Radiology Careers

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Considering stepping into the world of radiology? A career in radiology can offer you a stable and rewarding profession in healthcare, with many avenues for advancement.

Whether you’re drawn to the technical aspects of the work or the opportunity to make a difference in patient care, a career in radiology can be a fulfilling choice. But what exactly is radiology, and what do these professionals do?

An allied health profession, radiology is a field that involves medical imaging and diagnostic tests. Radiologic technologists, for example, operate X-rays, prepare patients for procedures, and work closely with physicians and other technologists.

Many entry-level radiology careers only require an associate degree and offer attractive salaries exceeding $60,000 per year.

This guide provides insight into a dozen radiology careers, including their educational requirements and typical salaries.

Starting a radiology career looks different depending on the specific role you’re aiming for. If you’re considering a career as a radiologic technologist, an associate degree in radiologic technology is usually sufficient for most positions.

Upon finishing an educational program accredited by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), you become eligible to take the certification exam.

If your goal is to become a radiologist assistant, you’ll first need to acquire your bachelor’s and master’s degrees through ARRT-accredited programs. These programs include clinical experiences and prepare you to take the certification exam required to become a registered radiologist assistant (RRA). If you’re striving to become a radiologist, which is a medical position, you’ll need to complete a pre-medical undergraduate program, attend medical school, pass your medical licensing exams, complete a residency, and take your certification exams.

Below are 12 career paths you can pursue after completing a radiology program, along with their education requirements and salary information.

An associate degree in radiology, or radiologic sciences, is a two-year educational pathway that trains you to operate diagnostic imaging equipment like X-rays, MRI machines, and other specialized medical equipment. Associate programs typically require students to complete 60 credits.

Upon completing an associate program, you’ll be prepared for a career in various healthcare environments, such as hospitals and clinics, where you can work as a radiographer, nuclear medicine technologist, diagnostic medical sonographer, and more.

A bachelor’s degree in radiology takes four years to earn and provides you with advanced skills in the field of medical imaging. Throughout the program, you’ll receive comprehensive training in a variety of imaging modalities, including general radiography, vascular imaging, computerized tomography (CT), MRI, and sonography.

The program is designed to equip you to thrive in diverse healthcare settings and promotes the development of critical thinking and communication skills. You may also have the option to focus on specific areas, such as MRI, CT, mammography, or leadership in radiology.

Most programs require 120 credits and require four years of full-time study to complete the degree requirements. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to sit for national certification exams and may choose to pursue careers in radiology management, education, or advanced clinical practice.

Master’s degree programs in radiology prepare students for specialist roles in the radiology field. A master’s program in radiology typically requires completing 30-60 credit hours and includes a combination of didactic courses and practical experience.

With this degree, you’re set on the path to becoming a clinical educator or a radiology assistant. Licensure and registration requirements for radiology assistants vary by state, but certification through ARRT is common and often necessary for practice.

A doctoral degree in radiology is the most advanced credential available in the radiology field. Ph.D.s in radiology are research-intensive programs, and you can expect to delve deep into the study of radiation, ultrasound, and other imaging techniques used in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses. Other students may choose to apply to medical school to pursue an MD to become a radiologist.

Most doctoral programs take between 4-8 years of full-time study to complete. And those who want to become physicians must also participate in internships and residency and take licensing exams, adding years to that timeline. Upon graduating, you’ll be prepared for careers in scientific research, education, or advanced clinical practice.

Radiology programs often offer concentrations that allow you to choose a specific radiology career path. For example, two-year colleges may prepare you for careers where you perform MRIs, CAT scans, and X-rays.

Bachelor’s programs may allow you to pursue specializations like nuclear medicine and medical imaging. If you decide to pursue a master’s degree in radiology, you can choose from more concentrations in areas like education, management, and specific patient populations.

Below are four areas of radiology that you can specialize in.

Choosing a career in radiology can open up many opportunities for personal and professional growth. With the rising healthcare needs of an aging population, the job outlook for radiologic technologists is promising. This career path can offer you competitive salaries, particularly if you specialize in areas such as nuclear medicine.

Starting a career in radiology doesn’t require an extensive educational journey; a two-year associate degree is sufficient for many entry-level positions. The possibilities for professional development in this field are diverse, allowing you to work in various settings, from hospitals to private clinics, and even mobile imaging services.

And if variety is what you’re after, radiology delivers. No two days are the same in this field. You’ll constantly face new challenges and tasks, keeping your work both interesting and rewarding. The fast-paced nature of the healthcare environment offers you the chance to stay active and engaged while performing essential services that directly benefit patients.

According to the BLS, job opportunities for radiation therapists and radiologic technologists are expected to increase by 2% and 6%, respectively, from 2022-2032.

Radiation therapists, in particular, earned a very competitive median salary of $89,530 in 2022, which is nearly double the median salary of all other occupations during the same period ($46,310).

Those who choose to pursue the highest level of education and become radiologists can anticipate high salaries. These medical professionals earned a median annual salary of $239,200 in 2022, according to the BLS.

Professional certifications and continuing education provide pathways to career advancement in radiology. If you already possess an undergraduate degree, you may consider continuing on to graduate-level study.

Getting a graduate degree isn’t the only option, though. You can also earn additional credentials through regulatory bodies and field-specific organizations. Training and certification programs in specialized areas of radiology can lead to career growth.

And don’t underestimate the importance of getting practical job experience. Gaining experience in the field can facilitate professional advancement, increase your salary, and expand your network.

Earning professional certificates is one form of continuing education, as is returning to school to earn an advanced degree in radiology. To become a radiologist, for example, you must attend medical school.

The American Society for Radiologic Technologists offers continuing education resources designed to meet the continuing qualifications requirements established by ARRT. The Advanced Health Education Center is a leading provider of healthcare-related continuing education programs, providing online and in-person resources.

Another continuing education option is free online courses provided through websites like Coursera and edX. Coursera classes, provided in conjunction with colleges and universities, can help you stay up-to-date on the latest technological advancements.

State licensure requirements for radiology professionals vary, but earning a degree from a program accredited by an organization like ARRT is crucial. Additional accrediting organizations include the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT).

As the main certifying body in radiology, ARRT offers credentials in 15 different radiology subfields, including mammography and radiation therapy. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography also offers radiology certifications. The registry’s offerings include general credentials in diagnostic medical sonography, cardiac sonography, and musculoskeletal sonography.

The American Board of Radiology also certifies radiologists and medical physicists in diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, medical physics, and radiation oncology.

Earning an advanced degree in radiology can help propel your career and raise your salary. With a master’s degree, you could step into radiology assistant (RA) roles. A master’s can also position you to lead clinical research, where you can coordinate studies and support radiologists.

Moreover, a master’s degree can also prepare you for doctoral study, which can open up even more career possibilities for you. With an MD, you can become a radiologist or radiation oncologist.

Ph.D. programs, on the other hand, can pave the way for opportunities in academia, research, and director roles in the healthcare industry. So, if you’re ready to take your radiology career to the next level, an advanced degree in radiology could be your ticket to success.

To transition into a career in radiology, professionals must earn a degree accredited by ARRT, JRCERT, or ARMRIT. Depending on their educational and professional backgrounds, practicing healthcare workers may be able to switch careers by earning a certification in a specific aspect of radiology.

Information technologists, engineers, and computer professionals can also transition to a career in radiology by completing specialized coursework and gaining practical experience.