How To Become An Imaging Technologist: What It Is and Career Path

What is an imaging technologist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Heidi Shelton D.C., R.T(R)

Imaging technologists are healthcare professionals who work in health care facilities, clinics, or hospitals and are responsible for taking x-rays and other radiographic views of patients who have suffered broken bones, injury, or trauma. These individuals operate various radiologic equipment and help doctors to diagnose injuries or illnesses. The duties of an imaging technologist include preparing patients for imaging procedures, operating the imaging equipment, and producing and sending the images to the doctors for diagnosis.

Imaging technologists are also known as x-ray technicians or radiologic technologists, and they spend most of their workday assisting patients during imaging and ensuring that imaging equipment is functioning properly. These professionals play a key role in helping to identify conditions health issues such as cancer, ulcers, or broken bones, and they should possess excellent communication, analytical, interpersonal, and technological skills. Imaging technologists also must be proficient with computers and possess a working knowledge of various imaging technologies, including x-rays, CTs, and MRIs.

Most imaging technologists have an associate's degree in radiology technology or a related field, and most states require that these professionals be licensed and pass a national radiologic technology exam. Many of these professionals can make up to $63,000 per year in the US, and the career field is expected to grow 7% by 2028.

What general advice would you give to an imaging technologist?

Dr. Heidi Shelton D.C., R.T(R)

Clinical Coordinator, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

There are many ways to maximize your salary potential, anywhere from taking on extra shifts and call, to taking on bigger responsibilities like a leadership or supervisor role. It is important to maintain your registry through valid continuing education credits that would actually improve your skills and benefit the clinic or hospital you work at. In addition, post-primary certifications can also allow you to obtain a higher salary. Most importantly, working with a financial planner will help you learn how to save and maximize your income.

ScoreImaging TechnologistUS Average

Salary

3.9

Avg. Salary $49,786

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.8

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.48%

Asian 6.05%

Black or African American 5.39%

Hispanic or Latino 10.19%

Unknown 4.14%

White 73.75%

Gender

female 52.45%

male 47.55%

Age - 43

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43

Stress level

8.8

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.8

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

8.5

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an imaging technologist

Explore imaging technologist education requirements

Most common imaging technologist degrees

Bachelor's

39.2 %

Associate

36.3 %

High School Diploma

12.0 %

Start to develop specific imaging technologist skills

Skills	Percentages
Patients	25.74%
Patient Care	9.39%
Customer Service	6.56%
MRI	5.29%
Radiologic Technologist	5.07%

Complete relevant imaging technologist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New imaging technologists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an imaging technologist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real imaging technologist resumes.

Gain additional imaging technologist certifications

Imaging technologist certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific imaging technologist certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for imaging technologists include Certified Radiological Technologist and Registered Technologist - Radiography (RTR).

More About Certifications

Research imaging technologist duties and responsibilities

Manage a team of ten members in the process of digitizing vital records.
Perform QA on daylight processors.
Limit computed tomography scans to maintain skill.
Diagnose and troubleshoot issues for all clients.

Prepare your imaging technologist resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your imaging technologist resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an imaging technologist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable imaging technologist resume templates

Build a professional imaging technologist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your imaging technologist resume.