Fastest Way to Become a Radiology Tech in New Jersey 2025

Radiologic technology is a popular career choice in the healthcare field � and for good reason. In addition to being a rewarding role, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data reveals that employment for radiologic technologists and technicians is projected to grow faster than average (6%) from 2023 to 2033.

If you want to claim one of the more than 13,000 job openings expected annually, accredited training programs are available in New Jersey to prepare you for this position. Below, we'll discuss the fastest way to become a radiology tech and explain what to expect from this career path.

What Does a Radiology Technologist Do?

Radiologic technologists, also called radiology technologists and radiographers, use medical imaging equipment to perform X-ray (and sometimes mammography and computed tomography (CT) imaging) exams on patients. Duties include:

• operating and maintaining imaging equipment
• producing diagnostic images according to precise orders from healthcare providers
• adjusting equipment and patients to ensure the best images are captured
• working with physicians and radiologists to decide whether more images are needed

Radiology techs typically work in hospitals; however, opportunities are available in doctor's offices, diagnostic imaging centers, and outpatient care centers. These professionals need strong interpersonal, critical thinking, and communication skills to excel.

Starting this career in New Jersey requires completing an approved accredited program. Fortunately, schools and hospitals throughout the state offer traditional and accelerated radiology tech programs to help students achieve their career goals.

What Are the Requirements To Become a Radiology Tech in New Jersey?

Starting a diagnostic radiologic technologist career in the state of New Jersey primarily requires completing a 24-month diagnostic radiography program with Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners (Board) approval or an equivalent program with Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accreditation.

After completing the radiography program, students take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination for certification. The Board requires that students meet the following criteria when applying for licensure:

• Be 18 or older when applying.
• Complete at least high school (or its equivalent) in the U.S. and an approved diagnostic radiology program.
• Be of good moral character.
• Pass the ARRT certification exam with a score of at least 75% (or an approved equivalent exam) within the last five years and hold a current ARRT certification.

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

The time needed to become a radiology tech in New Jersey varies by program; however, students generally need about two years to complete all education requirements, pass the ARRT certification exam, and secure licensure.

What can you expect to learn in a Board-approved radiology tech education program? Didactic coursework could explore:

• radiographic pathology
• imaging equipment
• radiation protection
• image production
• advanced modalities
• patient care in radiologic sciences
• radiation biology

Students might be required to complete general education prerequisite courses (e.g., anatomy and physiology) before or during enrollment. Programs also include lab work and clinical experiences (and possibly internships) that offer hands-on patient interactions.

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

While radiology tech programs in New Jersey typically take two years to complete, you can find some that help students finish their studies in as little as 18 months.

These programs generally explore the same coursework and offer the same clinical experiences as traditional programs. However, they might provide different enrollment opportunities (e.g., full-time vs. part-time) to speed up completion or accept prior learning credits, enabling learners to take fewer courses to meet their graduate requirements.

Fastest Steps To Becoming a Radiology Tech in New Jersey

Are you wondering what the fastest way to become a radiology tech is? Explore the following steps to become a radiology tech.

1. Certificate and Associate Degree Radiologic Technology Programs

In New Jersey, students can enroll in Board-approved certificate or degree programs from community colleges, colleges, and universities to secure the education needed to qualify for the ARRT certification exam. Associate degree programs (Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science) take about two years to complete. They offer the didactic courses and clinical hours required to graduate and qualify for entry-level rad tech positions.

Certificates are similar to associate degree programs in that they offer didactic coursework and clinical experiences. However, instead of earning a degree, students receive a certificate of completion. These programs often take two years; however, you can find programs that help students graduate in less time.

2. Accelerated Radiology Technology Programs

Accelerated radiology tech programs are designed for students who want to obtain the same education as students in traditional programs without spending as much time completing coursework and clinical hours.

Students have the option to speed up degree completion in New Jersey. For instance, the AS in radiography from Farleigh Dickinson University enables students to complete their studies at an individualized pace. The university accepts prior learning credits, which can help learners graduate sooner than a traditional program.

Prospective students are encouraged to join an Allied Health & Health Studies monthly Info-session to learn about individualized program options.

3. Hospital-Based Radiology Tech Training Programs

Hospital-based radiology tech programs are completed primarily with a local New Jersey hospital or medical center. Students might take courses at the hospital's school of radiography or health sciences and complete clinical rotations under the supervision of staff members. Other programs enable students to complete some of their coursework at a partnering college or university.

After completing a hospital-based program, which generally takes two years, students might receive a diploma from the hospital or an associate degree from a partnering school. Hospital training in New Jersey is available through the radiography cooperative program from JFK Muhlenberg Snyder School of Radiography and Union College. Also, the Englewood Hospital School of Radiography offers a two-year program.

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

Students pay varying amounts to complete a radiology tech program in New Jersey. School of choice, program type, and residency can all impact costs. Here are the rates you might encounter from the following program types:

• Associate degrees: Students enrolled in associate degree programs are commonly charged a per-credit rate based on living in-county, out-of-county, or out-of-state. The cost of these programs can be lower than $220 per credit hour.
• Certificates: Certificate programs are often charged per credit hour. In total, program costs can reach lower than $22,000 for a certificate or less than $30,000 for a combined certificate and associate degree.
• Hospital-based training: Hospital-based programs might charge per-credit or flat-rate tuition and consider in-county residency when determining costs. One of the most affordable programs costs just over $17,000 for two years of study.

FAQs About Becoming a Radiology Tech Quickly in New Jersey

Do you want to become a radiology tech in New Jersey quickly? Explore the frequently asked questions below to learn more before getting started.

Is It Hard To Become a Radiology Technician?

The steps needed to become a radiology technician or technologist in New Jersey require time and effort. Students must complete didactic courses and clinical rotations in an accredited certificate, degree, or hospital-based program, take the ARRT certification exam, and meet licensure criteria. While this journey can be challenging, it is worth the result of starting a fulfilling radiology tech career.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become an MRI Tech?

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tech is a healthcare professional who works with MRI scanning machines to help healthcare providers diagnose medical conditions. Some MRI tech programs are designed for imaging professionals with a nuclear medicine, sonography, radiology, or radiation therapy background. These programs are sometimes accelerated, helping learners advance to MRI tech careers in as few as six months.

Can You Become an X-Ray Tech Online?

While an X-ray or radiologic technology program with online coursework is rare in New Jersey, degrees and certificates are available in other parts of the country.

For instance, the AAS in radiologic technology from the College of Health Care Professions in Texas offers online coursework and three in-person practicums conducted in clinical settings. Upon completion, students will be ready for the ARRT certification exam.

How Much Does a Radiology Tech Make in New Jersey?

According to the BLS, radiologic technologists and technicians make good salaries. May 2023 data revealed that these professionals earned a mean hourly wage of $39.81 and a mean annual wage of $82,800 in New Jersey.

State incomes for these roles are higher than national incomes, which are $36.18 for the mean hourly wage and $75,250 for the mean annual wage.

Is There Financial Aid for an Online Radiology Tech Program?

Financial aid availability for an online radiology tech program varies by school. However, eligible students who qualify can save on the associate degree in radiologic technology from Rasmussen University (which features online coursework and hands-on experiences at clinical sites, on-campus labs, and clinical practicum settings) by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Read More: Cheap Radiology Tech Programs

Find Radiology Tech Programs

Start your journey toward an exciting career in radiology technology by exploring the accredited degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools of interest today to discover how they can assist in achieving your goals.