The length of X-ray technician (radiologic technologist) school varies depending on the type of program chosen:
- Certificate or diploma programs typically last about 12 to 14 months for full-time study
- Associate degree programs usually take about 2 years of full-time study to complete
- Bachelor's degree programs in radiologic technology take approximately 4 years full-time, with part-time options extending longer
Certificate programs are shorter and focus on core skills for entry-level work, while associate degrees provide more comprehensive education including clinical training and prepare students for certification exams like the ARRT. After completing education, passing a certification exam is often required to become licensed or certified
. In summary:
Program Type| Typical Duration
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Certificate/Diploma| About 12 to 14 months
Associate Degree| About 2 years
Bachelor's Degree| About 4 years
Most X-ray techs enter the field with either a certificate or associate degree, with the associate degree being the most common pathway for certification and employment
