Radiology imaging Program Primary Pathway
Page Content

Primary Pathways

Primary pathways are the different tracks you can follow within our primary radiology imaging programs. No matter which pathway you choose, you’ll receive the same comprehensive education and hands-on training needed for certification and a successful career in diagnostic imaging.

To enter this profession, individuals must:

  • Complete an accredited radiology imaging program — like ours
  • Pass a national certification exam

To be eligible to enroll in our program, individuals must:

  • Have a high school diploma
  • Have completed a degree or working toward a degree with one of our affiliates
Primary Pathways Graphic

To enroll in one of our programs, students can select from three pathway options:

  • Certificate Pathway: I already have a degree and have completed all prerequisites listed on the program-specific website

  • Affiliated Associate’s Degree: I am seeking an associate degree from an affiliated university listed on the program-specific website

  • Affiliated Bachelor’s Degree: I am seeking a bachelor’s degree from an affiliated university listed on the program-specific website

Total time to complete = pathway duration + program duration

Curious how long it all takes? Check out the table below — it shows how your total time to complete is the pathway time plus the program time. We’re here to help you plan every step along the way!

Total years are based on the standard time typically required to complete each degree.

  Certificate Pathway - Bachelors Certificate Pathway - Associate Affiliated Associate Degree Affiliated Bachelors Degree
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

4 years + 12 month program

5 years total

2 years + 12 month program

3 years total

1 year + 12 month program

2 years total

3 years + 12 month program

4 years total
Radiography

4 years + 18 month** program

5.5 years total*

2 years + 18 month** program

3.5 years total*

1 year + 18 month** program

2.5 years total*

2-3 years + 18 month program

3.5-4.5 years total
Nuclear Medicine

4 years + 12 month program

5 years total

 N/A N/A

3 years + 12 month program

4 years total
Sonography

4 years + 21 month program

5.75 years total*

 N/A N/A

2-3 years + 21 month program

3.75-4.75 years total

* Indicates there’s a program with this pathway available in Florida
** Additional 2 months for Florida program

Start your radiology imaging journey

Explore our radiology imaging programs below — click on the tiles to go to each program’s page and learn about pathways, prerequisites, job shadowing, and careers.

MRI technologist and students prepares a patient for an MRI scan at Mayo Clinic
Learn to perform safe, high-quality MRI scans and deliver patient-centered care using advanced imaging technology.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI Program (MN)

Radiography students prepare a patient for a procedure at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota
Train to produce X-ray images, care for patients, and support accurate diagnoses in a real-world clinical setting.

Radiography Program (MN)

Radiography students examine and point to a scan of a patient at Mayo Clinic
Gain hands-on experience creating X-ray images and working with patients as part of a healthcare team.

Radiography Program (FL)

Nuclear medicine technologist assists a patient with a procedure
Prepare and use radioactive tracers to create images that help detect and monitor disease at the molecular level.

Nuclear Medicine Technology Program (MN)

Sonography student at Mayo Clinic performs an ultrasound on a patient
Learn to perform ultrasound exams and create detailed images that help physicians diagnose and treat patients.

Sonography Program (MN)

Student using ultrasound
Train to capture high-quality ultrasound images that support physicians in patient care and diagnosis.

Sonography Program (FL)

Close