Become an Imaging Technician: Education and Career Roadmap

Aspiring imaging technicians must complete a formal training program in an area of imaging technology, such as radiologic technology, nuclear medicine technology, or sonography. To be eligible for certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) imaging technicians must hold a minimum of an associate's degree. Students should choose a degree program that's accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. These programs typically combine courses in medical ethics, medical terminology, patient care, and anatomy, with general education courses. Additionally, students complete a clinical education component to learn how to use imaging equipment in a clinical setting. Some programs provide the option of developing a more specific specialty. For example, in the case of sonography, students might have the option to specialize in imaging a specific part of the body. Examples of specialties include cardiac sonography, vascular sonography, or obstetrics and gynecology sonography.

Certification through ARRT requires completion of an accredited program and passage of a national examination. Exams are discipline-specific and usually consist entirely of multiple-choice format questions. The exams are offered at computer-based testing centers across the U.S. A candidate only needs to take the exam that relates to the specific technology in which he or she wants to be certified. Exam scores are available within two to three weeks. Once a candidate has passed the exam, he or she is added to the registry of certified technologists and can use the title Registered Technologist (R.T.).

Nuclear medicine technologists also might choose to be certified by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board, and sonographers might choose to be certified in a particular specialty by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Licensure is a common requirement for imaging technicians, especially those working in radiologic technology. States that require licensure often accept ARRT certification as proof of professional competency. However, some states have their own exams that candidates must pass. Technicians should check with their states to find out about specific licensing requirements.

To maintain certification with the ARRT, imaging technicians must renew their registration and pay a renewal fee annually. Additionally, every two years, technicians need to provide documentation of meeting ongoing continuing education requirements. These requirements include completion of 24 units of approved continuing education units or passing an additional examination in another specialty, which has the added benefit of allowing a technician to add the new specialty to his or her credentials.

Success Tip

• Join a professional organization. Organizations such as the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography give members access to continuing education opportunities. Members may also receive other benefits, such as networking opportunities, industry publications and updates, job search tools, and discounts on products and conference fees.

Imaging technicians can broaden their scope of practice by becoming certified in additional technologies. For example, radiologic technologists have the option of becoming radiologist assistants. This requires completing additional coursework, either at the bachelor's or master's degree level. Radiologist assistants work directly under the supervision of a radiologist and are given more responsibility than technologists.

To recap, imaging technicians need at least an associate's degree in an area of imaging technology, such as radiologic technology, nuclear medicine technology, or sonography. Certification and state licensure might required or preferred by employers.