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How to become a radiologic technologist without a bachelor's degree

Two years of community college for a licensed imaging career, with CT and MRI cross-training available afterward at a meaningful pay bump.

Career at a glance

Requirements
ARRT registration plus state license
Time to qualify
2 years
Training cost
$6,000–$22,000 at a community college
Pay

Starting$54k–$66k

With experience$78k–$105k with CT, MRI or interventional cross-training

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Quick answer (as of 2026)

To become a radiologic technologist, the key credential is: ARRT registration plus state license. Most people get there in 2 years, with training costs of $6,000–$22,000 at a community college. Starting pay is $54k–$66k, rising to $78k–$105k with CT, MRI or interventional cross-training with experience.

The path, phase by phase

  1. Phase 1

    Work in patient transport or as a radiology aide

    Hospital entry roles get you inside the department, and many systems offer tuition support after 90 days.

  2. Phase 2

    Finish a JRCERT-accredited program

    Two years of coursework and clinicals, then pass the ARRT registry exam for your license.

  3. Phase 3

    Cross-train into CT, MRI or interventional

    Each added modality raises pay. Interventional and MRI techs are the highest-paid and most requested for travel contracts.

  4. Phase 4

    Grow pay with travel, leadership or a bachelor's later

    Take travel contracts for premium pay, move into lead tech or department supervisor roles, or finish an online BSRS if you want management or education paths.

Skills that get you hired

  • Patient positioning and anatomy
  • Radiation safety and ALARA
  • Equipment operation and exposure settings
  • PACS and imaging workflow
  • Patient communication under pressure

AI impact

Low. AI reads images; technologists position patients, run equipment and manage safety.

Strong markets

Pay and hiring by city

Local salary, job availability and training costs for radiologic technologist work in the biggest US metros.

How it compares

Questions people ask

Do rad techs need a bachelor's degree?
No. An accredited associate degree plus ARRT registration is the standard requirement nationwide.
Which imaging modality pays the most?
Interventional radiology and MRI typically pay the most, followed by CT. Cross-training is usually done on the job.
How long does it take to become a radiologic technologist?
About 2 years for an accredited associate program, plus a few months of prerequisites if you need them. Some certificate programs for people who already hold a degree are shorter.
Can I become an X-ray tech online?
Not fully. Coursework may be partly online, but ARRT requires supervised clinical hours at hospitals or imaging centers through a JRCERT-accredited program.
What exam do radiologic technologists need to pass?
The ARRT Radiography registry exam. Most states then require a state license, which usually follows from passing ARRT.
What's the difference between a radiologic technologist and a radiologist?
Technologists position patients and capture the images after a two-year program; radiologists are physicians who interpret them after medical school and residency.
How do I get into a competitive rad tech program?
Keep strong grades in anatomy, physiology and math, log observation hours in a radiology department, and apply to several programs — many rank applicants by points for grades and healthcare experience.

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