Radiologic Technologist Schools

Programs in Radiologic Technology

Most radiologic technology programs lead to two-year associate degrees, although some lead to a bachelor’s degree. In order to become credentialed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)—the predominant credentialing agency in the field—a person must have at least an associate degree from an accredited institution. Please reference the “Accreditation” section for more information on this program-approval process.

According to the ARRT, more than two-thirds of American states have laws governing the practice of radiologic technology. Also, ARRT’s exams are used in 35 states for regional licensure including populous states such as California, New York, and Texas. For all aspiring radiologic technologists, it’s crucial to verify regional requirements before planning for licensure. Please check out the “Licensing & Certification” section to learn more about professional credentialing.

Programs and curriculum can vary by state or institution, but all radiologic technologist schools generally feature a combination of didactic coursework and hands-on lab work, as well as supervised clinical experiences. To be accepted into radiologic technologist school, admissions committees typically call for official secondary school transcripts, a personal statement, a completed application, and a fee. Students may also need to complete specific prerequisite classes (e.g., biology), a physical exam, a background check, or a test (e.g., TOEFL for non-native speakers of English).

Select schools include:

• Bellevue College: Based in Bellevue, WA, this associate in arts (AA) degree in radiologic technology involves eight quarters of classroom work and clinical experiences. Courses include positioning & related anatomy, basic patient care procedures, and principles of radiographic exposure. Students must maintain at least a C in all courses to earn the degree and students should be prepared to sit for the ARRT exam upon completion. Students may later apply their associate degree toward a bachelor’s of science (B.S.) in radiation & imaging sciences at the school. A certificate of completion to work as an imaging aide is another education option available at the school.
• Tarrant County College: Based in Fort Worth, TX, this associate of applied science (AAS) degree in radiology technology is a two-year program with selective admission. It comprises courses such as patient care, radiographic imaging equipment, and radiation biology & protection, as well as several clinical practicums. Clinical hours are required and students must meet pre-screening requirements before participating. To even be considered for admission, two biology classes need to be completed as prerequisites.
• Chaffey College: Based in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, this associate degree program features 72.5 units of training, including 2,072.5 clinical hours. Chaffey has classes such as anatomy for radiologic positioning, radiographic pathology, and venipuncture for imaging professionals. Applicants to the program need to be in good physical health and are required to complete a health examination beforehand. Students also must have completed two biology courses in the five years prior to enrollment to be eligible for admission. The program prepares students for the ARRT board exam, on which the average passing rate at the school between 2009 and 2014 was 75 percent.
• Foothill College: Based in Los Altos, CA, Foothill offers a 22-month associate degree in radiologic technology. Instruction includes lectures, on-campus labs, and supervised hands-on learning experiences. Students start in the summer of their first year and work through eight terms, finishing up in the spring of their second year. In their second year, they are required to complete three practicums and learn about professional development in radiology. Students should be prepared to take the ARRT test upon graduation and to seek California state licensure.
• Greenville Technical College: Based in Greenville, SC, this associate program in radiologic technology program comprises of two phases. First, students complete general education requirements, and second is the specialized radiologic technology coursework such as anatomy & physiology, radiography, and medical terminology. The clinical assignments are completed during this phase and students may be required to work evenings or weekends. Upon completion of the program, students are generally eligible to sit for the ARRT exam. Please note that admission into the first phase of the program does not guarantee admission into the second phase.
• Metropolitan Community College: Based in Kansas City, Missouri, this associate of applied science (AAS) in radiologic technology lasts 24 months and has classes such as imaging modalities, human physiology, and digital imaging environment & imaging analysis. Students need to receive a C or better in all their coursework, and may be required to travel outside the Kansas City area to complete some of their clinical mentorships. The program prepares students to sit for the ARRT exam upon completion.

Associate vs. Bachelor’s Degree

Beginning January 1, 2015, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) began requiring the completion of an accredited educational program (e.g., associate, bachelor’s, or graduate-level) in order to qualify a person for professional certification. The ARRT recognizes that a four-year bachelor’s degree requires more in-depth coursework and clinical training, and therefore may enhance a person’s earning potential or employment prospects. Bachelor’s programs may give students more advanced training in specific techniques or technologies such as radiation therapy, MRI, ultrasound, CT, mammography, angiography, or nuclear medicine. Additionally, a bachelor’s degree is necessary for those seeking to enter medical school and become radiologists.

The University of Southern Indiana (USI) of Evansville provides a bachelor’s degree in radiologic and imaging sciences with coursework in radiographic exposure, CT-MRI physics & instrumentation, and introduction to invasive imaging procedures. The University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill (UNC) offers bachelor of science (BS) in radiologic technology. With broad-based training in medical imaging, UNC has units in cardiac catheterization studies, vascular imaging, orthopedics, and pediatrics. Specific classes include pathophysiology, leadership in radiologic science, and clinical decisions in radiology.

Overall, pursuing a bachelor’s degree can augment a student’s preparation in various aspects of radiologic practice, and even prepare a person for one of ARRT’s specialty certifications in areas such as cardiac-interventional radiography, mammography, or vascular sonography, to name a few. If the ARRT trend continues toward requiring more advanced educational preparation to qualify for professional credentialing, it’s possible that RT certification may someday require a four-year degree.