Step One
Study life sciences such as science, biology and chemistry, mathematics, health and physical education in High School. Prospective students are expected to have a strong background in science and mathematics and a record of good grades in these subjects. They are expected to have a high degree of technical and interpersonal skills, including the ability to perform administrative tasks. Because they work with patients who are ill or under stress, technologists should be emotionally stable, empathetic and patient.
Step Two
Attend an accredited school of radiologic technology, which leads to an Associate's Degree, and provides both classroom and clinical instruction. Programs are generally 2 years in length. Each school has its own admission policies and pre-requisite courses so it is imperative that you contact the college that you plan on attending for details. To get accepted into a radiology program, there are two types of admission requirements:
1) Some schools have a selection committee with admission criteria to determine which students will be accepted. Students may reapply at a later date if they are not accepted. This type of selection is called selective admission.
2) Other schools have pre-requisite courses and minimum grades that must be completed for admission into the program. Once pre-requisite courses have been completed and the student submits an application to the school, the student is placed on a waiting list until the program has an available spot. This is called open enrollment.
Step Three
Upon graduation from an accredited school of radiologic technology, you are eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists registration exam (ARRT) to become a registered Radiologic Technologist. With this registration, you may work in any of the 50 states. Some states have an additional state license that is also required.
Step Four
Continue your professional development by completing the required 12 hours of ASRT accredited continuing education every year (30 hours every 3 years for ultrasound technicians).
Step Five
Advance your career by specializing in MRI, CT, angiography, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, ultrasound or other clinical area through advanced course work and clinical experience. Eventually work into supervisory or management positions.
For a comprehensive list of accredited schools of radiologic technology in the U.S., contact:
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
https://portal.jrcertaccreditation.org/summary/accreditedprogramsearch.aspx