Radiologic Technologist Schools
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For tech-savvy, sociable people seeking a high-growth career in healthcare, becoming a radiologic technologist may be an excellent choice. Not only are opportunities in this field expected to increase in coming years, but it’s also among the higher paying jobs requiring a two-year associate degree as opposed to a four-year bachelor’s degree.
So what do radiologic technologists do? And how has the field changed over the years? According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging, give radiation treatments to treat disease, protect patients from unnecessary radiation, counsel patients through procedures, and maintain detailed patient records. As the Southeast Community College of Nebraska points out on its website, the field incorporates both science and art, combining a scientific understanding of radiologic principles with a discerning eye for interpreting diagnostic imagery (e.g., x-rays). These professionals may specialize in various methods and types of treatment, including radiation therapy, medical dosimetry, mammography, bone densitometry, cardiovascular-interventional radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine, or sonography.
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT 2016) adds that radiologic technologists have gone by many names over the years. In fact, prior to the mid 1960s, they were referred to as “x-ray technicians” and were typically trained on-the-job as opposed to enrolling in structured educational programs. The term “technologist” arose in the mid-twentieth century and denoted a new class of formally trained radiological specialists. The ASRT reports that registered radiologic technologists—referred to as RTs—must have completed at least two years of accredited education, passed an exam, and registered in the profession. Furthermore, these credentials are expected to be maintained following the completion of continuing education (CE) credits. Registration through the ARRT is a prerequisite for most jobs in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS Dec. 2015) found that openings in this career are expanding faster than the national average. In fact, between 2014 and 2024, the BLS expects a 9 percent jump in openings for radiologic and MRI technologists, while the average growth for all occupations during that time period is 7 percent. With the expected addition of 20,700 positions in this field, there’s a bright outlook for aspiring radiologic technologists.
Read on to discover what to expect from an accredited, two- to four-year program in radiologic technology—either on-campus or online—as well as to learn about how much these healthcare professionals make and how to become credentialed.
| Radiologic Technologist fast facts | |
|---|---|
| Projected Jobs Created | 17,200 |
| Projected Job Growth | 9% |
| Low Salary | $38,110 |
| Average Salary (Median) | $56,670 |
| High Salary | $81,660 |
| Entry-Level EDU | Associate's Degree |
| Sourced From BLS, June 2016 | |
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.
List of Radiologic Technologist Schools
| School | City | State | Website | Total grads (2013) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modern Technology School | Fountain Valley | California | http://mtschool.edu/ | 79 |
| Ivy Tech Community College | Indianapolis | Indiana | http://www.ivytech.edu | 68 |
| Community College of Allegheny County | Pittsburgh | Pennsylvania | https://www.ccac.edu | 69 |
| Spencerian College-Louisville | Louisville | Kentucky | http://www.spencerian.edu | 66 |
| San Jacinto Community College | Pasadena | Texas | http://www.sjcd.edu | 66 |
| Siena Heights University | Adrian | Michigan | http://www.sienaheights.edu | 65 |
| Universidad Del Este | Carolina | Puerto Rico | http://ac.suagm.edu/ | 62 |
| EDIC College | Caguas | Puerto Rico | http://www.ediccollege.edu/site/home | 62 |
| Indiana University-Northwest | Gary | Indiana | http://www.iun.edu | 63 |
| Ponce Paramedical College Inc | Ponce | Puerto Rico | http://www.popac.edu | 61 |
| Houston Community College | Houston | Texas | http://www.hccs.edu | 57 |
| Fresno City College | Fresno | California | http://www.fresnocitycollege.edu | 56 |
| The Bryman School of Arizona | Phoenix | Arizona | http://www.anthem.edu/UEICollege | 56 |
| Galveston College | Galveston | Texas | http://www.gc.edu/gc/default.asp | 56 |
| Triton College | River Grove | Illinois | http://www.triton.edu | 54 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile | Alabama | http://www.southalabama.edu | 55 |
