Thinking about working as a radiographer? It’s a pretty solid career choice. With a growing need in the healthcare field and a salary of around $80k, you’ll be in high demand.

But is it interesting? Will you be challenged? Will the reward be greater than collecting a paycheck and going home? Many prospective students wonder what it’s like to work as a radiographer, as they consider this career path.

Below, we’ll unpack the basics of a day in the life of a radiographer and see if this career feels like the right fit for you.

What is a radiographer?

A radiologic technologist, also known as an X-ray tech or radiographer, is a healthcare professional trained to operate medical imaging equipment and produce diagnostic images. These images must be accurate and precise, as they help healthcare professionals identify, analyze, and treat injuries and illnesses.

Working as a radiographer means joining an in-demand healthcare profession and a highly valued medical team. They may work in doctors’ offices, emergency rooms, hospitals, imaging centers, urgent care clinics, and more across the healthcare field.

Learn how to become a radiographer at Goodwin

What does a day in the life of a radiographer look like?

The day-to-day of a radiographer can look different, depending on where they work. Radiographers can work 12-hour shifts in emergency rooms, 9-to-5 clinic hours, or even remotely for a medical imaging center. It’s a flexible skill needed in all kinds of healthcare environments, as mentioned above.

The work environment for radiographers can be fast-paced, like an emergency room, or low-pressure, like in a laboratory or diagnostic setting. Because of this, a day in the life of a radiographer can vary over the years, but is predictable enough to feel grounded in familiar tasks when at work.

So, let’s put this into perspective. (Get your hypothetical orthotic clogs on!)

Most days working as a radiographer, no matter the work environment, you’ll check in with a nursing team or some sort of team lead, depending on your job title or area of specialization. From here, you’ll receive assignments for your shift and take on whatever the day demands.

Typically, radiographers spend the majority of their day:

• Charting, or otherwise communicating with doctors and nurses
• Ensuring image quality
• Following all safety protocols when working with radiation
• Interacting with and prepping patients
• Logging patient records
• Maneuvering heavy portable machines
• Performing X-rays

Shifts are mostly on your feet, going from patient to waiting room, or running the X-ray machine down the hall to whoever needs it next. As such, most radiographers will have to request nice, comfortable shoes for their birthdays now and then.

Beyond the technical skills, a big part of working as a radiographer is connecting with patients. Some people come in calm and curious, while others may be nervous, in pain, or unsure about what to expect. Taking a few moments to explain an imaging procedure or to offer reassurance can make a huge difference in their experience. In many ways, a day in the life of a radiographer blends clinical precision with patient-centered care. You’re not just capturing images; you’re helping people feel seen and supported during vulnerable moments.

You’ll also develop strong communication and problem-solving skills as you coordinate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals throughout your shift. Whether you’re adjusting imaging techniques for a unique case or helping move a patient safely into position, every day brings opportunities to think critically and adapt. For many, this balance of routine and variety is exactly what makes working as a radiographer engaging over the long term.

Luckily, radiography lends itself to career mobility and growth. Many professionals pursue specialization, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), add other skills to their toolbelts, move geographically — since radiographers are needed everywhere — or even shift to teaching radiographic technology at a corporate level.

How to become a radiographer

If working as a radiographer feels like an interesting career to you, and you’re wondering how to make that happen, the next step in that journey is training. Academically, most positions will request applicants to have at least an associate degree in Radiologic Technology or Radiography.

Thankfully, for those eager to begin their careers, this isn’t a full-on four-year degree. Radiography programs can be completed within a couple of years, depending on how many pre-reqs you’ve already completed, making it an accessible and efficient option for those looking to make an impact in medicine and patient care fast.

For that reason, Goodwin University offers multiple class starts per year — see when the next class opens up. We know that when you’re motivated, it’s important to harness the momentum.

After earning a Radiography degree, graduates are ready to sit for the certification exam, administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Once you’re certified, you can apply for licensure. Certain states require this, so be sure to check your state’s requirements.

Certified and licensed radiographers can apply for any position that needs their skills, which are, unsurprisingly, quite a few. Whether you want to work as an X-ray technician, CT or MRI technologist, or any of the other interesting avenues available, you’re ready to start earning your paycheck!

Learn more about Radiography programs at Goodwin University to see if it’s a good career choice for you.