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If you’re interested in becoming a radiology technician, you might be wondering how much it will cost to get started. Here’s a breakdown of the costs associated with this career path.
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Introduction
Radiology technicians are in high demand, and the profession is expected to grow in the coming years. If you’re interested in a career in this field, you may be wondering how much it will cost to become a radiology technician.
The cost of becoming a radiology technician can vary depending on factors such as your level of education and training. In general, you can expect to spend several thousand dollars on tuition and fees, plus additional costs for books, supplies, and other expenses.
If you plan to attend a community college or technical school, the cost of tuition and fees will be significantly lower than if you choose to attend a four-year university. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the length of time it takes to complete your education will also be shorter at a community college or technical school.
Once you have completed your education, you will need to obtain certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians (ARRT). The ARRT certification exam costs $200, and you will also need to pay an annual fee of $50 for membership in the organization.
In addition to the costs associated with your education and certification, you should also budget for other expenses such as books, supplies, and travel costs if you plan to attend conferences or workshops.
Training and Education
Radiology technicians must complete an accredited educational program to become licensed.Education requirements include successful completion of an accredited two-year associate degree program in radiography. Some states require licensure, while others may require certification.
Associate’s Degree
An associate’s degree in radiology is the most common educational path for aspiring radiology technicians. This type of degree can be obtained at many community colleges and takes approximately two years to complete. The cost of an associate’s degree varies depending on the school you attend, but is typically between $5,000 and $10,000 per year.
Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree in radiology usually takes four years to complete, although some programs may be shorter or longer. The cost of a bachelor’s degree will vary depending on the school you attend and whether you are a full-time or part-time student. In general, you can expect to pay between $30,000 and $60,000 for a bachelor’s degree in radiology.
Certification
rad techs who have graduated from an accredited program and passed the ARRT exam are then eligible to apply for state licensure. Once licensed, Rad Techs must complete continuing education credits (CECs) to maintain their licensure. The requirements for CECs vary by state but are typically between 24 and 36 credits every two years. Many colleges and universities offer continuing education courses for Rad Techs, and some employers will reimburse employees for the cost of CEC courses.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the demand for radiology technicians will grow by about 9% between 2019 and 2029 — about average for all occupations. The aging Baby Boomer population is one of the primary drivers of this growth, as older adults are more likely to need diagnostic imaging tests to identify and treat health conditions.
Salary
The median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers was $74,320 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $49,140, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $102,410.
Conclusion
Though the cost of becoming a radiology technician can be expensive, it is a necessary investment in order to pursue this rewarding career. Many students finance their education through a combination of scholarships, grants, student loans, and private loans. Be sure to research all your options and create a financial plan that works for you. With careful planning and dedication, you can become a radiology technician and help others while pursuing a stable and challenging career.
