Fastest Way to Become a Radiology Tech in Massachusetts 2025

Radiologic technologists play a vital role in modern healthcare, using tools like X-rays and computed tomography (CT) that help radiologists accurately diagnose and treat patients. In Massachusetts, this in-demand field offers a quicker path into the medical field. Accelerated options, as well as online certificate programs, can provide some of the fastest ways to become a radiology tech, which is perfect for those who want to make a difference without the time commitment of a traditional bachelor's degree.

Keep reading to learn about the fastest way to become a radiology tech in Massachusetts. From meeting certification and licensure requirements to exploring accelerated training options, this guide breaks down what you need to know to begin working as a radiology tech in Massachusetts.

What Does a Radiology Technologist Do?

Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, are trained healthcare professionals who perform diagnostic imaging procedures such as X-rays, CT scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They work closely with patients throughout the imaging process, explaining procedures, operating specialized imaging equipment, and using proper techniques to position patients for the most accurate results. The images they produce are reviewed by radiologists to help diagnose medical conditions and guide treatment decisions.

In Massachusetts, radiology techs are employed in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and dedicated imaging centers. Some technologists pursue additional training in advanced modalities like mammography, interventional radiology, or radiation therapy to expand their expertise and career options.

Success in this role relies on strong communication skills, critical thinking, attention to detail, and a commitment to patient care. As part of the healthcare team, radiologic technologists play an important role in ensuring safe, accurate, and compassionate care across a range of clinical settings.

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

To work as a radiologic technologist in Massachusetts, you must complete an accredited radiologic technology program, typically offered through a community college or healthcare-focused school. Most students pursue an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in radiologic sciences, which combines classroom instruction with supervised clinical experience.

These programs introduce students to key topics such as radiographic procedures, radiation safety, radiation protection, medical terminology, and patient care, while also offering hands-on learning through clinical rotations in real-world healthcare environments. Before enrolling, you'll need to meet specific prerequisite and admission requirements, which may include courses in anatomy, math, or other health sciences.

After completing your degree, you must pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam. Massachusetts also requires technologists to apply for state licensing through the Radiation Control Program. Additional steps such as a background check and proof of program completion will be required to confirm eligibility for licensure.

How Long Does it Take To Become a Radiology Tech in Massachusetts?

The typical path to becoming a radiology tech in Massachusetts involves completing a two-year program, such as an AAS in radiologic technology. These accredited programs include classroom coursework and clinical experience, preparing students to take the ARRT exam and apply for state licensure upon graduation.

For students who want to enter the field sooner, some schools offer accelerated radiology tech programs that allow you to complete the required training in less time. These options are designed for motivated learners who want to fast-track their education and begin working in entry-level roles in medical imaging or diagnostic imaging more quickly.

Choosing the right timeline depends on your availability, preferred learning style, and whether you're balancing other responsibilities such as a job or family commitments. Some programs may offer part-time enrollment for students balancing other commitments, though this can extend the overall timeline.

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

One of the quickest paths to becoming a radiology tech in Massachusetts is through an accelerated radiology tech program. These intensive programs are typically designed for full-time students and can often be completed in approximately 16 to 18 months, depending on the school and the structure of the radiologic technology program.

Accelerated programs maintain the same educational standards as traditional options, covering essential topics such as clinical experience, radiographic procedures, patient care, and radiation protection. These programs are best suited for students who have completed the necessary prerequisite courses and are prepared for an intensive learning experience.

For those looking to enter the field of medical imaging or diagnostic imaging sooner, this is a good option that offers a direct route into an entry-level role.

Fastest Steps To Becoming a Radiology Tech in Massachusetts

If you're looking to begin a career in radiologic technology more quickly, there are several training options beyond the standard two-year associate degree route. These alternatives are ideal for students eager to join the healthcare field and who want to gain the required skills and credentials in less time.

While all radiology techs in Massachusetts must meet state licensure and ARRT certification requirements, some programs can help accelerate the process. From accelerated radiology tech programs to military-based training, these paths still cover the main steps to become a radiology tech while offering a more efficient way to launch your career.

Below are several options that may reduce your training timeline and get you started in the field of medical imaging faster.

1. Accelerated Radiology Tech Programs

In Massachusetts, some schools offer accelerated radiologic technology programs designed to help students enter the field faster than the traditional timeline. While a standard associate degree program typically takes two years, certain schools allow students to complete a full-time, structured curriculum in as little as 16 to 18 months. These intensive programs blend classroom instruction with required in-person clinical experience.

Programs in or near major cities like Boston often follow standards set by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and hold accreditation. They prepare students to demonstrate clinical competency and meet all eligibility requirements for the ARRT certification exam and state licensure.

Accelerated paths are ideal for highly motivated learners looking to begin a career in radiography or diagnostic imaging more quickly, especially when paired with strong job placement support and focused career preparation.

2. Hospital-Based Certificate Programs

Some hospitals and healthcare systems in Massachusetts offer certificate-based training options in partnership with local colleges. These hospital-based programs emphasize immersive, hands-on learning within real-world clinical environments. Compared to a traditional associate degree, these options may reduce the time it takes to enter the workforce.

Students complete coursework alongside clinical experience in radiology departments, learning under supervision while developing competency in imaging procedures and radiation safety. These programs are often supervised by a program director and follow accreditation standards set by JRCERT.

Upon graduation, students are eligible for the ARRT exam and can apply for Massachusetts state licensing.

3. Online or Hybrid Radiology Tech Programs

For students balancing work, family, or other responsibilities, hybrid radiology tech programs offer the flexibility of online learning paired with required in-person clinical training. Academic subjects like medical terminology, radiographic procedures, and radiation protection may be offered online, while clinical rotations take place at approved sites throughout Massachusetts.

