managing and operating imaging equipment.
- Positioning the patient and capturing precise areas of their body, according to the physician’s instructions.
- Collaborating with physicians to assess the images.
Radiologic Technologist F.A.Q.
With a growing job outlook, it’s a great time to become a radiologic technologist. You can qualify for rad tech jobs by:
1. Earning a minimum of an associate’s degree in radiologic technology or radiology. The program must be accredited by the Joint Review Committee on 2. Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
Choose your specialty, such as mammography, MRI, CT, X-ray, or nuclear medicine.
3. Earn your credentials through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) based on your specialty.
4. Obtain your state board license (if applicable).
An interventional radiologic technologist, or IR tech, is a sub-specialization focusing on minimally invasive, image-guided procedures like biopsies, angioplasty, and thrombolysis. As an IR tech, you’ll help prepare the patient, operate the equipment, and capture images for the procedures.
Becoming an interventional rad tech is similar. However, you’ll need different certifications. You can start by:
1. Earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in radiology.
2. Getting certified through the ARRT by submitting an application and passing the vascular interventional radiology (VI) exam, cardiac interventional radiology (CI) exam, or other IR exam.
3. Become licensed in your state (if applicable).
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average rad tech jobs pay $65,140/year or $31.21/hour, as of 2022. This can range from $57,350–$80,050, depending on your education, certifications, experience, and location.
Wondering where you’ll work? You can find rad tech jobs in settings such as:
● Medical and Diagnostic Labs
● General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
● Outpatient Care Centers
● Physician Offices
● Scientific Research and Development Services
Radiologic technologists balance people skills and tech skills, helping patients receive compassionate yet accurate care.
The best rad techs are:
● Highly detail-oriented in following the physician’s instructions.
● Empathetic with a calm demeanor, helping patients relax during stressful or painful procedures.
● Logistical, using their math and tech smarts to make critical decisions.
● Able to work on their feet, maneuver equipment, and lift patients.
The certifications you’ll need to qualify for rad tech jobs will depend on your specialization.
Most likely, you’ll need primary credentials from ARRT, whether in:
● Registered Radiologic Technology
● Radiation Therapy
● Nuclear Medicine Technology
● Sonography
● Vascular Sonography
● Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
These credentials are earned through an exam. You can specialize further with post-primary credentials like CT, mammography, or cardiac interventional radiography through the ARRT, JRCERT, and/or ARMRIT. These are typically continuing education programs followed by an exam.