| Pima Medical Institute-Mesa | Mesa | Arizona | http://pmi.edu | 52 |
| Career Care Institute | Lancaster | California | http://www.ccicolleges.edu | 49 |
| San Diego Mesa College | San Diego | California | http://www.sdmesa.edu/ | 48 |
| Bakersfield College | Bakersfield | California | https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/ | 48 |
| University of Iowa | Iowa City | Iowa | http://www.uiowa.edu | 47 |
| Anthem Career College-Memphis | Memphis | Tennessee | http://www.anthem.edu | 47 |
| Brookhaven College | Farmers Branch | Texas | http://www.brookhavencollege.edu/Pages/default.aspx | 46 |
| Florida National University-Main Campus | Hialeah | Florida | http://www.fnu.edu | 45 |
| ECPI University | Virginia Beach | Virginia | http://www.ecpi.edu | 45 |
| Pima Medical Institute-Houston | Houston | Texas | http://pmi.edu | 44 |
| Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista | Chula Vista | California | http://pmi.edu | 44 |
| New York Methodist Hospital Center for Allied Health Education | Brooklyn | New York | http://www.cahe.edu/ | 44 |
| Cypress College | Cypress | California | http://www.cypresscollege.edu | 43 |
| Austin Community College District | Austin | Texas | http://www.austincc.edu | 43 |
| Pueblo Community College | Pueblo | Colorado | http://www.pueblocc.edu | 42 |
| Moraine Valley Community College | Palos Hills | Illinois | https://www.morainevalley.edu/ | 42 |
| Saint Louis Community College | Saint Louis | Missouri | http://www.stlcc.edu | 41 |
| Career Technical College-Monroe | Monroe | Louisiana | http://www.careertc.edu | 41 |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond | Virginia | http://www.vcu.edu/ | 40 |
| Argosy University-Twin Cities | Eagan | Minnesota | https://www.argosy.edu/locations/twin-cities | 40 |
| Southwestern Illinois College | Belleville | Illinois | http://www.swic.edu | 38 |
| Century College | White Bear Lake | Minnesota | http://www.century.edu | 36 |
| Anthem Career College-Nashville | Nashville | Tennessee | http://www.anthem.edu | 36 |
| Community College of Denver | Denver | Colorado | https://www.ccd.edu/ | 35 |
| Sinclair Community College | Dayton | Ohio | http://www.sinclair.edu | 35 |
| Trocaire College | Buffalo | New York | http://www.trocaire.edu/ | 34 |
| Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis | Indianapolis | Indiana | http://www.iupui.edu | 34 |
| Central Georgia Technical College | Warner Robins | Georgia | http://www.centralgatech.edu | 34 |
| ATA College | Louisville | Kentucky | http://www.ata.edu | 34 |
| Tidewater Community College | Norfolk | Virginia | http://www.tcc.edu | 33 |
| Bon Secours St Mary's Hospital School of Medical Imaging | Richmond | Virginia | http://www.bonsecours.com/jobs-and-education-education-st-marys-hospital-school-of-medical-imaging.html | 33 |
| Southern Union State Community College | Wadley | Alabama | http://www.suscc.edu | 32 |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Annandale | Virginia | http://www.nvcc.edu | 32 |
| Gwinnett Technical College | Lawrenceville | Georgia | http://www.GwinnettTech.edu | 32 |
| West Georgia Technical College | Waco | Georgia | http://www.westgatech.edu | 31 |
| Washburn University | Topeka | Kansas | http://www.washburn.edu | 31 |
| Merced College | Merced | California | http://www.mccd.edu | 31 |
| Colorado Technical University-Kansas City | North Kansas City | Missouri | http://www.coloradotech.edu/kansas-city | 31 |
| Delgado Community College | New Orleans | Louisiana | http://WWW.DCC.EDU | 30 |
| City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College | Chicago | Illinois | http://www.ccc.edu/colleges/malcolm-x/pages/default.aspx | 30 |
| Jefferson State Community College | Birmingham | Alabama | http://www.jeffstateonline.com | 30 |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Barranquitas | Barranquitas | Puerto Rico | http://www.br.uipr.edu/inter/ | 30 |
| Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City | Oklahoma City | Oklahoma | http://www.osuokc.edu | 29 |
| Merritt College | Oakland | California | http://www.merritt.edu/wp/ | 29 |
| Long Beach City College | Long Beach | California | http://www.lbcc.edu | 29 |
| Community College of Rhode Island | Warwick | Rhode Island | http://www.ccri.edu | 29 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith | Arkansas | http://uafs.edu/ | 28 |
| South College | Knoxville | Tennessee | http://www.southcollegetn.edu | 28 |
