Employers

There are approximately 207,360 radiologic technologists working in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, about 59 percent of these technologists work in hospitals. Radiologic technologists also find employment in doctors' offices and clinics, at X-ray labs, and in nursing homes and outpatient care facilities.

Starting Out

With more states regulating the practice of radiologic technology, certification by the appropriate accreditation body for a given specialty is quickly becoming a necessity for employment. If you get your training from a school that lacks accreditation or if you learn on the job, you may have difficulty in qualifying for many positions, especially those with a wide range of assignments. If you are enrolled in a hospital educational program, you may be able to get a job with the hospital upon completion of the program. If you are in a degree program, get help in finding a job through your school's career services office.

Many radiologic technologists are employed in hospitals where there are opportunities for advancement to administrative and supervisory positions such as chief technologist or technical administrator. Other technologists develop special clinical skills in advanced imaging procedures, such as CT scanning or MRI. Some radiologic technologists qualify as instructors. Radiologic technologists who hold bachelor's degrees have more opportunities for advancement. The technologist who wishes to become a teacher or administrator will find that a master's degree and considerable experience are necessary.

Read books and journals such as Radiologic Technology and Radiation Therapist (both are available at https://www.asrt.org/main/news-publications/publications) to learn more about the field.

Join the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) to access member-only career resources, scholarships, publications, discounts on conferences, and other resources. 

Visit https://www.healthecareers.com/asrt and https://careers.sdms.org for job listings.

The ASRT offers detailed information on career paths at https://www.asrt.org/main/careers/careers-in-radiologic-technology.