CT technicians require specialized education and certification programs to be able to work with CT machines. The completion of a radiologic technology associate's degree program is the first step for any prospective CT technician. Work for CT technicians can most commonly be found in hospitals or in doctor's offices.
Essential Information
Computed tomography (CT) technicians, also known as CT technologists, operate CT equipment, which produces cross-sectional images of patients' bones, organs and tissue that are used to diagnose medical conditions. Those interested in becoming CT technicians usually first complete an associate's or a bachelor's degree program in radiologic technology and then obtain state licensure as a radiologic technologist. They can then enroll in a CT technology certificate program. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers certification for both radiologic technologists and CT technicians, and certification may be a state licensure requirement.
| Required Education | Associate's degree in radiologic technology; additional completion of CT technology certificate program preferred |
| Other Requirements | State licensure and/or ARRT certification |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 7% for all radiologic technologists |
| Average Salary (March 2021)** | $64,556 annually for CT technologists |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **PayScale.com
CT Technician Job Description
In addition to conducting scans, CT technicians prepare patients for these diagnostic procedures by explaining the process and positioning patients to correctly capture the images requested by a physician. A CT technician typically works in a hospital or a private doctor's office.
Education Requirements
Basic Education
To qualify for most CT technician training programs, students must first complete a radiologic technology program that's been accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). These programs, which are available on the associate's and bachelor's degree levels, train students to perform X-rays for diagnostic purposes. Coursework typically includes classes in anatomy, patient care, imaging processes, radiation physics and pathology.
Graduates of accredited radiologic technology programs can pursue certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Although this certification is technically voluntary, some states use it as a licensure requirement. Additionally, some CT technician training programs require ARRT certification for admission.
Advanced Education
Specialized training is not always necessary to become a CT technician, but employers generally prefer to hire those who have completed a certificate program in CT technology. Such programs, which typically last from one semester to one year, are offered by hospitals, colleges, universities and technical institutes.
Courses in a CT technician program might cover topics such as CT scanner components, scan control and reconstruction parameters, image thickness, uses and limitations of computerized tomography, CT protocol development, physics of CT scanning and radiation safety. CT technicians also must be familiar with the cross-sectional anatomy of various parts of the human body, particularly the head, neck, chest and spine.
Most CT technician programs also include supervised clinical experience. With this experience, certified radiologic technologists may be eligible to test for ARRT post-primary certification in computed tomography.
CT technologists are responsible for running CT scans and fulfilling physicians' scan requests. An associate's degree in radiologic technology is required, but some employers may require further specialized training and certification in CT technology. State licensure or certification may be required.