| Santa Rosa Junior College | Santa Rosa | California | http://www.santarosa.edu | 28 |
| Santa Barbara City College | Santa Barbara | California | http://www.sbcc.edu | 28 |
| Riverside School of Health Careers | Newport News | Virginia | http://www.riversideonline.com/rshc/ | 28 |
| Grady Health System Professional Schools | Atlanta | Georgia | http://www.gradyhealth.org/ | 28 |
| GateWay Community College | Phoenix | Arizona | http://www.gatewaycc.edu | 28 |
| Foothill College | Los Altos Hills | California | http://www.foothill.edu | 28 |
| Atenas College | Manati | Puerto Rico | http://atenascollege.edu/ | 28 |
| Wake Technical Community College | Raleigh | North Carolina | http://www.waketech.edu/ | 28 |
| University of Alaska Anchorage | Anchorage | Alaska | http://www.uaa.alaska.edu | 27 |
| St John's University-New York | Queens | New York | http://www.stjohns.edu | 27 |
| Pima Medical Institute-Seattle | Seattle | Washington | http://pmi.edu | 27 |
| Holy Family University | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | http://www.holyfamily.edu | 27 |
| Del Mar College | Corpus Christi | Texas | http://www.delmar.edu | 27 |
| County College of Morris | Randolph | New Jersey | http://WWW.CCM.EDU | 27 |
| College of Health Care Professions-Northwest | Houston | Texas | http://www.chcp.edu | 27 |
| City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College | Chicago | Illinois | http://ccc.edu/colleges/wright/pages/default.aspx | 27 |
| Grand Rapids Community College | Grand Rapids | Michigan | http://www.grcc.edu | 26 |
| El Camino Community College District | Torrance | California | http://www.elcamino.edu | 26 |
| Yuba College | Marysville | California | http://yc.yccd.edu | 25 |
| Westmoreland County Community College | Youngwood | Pennsylvania | https://wccc.edu/ | 25 |
| Salt Lake Community College | Salt Lake City | Utah | http://www.slcc.edu | 25 |
| Missouri State University-Springfield | Springfield | Missouri | http://www.missouristate.edu | 25 |
| McLennan Community College | Waco | Texas | http://www.mclennan.edu | 25 |
| Harper College | Palatine | Illinois | http://www.harpercollege.edu | 25 |
| Vance-Granville Community College | Henderson | North Carolina | http://www.vgcc.edu | 24 |
| Professional Training Centers | Miami | Florida | http://phsc.edu/programs | 24 |
| Northampton County Area Community College | Bethlehem | Pennsylvania | http://www.northampton.edu | 24 |
| Mercy College of Ohio | Toledo | Ohio | http://www.mercycollege.edu | 24 |
| Johnston Community College | Smithfield | North Carolina | http://www.johnstoncc.edu | 24 |
| Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee | Muskogee | Oklahoma | http://www.ictctech.com | 24 |
| Hinds Community College | Raymond | Mississippi | http://www.hindscc.edu | 24 |
| George C Wallace State Community College-Hanceville | Hanceville | Alabama | http://www.wallacestate.edu | 24 |
| El Centro College | Dallas | Texas | http://www.elcentrocollege.edu/ | 24 |
| California State University-Northridge | Northridge | California | http://www.csun.edu | 24 |
| Amarillo College | Amarillo | Texas | https://www.actx.edu/ | 24 |
| Red Rocks Community College | Lakewood | Colorado | http://www.rrcc.edu | 23 |
| Our Lady of the Lake College | Baton Rouge | Louisiana | http://www.ololcollege.edu | 23 |
| Kaskaskia College | Centralia | Illinois | http://www.kaskaskia.edu/home/Default.aspx | 23 |
| Henry Ford Community College | Dearborn | Michigan | https://www.hfcc.edu/ | 23 |
| Fortis College-Richmond | Richmond | Virginia | https://www.fortis.edu/ | 23 |
| Tarrant County College District | Fort Worth | Texas | http://www.tccd.edu | 23 |
| North Dakota State University-Main Campus | Fargo | North Dakota | http://www.ndsu.edu | 22 |
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College | Perkinston | Mississippi | https://www.mgccc.edu | 22 |
| Harrisburg Area Community College-Harrisburg | Harrisburg | Pennsylvania | http://www.hacc.edu | 22 |
| H Councill Trenholm State Technical College | Montgomery | Alabama | http://www.trenholmstate.edu | 22 |
| NHTI-Concord's Community College | Concord | New Hampshire | https://www.nhti.edu/ | 21 |
| Metro Technology Centers | Oklahoma City | Oklahoma | http://www.metrotech.edu | 21 |
| Herzing University-Winter Park | Winter Park | Florida | https://www.herzing.edu/ | 21 |
| Wiregrass Georgia Technical College | Valdosta | Georgia | http://www.wiregrass.edu/ | 20 |
| Pitt Community College | Winterville | North Carolina | http://www.pittcc.edu | 20 |
