7 Specialties You Can Enter as a Rad Tech

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As a Radiologic Technician with some experience, you may decide to further specialize within the industry to grow your career and earning potential. And you have choices! Computed Tomography (CT) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Mammography. Which one’s for you? Consider these 7 specialties you might enter as a Rad Tech and decide if there’s one you want to pursue.

1. Specialize in MRI as a Rad Tech

An MRI technologist operates magnetic resonance imaging scanners to produce images of the body’s internal structures, which doctors then use to diagnose and treat medical conditions. If you’re a Rad Tech and want to specialize in MRI, you can complete an advanced certificate program in magnetic resonance imaging. Training should cover how MRIs function, patient safety, hands-on scanning, and preparation for the ARRT MRI certification exam. As an MRI specialist, you may open your avenues to employability and boost your earnings potential as MRI Technologists can earn $5,000 to $10,000 annually above the average Rad tech salary.

2. Rad Techs Can Move Up to CT Technologist

As a CT Technologist, you run computed tomography scanners, or CAT scans, to capture cross-sectional images of the body, which physicians use to diagnose injuries, diseases, and other medical conditions. You may also need to administer iodine-based contrast dye when the scan requires it. If you’re a Rad Tech and want to specialize in CT, you can complete an advanced certificate program in computed tomography. Your training teaches you about contrast administration and image reconstruction, and should offer extensive hands-on scanning practices. It should also help you prepare for the ARRT CT certification exam. Your additional knowledge, skills, and specialization can open your career up to new opportunities and increased earnings.

3. Rad Techs Can Become Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Nuclear medicine uses radioactive substances to diagnose and treat certain diseases. As a Nuclear Medicine Technologist, you take position emission tomography, or PET, scans. To perform a PET scan, you administer radiopharmaceuticals, which are small quantities of radioactive materials that act as tracers in the body. They emit gamma rays that illuminate inside of the body in organs like the heart and the brain. What makes PET scans unique is that they can reveal functional information about the organs and tissues and show if cancer is spreading to other areas of the body. Because you work with radioactive materials, radiation and patient safety are essential. To specialize in nuclear medicine, pass the ARRT Nuclear Medicine Technology exam. The median wage for Nuclear Medicine Technologist was more than $95,000 in 2024, with top earners making more than $125,000.

rad tech mammography

4. Specialize in Mammography

As a Mammography Technician, you use radiologic technology to detect abnormalities in breast tissue. At either a hospital or a clinic, you use low-dose X-rays to obtain images that can be used to detect breast cancer or find calcifications and masses. Technology is shaping the field of mammography, with 3D imaging and artificial intelligence-powered tools that can assist in the early detection of breast cancer. Be ready to adapt to this technology and be willing to learn new methods as the field continues to evolve. To specialize in mammography, you need to pass the ARRT mammography exam.

5. Rad Techs Move into Fluoroscopy

You can advance from a Rad Tech career into fluoroscopy through specialized training in real-time X-ray imaging, which is used to guide physicians during diagnoses and medical interventions. Fluoroscopy is covered within many accredited Rad Tech programs, but additional on-the-job training or documented competencies may be required depending on your state. In some states, you may need to pass a dedicated fluoroscopy examination or obtain a separate license. For example, in California, you need a Fluoroscopy Permit. Specializing in fluoroscopy can expand your skill set, open opportunities in surgical suites, pain management, and interventional radiology, and may lead to higher earning potential.

6. Cardiovascular Interventional Radiography

If you’re up for a fast-paced, life-saving environment, you can take your fluoroscopy skills a step further. This specialty involves operating fluoroscopy and other imaging equipment during procedures such as angioplasty, stent placement, and cardiac catheterization. You can learn fluoroscopy through an advanced certificate program and some on-the-job training in a hospital’s cardiac catheterization lab. To earn the ARRT’s post primary certification in this field, you must already hold primary ARRT credentials and document your clinical experience.

7. Rad Techs Specializing in Bone Densitometry

Bone density scans use X-rays to determine the strength of bones, particularly in the elderly. The patient lies on a table while a scanner passes over the area being tested, usually the back or hips. Bone densitometry can be used to diagnose osteoporosis and osteopenia and are useful in determining a patient’s risk for fracture. To specialize in bone densitometry, you need to pass the ARRT bone densitometry exam.

Whether you’re already a Rad Tech or are just looking to the future, Charter College may be able to help. We offer an Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology along with specializations such as advanced certifications in Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Vascular Sonography. Our programs are taught by instructors with years of experience and there to help you succeed. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.