While fully online programs are not available due to the hands-on nature of radiologic training, hybrid models make it easier to complete coursework without compromising on clinical education. These programs adhere to JRCERT accreditation standards and prepare graduates to sit for the ARRT certification exam and pursue licensure.

4. Military Radiologic Technology Training

The U.S. military offers specialized radiologic technology training through specific medical roles, providing service members with foundational knowledge in radiography, radiation safety, and patient care. This training includes classroom instruction, supervised clinical education, and exposure to imaging modalities like X-ray and CT in fast-paced environments.

After completing military training, individuals often meet the criteria to take the ARRT certification exam and can apply for state licensing in Massachusetts. Depending on the program, additional coursework or exams may be required.

For those with a high school diploma or GED who want to serve and train simultaneously, this path offers a well-structured route into the radiology profession, with options to transition into areas like nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, or advanced internships later in their careers.

How Much Does it Cost To Become a Radiology Tech in Massachusetts?

The total cost of training to become a rad tech in Massachusetts depends largely on the program format and the type of school you attend. Programs offered through community colleges, including MassBay, Roxbury Community College, and Quinsigamond Community College, typically range from $16,000 to $19,000 for in-state students over the course of the full program. These schools follow a traditional two-year timeline and combine academic coursework with clinical training.

For students considering a faster path, accelerated radiography program options may come with slightly higher costs. For example, MassBay's full-time 70-credit program is estimated at around $18,900, though fees may vary depending on course-specific charges at other institutions.

Hybrid programs, which blend online instruction with in-person clinical experience, generally fall within a similar range. While fully online programs aren't available due to hands-on training requirements, hybrid formats can cost anywhere from $16,000 to $30,000, especially if they include advanced modalities like MRI or CT and are offered through private institutions.

Beyond tuition, students should plan for additional expenses such as uniforms, textbooks, background checks, the ARRT exam, and state licensing fees. Fortunately, many Massachusetts colleges, especially public institutions and those partnered with hospitals, offer financial aid, scholarships, or tuition support options.

FAQs About Becoming a Radiology Tech Quickly in Massachusetts

If you're looking to begin your career as a radiology tech in Massachusetts sooner rather than later, there are a few accelerated options worth exploring. The FAQs below address common questions about training time, certification requirements, state licensure, and earning potential to help you make informed decisions as you move forward. Keep reading if you're looking for the fastest way to become a radiology tech.

Is It Hard To Become a Radiology Technician?

Becoming a radiology technician in Massachusetts can be challenging, but it is a realistic goal for students who are prepared to put in the effort. Students must complete an accredited radiologic technology program, gain supervised clinical experience, and pass the ARRT certification exam before applying for state licensure.

The education includes mastering technical skills, medical terminology, and radiographic procedures, which can be intensive. Still, many students find the process manageable, especially those who are motivated, detail-oriented, and committed to patient care. With guidance from instructors and real-world training, most graduates feel well-prepared to succeed in the field.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become an MRI Tech?

In Massachusetts, one of the quickest ways to become an MRI technologist is to begin with an accelerated radiologic technology program and earn ARRT certification in radiography. Once you are certified, you can pursue advanced credentials in MRI through ARRT's post-primary pathway, which is designed for radiologic technologists who want to specialize further.

Some associate degree programs may include elective courses or clinical experience related to MRI, helping you prepare for that next step early on. While it typically takes about two to three years to complete the entire process, an accelerated route can reduce that timeframe and help you enter the field of MRI or other advanced imaging areas more efficiently.

Can You Become an X-Ray Tech Online?

It is not possible to complete a radiologic technology program entirely online, but some schools in Massachusetts offer hybrid options that blend online coursework with required in-person clinical training. You may be able to complete general education or core subjects like anatomy, medical terminology, or radiation safety online, but hands-on experience in a clinical setting is essential to meet ARRT certification and state licensure requirements.

Once you've completed both the academic and clinical portions of the program, you'll be eligible to take the ARRT certification exam and apply for licensure through the Massachusetts Radiation Control Program. Hybrid programs can be a flexible option, but becoming an X-ray tech still requires in-person training to develop the skills needed in real healthcare environments.

How Much Does a Radiology Tech Make in Massachusetts?

Radiologic technologists in Massachusetts earn competitive wages, with pay varying depending on experience level, certifications held, and workplace setting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for radiologic technologists in Massachusetts was approximately $77,360 as of May 2023. Salaries typically range from $58,400 for those starting out to over $101,000 for more experienced professionals.

Technologists who specialize in advanced modalities like MRI or CT often see higher pay. For example, MRI technologists in Massachusetts earn an average of about $95,220 annually, with top earners making over $120,000.

Pursuing additional certifications through the ARRT or continuing education through professional organizations like the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) can help boost your skill set and earning potential.

Is There Financial Aid for an Online Radiology Tech Program?

Financial aid is available for many online and hybrid radiology tech programs, especially those offered through an accredited community college or university that participates in federal student aid programs. If you're pursuing an associate degree program in radiologic technology at a school with recognized JRCERT accreditation or ARRT eligibility, you may qualify for grants, loans, or institutional scholarships.

Programs that follow standards set by the JRCERT often include financial aid options similar to those available for traditional in-person students. To see what's available, connect with your school's financial aid office and be sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early in the enrollment process.

Read More: Cheapest Radiology Technician Programs

Find Radiology Tech Programs

Radiologic technology is a rewarding career choice for those looking to enter the healthcare field with a solid foundation and room for advancement. If you're ready to take the next step, explore the radiology tech programs featured on Learn.org to find one that fits your timeline, goals, and learning preferences.