Education Programs

If you are wondering how to get a specialty in radiography, but have found conflicting information on the web or elsewhere, hopefully, this article will provide some clearance insight into the degree requirements and what a particular degree level will get you in the real world of searching for radiology jobs.

It is important to remember that there are always exceptions to the rule and that different geographic markets present different levels of competition. Before explaining this topic any further, it is important to understand the distinction between a “technician” and a “technologist” in the world of radiography.

A technician, often referred to as an Radiology Technician or a X-Ray Technician, is someone who often has what is referred to as a “limited scope” training. In addition, technicians are usually not certified through the ARRT. A technologist, properly referred to as a Radiologic Technologist(RT), are individuals who have gone through a rigorous training program that includes both didactic and clinical training.

Getting a radiology job as an x-ray technician may be done by simply completing a certificate radiology program and becoming licensed to practice in New York, Philadelphia, Texas and other states. Becoming a Radiology Technologist is most commonly done by completing an associate’s degree in Radiography through an institution recognized by JCERT.

Once the program is completed, it is advised that you take the ARRT exam and become licensed through your state of practice. Then, and only then, can you be considered a Rad Tech, as it is often referred in slang within the radiology community. We hope, you are now better prepared to understand your radiology degree options in terms of the type of job it will help you obtain.