How long does it take to become a radiologic technologist?

You can become a licensed radiologic technologist in about 2 years with an associate's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, plus ARRT certification.

How much do radiologic technologists earn?

Entry-level RTs earn $55K-$75K. With specializations like CT, MRI, or interventional radiology, salaries reach $80K-$150K+ within a few years.

What education do I need to become an RT?

An associate's degree in radiologic technology from a JRCERT-accredited program is the minimum requirement. Community colleges offer the best value — same credential, fraction of the cost.

Is becoming an RT better than becoming a radiologist?

RTs start earning $55K-$75K by age 20 with zero debt. By age 31 when a radiologist finishes residency, an RT has earned $600K-$1.2M+ in cumulative income. The RT path also keeps med school open as a future option.

FastGradCareer Pathway

Radiologic Technologist

Skip the 13-year path to radiology. Start earning $55K-$75K in 2 years, reach $100K-$150K+ by year 4 — with an associate's degree.

~2 years

Time to First Income

$3K–$15K

Program Cost

$80K–$150K+

Year 4 Earning Potential

This pathway takes you from high school graduate to earning $80K-$150K+ in medical imaging within 4 years. Each phase includes FastGrad-optimized tips to save time and money.

Continue to MD: The Radiologist Path

You have something most pre-med students do not: real clinical experience, a paying career, and zero debt. Here is how to use that advantage to become a radiologist.

Traditional Pre-Med

FastGrad RT to MD

Years to first income

8+ years (residency)

2 (earning as RT)

Earnings during pre-med

-$120K to -$200K

+$150K to +$200K

Financial position at med school

Deep in debt

Savings in bank

Clinical hours at application

200-500

4,000+

Physician shadowing

Separate effort

Built into every shift

Calendar years to radiologist

14-15 years after HS

10-12 years after HS

Standard Path

14-17 years total

Undergraduate degree4 years (no income)

Medical school4 years

PGY-1 internship1 year

Radiology residency4 years

Fellowship (if IR)1-2 additional years

FastGrad Optimized

10-12 years total

RT program (earning from year 2)2 years

BS completion + prereqs (online, concurrent)12-18 months

MCAT prep (end of biochemistry)4 months

Medical school (CAMPP 3-year)3 years

PGY-1 internship1 year

Radiology residency (DR or IR)4-5 years

The Financial Math

Earning During Prep$110,000-$320,000 earned during BS/MCAT prep while traditional pre-meds spend $120K-$200K

Med School Cost$50,000-$150,000 total (or $0 at NYU) vs. $300,000-$400,000+ traditional path

Residency Salary$60,000-$75,000/year during PGY-1 and radiology residency

Attending Salary$300,000-$600,000+ as attending radiologist (DR or IR)

$1.5M-$2M+ lifetime financial advantage from 3-4 fewer years of debt and 3-4 extra years of attending salary

Your Priority Checklist

1Enroll in an ARRT-accredited RT program and begin general chemistry and biology concurrently

2During your RT program, take gen chem and bio as co-requisites and keep a clinical journal of cases

3After ARRT certification, work as an RT while enrolling in online BS completion and beginning orgo, physics, biochem, and stats

4Take the MCAT after completing biochemistry, target a score of 512 or higher, and volunteer in a research lab

5Apply to NYU Grossman plus 4-5 CAMPP 3-year programs plus state MD schools plus DO safety schools

6In medical school year 1, join a radiology research lab and target a publication by year 2

7Apply to integrated IR/DR or diagnostic radiology residency programs leveraging your research connections and RT background

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