| Pima Medical Institute-Denver | Denver | Colorado | http://pmi.edu | 20 |
| Northwestern College-Southwestern Campus | Bridgeview | Illinois | http://www.nc.edu/ | 20 |
| Labette Community College | Parsons | Kansas | http://www.labette.edu | 20 |
| Indian Hills Community College | Ottumwa | Iowa | http://www.indianhills.edu | 20 |
| Forsyth Technical Community College | Winston Salem | North Carolina | http://www.forsythtech.edu/ | 20 |
| Central Maine Medical Center College of Nursing and Health Professions | Lewiston | Maine | http://www.mchp.edu/radiologic-technology | 20 |
| Central Arizona College | Coolidge | Arizona | http://www.centralaz.edu | 20 |
| Angelina College | Lufkin | Texas | http://www.angelina.edu | 20 |
| Wenatchee Valley College | Wenatchee | Washington | http://www.wvc.edu | 19 |
| Weatherford College | Weatherford | Texas | https://www.wc.edu/ | 19 |
| Southern University at Shreveport | Shreveport | Louisiana | http://www.susla.edu | 19 |
| Southern Crescent Technical College | Griffin | Georgia | https://www.sctech.edu/ | 19 |
| South Texas College | McAllen | Texas | http://www.southtexascollege.edu | 19 |
| Quinsigamond Community College | Worcester | Massachusetts | http://www.qcc.edu | 19 |
| Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas | Las Vegas | Nevada | http://pmi.edu | 19 |
| Pima Community College | Tucson | Arizona | https://www.pima.edu/ | 19 |
| Paris Junior College | Paris | Texas | http://www.parisjc.edu/ | 19 |
| Orange Coast College | Costa Mesa | California | http://www.orangecoastcollege.edu/pages/home.aspx | 19 |
| McNeese State University | Lake Charles | Louisiana | http://www.mcneese.edu | 19 |
| Marshall University | Huntington | West Virginia | http://www.marshall.edu/landing/home/index.html | 19 |
| Kettering College | Kettering | Ohio | http://www.kc.edu | 19 |
| Iowa Central Community College | Fort Dodge | Iowa | http://www.iowacentral.edu | 19 |
| Georgia Northwestern Technical College | Rome | Georgia | http://www.gntc.edu | 19 |
| Baptist Health System School of Health Professions | San Antonio | Texas | http://www.bshp.edu | 19 |
| Aims Community College | Greeley | Colorado | http://www.aims.edu | 19 |
| Tyler Junior College | Tyler | Texas | http://WWW.TJC.EDU | 18 |
| Spencerian College-Lexington | Lexington | Kentucky | http://spencerian.edu/programs-lexington.asp | 18 |
| Sauk Valley Community College | Dixon | Illinois | https://www.svcc.edu/ | 18 |
| Pennsylvania Highlands Community College | Johnstown | Pennsylvania | http://www.pennhighlands.edu | 18 |
| Moorpark College | Moorpark | California | http://www.moorparkcollege.edu/index.shtml | 18 |
| Louisiana State University-Eunice | Eunice | Louisiana | http://www.lsue.edu/academics/radtech.php | 18 |
| Joliet Junior College | Joliet | Illinois | http://www.jjc.edu/Pages/default.aspx | 18 |
| Itawamba Community College | Fulton | Mississippi | http://www.iccms.edu/Default.aspx?tabid=55 | 18 |
| Gadsden State Community College | Gadsden | Alabama | http://www.gadsdenstate.edu | 18 |
| Fortis Institute-Miami | Miami | Florida | https://www.fortis.edu/ | 18 |
| Fayetteville Technical Community College | Fayetteville | North Carolina | http://www.faytechcc.edu | 18 |
| Cleveland Clinic Health System-School of Diagnostic Imaging | Euclid | Ohio | http://portals.clevelandclinic.org/sdi/Home/tabid/6576/Default.aspx | 18 |
| Clark College | Vancouver | Washington | http://www.clark.edu | 18 |
| Chattahoochee Technical College | Marietta | Georgia | http://www.chattahoocheetech.edu | 18 |
| Central New Mexico Community College | Albuquerque | New Mexico | http://www.cnm.edu | 18 |
| Wharton County Junior College | Wharton | Texas | http://www.wcjc.edu | 17 |
| Western Technical College | La Crosse | Wisconsin | http://www.westerntc.edu/default.aspx | 17 |
| Virginia Western Community College | Roanoke | Virginia | http://virginiawestern.edu/ | 17 |
| Union County College | Cranford | New Jersey | http://www.ucc.edu | 17 |
| Tulsa Technology Center-Lemley Campus | Tulsa | Oklahoma | http://www.tulsatech.edu | 17 |
| Southwest Texas Junior College | Uvalde | Texas | http://www.swtjc.net | 17 |
| South Suburban College | South Holland | Illinois | http://www.ssc.edu/ | 17 |
| South College-Asheville | Asheville | North Carolina | http://www.southcollegenc.edu | 17 |
| North Central Texas College | Gainesville | Texas | http://www.nctc.edu | 17 |
| Massachusetts Bay Community College | Wellesley Hills | Massachusetts | http://www.massbay.edu | 17 |
