Radiologyworkers.com

It depends on where you are working. Many jobs don’t require you to be certified for CT or MRI so you can be cross trained on the job. It depends on how long it takes for you to learn the machines and tests. If you want to be certified in those fields then look on the ARRT website about taking the exams. You usually have to have a certain amount of patient tests completed. It took my husband a couple of months to be cross trained in CT and he took classes and then passed the board exam.

It really depends on how quickly you pick up things. Some hospitals don’t mind cross training, but that’s not always the case. CT can be BUSY/HECTIC so if you are the type that needs to sit with a book and learn that way…….on the job training won’t work. Training or not, you will be one of the team and need to jump in there when needed.
You really need a good base in A&P. Working as an RT for a while won’t hurt.
You currently do not have to be registered in CT or MRI to work, but that will be changing. So, it’s best to get registered. It’s also an employment plus. Some insurance companies will not pay for the exams unless they are done by a registered tech.

I learned MRI and CT on the job. Going to a school to learn CT and MR seems like a waste of money and time to me.

One year after you take and pass the ARRT, you can take your CT or MRI boards. They do not require any additional training or schooling to take these advanced licensing exams. If your place of employment is willing to cross train you, go that route. Most facilities I have worked at are eager to cross-train you….they have more options for scheduling their workers when everyone can do everything! As you probably know, once you are licensed, your schooling is not going to impress any future employer. Best wishes…..