You have already done the hard part. You know you want a career in health care, and you have narrowed it down to two strong program options: radiography and respiratory therapy. Now you just need to determine which one is the right fit for you.
Both are associate degree programs that take approximately 24 months to complete. Both of these associate degree programs can offer strong job outlooks with similar median annual wages well above the national average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS – Radiologic Technologist, BLS – Respiratory Therapist). The day-to-day reality of each career is very different, and that difference is what we’re here to help you sort out.
What Does Each Role Actually Do?
A radiologic technologist, sometimes called a rad tech or radiographer, uses imaging equipment to take pictures of the inside of the body. Those images help doctors diagnose broken bones, tumors, infections and other conditions. Radiologic technologists work closely with patients, but their role is largely procedural: position the patient, capture the image, evaluate the quality, repeat. Much of the work is technical and requires precision.
A respiratory therapist specializes in breathing and heart-lung function. They treat patients who have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia and other conditions. In hospitals, they may be called to emergency rooms, intensive care units or neonatal units to help patients who cannot breathe on their own. The role involves patient assessment, developing care plans, managing ventilators and educating patients on how to manage their conditions at home.
In short: radiologic technologists work with people, but with a primary focus on equipment and imaging. Respiratory therapists work directly with patients and their breathing, often in high-acuity settings.
How Long Does Each Program Take?
Both the Radiography associate degree program and the Respiratory Therapy associate degree program at Pima Medical are approximately 24 months long. That means you have the potential to be working in the field in about two years.
Both programs include classroom instruction, hands-on lab training and clinical externships, which place you in real health care settings while you are still in school. Externships give you the chance to be mentored by working professionals, build your resume and have the ability to connect with employers before you graduate.
Salary: Radiologic Technologist vs. Respiratory Therapist
Both careers pay well above the national median wage for all occupations, which the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported at $49,500 in May 2024. In either field, you are starting your career well ahead of the curve.
Radiologic technologist: The BLS* reports the median annual wage for radiologic technologists was $77,660 as of May 2024. The lowest 10% earned below $52,360, while the highest 10% earned above $106,990. Earnings grow with experience and increase further with specialty certifications in areas such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT).
Respiratory therapist: The BLS* reports the median annual wage for respiratory therapists was $80,450 as of May 2024. The lowest 10% earned below $61,900, and the highest 10% earned above $108,820. Therapists who work in critical care or earn the advanced Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential tend to earn at the higher end of that range.
What this means for you: Respiratory therapists edge out radiologic technologists slightly at the median, but both careers offer solid starting pay and meaningful room to grow. In either field, specialty training and years of experience have a real impact on earnings.
Job Outlook and Job Security
Both fields are growing, and the timing is generally good. The U.S. population is aging, and older adults need more health care services than any other group.
Radiologic technologists: The BLS projects employment of radiologic and MRI technologists to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. About 15,400 job openings are projected per year, on average, over the decade.
Respiratory therapists: Growth here is even stronger according to the BLS. The BLS projects employment of respiratory therapists to grow 12% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 8,800 openings are projected per year, on average. Rates of COPD, asthma and other chronic respiratory conditions are rising alongside the aging population, and the health care system needs more therapists to meet that demand.
What this means for you: Both the respiratory therapy and radiography fields are considered a good career choice and have strong futures. Respiratory therapy shows higher percentage growth, while radiography has a larger overall workforce and higher annual openings. Either way, you are entering a field built to last.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Radiologic and MRI Technologists, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm (visited July 31, 2026).
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Respiratory Therapists, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm (visited July 22, 2026).
Where Do Radiologic Technologists and Respiratory Therapists Work?
Radiologic technologists most commonly work in:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient imaging centers
- Physicians’ offices
- Diagnostic clinics
- Urgent care facilities
Respiratory therapists most commonly work in:
- Hospitals, including emergency rooms, intensive care units and neonatal units
- Long-term care and rehabilitation facilities
- Sleep labs
- Specialty clinics such as asthma or cystic fibrosis centers
- Home health services
- Air and ground ambulance transport
What this means for you: Radiologic technologists tend to have more options for outpatient and clinic-based work, which can offer more predictable schedules. Respiratory therapists are heavily concentrated in hospitals, where the needs are most acute.
Work-Life Balance: Hours, Shifts and Schedules
Do radiologic technologists and respiratory therapists work nights?
Radiologic Technologists: It depends on the setting. Hospital radiologic technologists may work evenings, nights or weekends. Rad techs in outpatient imaging centers or physicians’ offices are more likely to have consistent daytime hours. On-call shifts are common in hospital roles.