| Lanier Technical College | Oakwood | Georgia | http://www.laniertech.edu/default2.aspx | 17 |
| Kennebec Valley Community College | Fairfield | Maine | http://www.kvcc.me.edu | 17 |
| Jackson College | Jackson | Michigan | http://www.jccmi.edu | 17 |
| Grayson College | Denison | Texas | http://www.grayson.edu | 17 |
| Gateway Community College | New Haven | Connecticut | http://www.gatewayct.edu/ | 17 |
| Edgecombe Community College | Tarboro | North Carolina | http://www.edgecombe.edu | 17 |
| Dalton State College | Dalton | Georgia | http://www.daltonstate.edu/ | 17 |
| Community College of Philadelphia | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | http://www.ccp.edu | 17 |
| Cleveland Community College | Shelby | North Carolina | http://www.clevelandcc.edu | 17 |
| Chaffey College | Rancho Cucamonga | California | http://www.chaffey.edu | 17 |
| Central Ohio Technical College | Newark | Ohio | http://www.cotc.edu | 17 |
| Rowan-Cabarrus Community College | Salisbury | North Carolina | https://www.rccc.edu/ | 16 |
| Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences | Reading | Pennsylvania | https://www.readinghealth.org/ | 16 |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College | Charlottesville | Virginia | http://www.pvcc.edu | 16 |
| Mt San Antonio College | Walnut | California | http://www.mtsac.edu | 16 |
| Mayo School of Health Sciences | Rochester | Minnesota | http://www.mayo.edu/mshs/ | 16 |
| Lake Superior College | Duluth | Minnesota | http://www.lsc.edu | 16 |
| Kilgore College | Kilgore | Texas | https://www.kilgore.edu/ | 16 |
| Johnson College | Scranton | Pennsylvania | http://www.johnson.edu | 16 |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Ponce | Mercedita | Puerto Rico | http://www.ponce.inter.edu | 16 |
| Fortis Institute-Baltimore | Baltimore | Maryland | https://www.fortis.edu/ | 16 |
| Copiah-Lincoln Community College | Wesson | Mississippi | http://www.colin.edu | 16 |
| Cooper Health System Center for Allied Health Education | Camden | New Jersey | http://www.cooperhealth.org | 16 |
| Carteret Community College | Morehead City | North Carolina | http://www.carteret.edu | 16 |
| Blinn College | Brenham | Texas | http://www.blinn.edu | 16 |
| Augusta Technical College | Augusta | Georgia | http://www.augustatech.edu | 16 |
| Allen College | Waterloo | Iowa | http://www.allencollege.edu | 16 |
| University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne | Fort Wayne | Indiana | http://www.sf.edu | 16 |
| Spokane Community College | Spokane | Washington | http://www.scc.spokane.edu | 16 |
| Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences | Cape Girardeau | Missouri | http://www.sehcollege.edu/ | 16 |
| Advance Science Institute | Hialeah | Florida | http://www.ASImedschool.com | 15 |
| Harcum College | Bryn Mawr | Pennsylvania | http://www.harcum.edu/s/1044/edu/start.aspx | 15 |
| Danville Area Community College | Danville | Illinois | http://www.dacc.edu | 15 |
| City College of San Francisco | San Francisco | California | http://www.ccsf.edu | 15 |
| Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science | Los Angeles | California | http://www.cdrewu.edu | 15 |
| Carl Sandburg College | Galesburg | Illinois | http://www.sandburg.edu | 15 |
| Canada College | Redwood City | California | http://www.canadacollege.edu/radtech/index.php | 15 |
| Cabrillo College | Aptos | California | http://www.cabrillo.edu | 15 |
| Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences | Canton | Ohio | http://www.aultmancollege.org | 15 |
| University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences | San Juan | Puerto Rico | http://www.rcm.upr.edu | 15 |
| Universidad Central Del Caribe | Bayamon | Puerto Rico | http://uccaribe.edu/ | 15 |
| The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center | Houston | Texas | http://www.mdanderson.org | 15 |
| St Joseph's Medical Center School of Radiography | Yonkers | New York | http://www.saintjosephs.org | 15 |
| Our Lady of Holy Cross College | New Orleans | Louisiana | http://uhcno.edu/ | 15 |
| Olney Central College | Olney | Illinois | http://www.iecc.edu/occ | 15 |
| Northland Community and Technical College | Thief River Falls | Minnesota | http://www.northlandcollege.edu | 15 |
| Los Angeles City College | Los Angeles | California | http://www.lacitycollege.edu/ | 15 |
| Lake Michigan College | Benton Harbor | Michigan | http://www.lakemichigancollege.edu | 15 |
