Fastest Way To Become a Radiology Tech in Colorado 2025

If you're thinking about becoming a radiologic technologist in Colorado, you may want to know more about the process. In particular, you'd like to find out the fastest way to become a radiology tech.

There are several pathways you can follow to begin this rewarding healthcare career. Keep reading as we discuss accelerated radiology tech programs and other ways you can get started in the field quickly. We'll also provide general information and answer various questions you may be asking.

What Does a Radiology Technologist Do?

A radiology technologist may perform one or more of several different types of diagnostic imaging tests to help healthcare teams identify various medical conditions. These healthcare professionals may also be known as radiology technicians, radiographers, and rad techs.

Radiology techs perform a variety of job duties, including:

• explaining imaging tests to patients and answering questions
• operating computed tomography (CT), X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other types of medical imaging machines
• cleaning and performing basic maintenance on machines
• updating patient records
• collaborating with other healthcare professionals to diagnose medical conditions

Radiology techs must have strong critical thinking and interpersonal skills as well as technical abilities. They must complete practical training programs consisting of both coursework and clinical experiences to prepare them for the hands-on nature of the work.

What Are the Requirements To Become a Radiology Tech in Colorado?

Colorado does not have any specific state licensing requirements for radiology techs. However, these professionals are expected to earn and maintain national certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

To sit for an ARRT certification exam, candidates must hold at least an associate degree and have completed an ARRT-approved education program in the specific discipline they are pursuing. They may receive this training as part of or separate from their chosen associate degree program.

For example, students who already hold an associate degree in another field may opt for a short-term radiologic technology certificate program to meet ARRT requirements. Those who have not yet earned an associate degree in any field may opt for a radiologic technology degree to satisfy both requirements.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Radiology Tech in Colorado?

Most radiologic technology programs in Colorado take about two years to complete. Some slightly accelerated radiologic tech programs are available, allowing students to complete their training in under two years.

Those who already hold an associate degree and are pursuing a radiologic technology certificate can graduate sooner. Most certificate programs take one year or less to complete.

What Is the Shortest Time To Become a Radiology Tech in Colorado?

The fastest way to become a radiology tech is to complete a short-term certificate; however, candidates must also earn an associate degree to pursue ARRT certification. Students may be able to find accelerated radiologic technology associate degrees to complete their education sooner; however, these options are limited in Colorado.

Another option is to enroll in an online radiology tech program. Students in these programs often have a great deal of flexibility, which may allow them to take heavier courseloads and speed up their graduation timeline. These programs will still require in-person clinical components.

Fastest Steps To Becoming a Radiology Tech in Colorado

Students can follow several steps to become a radiology tech. Let's take a closer look at some of the steps for those looking to graduate quickly:

1. Complete an Accelerated Program

Accelerated associate degrees in radiologic technology are programs that can be completed in fewer than two years. Most still take 20 to 22 months to complete.

Students in accelerated programs typically study full-time and have intensive schedules that alternate between classroom work and clinical rotations. Though these programs require commitment and hard work, they can pay off by helping learners pursue job placement sooner.

2. Earn a Certificate

Those already holding an associate degree may be eligible to complete short-term certificate programs. These fast radiology programs can prepare students for their careers in a year or less.

Certificates often cover individual specialties in radiology like mammography, X-ray imaging, or sonography. They may require candidates to have completed specific associate degrees before enrolling or to have taken certain prerequisites; these requirements will vary by school.

3. Complete Training Through the Military

One of the quickest ways to get started in radiologic technology is to join the military. Different military branches provide accelerated radiologic technology programs to help students earn college credit and be career-ready in a matter of weeks.

A good example of this is the U.S. Army's Radiology Specialist course, which runs for 24 weeks and provides 61 transferable credit hours. The U.S. Navy has a similar program, called Advanced Radiographer, that can be completed in 21 weeks and provides 56 hours of college credit.

4. Study Online

Some schools throughout the country offer online radiology tech programs. Students throughout the country can enroll in these accredited programs and may complete coursework online at their own pace, though they will still need to complete in-person components at approved clinical sites to graduate.

It's important to ensure any online program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). This in turn ensures that the program meets basic academic standards and will be approved by the ARRT.

How Much Does It Cost To Become a Radiology Tech in Colorado?

Radiology tech program costs vary widely depending on the type of program and the school that offers it. Certificate programs are typically the cheapest, costing $5,000 or less.

Associate degree programs are all over the place in terms of cost, as both public and private schools and community colleges offer them. Some programs may be under $5,000, while others cost up to $20,000 or more.

A few schools in the state offer bachelor's degrees in radiologic sciences and related fields. Students transferring into these programs typically save both time and money, earning their degrees in a couple of years and typically paying about $15,000 to $30,000 in tuition costs.

FAQs About Becoming a Radiology Tech Quickly in Colorado

If you still have questions about becoming a radiology tech fast, keep reading. Below, we'll look at some commonly asked questions you may be wondering about.

Is It Hard To Become a Radiology Technician?

Whether or not you consider a program ''hard'' or ''easy'' will depend on your particular educational strengths and weaknesses. Some students may consider certain courses, like medical terminology or anatomy and physiology, to be challenging, but others may have no problems with them.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become an MRI Tech?

The fastest way to become an MRI tech is to complete an MRI certificate program, which can be completed in a year or less. Students may want to consider getting their education through the military, which both provides accelerated radiology courses and helps students earn credit they can apply toward the associate degree they'll need to earn to pursue ARRT certification.

Can You Become an X-Ray Tech Online?

Yes, some schools offer radiologic technology degrees and certificate programs online. Some of these programs provide specializations in X-ray imaging, allowing students to earn the training necessary to pursue certification in this particular discipline.

How Much Does a Radiology Tech Make in Colorado?

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), radiology techs in Colorado earn an average income of $80,510 per year. Those in the lowest 10% earn under $56,440 annually, while those in the highest 10% make more than $103,790.

Is There Financial Aid for an Online Radiology Tech Program?

Yes, students can often earn financial aid to help them cover their radiology tech program costs. Scholarships, grants, loans, tuition assistance, and work-study programs are all types of aid that they may be able to apply for. Students are encouraged to check with their individual schools to find out which forms of financial aid may be accepted for specific programs.

Read More: Cheap Radiology Tech Programs

Find Radiology Tech Programs

If you're ready to start working as a radiology tech in an imaging center or other healthcare facility, explore the schools featured on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to find out more about their radiology tech programs and to find the best option for you.