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Radiologic and MRI Technologists: Guide to Education and Certification

BY OnDegrees Editorial Team
Published January 3, 2025 · Reviewed July 16, 2026

What Is a Radiology Technologist?

A radiology technologist is a healthcare professional responsible for operating medical imaging equipment, such as X-ray machines, CT scanners, and MRI machines, to produce diagnostic images of patients' internal structures. They work under the supervision of radiologists and are trained to position patients correctly, operate imaging equipment, and ensure image quality while adhering to safety protocols. Radiology technologists play a crucial role in assisting physicians in diagnosing and treating various medical conditions.

How to Become an MRI Tech?

To become a radiology technologist, follow these general steps:

  • Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent: Graduation from high school or completion of a GED program is typically required to pursue education and training in radiologic technology.

  • Earn an associate's or bachelor's degree: Complete a program in radiologic technology, which may result in either an associate's degree (typically 2 years) or a bachelor's degree (typically 4 years). These programs include classroom instruction, laboratory training, and clinical experience.

  • Gain clinical experience: Participate in clinical internships or practicums as part of your radiologic technology program. This hands-on experience provides exposure to real-world patient care settings and helps develop practical skills.

  • Obtain licensure or certification: In most states, radiologic technologists must be licensed or certified to practice. Requirements vary by state but typically involve passing a certification exam from a recognized organization, such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

  • Maintain certification: Radiologic technologists must meet continuing education requirements to maintain their certification and stay up-to-date with advances in the field.

  • Consider specialization: Radiologic technologists may choose to pursue additional certifications or specialized training in areas such as MRI, CT scanning, mammography, or nuclear medicine to expand their career opportunities.

  • Seek employment: Once licensed and certified, begin applying for positions as a radiologic technologist in hospitals, clinics, imaging centers, or other healthcare facilities.

MRI Tech Salaries

The median annual wage for physician assistants was $126,010 in May 2022 according to BLS.

Radiologic and MRI Technologists: Guide to Education and Certification

BY OnDegrees Editorial Team
Reviewed July 16, 2026

What Is a Radiology Technologist?

A radiology technologist is a healthcare professional responsible for operating medical imaging equipment, such as X-ray machines, CT scanners, and MRI machines, to produce diagnostic images of patients' internal structures. They work under the supervision of radiologists and are trained to position patients correctly, operate imaging equipment, and ensure image quality while adhering to safety protocols. Radiology technologists play a crucial role in assisting physicians in diagnosing and treating various medical conditions.

How to Become an MRI Tech?

To become a radiology technologist, follow these general steps:

  • Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent: Graduation from high school or completion of a GED program is typically required to pursue education and training in radiologic technology.

  • Earn an associate's or bachelor's degree: Complete a program in radiologic technology, which may result in either an associate's degree (typically 2 years) or a bachelor's degree (typically 4 years). These programs include classroom instruction, laboratory training, and clinical experience.

  • Gain clinical experience: Participate in clinical internships or practicums as part of your radiologic technology program. This hands-on experience provides exposure to real-world patient care settings and helps develop practical skills.

  • Obtain licensure or certification: In most states, radiologic technologists must be licensed or certified to practice. Requirements vary by state but typically involve passing a certification exam from a recognized organization, such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

  • Maintain certification: Radiologic technologists must meet continuing education requirements to maintain their certification and stay up-to-date with advances in the field.

  • Consider specialization: Radiologic technologists may choose to pursue additional certifications or specialized training in areas such as MRI, CT scanning, mammography, or nuclear medicine to expand their career opportunities.

  • Seek employment: Once licensed and certified, begin applying for positions as a radiologic technologist in hospitals, clinics, imaging centers, or other healthcare facilities.

MRI Tech Salaries

The median annual wage for physician assistants was $126,010 in May 2022 according to BLS.