| Southern Vermont College | Bennington | Vermont | http://www.svc.edu | 14 |
| Sanford Medical Center | Sioux Falls | South Dakota | http://www.sanfordhealth.org | 14 |
| Rochester Community and Technical College | Rochester | Minnesota | http://www.rctc.edu/ | 14 |
| Richmond School of Health and Technology | CHESTER | Virginia | http://chestercareercollege.edu/ | 14 |
| Randolph Community College | Asheboro | North Carolina | http://www.randolph.edu | 14 |
| North Shore Community College | Danvers | Massachusetts | http://www.northshore.edu | 14 |
| Mercy Hospital Springfield-School of Radiologic Technology | Springfield | Missouri | https://www.mercy.net/springfieldmo | 14 |
| MCPHS University | Boston | Massachusetts | https://www.mcphs.edu/ | 14 |
| Kankakee Community College | Kankakee | Illinois | http://www.kcc.edu/Pages/Home.aspx | 14 |
| George C Wallace State Community College-Dothan | Dothan | Alabama | http://www.wallace.edu | 14 |
| Fortis College-Baton Rouge | Baton Rouge | Louisiana | https://www.fortis.edu/ | 14 |
| Delaware Technical Community College-Stanton/Wilmington | Wilmington | Delaware | https://www.dtcc.edu/our-campuses/wilmington | 14 |
| Delaware Technical Community College-Owens | Georgetown | Delaware | https://www.dtcc.edu/our-campuses/georgetown | 14 |
| Concorde Career College-Memphis | Memphis | Tennessee | http://www.concorde.edu | 14 |
| Casper College | Casper | Wyoming | http://www.caspercollege.edu | 14 |
| Carolinas College of Health Sciences | Charlotte | North Carolina | http://www.carolinashealthcare.org/carolinas-college-of-health-sciences | 14 |
| Athens Technical College | Athens | Georgia | http://www.athenstech.edu/ | 14 |
| Arizona Western College | Yuma | Arizona | http://www.azwestern.edu | 14 |
| Wytheville Community College | Wytheville | Virginia | http://www.wcc.vccs.edu | 13 |
| West Virginia University Hospital Departments of Rad Tech and Nutrition | Morgantown | West Virginia | http://www.wvuhradtech.com | 13 |
| Washington State Community College | Marietta | Ohio | http://www.wscc.edu | 13 |
| State Fair Community College | Sedalia | Missouri | http://www.sfccmo.edu/pages/1.asp | 13 |
| Stanly Community College | Albemarle | North Carolina | https://www.stanly.edu/ | 13 |
| Sanford-Brown Institute-Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh | Pennsylvania | http://www.sanfordbrown.edu/pittsburgh | 13 |
| Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque | Albuquerque | New Mexico | http://pmi.edu | 13 |
| Northeast Iowa Community College-Calmar | Calmar | Iowa | https://www.nicc.edu/ | 13 |
| Lewis-Clark State College | Lewiston | Idaho | http://www.lcsc.edu | 13 |
| Kishwaukee College | Malta | Illinois | http://www.kishwaukeecollege.edu | 13 |
| Indiana University-South Bend | South Bend | Indiana | https://www.iusb.edu/ | 13 |
| Heartland Community College | Normal | Illinois | http://www.heartland.edu | 13 |
| Elgin Community College | Elgin | Illinois | http://elgin.edu/homepage.aspx | 13 |
| Eastern Iowa Community College District | Davenport | Iowa | http://www.eicc.edu | 13 |
| Columbia Basin College | Pasco | Washington | http://www.columbiabasin.edu | 13 |
| Champlain College | Burlington | Vermont | http://www.champlain.edu | 13 |
| Central Virginia Community College | Lynchburg | Virginia | http://www.cvcc.vccs.edu | 13 |
| Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College | Asheville | North Carolina | https://www.abtech.edu/ | 13 |
| El Paso Community College | El Paso | Texas | http://www.epcc.edu/_layouts/temp/index.html | 12 |
| Danville Regional Medical Center School of Health Professions | Danville | Virginia | http://danvilleregional.com/for-healthcare-professionals/radiologic-technology-program | 12 |
| Albany Technical College | Albany | Georgia | http://www.albanytech.edu | 12 |
| Xavier University | Cincinnati | Ohio | http://www.xavier.edu | 12 |
| The Community College of Baltimore County | Baltimore | Maryland | http://www.ccbcmd.edu | 12 |
| St James Mercy Hospital School of Radiologic Science | Hornell | New York | http://www.stjamesmercy.org | 12 |
| Springfield Technical Community College | Springfield | Massachusetts | http://www.stcc.edu | 12 |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Richlands | Virginia | http://sw.edu/ | 12 |
| Southern Maine Community College | South Portland | Maine | http://www.smccME.edu | 12 |
| Southeastern Technical College | Vidalia | Georgia | http://www.southeasterntech.edu | 12 |
