There are multiple career paths to becoming a radiologic technician or technologist. Radiology tech schools are one pathway and with most states requiring licensure and employers preferring a certificate, associate or bachelor's degree, attending one of the radiology tech schools can give you a head start in finding work.

Radiological technology program courses cover science, math and medical classes, and imaging classes on specialties such as computed tomography (CT scans) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In addition to clinical hands-on lab work, students may also do a diagnostic radiology residency.

Radiology tech schools also offer the opportunity to specialize:

Radiation therapy technologist
Nuclear medicine technologist
Cardiovascular and interventional radiographers

Radiology Tech Schools Provide Pathways for Radiology Careers

Radiologic technicians (also called radiographers) work in hospitals and physicians offices with diagnostic imaging equipment. Technicians work with technologies like x-rays while technologists work with more complex diagnostic imaging, such as CT and MRI. Radiology tech schools can provide training for both career paths.

Job duties for both radiologic technicians and technologists includes working with patients, keeping patient records, following doctor's orders for exams and working with medical equipment. Radiology tech schools can prepare technicians to specialize in CT and technologists can specialize in MRI and mammography.

Job prospects for radiologic technicians and technologists is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), at approximately 17 percent between 2008-2018. The mean annual wage for radiologic technicians and technologists in 2009 was $54,180. If working with patients as part of a medical team sounds appealing, why not check out the opportunities radiology tech schools can offer you?

Emily Kerr is a Northern Nevada freelance writer who writes about education. Her background is in journalism, and she writes about her passions.

Career Ladder Beyond the Entry Level Staff Radiographer • http://www.tmcc.edu • http://www.tmcc.edu/x-ray/career/ • Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program Information • http://www.uams.edu • http://www.uams.edu/radiology/education/residency/diagnostic/default.asp • Dept of Radiology University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences • Radiologic Technologists and Technicians • http://www.bls.gov • http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos105.htm • Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 • Radiologic Technologists and Technicians • http://www.bls.gov • http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292034.htm • Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2009 • Radiology Science Programs UC San Diego • http://www.radtech.ucsd.edu • http://www.radtech.ucsd.edu

Schools are listed in alphabetical order by state then city.

Carrington College	[Phoenix, AZ]
Programs: Dental Assistant Massage Therapy Medical Administrative Assistant Medical Billing and Coding Medical Laboratory Technician Medical Radiography Medical/Dental Receptionist Nursing Pharmacy Technician Physical Therapy Technician Respiratory Therapist Request More Information >

Ultimate Medical Academy - Clearwater	[Clearwater, FL]
Programs: Basic X-ray Program Massage Therapy Program Medical Assisting Program Medical Clinical Laboratory Assistant Program Phlebotomy Technician Request More Information >

Spencerian College - Louisville

[Louisville, KY]

Programs:
  Clinical Assistant
  Health Unit Coordinator
  Healthcare Reimbursement Specialist
  Invasive Cardiovascular Technology
  Limited Medical Radiography
  Medical Administrative Assistant
  Medical Administrative Management
  Medical Assistant
  Medical Clinical Specialties
  Medical Coding Specialist
  Medical Laboratory Technician
  Medical Transcriptionist
  Nursing
  Phlebotomy
  Practical Nursing
  Radiologic Technologist
  Surgical Technology
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Sanford-Brown College - Fenton

[Fenton, MO]

At Sanford-Brown, we have focused our study programs, which enable you the opportunity to develop your skills effectively to meet your specific career goals. We enable adults to complete their programs of study in as little as nine months. Plus, our programs focus on the essential concepts and skills most employers look for in entry-level employees. Our goal is to provide you with the practical information and experience you need to get your foot in the door. We are in the business of career education and we care about you and your future, as well as your future employer's needs. That is the Sanford-Brown difference.
Programs:
  Associate of Applied Science - Emergency Medical Services
  Associate of Applied Science - Health Information Technology
  Associate of Applied Science - Massage Therapy
  Associate of Applied Science - Pharmacy Technician
  Associate of Applied Science - Radiography
  Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy
  Bachelor of Science- Healthcare Administration
  Diploma - Massage Therapy
  Diploma - Medical Assistant
  Diploma - Medical Coding Billing Specialist
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Colorado Technical University - North Kansas City

[North Kansas City, MO]

Whether you’re just starting out or are looking to maintain your competitive edge, Colorado Technical University has a program that could be right for you. Since 1965, CTU has helped thousands of students soar toward success in a variety of career fields, including accounting, business administration, criminal justice, health and sciences, computer networking, information technology, and visual communications. Campus locations include Colorado Springs, Denver, Denver North, Sioux Falls and North Kansas City. We also offer online programs.
Programs:
  Associate of Science - Health Care Information Technology
  Associate of Science - Medical Assisting
  Associate of Science - Radiologic Technology
  Associate of Science - Surgical Technology
  Bachelor of Science - Healthcare Administration Management
  Diploma - Practical Nursing
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Pioneer Pacific College - Clackamas

[Clackamas, OR]

Pioneer Pacific College is a nationally recognized college with locations in the greater Portland area and Springfield, OR. Degree programs are available in Business, Law, Computer Science and Health Services. Diplomas can be earned in as little as 10 months and weekday, Saturday and evening classes are available for total flexibility. Financial aid is available for students who qualify. Programs vary by location.
Programs:
  Healthcare Administration - AAS
  Medical Assisting - AAS
  Medical Assisting - Diploma
  Medical Assisting with Limited X-Ray - Associate
  Medical Assisting with Limited X-Ray - Diploma
  Medical Claims and Billing Specialist - Diploma
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Carrington College	[Portland, OR]
Programs: Dental Assistant Health Claims Examiner/Medical Biller Limited X-Ray Medical Administrative Assistant Medical Laboratory Technician Pharmacy Technician Request More Information >

Pioneer Pacific College - Wilsonville

[Wilsonville, OR]

Pioneer Pacific College is a nationally recognized college with locations in the greater Portland area and Springfield, OR. Degree programs are available in Business, Law, Computer Science and Health Services. Diplomas can be earned in as little as 10 months and weekday, Saturday and evening classes are available for total flexibility. Financial aid is available for students who qualify. Programs vary by location.
Programs:
  Healthcare Administration - AAS
  Massage Therapy - Diploma
  Medical Assisting - AAS
  Medical Assisting - Diploma
  Medical Assisting with Limited X-Ray - Associate
  Medical Assisting with Limited X-Ray - Diploma
  Medical Claims and Billing Specialist - Diploma
  Pharmacy Technician
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Sanford-Brown Institute

[Pittsburgh, PA]

Prepare for career success at Sanford-Brown Institute. Choose from a wide variety of health care program areas including Massage Therapy, Cardiovascular Technology, Medical and Dental Assisting and Surgical Technology. Convenient campus locations across the country include campuses in Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Programs:
  Associate Degree in Specialized Technology - Anesthesia Technologist
  Associate Degree in Specialized Technology - Diagnostic Medical Sonographer II
  Associate Degree in Specialized Technology - Medical Assistant Specialist
  Associate Degree in Specialized Technology - Radiographer
  Diploma - Medical Assistant
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Carrington College	[Spokane, WA]
Programs: Dental Assistant Medical Administrative Assistant Medical Billing and Coding Medical Radiography Pharmacy Technician Request More Information >