What You Need to Do to Become a CT Technician

To become a computed tomography (CT) technician, you need a high school diploma or GED, then complete a CT technician program at a community college or hospital-based school, which typically takes one to two years. After that, you take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam. Most states require state licensure as well, though the requirements vary by location. Some people start as radiologic technologists first and then specialize in CT, which takes longer but is also a valid path.

The job itself involves operating CT scanners to create detailed images of patients' internal organs and tissues, then assisting radiologists in diagnosing conditions. You will work in hospitals, imaging centers, outpatient clinics, and sometimes mobile imaging units. The role requires attention to detail, the ability to follow safety protocols, and comfort working with patients who may be anxious or in pain.

Key Takeaways

  • You must earn a high school diploma or GED, then complete a CT technician program at a community college or hospital, which takes one to two years.
  • After your program, you take the ARRT certification exam to become a registered CT technician, and most states also require state licensure.
  • Some people become radiologic technologists first (a broader credential), then specialize in CT imaging, which adds time but opens more job options.
  • CT technicians work in hospitals, imaging centers, and clinics, and the job requires precision, radiation safety knowledge, and the ability to communicate with patients.

High School Diploma or GED Requirements

You must have a high school diploma or GED before you can enter a CT technician program. This is a hard requirement — no program will accept you without it. If you do not have one yet, you can take the GED exam through your state's education department or a local adult education center. The exam covers English language arts, social studies, science, and math, and you can usually take it in sections rather than all at once.

Some community colleges offer GED preparation courses, often free or low-cost, which can help you study before you take the test. Once you have your diploma or GED, you are ready to explore to CT technician programs.

CT Technician Program: Length and What You Learn

A dedicated CT technician program takes one to two years to complete, depending on whether it is full-time or part-time. Full-time programs usually run 12 to 18 months. You will study anatomy, physiology, radiation physics, patient safety, and CT-specific imaging techniques. You will also learn how to position patients, operate the scanner, adjust imaging parameters, and recognize when an image is of diagnostic quality.

Programs include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. The clinical portion happens in a real hospital or imaging center, where you work under the supervision of a licensed CT technician. This is where you learn to interact with patients, handle equipment in a real setting, and understand the workflow of a busy imaging department. By the end of the program, you should be able to perform CT scans independently under radiologist supervision.

Community colleges are the most common route and are usually less expensive than hospital-based programs. Some hospitals run their own training programs and may hire you as an employee while you train, which means you earn a salary during your education. Check what programs exist in your area and whether any offer tuition reimbursement or employment after graduation.

ARRT Certification Exam and State Licensure

After you finish your program, you take the ARRT certification exam in CT. This is a multiple-choice test that covers patient care, safety, anatomy, imaging procedures, and image quality. You must pass it to become a registered CT technician (ARRT-CT). The exam costs around $300 to $400, though prices vary. You can take it at testing centers across the country, and results come back within a few weeks.

State licensure requirements differ. Some states require you to be ARRT-certified before you can work as a CT technician. Other states do not have a separate CT license but require radiologic technologist licensure, which is broader. A few states have no licensure requirement at all. Check your state's health department or radiologic technologist licensing board to find out what applies where you live. If you plan to move, research the requirements in your destination state before you enroll in a program.

The Radiologic Technologist Route: A Longer Path with More Options

Instead of going straight into a CT program, you can become a radiologic technologist first, then specialize in CT. A radiologic technologist program takes two years and teaches you to operate X-ray, fluoroscopy, and other imaging equipment in addition to CT. You take the ARRT radiologic technologist exam, and then you can work in general radiography while you gain experience.

After one to two years of work experience as a radiologic technologist, you can take the ARRT CT exam to add that credential. This path takes longer overall — three to four years instead of one to two — but it gives you more job flexibility. You can work in different imaging departments, move between hospitals more easily, and have a backup skill if CT positions are scarce in your area. Some employers prefer this route because it shows broader training.

The downside is the extra time and cost. If you know you want to work in CT and your local job market is strong for CT technicians, the direct route is faster and cheaper. If you are uncertain or want more career options, the radiologic technologist path is worth considering.

Where to Find CT Technician Programs

Community colleges in most states offer CT technician programs. Search your state's community college system website or call admissions directly to ask whether they have a CT program. If your area does not have one, you may need to travel or study part-time while working. Some programs are offered online for the classroom portion, with clinical training at a local hospital.

Hospital-based programs are less common now but still exist. Call imaging departments at large hospitals in your area and ask whether they run a training program or can recommend one. Professional organizations like the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) maintain a directory of accredited programs, which you can search by state on their website.

When you compare programs, check whether they are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Accreditation means the program meets national standards and that your credits are more likely to transfer if you move. Ask about job placement rates, tuition costs, whether financial aid is available, and whether the program offers evening or weekend classes if you need flexibility.

Skills and Personal Qualities That Matter

CT technicians need strong attention to detail because a small positioning error can make an image unusable, wasting time and exposing the patient to unnecessary radiation. You must follow safety protocols exactly — radiation exposure is cumulative, and carelessness can harm you and your patients over time. You will also need to communicate clearly with patients, many of whom are anxious, in pain, or confused about the procedure.

Physical stamina is important because you spend much of your shift on your feet, moving between the scanner and the control room, and sometimes helping patients who have difficulty moving. You should be comfortable with technology and able to learn new equipment quickly as imaging technology changes. Problem-solving skills help when equipment malfunctions or a patient cannot cooperate with positioning instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become a CT technician without going to college?

No. You must complete a formal CT technician program at a community college or hospital-based school. There is no apprenticeship or on-the-job training route. Some people start as radiologic technologists through a two-year program, then specialize in CT, but that still requires formal education.

How much does a CT technician program cost?

Community college programs typically cost $3,000 to $8,000 total, depending on your state and whether you attend full-time or part-time. Hospital-based programs may cost less or nothing if the hospital employs you during training. Financial aid, grants, and payment plans are often available. Contact programs directly for their current tuition and financial aid options.

Do I need to pass the ARRT exam on my first try?

No. If you do not pass, you can retake it. However, you cannot work as a registered CT technician until you pass. Some employers will hire you as a technician-in-training while you study for a retake, but this is not may provide. Most people pass on the first attempt if they completed an accredited program and studied the exam content.

What is the difference between ARRT-CT and state licensure?

ARRT-CT is a national certification that shows you passed the ARRT exam. State licensure is a legal requirement set by your state government. Some states require ARRT-CT to get licensed; others have their own exam or do not require licensure at all. Check your state's requirements before you enroll in a program.

Can I work as a CT technician in a different state after I get certified?

ARRT certification is recognized across all states, so you can work anywhere with that credential. However, some states also require state licensure, which may have different rules. Before you move, contact the new state's health department or radiologic technologist licensing board to confirm what you need to do to work there legally.