CNA to Radiologic Technologist
Step into medical imaging. Your patient-care background is an advantage in rad tech admissions.
Your path
Start with CNA training, then enter a radiologic technology program to become an X-ray technologist. Rad techs take diagnostic images, work in hospitals and imaging centers, and can specialize later in CT, MRI or mammography.
- Listed timeframe
- 2 years
- Programs to explore
- 443 Rad Tech programs
- School locations
- See individual programs
Before you start
- 18 or older
- High school diploma or GED
- US citizen or eligible to work in the US
- Social Security number
- Criminal background check
- Drug screen
- Immunizations and TB test
- Physical exam
- CPR or BLS certification
- Entrance exam (TEAS or HESI)
- Prerequisite courses (anatomy and physiology, microbiology)
- Minimum GPA
More about this path
Timeframe. 2 years is the timeframe listed for this path. Confirm the full timeline, including prerequisites and application waits, with your schools.
Locations. Programs are drawn from the credential directory. Check each school’s location, attendance, and residency requirements.
Annual pay by credential. Catalog averages for each credential, not one salary range.
- CNA-associated roles: $34,000/year
- Rad Tech-associated roles: $73,000/year
Tuition, admission requirements and total time vary by school. Completing this path does not guarantee admission.
Programs on this path
Compare programs and keep your application steps in one place.
AdventHealth University
Orlando, Florida
RT(R) Radiologic Technology
Aims Community College
Greeley, Colorado
RT(R) Radiologic Technology
Albany Technical College
Albany, Georgia
RT(R) Radiologic Technology
Allen College
Waterloo, Iowa
RT(R) Radiologic Technology
Alvernia University
Reading, Pennsylvania
RT(R) Radiologic Technology
Amarillo College
Amarillo, Texas
RT(R) Radiologic Technology
American Career College-Anaheim
Anaheim, California
RT(R) Radiologic Technology
American Career College-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
RT(R) Radiologic Technology
Showing 8 of 443 programs
How this path works
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Compare Rad Tech programs
Compare the connected programs and check prerequisites, costs and dates.
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Complete your CNA training
Pick a provider and finish the program and credential steps.
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Meet entry requirements
Prepare the experience, exams, and prerequisites your chosen programs require.
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Apply
Gather your documents and check each program’s requirements before you apply.
Completing this path does not guarantee admission. Each program sets its own requirements.
Common questions
What does a radiologic technologist do?
They take X-rays and other diagnostic images, position patients and work with radiologists.
How long is the program?
About two years after prerequisites, with clinical rotations in hospitals.
Can I specialize later?
Yes. CT, MRI and mammography are common next steps and usually pay more.
What exam is at the end?
The ARRT certification exam, which most states require for licensure.
Similar paths
Other routes students explore alongside this one.