| Muhlenberg Harold B and Dorothy A Snyder Schools-School of Imaging | Plainfield | New Jersey | http://www.jfkmuhlenbergschools.org | 12 |
| Montana State University-Billings | Billings | Montana | http://www.msubillings.edu | 12 |
| Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City | Kansas City | Missouri | http://www.mcckc.edu/programs/radiologictechnology/ | 12 |
| Jones County Junior College | Ellisville | Mississippi | http://www.jcjc.edu | 12 |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico-San German | San German | Puerto Rico | http://www.sg.inter.edu | 12 |
| Highlands College of Montana Tech | Butte | Montana | http://www.mtech.edu/ | 12 |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | Teaneck | New Jersey | http://www.fdu.edu | 12 |
| North Central State College | Mansfield | Ohio | http://www.ncstatecollege.edu/cms/index.php | 11 |
| Mitchell Technical Institute | Mitchell | South Dakota | https://www.mitchelltech.edu/ | 11 |
| Mississippi Delta Community College | Moorhead | Mississippi | http://www.msdelta.edu | 11 |
| Mercy-St Luke's School of Radiologic Technology | Cedar Rapids | Iowa | https://www.isrt.org/resourses/ | 11 |
| Medvance Institute-West Palm | Palm Springs | Florida | https://www.fortis.edu/ | 11 |
| Laramie County Community College | Cheyenne | Wyoming | http://www.lccc.wy.edu | 11 |
| Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Campus | Roswell | New Mexico | http://www.roswell.enmu.edu | 11 |
| Dixie State University | Saint George | Utah | http://www.dixie.edu/ | 11 |
| Crafton Hills College | Yucaipa | California | http://www.craftonhills.edu | 11 |
| Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital | Johnstown | Pennsylvania | http://www.conemaugh.org | 11 |
| ATA Career Education | Spring Hill | Florida | http://www.atafl.edu | 11 |
| Alegent Creighton Health School of Radiologic Technology | Omaha | Nebraska | http://www.chihealth.com/ | 11 |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Abingdon | Virginia | http://www.vhcc.edu | 11 |
| University of St Francis | Joliet | Illinois | http://www.stfrancis.edu | 11 |
| The University of Montana | Missoula | Montana | http://www.umt.edu | 11 |
| Southwestern Community College | Sylva | North Carolina | https://www.southwesterncc.edu/ | 11 |
| Riverland Community College | Austin | Minnesota | http://www.riverland.edu | 11 |
| Regis College | Weston | Massachusetts | http://www.regiscollege.edu | 11 |
| Portland Community College | Portland | Oregon | http://www.pcc.edu | 11 |
| Okefenokee Technical College | Waycross | Georgia | http://www.coastalpines.edu/programs/allied-health-programs/ | 11 |
| Northeast Texas Community College | Mount Pleasant | Texas | http://www.ntcc.edu | 11 |
| Washington Hospital School of Radiography | Washington | Pennsylvania | http://www.washingtonhospital.org | 10 |
| Vatterott College-Des Moines | Des Moines | Iowa | http://www.vatterott.edu | 10 |
| Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences | Rock Island | Illinois | http://www.trinitycollegeqc.edu | 10 |
| The University of Texas at Brownsville | Brownsville | Texas | http://www.utb.edu/Pages/default.aspx | 10 |
| South Plains College | Levelland | Texas | http://www.southplainscollege.edu/ | 10 |
| Sandhills Community College | Pinehurst | North Carolina | http://www.sandhills.edu/ | 10 |
| Robeson Community College | Lumberton | North Carolina | http://www.robeson.edu | 10 |
| Northeast Mississippi Community College | Booneville | Mississippi | http://www.nemcc.edu | 10 |
| Mount Marty College | Yankton | South Dakota | http://www.mtmc.edu | 10 |
| Meridian Technology Center | Stillwater | Oklahoma | https://www.meridiantech.edu/programs/health-careers/ | 10 |
| Lincoln Land Community College | Springfield | Illinois | https://www.ldsbc.edu/ | 10 |
| Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing | Medford | Massachusetts | http://lmregis.org/ | 10 |
| Illinois Central College | East Peoria | Illinois | http://icc.edu/ | 10 |
| Howard College | Big Spring | Texas | http://www.howardcollege.edu | 10 |
| Gwynedd Mercy University | Gwynedd Valley | Pennsylvania | http://www.gmc.edu | 10 |
| Carl Albert State College | Poteau | Oklahoma | https://carlalbert.edu/ | 10 |
| Cambridge Institute of Health & Technology | Delray Beach | Florida | http://www.cambridgehealth.edu/ | 10 |
| Yavapai College | Prescott | Arizona | http://www.yc.edu/v5content/academics/divisions/sciences-and-health/allied-health/medical-assistant.htm | 9 |
| University of Mary | Bismarck | North Dakota | http://www.umary.edu/ | 9 |
