Fastest Way To Become a Radiology Tech in Pennsylvania 2025

Radiology techs perform diagnostic medical imaging tests on patients to help physicians diagnose medical conditions. They need to complete a radiology technology program, and in many cases, earn certification to prove their competency.

The fastest way to become a radiology tech is by finding ways to accelerate your education. Most programs take at least two years, but some schools offer accelerated radiology tech programs that take less time. Keep reading to learn more about the fastest way to become a radiology tech.

What Does a Radiology Technologist Do?

Radiology technologists, also called radiographers, perform diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. They use equipment like X-ray, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to produce images of the inside of the body. Because this type of technology uses radioactivity, it requires special training and often certification.

In order to take the images the physician requests, a radiographer's job often includes:

• testing and maintaining equipment
• explaining the procedure to patients
• positioning patients so the machine can get the proper images
• selecting and using the proper radiation protection
• use radiologic technology to take the images requested by the physician
• evaluate images and pass them on to the physician for diagnosis
• update health records

Some radiology techs specialize in a certain type of radiologic technology.

To work as a rad tech, you need to have a firm understanding of radiologic sciences as well as knowledge of anatomy and physiology. You'll also need strong communication skills and empathy and compassion for patients.

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

Most states in the U.S. require radiology technicians to hold a license through the state. However, Pennsylvania is not one of those.

To practice in Pennsylvania, you need to have a certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NTCB). Both of these certifications require that students complete an approved or accredited program. Generally, a program needs to be accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) to be approved.

Note that while Pennsylvania does not currently require state licensure, that may change. Pennsylvania State Bill 1281, introduced in July of 2024, would require radiology techs to obtain a license through the state. This bill is still under consideration in the state senate but has support from multiple organizations, including the ARRT, the Pennsylvania Society of Radiologic Technologists, and the Philadelphia Society of Radiologic Technologists.

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

On average, it takes about two to two and a half years to become a radiology tech in Pennsylvania. This primarily includes the time you'll spend in school.

Associate degrees in radiology technology or radiography are most common, and these typically take two to three years to complete. There are a few accredited certificate programs for radiology tech in Pennsylvania, but these also take about two years. However, some faster options are available.

Once you complete your program, the remaining time depends on how long you need to take and pass your certification exam.

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

The shortest time to become a radiology tech in Pennsylvania depends on several factors, such as how many previous college credits you have and what program you choose.

If you have previous credits, you may be able to reduce the amount of time left in your program, allowing you to graduate a semester early. Additionally, while most rad tech programs in Pennsylvania are 24 months or more, there are a few that are 21 or 23 months long.

Fastest Steps To Becoming a Radiology Tech in Pennsylvania

The basic steps to become a radiology tech are to complete a radiology technician program and then earn your certification. As a result, the best way to speed up this process is by speeding up your education. We've broken down some tips to fast-track your learning below.

1. Pick a Certificate Program

While many certificate programs in Pennsylvania are 24 months, a few are shorter. These include JRCERT-accredited programs at:

• Conemaugh Health System: 21 months
• Jefferson Health: 23 months
• St. Christopher's Hospital for Children: 23 months
• UPMC: 23 months
• WellSpan: 23 months

Certificate programs can be a little faster than associate degree programs because they don't require general education courses. However, many still require at least 24 months of study.

2. Look for Accelerated Options

Accelerated radiology tech programs still have the same requirements, like clinical experiences and credit hours. However, the programs are offered in a way that allows students to move through them more quickly than usual. They may do this by offering shortened, condensed terms or running courses during the summer.

Some accelerated options include:

• Holy Family University: accelerated 20-month program
• Johnson College: 21 months with a summer term
• Northampton Community College: 21 months with summer terms

3. Utilize Transfer Credits

If you already have some college experience, you may be able to transition that into your radiologic technology program. This can include college courses you took in high school or college-level exams. It can also include general education courses you've already taken as part of your college education.

Some of the fastest programs for students who have completed their gen ed requirements include those at Bucks County Community College and Montgomery County Community College. For students who have all gen eds completed, these programs are 21 months.

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

Many things can contribute to the cost of a radiology tech program, including the school you choose, how many credits you already have, and what financial aid you qualify for.

Most community colleges in Pennsylvania offer radiology tech programs for less than $10,000 per year. For example, Bucks County Community College charges in-county residents $170 per credit, and the Community College of Philadelphia charges Philadelphia residents $159 per credit.

Many certificate programs are also less than $10,000 per year. The program at Bradford Regional Medical Center is $7,000 total, while the program at UPMC is $10,000 total.

Four-year schools charge more than community colleges, especially private ones. Tuition at some of these schools can be over $30,000 per year.

FAQs About Becoming a Radiology Tech Quickly in Pennsylvania

Trying to proceed through a radiology program quickly can sometimes feel overwhelming. We've answered some FAQs about the fastest way to become a radiology tech below.

Is It Hard To Become a Radiology Technician?

Becoming a radiology technician involves one and a half to three years of school and passing a certification examination. While this isn't hard for most students, it does require focus and studying.

Most rad tech programs require students to take at least some courses in person, and students need to fulfill their hands-on clinical education in person as well. This can make it a little harder for those who work or have other responsibilities.

Although radiology tech programs are heavy on the health sciences, the coursework itself is not too challenging. Students who don't mind attending courses and clinical experiences on campus likely won't find the program very hard at all.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become an MRI Tech?

MRI techs are a type of radiology tech. They use MRI machines for medical imaging. Most states, including Pennsylvania, do not require MRI techs to be licensed. As a result, the fastest way to become an MRI tech in Pennsylvania is essentially the same as it is to become a radiology tech: find certificate programs or accelerated options and utilize transfer credits if you have them.

Can You Become an X-Ray Tech Online?

X-ray techs are another type of radiology tech, and so they need to complete a radiology program. Because these programs require clinical experiences or rotations, they can't be completed fully online. Many programs also require hands-on learning for lessons on patient care, advanced imaging techniques, and how to use radiology technology.

However, depending on your college, you may be able to take many of your prerequisite courses, as well as general education courses, online. Some allied health courses may be available online as well.

How Much Does a Radiology Tech Make in Pennsylvania?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for radiology techs in Pennsylvania is $69,420, or $33.38 per hour. However, those in the Philadelphia metro area make the most, with a mean annual salary of $76,190, or $36.63 per hour.

Is There Financial Aid for an Online Radiology Tech Program?

Financial aid is available for programs offered through accredited institutions. All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for federal and state financial aid programs.

Read More: Cheap Radiology Tech Programs

Find Radiology Tech Programs

Find accelerated radiology tech programs by exploring the options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions requirements, enrollment, program options, and financial aid.