How Do I Become a Radiologic Technologist?

Complete an Accredited Education Program

• Earn an associate degree in radiography.
• Graduate from an accredited radiologic technology program.
• Complete clinical rotations.

Credentials: Radiologic Technologist, Radiation Operator (State-specific Credential)

• You must obtain radiography license.
• You must obtain American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) credential.

What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

Tasks in a typical day for our radiologic technologists include:

• Explain procedures to patients and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during a scan.
• Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.
• Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance.
• Review acquired images (X-rays, video or computer-generated information) to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
• Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

How Do I Become a CT Technologist?

Typically start as a radiologic technologist, then complete:

• Additional coursework
• Advanced modality clinical training

Credentials:

• ARRT(CT) certification or eligibility
• Prior radiography credentialing required in many cases

What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

CT technologists specialize in computed tomography (CT) imaging to help diagnose conditions such as trauma, cancer and vascular disease. A typical day may include:

• Preparing and positioning patients for CT exams
• Administering contrast materials when appropriate
• Operating CT scanners to capture high-resolution cross‑sectional images
• Ensuring image quality meets diagnostic requirements
• Maintaining patient safety throughout the exam

How Do I Become a MRI Technologist?

Typically start as a radiologic Technologist, then complete:

• Additional coursework
• Advanced modality clinical training

Credentials:

• ARRT(MR) certification or eligibility
• Prior radiography or related imaging credentialing required in many cases

What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

MRI technologists use magnetic resonance imaging to produce detailed images of soft tissues, organs and other internal structures. A typical day may include:

• Educating and preparing patients for MRI exams, including screening for contraindications
• Positioning patients and operating MRI equipment
• Monitoring image clarity and adjusting protocols as needed
• Supporting patients who may experience anxiety in MRI environments
• Maintaining adherence to magnetic‑field safety standards

How Do I Become a Medical Sonographer?

• Complete a sonography certificate or associate degree.
• Program must include clinical experience.

Credentials Required: Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer or American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Credential in Sonography

• Must obtain (RDMS) or ARRT(S).

What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

Tasks in a typical day for our  sonographers include:

• Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physicians for use in medical diagnoses.
• Observe the screen during scans to ensure the image is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
• Observe and care for patients throughout exams to ensure safety and comfort.

How Do I Become a Nuclear Medicine Technologist?

• Depending on the school, you will need a two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree, usually in nuclear medicine technology or advanced medical imaging technology.
• Radiologic technologists with an ARRT(R) credential and an associate degree also can complete a one-year certificate program.
• To work as a PET technologist, individuals must first become certified as a nuclear medicine technologist through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB). After completing their certification, they can qualify for the NMTCB’s PET credential through 700 hours of practical experience and passing a certification exam.

Credentials Required:

• Certified nuclear medicine technologist or American Registry of Radiologic Technologists nuclear medicine technologist

What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

Nuclear medicine technologists use radioactive medications to look at specific functions of the body, such as the heart, liver, brain, gallbladder, bones or lungs.  Other radiopharmaceuticals may be used to treat cancer.  A typical day may include:

• Educating patients about nuclear medicine exams, including screening for contraindications and verifying exam preparations
• Positioning patients and operating nuclear medicine equipment
• Performing daily quality control measures to ensure image quality and dosing standards
• Supporting patients during exams and therapies
• Maintaining compliance with all federal and state regulations

How Do I Become an Interventional Radiologic Technologist?

Complete an Accredited Education Program

• Graduate from an accredited radiologic technology program.
• Earn your specialized certification through specific courses, independent study, clinical experience, and passing an exam in interventional radiology (IR).

Credentials:

• Must obtain a state radiography license.
• Must hold ARRT certification in radiography: ARRT(R).
• Obtain post-primary ARRT certification in vascular‑interventional radiography (VI) or cardiac‑interventional (CI) radiography.
• Maintain continuing education required for ARRT and state licensure.

What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

Tasks in a typical day for an interventional radiologic technologist include:

• Prepare procedure rooms with appropriate sterile supplies, catheters, contrast media and imaging equipment.
• Assist interventional radiologists during procedures such as biopsies, angiograms, vascular access, drain placements, embolization and image‑guided therapies.
• Position patients and operate fluoroscopy and digital imaging systems during minimally invasive procedures.
• Maintain sterile technique and assist with patient monitoring before, during and after procedures.
• Administer contrast agents under the supervision of the physician and according to protocol.
• Document procedural information, including images, supplies, radiation dose and patient details.
• Apply radiation safety measures for patients, staff and self in a high‑fluoroscopy environment.
• Perform equipment quality checks and ensure readiness of IR suites.