Fastest Way To Become a Radiology Tech in Missouri 2025

Radiologic technologist programs open doors to exciting careers in the rad tech field. Students can become radiology techs who work primarily with X-rays or specialize in areas like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and mammography.

Are you eager to begin working as a radiology tech in Missouri? Many programs in the state offer the coursework and clinical experiences to prepare you for entry-level positions. Below, we'll discuss the fastest way to become a radiology tech and explore various program options.

What Does a Radiology Technologist Do?

A radiology technologist performs X-rays and other medical imaging exams to help healthcare professionals diagnose medical conditions. Also known as radiographers or radiologic technologists, these healthcare professionals perform duties that include:

• managing, maintaining, and adjusting X-rays and other imaging equipment
• positioning patients and equipment to image exact areas of the body as ordered by physicians
• taking medical histories and shielding exposed body parts
• working with physicians to determine whether diagnostic images are correct or more are needed

Starting this career requires strong technical, critical thinking, and communication skills. Common work environments include hospitals, physicians' offices, outpatient care centers, and diagnostic laboratories.

Students typically enroll in a radiography or radiologic technology program to acquire the education needed to qualify for this role. Traditional and online/hybrid accelerated radiology tech programs are available in many states.

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

Missouri is one of only a few states with no licensure requirements for X-ray operators. This means no license exists for individuals who plan to operate X-ray equipment in the state.

Some operators face restrictions, however. Mammography equipment operators must be registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and have additional specialized training, per federal and state rules. Portable X-ray equipment operators employed by Medicare-certified portable X-ray providers must also be registered with the ARRT, per federal rule.

Other X-ray operators don't have requirements; however, they are held to individual healthcare facilities' educational requirements and credentialing standards. In many cases, hospitals and clinicals only allow physicians, ARRT radiologic technologists, and students in an ARRT-approved training program to operate X-ray equipment.

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

Individuals interested in qualifying for entry-level radiology tech roles at many healthcare facilities in Missouri should plan to complete a radiologic technology program with Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accreditation. These programs, on average, take about two years to complete and explore the following curriculum:

• radiographic procedures and exposure
• radiologic physics
• radiographic image evaluation
• advanced imaging modalities
• radiobiology
• clinical education

Some programs require students to complete general education prerequisites (ex. human anatomy) before enrolling. In their second year, learners usually participate in clinical experiences to provide hands-on patient care at hospitals or other healthcare facilities. After completing all requirements, students are ready to sit for the ARRT certification exam.

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

The shortest timeframe to become a radiology tech in Missouri is about 18 months. Many programs require students to complete about 70 to 80 total credit hours, including didactic courses, clinical practicums, and a capstone.

While most programs require two to three years, some help enrollees complete their studies sooner. Schools can make this happen by incorporating summer sessions into their programs, offering shorter course terms, or providing a mix of online courses and in-person requirements at clinical sites.

Fastest Steps To Becoming a Radiology Tech in Missouri

Students in Missouri can start radiology tech careers through community colleges, universities, and hospitals. Keep reading to learn the fastest steps to become a radiology tech in the state.

1. Associate Degrees in Radiologic Technology

An associate degree in radiologic technology is the standard pathway for starting a rad tech career in Missouri. Depending on your school of choice, you might pursue an Associate of Science in radiology (ASR) or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS), which emphasizes technical and vocational skills and prepares students for immediate work opportunities in radiologic technology.

Associate programs often take about two years to finish; however, the actual timeframe varies based on factors like curriculum and clinical requirements. Schools offering a certificate in a specialty like computed tomography might require more time for completion.

2. Online & Hybrid Radiologic Tech Programs

Fully online radiography programs are available throughout Missouri. For instance, the Bachelor of Health Science in clinical and diagnostic sciences with an emphasis in radiography offers a 100% online curriculum. However, this program and many other fully online options require that applicants be ARRT-certified radiologic technologists.

This doesn't mean students without a background in radiography are left with no online options. Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar offers an ASR program offering on-campus and online general education courses. Despite its five-semester program schedule, students can complete their studies in about two years. Other programs might help learners graduate faster.

