Steps

1. Get a high school diploma or an equivalent of one. To become a radiologic technologist you are definitely going to need an high school diploma or GED to even being your rad tech career path. Good grades an only benefit you as you apply for college and college scholarships. An higher level course that you can take such as anatomy, chemistry, biology or any college courses will put you ahead in your major. If you have to opportunity to become a certified RN or EMT these will help check off prerequisites that you need in college. Getting these certificates may even help you get into a two year rad tech program.

 

2. Most rad techs graduate from college with a four year bachelor degree. However some are accepted into two year associate programs. These programs are more intense and the competition to enter into these schools is very competitive. Being a certified RN or EMT are some of the prerequisites to enter into these programs. Click here to see a college course list for a two year rad tech degree. This program is great and those who graduate from these two year programs are able to do all that those who graduate with four year degrees do. Most students chose the four year degree however because all though it takes more time, it is less stressful and more manageable. The last few years of your degree will be extensive clinical work. Working hands on with equipment, in the environment so that when you graduate college you know exactly what you are doing.

3. College graduates then are required to pass certain exam to become a registered radiologic technologist. These tests are set for by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. This allows college graduates to enter straight into the work force and begin their career. Their are many requirements and rules that dictate when, where and how many times you make take the tests to become certified. These can all be found at the ARRT website here.

4. After you started your first job and have been working for a while don’t think that you are done. The radiology field is ever changing and ever growing. To maintain your position you will be required to keep up on the new advancements of technology. You will need to attend seminars, read magazines and take more tests to keep your license. Don’t think that once you’ve landed your job you have made it. Remember that their are also many areas in which you can specialize such as mammograms, ultrasounds ext. These will require more education however.