Fastest Way To Become a Radiology Tech in Tennessee 2025

Radiologic technology is a great field for anyone looking to get started in healthcare relatively quickly. Perhaps you'd like to pursue this career path, but you want to know; particularly, you're wondering about the fastest way to become a radiology tech in your home state of Tennessee.

Keep reading as we explore this question in greater detail. We'll discuss accelerated radiology tech programs and other fast ways you can get started in the field while also providing answers to other questions you may have.

What Does a Radiology Technologist Do?

Radiology technologists are entry-level healthcare professionals who operate diagnostic imaging equipment. They may conduct a variety of radiographic procedures like X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging, mammography, and sonography scans. Common job duties include:

• preparing patients for imaging exams and positioning them for optimal image capture
• answering patient questions
• discussing potential diagnoses with other healthcare professionals
• updating patient records
• maintaining and cleaning medical imaging equipment

Radiology techs, also known as rad techs or radiographers, may work in a variety of healthcare settings like imaging centers, hospitals, and physician's offices. They must have strong problem-solving, critical-thinking, and communication skills as well as hands-on technical abilities and knowledge of imaging machines.

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

Radiology techs don't need any specific license to work in Tennessee unless they specialize in X-ray technology; in that case, they must obtain a state license. They can pursue licensure by completing a state-approved training course and passing the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Limited Scope Exam in Radiography.

All other radiology techs are encouraged to pursue primary and post-primary certifications through the ARRT. Many employers require radiology techs to hold national certifications through this organization.

The ARRT requires candidates to hold at least an associate degree and to have completed an accredited radiology program. Many students earn an associate degree in radiologic technology or a related field to fulfill both requirements.

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

The most common radiology tech training programs in Tennessee are associate degrees. Some schools also offer bachelor's degrees, and certificates in specialized areas of radiology (CT, MRI, etc) may also be available.

Associate degree programs typically take about two years to complete, while bachelor's degrees may take anywhere from two to four years. Certificate programs usually take a year or less but are typically reserved for those who already hold a radiology-related degree.

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

Though most radiologic technology associate degree programs take about two years to complete, some can be finished in a slightly accelerated format. These programs can be completed within 20 months.

That said, the fastest way to become a radiology tech is to get your training through the military. Several branches provide ARRT-approved training courses that can be completed in a matter of weeks, saving valuable time.

Fastest Steps To Becoming a Radiology Tech in Tennessee

If you want to learn more about the steps to become a radiology tech fast, keep reading. Below, we'll look at our top tips for finishing your education as quickly as possible.

1. Get Military Radiology Tech Training

The U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force all provide short-term training courses in radiologic technology and radiography. These programs vary from branch to branch but can be completed in just 19 to 24 weeks.

These programs provide between 56 and 61 credit hours toward an academic degree, which students can then complete in a shorter-than-average timeframe. The military provides one of the fastest paths available to a radiology tech career.

2. Complete an Accelerated Program

As noted above, some associate degree programs in radiology tech can be completed in a faster-than-average timeframe. For example, Concorde Career College in Memphis and Columbia State Community College both provide 20-month associate degree programs.

Students in accelerated radiology tech programs must be committed to full-time participation and intensive coursework schedules. They should also ensure their program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

3. Complete an Online Program

Online and hybrid radiology tech programs often provide flexibility, enabling highly motivated students to complete coursework on accelerated schedules if desired. Though coursework will be available online, students will still need to complete clinical experiences at designated healthcare facilities.

The fastest online radiologic technology programs can be completed in just four semesters or 15 to 16 months. Some schools also offer 20-month options. Top schools with online or hybrid programs to consider include Southeast Community College in Nebraska and Santa Fe College in Florida.

4. Earn a Certificate

Certificates are generally only available to students who already hold associate degrees. Students who studied radiologic technology and are now hoping to specialize in a particular area of the field most commonly pursue certificates.

These programs are often completed within a year, and some much sooner. For example, the Galen College of Nursing in Nashville offers an accelerated CT tech certificate that radiology techs can complete in just 10 weeks.

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

Each school charges different tuition rates and program costs, and some of the figures can vary widely. Factors influencing cost include the type of school offering the program and the level of degree or certificate.

The cost for associate degrees and certificates commonly ranges from around $3,600 to $6,000 per year, though figures at some private schools are much higher: around $14,000 to $25,000 a year or more.

Bachelor's degrees in radiologic sciences or similar are available at schools like Austin Peay State University, East Tennessee State University, and Baptist College of Health Sciences. These programs cost around $5,000 to $11,000 per year.

FAQs About Becoming a Radiology Tech Quickly in Tennessee

If you still have questions about completing your radiology tech program fast, you're not alone. Let's look at some frequently asked questions you may be wondering about.

Is It Hard To Become a Radiology Technician?

Radiology tech education programs strive to ensure students develop the essential competencies required for the job. Some students may find the courses and clinical rotations challenging, while others may find them fairly easy. Whether you consider your program hard or easy will depend on your unique educational strengths and weaknesses.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become an MRI Tech?

MRI techs are specialized radiology technologists. The fastest way to get started in this career path is available to those who are already trained in radiologic technology, as these candidates are eligible to complete short-term MRI certificates. These programs can typically be completed in one to two semesters.

Can You Become an X-Ray Tech Online?

Yes, some schools offer X-ray tech certificates as part of or in addition to online radiology tech associate degree programs. These short-term programs can typically be completed in a year or less.

How Much Does a Radiology Tech Make in Tennessee?

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the median annual salary for radiology techs in Tennessee is $61,600. The lowest 10% of earners in the state make less than $46,370 a year, while the highest 10% earn more than $81,050.

Is There Financial Aid for an Online Radiology Tech Program?

Yes, most online and in-person radiology tech programs are eligible for financial aid as long as they maintain the proper accreditations. Students can earn scholarships, grants, tuition assistance, military discounts, and more to help cover the cost of their education.

Read More: Cheap Radiology Tech Programs

Find Radiology Tech Programs

If you're ready to get started in radiologic technology, explore the schools found here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the colleges that interest you to find out more about their rad tech programs today.