Fastest Way To Become a Radiology Tech in North Carolina 2025

Becoming a radiology tech is a great way to get started in a high-paying healthcare field. Perhaps you live in North Carolina and are planning to pursue this career path, and you want to get started as quickly as possible. So, you're wanting to know more about the fastest way to become a radiology tech in your state.

If this sounds like you, keep reading. Below, we'll discuss accelerated radiology tech programs and other ways you can speed up the educational process. We'll also provide general information about becoming a radiology tech and answer some questions you may have.

What Does a Radiology Technologist Do?

Radiology technologists work in various healthcare facilities, including medical centers, physician's offices, and imaging centers. They assist with patient care by conducting medical imaging tests to diagnose various medical conditions. Their job duties primarily include:

• operating imaging equipment like X-ray, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines
• positioning patients for optimal image capturing
• explaining examinations to patients and answering questions
• collaborating and communicating with other healthcare professionals
• updating patient records

Radiology techs may also be known as rad techs, radiographers, and radiology technicians. These professionals must have excellent critical thinking and communication skills as well as a strong understanding of radiation protection and radiographic procedures.

What Are the Requirements To Become a Radiology Tech in North Carolina?

The state of North Carolina does not have any specific licensure requirements for radiology techs. However, most employers in the state prefer or require candidates to hold national certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Eligible candidates must pass a certification exam to obtain initial ARRT certification. They must have completed an approved radiologic technology program and an associate degree (which may or may not be the same program).

To maintain certification, candidates must renew their certificates annually and complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years. A variety of specialized certifications are available through the ARRT for candidates hoping to advance their careers or pursue specializations.

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

Various colleges and community colleges in North Carolina offer radiology tech programs. Most of these are associate degree and certificate programs, but a few bachelor's and master's degrees are also available.

Certificate programs typically take two years or less to complete, while associate degrees run for at least two years. Bachelor's programs may be two to four years long, while master's degrees require an additional one to two years.

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

Some accelerated radiology tech programs are available in North Carolina, but these still typically take around 20 months to complete. The fastest way to become a radiology tech in the state is to pursue training through the military.

Students may also be able to graduate quickly by enrolling in an online program that allows for flexible scheduling. Highly motivated learners can take higher courseloads in these programs to finish them sooner.

Fastest Steps To Becoming a Radiology Tech in North Carolina

You can follow several steps to become a radiology tech quickly in North Carolina. The best options are outlined below.

1. Complete Training Through the Military

Students can get radiology and radiography training by enlisting in the Army, Navy, or Air Force. These military training programs are highly accelerated, lasting just 19 to 24 weeks instead of several months or years.

These programs also provide credit hours that students can use to complete an academic program, such as an associate degree, more quickly. Getting your training through the military is by far the fastest way to meet the education requirements outlined by the ARRT.

2. Earn a Certificate

Certificate programs are generally shorter than associate degree programs, enabling candidates to graduate more quickly. The University of North Carolina School of Medicine and Novant Health both provide radiology tech certificate programs in North Carolina.

These programs run for 19 and 22 months, respectively. They are excellent options for students already holding an associate degree in an unrelated field who are looking to transition to radiology.

3. Complete an Accelerated Degree

Some associate degree programs are shorter than others. For example, the radiography program at Wake Technical Community College can be completed in 21 months.

Accelerated programs often feature intensive coursework and clinical experience schedules. Students must be willing to commit to the program full-time to finish on schedule.

4. Complete an Online Program

Online programs in radiology tech are available through some schools, though hands-on clinical rotations must still be completed in-person at approved clinical sites. Because online programs typically feature flexible coursework and study schedules, students can enroll in these programs to finish their education in an accelerated timeframe.

As with in-person programs, it's important to make sure any online program you're considering is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). This will ensure the program meets critical academic standards and will be approved by the ARRT.

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

Radiology tech program costs vary depending on the type of program and the school that offers it. Generally speaking, certificate programs are most affordable, ranging from around $500 to $8,000.

Associate degrees are also pretty affordable overall. Prices typically range from around $1,000 to $11,000 per year, though some schools may have higher rates.

Bachelor's and master's programs are a bit more expensive, typically starting around $8,000 per year. However, these advanced credentials are not necessary for beginning a career in radiologic technology; a certificate or associate degree is sufficient.

FAQs About Becoming a Radiology Tech Quickly in North Carolina

If you still have questions about pursuing a fast career in radiologic science, keep reading. Below, we'll answer questions you may still have about radiology tech education programs and career options.

Is It Hard To Become a Radiology Technician?

''Hard'' and ''easy'' are subjective terms; some students may find radiology tech training programs more challenging than others. Generally speaking, these programs are fairly short and lead to entry-level careers in healthcare, so most students consider them less hard than more advanced medical degrees. However, individual topics like the anatomy of the human body and different imaging procedures may still be difficult for some students.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become an MRI Tech?

MRI technicians typically need to complete a short certificate program and pursue certification through the ARRT. The fastest way to start this career path is to enroll in a certificate program that takes only a few months to complete. These programs are usually available to students who already hold an associate degree or certificate in general radiologic technology.

Can You Become an X-Ray Tech Online?

X-ray techs can earn both general radiologic technology degrees and specific X-ray tech certifications online. It typically takes just a few months for students already holding a radiology tech degree to earn an online certificate in X-ray technology.

How Much Does a Radiology Tech Make in North Carolina?

The median income for radiology techs in North Carolina is $65,210 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Those in the lower 10% of rad techs in the state earn $49,230 or less each year, while those in the top 10% earn $86,580 per year or more.

Is There Financial Aid for an Online Radiology Tech Program?

Yes, financial aid is typically available for both online and in-person radiology tech programs as long as they maintain the proper accreditations. Federal aid, scholarships, tuition assistance, and more may be available. Check with your school to learn more about specific types of financial aid you could pursue.

Read More: Cheapest Radiology Tech Programs

Find Radiology Tech Programs

If you're ready to begin your fast radiology tech program, consider the schools featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools today to learn more about their rad tech programs and to choose the ideal option for you.