Which is better (career wise) certificate or associates degree for X-ray tech?

Question

I would like to know from any XRAY techs out there if your initial training into the field mattered whether or not it was achieved by means of an associates degree or if simply a certificate program that allowed you to take your certification exam through ARRT would work?

I'm shooting for a rad-tech program which would give me an Associates of APP Science, but the program is extremely difficult to get into because of the number of applicants for the program. I only have 3 B's and 9 A's on my transcripts but those 3 B's are causing me not to get into the program. I can retake the courses and wait another year to get into the program, but then I'm looking at almost 4-5 years just to get an associates degree? (once in the program it's 2 years w/ clinicals) -OR- There is a certificate program I could get into this summer (2 yrs also) that is accredited by ARRT, that would get my radiology training started this year. SO-which is better, certificate or an associates degree? Thanks!

Answer 1

You only need the certificate. Advanced degrees are only necessary if you want to go into management in the future. Personally, I feel that hospital-based programs are superior to college-based programs anyway. They produce a higher-quality technologist.

Answer 2

Well, I thought if you went through Rad school, being about 3 years, you get an associates degree? I went through the Army and I'm studying for my Registry now, or at least I'm supposed to. How do you get the RT without an Associates?