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Considering a career in radiology? Here’s what you need to know about how long it takes to complete radiology tech school.
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Introduction
Radiology tech school usually takes between 24 and 36 months to complete, although some programs may be shorter or longer. The length of your program will depend on a number of factors, including the type of program you choose and the state in which you attend school.
Factors that Affect the Length of Radiology Tech School
The length of radiology tech school can vary based on a few different factors. First, the type of program you choose can affect the length of school. full-time programs generally take longer to complete than part-time programs. Second, the length of the program you choose can also affect the length of school. for example, a one-year certificate program will obviously take less time to complete than a four-year degree program. Finally, your individual pace of learning can affect how long it takes you to complete radiology tech school.
Program type
The type of radiology tech program you choose will play a role in how long it takes to complete your schooling. There are two types of radiology tech programs: certificate and associate’s degree. Certificate programs generally take around 3 semesters, or 1 year, to complete whereas associate’s degree programs will take 2 years, or 4 semesters, to finish.
Part-time or full-time status
One factor that will affect how long it takes to complete radiology tech school is whether you attend classes full-time or part-time. Full-time students can typically complete the program in two years, while part-time students may take up to four years. Of course, attending school part-time also has its own set of challenges, such as having to juggle work and family commitments along with classwork.
Clinical requirements
The length of radiology tech school is affected by the number of clinical requirements necessary for graduation. Clinical requirements are the hands-on portion of your education, and typically take place in a hospital or other medical facility. The number of hours required can vary from program to program, but usually range from several hundred to over a thousand. If your program requires more clinical hours, it will likely take longer to complete.
The Average Length of Radiology Tech School
Radiology tech school can take anywhere from two to four years to complete, depending on the type of program you choose. If you attend a two-year program, you will earn an associate’s degree. If you attend a four-year program, you will earn a bachelor’s degree.
Two-year programs
Many community colleges and technical schools offer two-year associate degree programs in radiologic technology. These programs usually include general education courses as well as courses in radiologic technology. Some two-year associate degree programs allow you to specialize in a particular area of radiologic technology, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Four-year programs
There are several types of radiology tech school programs, but the most common is the four-year program. This type of program includes both classroom and clinical instruction, and takes an average of four years to complete. The four-year program is the best option for students who want to be able to work in a variety of settings and have the most career options available to them.
Conclusion
While the length of radiology tech school can vary depending on the type of program and your prior education, most programs can be completed in 2-4 years. With a growing demand for qualified radiology technicians, completing an accredited program and becoming certified can help you secure a position in this growing field.