Respiratory therapists: Hospitals and intensive care units run around the clock, which means most respiratory therapists work shifts that include nights, weekends and holidays. The BLS notes that most respiratory therapists work full time, and many work 12-hour shifts.
What this means for you: If predictable hours are a priority, outpatient imaging roles in radiography may be a better fit. If you do not mind shift work and want the flexibility to work across a wide range of settings, both fields can accommodate that. Neither career is a standard 9-to-5 in a hospital.
Physical Demands of Each Role
Both roles require being on your feet for long periods and involve lifting or repositioning patients. Physical stamina matters in both.
Radiologic technologists work with imaging equipment that uses radiation. They wear dosimeter badges that track cumulative exposure, and lead shielding is standard practice. Following safety procedures consistently over the course of a career is essential.
Respiratory therapists may be exposed to patients with infectious respiratory illnesses. They also perform physically demanding tasks in critical care environments, including airway management and patient repositioning.
Is Radiography or Respiratory Therapy More Emotionally Demanding?
This is one of the most meaningful differences in the radiologic technologist vs. respiratory therapist comparison, and it is worth thinking about honestly.
Radiologic technologists have meaningful but focused interactions with patients. Each exam follows a clear process: explain, position, image and move the patient toward answers. Many people arrive because a doctor flagged something concerning, so a calm and reassuring presence matters. Most exams are diagnostic, not emergencies. Emotionally charged moments happen, but the role is generally less emotionally intensive than many other health care careers.
Respiratory therapists often work with patients in serious or life-threatening distress. Being called to a code, managing a patient on a ventilator or working in a neonatal intensive care unit with critically ill newborns. The work is deeply rewarding for many people; however, it also requires resilience and the ability to leave work at work.
What this means for you: If you are drawn to direct, high-stakes patient care and want to be in the room when it matters most, respiratory therapy may be the right fit for you. If you prefer a technically focused role with meaningful patient contact that is less emotionally intense day to day, radiography may be a better match. Neither answer is wrong. Knowing yourself matters here.
Certification and Licensing Requirements
Radiologic technologists: After graduating from an accredited program, you will be eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Radiography Certification Exam. Many states also require licensure. Specialty certifications in MRI, CT, mammography and other modalities are available after you establish your primary credential.
Respiratory therapists: Graduates of accredited programs may sit for credentialing exams through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). The two primary credentials are Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). Many employers, particularly in critical care and travel roles, prefer or require the RRT credential.
How to Get Started at Pima Medical Institute
Both programs at Pima Medical lead to an associate degree and take approximately 24 months to complete.
To apply, you will need a high school diploma or recognized GED equivalent. All applicants must complete an entrance exam and pass with a minimum score, and all degree program applicants are interviewed prior to acceptance. Applicants under legal age must have written approval from a parent or legal guardian. For full program-specific requirements, speak with a Pima Medical admissions advisor or call (800) 477-7462.
The Radiography associate degree program prepares you to work as an entry-level radiologic technologist and sit for the ARRT Radiography Certification Exam. Coursework covers anatomy and physiology, radiographic physics, patient positioning, radiation safety and imaging techniques including X-ray, CT and more. Graduates can also continue their education through Pima Medical’s online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences to continue their educational growth.
The Respiratory Therapy associate degree program prepares you to work as a respiratory therapist and sit for the NBRC credentialing exams. Coursework covers anatomy and physiology, cardiopulmonary diseases, pharmacology, mechanical ventilation, patient assessment and emergency care. Graduates can continue their education through Pima Medical’s online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy.
Which Career Is Right for You?
There is no wrong answer. Both careers offer strong pay, real job security and a chance to make a difference for patients every day. The right choice comes down to what kind of work feels right to you.
You may be a strong fit for radiography if you:
- Are drawn to technical, equipment-based work
- Want meaningful patient contact without high-intensity clinical situations
- Are interested in a career with clear paths to specialty certifications
- Prefer the option of working in outpatient settings with more predictable hours
You may be a strong fit for respiratory therapy if you:
- Thrive in fast-paced, high-acuity environments
- Want to be directly involved in patient care during critical moments
- Are comfortable with shift work, including nights and weekends
- Are motivated by the challenge of treating patients with chronic or acute illness
Ready to Take the Next Step?
In about two years, you could be working in one of the most in-demand fields in health care. The first step is a conversation. Pima Medical’s admissions team can walk you through both programs, help you figure out which one fits your goals, and answer any questions you have about getting started.
Call (800) 477-7462 or complete a campus application form to get started today.
