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Curriculum: An AS or AAS degree in radiologic technology typically consists of a relatively standard list of classroom and clinical course work. These include courses on radiographic procedures, radiographic safety, anatomy, biology, patient care, positioning and management, bio-chemistry, diagnostic concepts, and pathology among others.

Online Options: An increasing number of associates in radiographic technology programs offer online courses. These courses enable students the flexibility to complete coursework on their own schedule, which is often particularly appealing to working students and students who are parents.

Most associate x-ray tech degree programs (AS or AAS) require a clinical component, however, meaning that there are few if any completely online x-ray tech degree programs. Students can, however, complete most or all of their coursework online, while completing their clinical hours in-person. 

For students who already have an associates degree, a two year bachelor’s program in radiologic sciences may be an option. These universities accept transfer credits previously earned and apply them toward a student’s x-ray technician bachelor program. Often, these two-year bachelors x-ray tech programs require that the previous associates degree have been completed in radiologic sciences, and that the student have previously obtained RT certification.

Curriculum: Bachelors level degree programs typically prepare students in a wider range of radiographic equipment than would an associates program. This includes advanced technology such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and sonography equipment. Some programs also allow students the ability to specialize in a particular modality.

Curriculum: Unlike associates or bachelors level degree programs, where the curriculum is largely consistent across programs, the curriculum of masters level x-ray tech programs vary significantly depending on the degree specialization. Some common courses across a broad range of masters degree programs in the field, include: 

Online Masters X-Ray Technician Degree Options:  Depending on the specific masters level degree focus, some colleges and universities offer 100% online masters x-ray technician related degrees. Whereas other masters degrees, because of their required clinical component, offer online coursework with an in-person clinical component. 

Curriculum: The curriculum of x-ray tech certificate programs varies significantly, because some certificate programs are foundational in nature, whereas others provide advanced education for experienced x-ray technicians. Speaking broadly, however, certificate programs often include: 

Online X-Ray Technician Certificate Options: Foundational online x-ray tech certificate programs often offer students the option to complete all or almost all of their coursework online. Most foundational certificate programs, however, require that clinical work be completed in-person. By contrast, advanced certificates for individuals who are already ARRT or state certified, are commonly 100% online, particularly when the certificates focus is on leadership and administration. 

Job Duties: At a high level, X-Ray Technicians perform imaging examinations on patients for diagnostic healthcare purposes. More specifically, an x-ray technician's job description might include: preparing a patient for x-rays by explaining the procedure, adjusting the x-ray equipment, shielding exposed areas of the patient, and positioning the patient. Due to the nature of the career, from long periods of standing on their feet, to having to maneuver patients, becoming an x-ray technician can be considered a physically demanding career.

Education: Often referred to as radiologic technicians, x-ray technicians are typically required to have a high school diploma for an entry level position, and many employers may require an associate’s degree in radiologic technology, medical assisting or a related field. Higher levels of education and specialized certifications are typically required for leadership, teaching, and advanced equipment positions.

For entry level positions, students should have an understanding of subjects such as; x-ray positioning, preventing radiation exposure, radiologic and other medical terminology, patient care and positioning, radiographic physics and biology. Additionally, many employers like to hire from x-ray technician degree programs which include clinical training opportunities, where students receive hands-on training under the supervision of experienced x-ray technicians.

Licensing: X-ray technician licensing requirements vary by state. In most states, however, x-ray technicians, like other radiologic professionals, must be licensed by their state. To become a licensed x-ray technician, many states will require graduation from a training program accredited by the Joint Review Committee On Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). 

Certification: The most common x-ray technician certification is the Registered Technologist (RT) credential, awarded by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).  The overwhelming majority of states accept ARRT results for licensing purposes, whereas some states administer their own certification exam. AART certification requires the passage of a 220 question, 4 hour exam. 

Continuing Education: To maintain your x-ray tech certification and licensing, most states and certifying bodies require the completion of semi-annual (every 2 years) continuing education hours or the completion of an exam.

Advanced Certification: For x-ray technicians, career advancement opportunities typically require an advanced certification, typically from ARRT, in a radiologic technology specialty, such as radiologist assisting, or to specialize in specific diagnostic equipment such as a CT scanner, MRI machine or ultrasound. Generally speaking, these advanced radiologic tech certifications must be also maintained via semi-annual continuing education requirements.