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Studies & Degrees in Medical Radiography

Medical radiography is the health profession that produces images of the inside of the body so that doctors can diagnose injuries and disease. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) describes radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, as the staff who perform x rays and other diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. They position the patient and the equipment, protect the parts of the body that do not need to be imaged, and work to precise orders from a physician.

The subject joins physics and patient care. According to the BLS, coursework includes anatomy, pathology, patient care, radiation physics and protection, and image evaluation. Clinical placements in hospitals are part of every programme described here, because students have to show that they can produce images safely on real patients.

Qualifications and levels

  • United States. Radiologic technologists typically need an associate's degree, and most states require them to be licensed or certified. The usual credential comes from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Its primary pathway requires an associate's degree or higher, an ARRT-approved educational programme in the same discipline, an ethics review and an examination. Programmes are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), which states that it is the only agency recognised by the US Department of Education for accrediting radiography programmes. Community college programmes take about two years: Gulf Coast State College gives a duration of approximately 21 months for its JRCERT-accredited programme, and Labette Community College offers a 23-month programme that ends with an A.A.S. degree in Radiologic Technology.
  • Canada. Colleges award a diploma. The Medical Radiography diploma at Camosun College in Victoria lasts 2 years including summers, a full 24 months, with clinical placements in hospitals on Vancouver Island. In the final term students prepare for the national certification examination. Camosun estimates domestic tuition at $33,437 for the whole programme (fees effective from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027) and states that the programme is not open to international students.
  • United Kingdom. Radiographer, diagnostic radiographer and therapeutic radiographer are protected titles regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Diagnostic radiographers produce and interpret images; therapeutic radiographers plan and deliver treatment using radiation.
  • Spain. The equivalent qualification is vocational: the Técnico Superior en Imagen para el Diagnóstico y Medicina Nuclear, a higher vocational training (FP) diploma of 2,000 hours. Students learn to obtain images with X-ray, magnetic resonance and nuclear medicine equipment.

Where to study

SpainExchange lists 10 active schools for medical radiography: 7 in the United States and one each in Canada, Ukraine and Russia. The US schools are Eastern Maine Community College, Broward College, North Idaho College, Somerset Community College, Gulf Coast State College, Labette Community College and Regis College. The Canadian school is Camosun College. The list also includes two medical universities, Bukovinian State Medical University in Ukraine and Rostov State Medical University in Russia.

The US and Canadian programmes are taught in English. Admission can be restricted; Camosun's programme, for example, does not admit international students. Before applying from abroad, ask the school whether international applicants are accepted and whether the qualification leads to certification or registration in the country where you want to work.

Careers

Radiographers work in hospitals, clinics and imaging centres. The BLS counted 278,100 jobs for radiologic and MRI technologists in the United States in 2025. It projects employment to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, with about 15,300 openings a year. Because imaging is sometimes needed in emergencies, some technologists work evenings, weekends or overnight.

After qualifying, radiographers can specialise. Gulf Coast State College mentions computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, mammography and interventional technology as later steps, and Camosun mentions CT, breast imaging and MRI as well as work in management, equipment sales, research and education. The BLS notes that MRI technologists often start out as radiologic technologists.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to study medical radiography?

About two years in the programmes cited here: approximately 21 and 23 months at two US community colleges, and 24 months at Camosun College in Canada. The Spanish vocational diploma has 2,000 hours.

Which degree do I need to work as a radiographer in the United States?

Typically an associate's degree. ARRT certification through the primary pathway requires an associate's degree or higher and an ARRT-approved educational programme, followed by an examination.

Is radiography the same as radiology?

No. Radiographers, or radiologic technologists, produce the images. Camosun College describes their role as producing clear images for radiologists to interpret.

Can international students enrol?

It depends on the school. Some programmes are closed to international students; Camosun College marks its Medical Radiography diploma as not open to international applicants. Ask each school before applying.