3. Accelerated Radiology Technology Programs

In Missouri, accelerated radiology tech programs are among the best options for quick entry into the field. Schools prioritize fast completion while maintaining the high academic and clinical standards expected from JRCERT-accredited programs.

One of the fastest programs in the state is from Jefferson College in Hillsboro. The AAS in radiologic technology offers an 18-month curriculum preparing students for the ARRT certification exam, registration, and entry-level positions in Missouri.

East Central College offers an accelerated program at its Rolla campus that lasts 20 months after prerequisites have been completed. Graduates earn an AAS in radiologic technology, take the ARRT certificate exam, and qualify for entry-level roles.

4. Hospital-Based Radiology Tech Training Programs

In addition to traditional degree programs at schools of higher education, students can train for radiography roles through hospital-based programs that might result in a degree or a diploma. These programs provide the same training and prepare students for ARRT certification, but students typically complete clinical experiences in the hospital instead of other facilities.

Saint Luke's Hospital's School of Radiologic Technology offers a two-year hospital-based program that combines didactic instruction with clinical experiences. Another program to consider is the AAS in radiologic technology, which starts with courses and clinicals taken at the Mercy Hospital St. Louis School of Radiologic Technology and ends with degree completion at Missouri Baptist University.

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

The cost of completing a program in the radiological sciences varies based on program type and your school of choice. However, you might expect to pay the following costs:

• Associate degrees: Some schools charge in-district, out-of-district, and out-of-state rates with in-district being the cheapest. Rates could start as low as $121 per credit hour.
• Hospital-based programs: These programs often charge flat-rate tuition with possible differences for in-state or out-of-state residency. Costs start at about $8,200 for an entire program.
• Certificates: Stand-alone certificates leading to a rad tech career are rare; however, you can find certificates for radiology techs looking to specialize in CT, interventional radiography, and more for less than $14,000 per year.

When budgeting for your program, factor in uniforms, background checks, drug testing, textbooks, immunizations, the ARRT exam fee, and other related costs.

FAQs About Becoming a Radiology Tech Quickly in Missouri

Do you have more questions about becoming a radiology tech in Missouri? Review the FAQs below for additional information about this career and how to start quickly.

Is It Hard To Become a Radiology Technician?

Becoming a radiology technician can be challenging. Radiology tech programs teach students about the human body and how to operate X-ray equipment. They require clinical experiences in healthcare settings that ensure students are ready to work with patients after graduating. Following these steps requires hard work, but the benefits of a rewarding career in radiology technology make it worth the effort.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become an MRI Tech?

You've learned about the fastest way to become a radiology tech, but what about becoming an MRI tech? Earning an MRI certificate is one of the quickest pathways to enter this field. These programs are generally designed for certified professionals with a diagnostic imaging background, including radiology techs, radiation therapists, and nuclear medicine techs. Students can complete these programs in as few as six months.

Can You Become an X-Ray Tech Online?

Yes, you can become an X-ray tech, also known as a radiology technologist, while attending some courses online. The ASR degree program from Southwest Baptist University prepares students to become registered radiologic technologists through a mix of online and on-campus courses that meet general education program requirements.

How Much Does a Radiology Tech Make in Missouri?

After earning a degree or diploma and getting ARRT certified, graduates of radiology tech programs are ready to start their careers. But how much do these professionals earn? In May 2023, the mean annual wage for radiologic technologists and technicians was $66,560, and the mean hourly wage was $32 in Missouri according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Is There Financial Aid for an Online Radiology Tech Program?

Whether you want to earn an associate degree in an online/hybrid format to start an entry-level rad tech career or pursue an online certificate to enhance an existing career, you can find programs supporting students with financial aid. The types of financial assistance available might include scholarships and federal and state grants.

Read More: Cheap Radiology Tech Programs

Find Radiology Tech Programs

Begin your journey toward a rewarding radiology tech career by exploring the degree programs listed on Learn.org. Contact schools of choice directly to learn how they can help you reach your career goals.