Fastest Way To Become a Radiology Tech in Indiana 2025

Radiology technology is a fast-growing field and one of the most popular career choices among all health professions. According to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), radiologic technologists are the third-largest group of healthcare professionals after physicians and nurses.

If becoming a radiology tech in Indiana sounds exciting, you might be eager to begin as quickly as possible. Fortunately, students can have options to speed up the process. Keep reading to learn more about the fastest way to become a radiology tech and what else this career path has in store.

What Does a Radiology Technologist Do?

Radiology technologists, also called radiologic technologists and radiographers, perform diagnostic imaging exams on patients (X-rays, mammography, computed tomography (CT) imaging, etc.) to help healthcare providers make accurate medical assessments. Their duties include:

• maintaining medical imaging equipment
• preparing patients for imaging procedures (taking a medical history and shielding exposed body parts)
• ensuring patients and equipment are in the correct positions to get the best images
• working with radiologists and physicians to evaluate images and decide whether more should be taken

Radiology techs most often work in hospital settings; however, they also find roles in doctor's offices, diagnostic labs, and outpatient care centers. Math, technical, problem-solving, and communication skills are necessary in this role.

Students who want to enter this field typically complete a two-year certificate or associate degree program in radiology. Accelerated radiology tech programs might be available to help learners start their careers sooner.

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

Working as a radiology tech in Indiana requires radiologic technologist licensure obtained through the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH). Follow these steps to secure a license:

• Graduate from an approved ARRT radiology program (Note: Students must have an active student permit to complete clinical training in Indiana).
• Earn a passing score on the ARRT exam for radiology.
• Be certified and registered by the ARRT with RT(R) credentials.
• Apply for the radiologic technologist license online at mylicense.in.gov (or print, complete, and mail the application) and pay any required fees.

Once these steps have been completed, the IDOH will check student credentials on ARRT's verification website and issue a license.

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

The time needed to become a radiology tech varies based on the accredited program students choose. However, the average timeframe is about two years. When enrolled in a radiology tech educational program, students learn the following:

• patient care
• radiographic procedures
• radiography principles and labs
• medical ethics
• clinical competency
• diagnostic radiology

Students must also complete clinical experiences in a healthcare facility for hands-on experience with X-rays, CT scans, and more. Work in clinical settings is included in the program and doesn't require an additional time commitment.

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

The shortest timeframe to become a radiology tech in Indiana is a little less than two years. This includes enrolling in an accredited ARRT program, completing all coursework and clinical experiences, taking the ARRT certification exam, getting registered, and applying for IDOH licensure.

You can find accelerated radiology tech programs in the state with shorter completion timeframes (10 to 16 months). However, these programs are typically designed for certified radiology professionals who want to add a specialty or gain the experience needed to move into leadership roles.

Fastest Steps To Becoming a Radiology Tech in Indiana

Are you interested in learning the fastest way to become a radiology tech? Review the following steps to become a radiology tech in less time.

1. Complete an Associate Degree Program in Radiologic Technology

Associate degree programs with Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accreditation commonly help students start radiologic technology careers in Indiana. While some states offer stand-alone certificates, most programs in Indiana lead to an Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.

Associate radiography programs provide a comprehensive examination of radiologic technology and serve as a good starting point for students hoping to earn a bachelor's degree. Learners enrolled full-time might complete their studies in 24 months or less and will be prepared to take the ARRT radiologic tech registry exam, get licensed, and use the RT(R) designation.

2. Complete an Online/Hybrid Radiologic Technology Program

A few schools in Indiana offer online radiologic technology programs for working professionals with busy schedules. However, the fully online programs are typically reserved for students who are already certified and want to pursue leadership positions or earn a higher-level degree.

Students without experience who want to take the ARRT exam and become licensed for the first time can find programs with a hybrid mix of online courses and in-person clinical experiences. Flexible coursework can help students finish their studies sooner.

For example, the AAS in radiologic technology at the University of Saint Francis combines asynchronous online learning with on-the-ground labs and clinical rotations. Learners can complete this degree and qualify to sit for the ARRT certification exam in about 22 months.

3. Enroll in an Apprenticeship

Students who want to gain hands-on experience while preparing for certification can enroll in an apprentice program. This unique form of on-the-job training helps students grow accustomed to the clinical workplace and possibly ensures job security since program sponsors often hire apprentices after they complete the program.

The School of Radiologic Technology at Norton Healthcare works with Norton King's Daughters' Health in Madison, Indiana to offer a 24-month program for students interested in this career. Enrollees acquire the real-world experience, skills, and knowledge to meet certification requirements and become a radiology tech in the state.

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

What you'll pay to become a radiology tech in Indiana depends on the school of higher education you choose. Full-time in-state learners attending Indiana University South Bend pay $3,746.01 per term in tuition. Hancock Health charges $7,000 in total tuition costs.

However, radiology tech programs typically require students to pay other fees. Here are some to consider from Indiana University South Bend:

• immunizations ($250)
• drug screen ($53 + $2.99 service fee paid annually)
• American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) membership ($35 annually)
• criminal background check ($58 + $2.99 service fee)
• uniforms, including scrubs, lab jacket, clinic shoes, and name tag ($400)
• ARRT certification test application fee ($225)

Students should also consider the cost of textbooks, CPR-BLS certification, and a laptop/computer when determining the amount needed to pursue this career.

FAQs About Becoming a Radiology Tech Quickly in Indiana

Do you want more information about becoming a radiology tech in Indiana? Review the frequently asked questions below.

Is It Hard To Become a Radiology Technician?

Becoming a radiology technician requires hard work and dedication. Associate degree programs for radiologic technology include didactic coursework exploring radiation safety, nuclear medicine, and other imaging technologies. Students also take clinical courses and work in imaging centers, hospitals, or other clinical settings. Completing a radiologic tech program can be challenging; however, it's a necessary step for individuals eager to start this rewarding career.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become an MRI Tech?

Radiology techs primarily work with X-ray machines, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists operate MRI scanners. One of the fastest ways to enter this field is through a certificate program for students certified as radiation therapists, radiology techs, or nuclear medicine techs. These accelerated programs can be completed in as little as six months.

Can You Become an X-Ray Tech Online?

An X-ray tech is another name for a radiology tech. While you can find programs preparing students for this career through online coursework, most schools require students to participate in labs on-campus or clinical experiences in healthcare settings where they can gain supervised hands-on experience with actual patients.

How Much Does a Radiology Tech Make in Indiana?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual wage for radiologic technologists and technicians in Indiana was $70,550 in May 2023. The mean hourly wage for this role was $33.92. The mean annual wage for this profession nationwide was $75,250, while the median hourly wage was $36.18.

Is There Financial Aid for an Online Radiology Tech Program?

Yes, some online schools with radiology tech programs offer financial aid. For instance, South College in Indianapolis has a hybrid (online/on-campus) AS in radiology that helps students pay for school with the 21st Century Scholarship, Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, TN Promise, and other aid.

Students pursuing the hybrid AAS in radiologic technology at the University of Saint Francis can save with scholarships, grants, and student employment opportunities.

Read More: Cheap Radiology Tech Programs

Find Radiology Tech Programs

Begin your journey toward a fulfilling career in radiology technology by exploring the degree programs on Learn.org. Contact a school of interest today to discover ways they can assist in achieving your career goals.