If interested in becoming an x-ray or radiology technician, one should have a strong high school background in mathematics and science, particularly biology and anatomy. Among x-ray technologist,
two-year associate degree programs are most common. Course work integrates classroom instruction in the basic and applied sciences (anatomy, physiology), the liberal arts (social sciences, writing, and psychology) and professional course work with clinical (laboratory) instruction. After completing the associate’s degree, certification should be obtained. X-ray and radiology technicians may gain certification from their state, if available, or a national organization such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Candidates must graduate from an accredited program to be eligible for the ARRT certification. This exam comprises 200 questions covering radiation protection (20%), equipment operation (12%), image production and evaluation (25%), radiographic procedures (30%) and patient care and education (13%). To be eligible for recertification every two years a technician must complete 24 hours or more of continuing education.

Appropriate associate degrees are offered online that promise graduates are prepared to take a certification exam (exactly what exam is often vague); however, unless these online courses somehow provide hands on training, even with subsequent certification employers will prefer candidates with clinical experience. However, this should not discourage entering this career if this approach is necessitated by personal circumstances.

For eventual advancement to supervisory, administrative, or teaching positions, a four year Bachelor of Science degree is generally required, with a concentration in nuclear medicine technology (NMT). These graduates are eligible to apply for certification by the NMT Certification Board as well as AARP certification in for multiple imaging systems, including x-ray technology. Nuclear medicine technology (NMT) includes the use of radioactive pharmaceuticals not only for diagnostic purposes but in the treatment of disease. Course work is similar to the associates degree but with added emphasis on medical terminology, radiation physics, radiobiology disease pathology.

Cost-wise, a community college is far less expensive than a private colleges or university. The average cost of an appropriate associates degree is about $15,000 or more. Study online reduces the cost but with some disadvantages mentioned earlier. While some students have jobs that offer tuition reimbursement, other students take out personal loans to pay for college or receive financial aid or scholarships to assist with the cost. Some local state and community colleges offer evening glasses.

Prices are often broken-down per credit hour, per course, or per semester. A student will need to budget their funding accordingly. Finally, it would be beneficial to at least consider this among your goals before graduating from high school so proper course work may be pursued to ease the way into and through preparation for this career path.