| Saint Elizabeth Medical Center School of Radiography | Utica | New York | http://www.stemc.org | 9 |
| Richland Community College | Decatur | Illinois | http://www.richland.edu | 9 |
| Rhode Island College | Providence | Rhode Island | http://www.ric.edu | 9 |
| Odessa College | Odessa | Texas | http://www.odessa.edu | 9 |
| Northern Michigan University | Marquette | Michigan | http://www.nmu.edu | 9 |
| Moultrie Technical College | Moultrie | Georgia | http://southernregional.edu/ | 9 |
| Montgomery County Community College | Blue Bell | Pennsylvania | http://www.mc3.edu | 9 |
| Minnesota West Community and Technical College | Granite Falls | Minnesota | http://www.mnwest.edu | 9 |
| Indiana University-Kokomo | Kokomo | Indiana | http://www.iuk.edu | 9 |
| CVPH Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology | Plattsburgh | New York | http://www.cvph.org/ | 9 |
| Colorado State University-Fort Collins | Fort Collins | Colorado | http://www.colostate.edu | 9 |
| College of Coastal Georgia | Brunswick | Georgia | http://www.ccga.edu | 9 |
| Coastal Bend College | Beeville | Texas | http://www.coastalbend.edu | 9 |
| North Iowa Area Community College | Mason City | Iowa | http://www.niacc.edu | 8 |
| Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical | Winona | Minnesota | http://www.southeastmn.edu | 8 |
| Laredo Community College | Laredo | Texas | http://www.laredo.edu | 8 |
| John Wood Community College | Quincy | Illinois | https://www.jwcc.edu/ | 8 |
| Great Falls College Montana State University | Great Falls | Montana | http://www.gfcmsu.edu | 8 |
| Boston University | Boston | Massachusetts | http://www.bu.edu | 8 |
| Bellin College | Green Bay | Wisconsin | http://www.bellincollege.edu | 8 |
| St Francis Medical Center-School of Radiologic Technology | Trenton | New Jersey | http://www.stfrancismedical.org/Education/School-of-Radiologic-Technology.aspx | 8 |
| Owens Community College | Perrysburg | Ohio | https://www.owens.edu | 8 |
| Oconee Fall Line Technical College | Sandersville | Georgia | http://www.oftc.edu | 7 |
| O C Collins Career Center | Chesapeake | Ohio | http://www.collins-cc.edu | 7 |
| Northwest Iowa Community College | Sheldon | Iowa | http://www.nwicc.edu | 7 |
| Louisiana State University-Alexandria | Alexandria | Louisiana | http://www.lsua.edu | 7 |
| Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts | San Mateo | California | http://www.gurnick.edu | 7 |
| Great Basin College | Elko | Nevada | http://www.gbcnv.edu | 7 |
| Arnot Ogden Medical Center | Elmira | New York | http://www.arnothealth.org/arnot-ogden-medical-center | 7 |
| Southwest Georgia Technical College | Thomasville | Georgia | http://southernregional.edu/ | 6 |
| Parkland College | Champaign | Illinois | http://www.parkland.edu | 6 |
| Meridian Community College | Meridian | Mississippi | http://www.meridiancc.edu | 6 |
| Avera Sacred Heart Hospital | Yankton | South Dakota | http://www.avera.org/sacred-heart/ | 6 |
| Quinnipiac University | Hamden | Connecticut | http://www.quinnipiac.edu | 5 |
| University of Rio Grande | Rio Grande | Ohio | http://www.rio.edu | 5 |
| Rush University | Chicago | Illinois | http://www.rushu.rush.edu/sp/Pages/Home.aspx | 5 |
| Ridgewater College | Willmar | Minnesota | http://www.ridgewater.edu/Pages/default.aspx | 5 |
| San Joaquin Delta College | Stockton | California | https://www.deltacollege.edu/ | 4 |
| Regional West Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology | Scottsbluff | Nebraska | http://www.rwhs.org/careers/school-radiologic-technology | 4 |
| Morgan Community College | Fort Morgan | Colorado | http://www.morgancc.edu | 4 |
| Massasoit Community College | Brockton | Massachusetts | http://www.massasoit.edu/ | 4 |
| Lenoir Community College | Kinston | North Carolina | http://www.lenoircc.edu | 4 |
| Flathead Valley Community College | Kalispell | Montana | http://www.fvcc.edu | 4 |
| Bellevue College | Bellevue | Washington | http://www.bellevuecollege.edu/ | 4 |
| Autry Technology Center | Enid | Oklahoma | http://www.autrytech.edu | 4 |
| Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute | Hudson | North Carolina | http://www.cccti.edu | 3 |
| Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania | Bloomsburg | Pennsylvania | http://www.bloomu.edu | 3 |
| Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences | Memphis | Tennessee | http://www.bchs.edu | 3 |
| University of Charleston | Charleston | West Virginia | http://www.ucwv.edu | 3 |
| Fortis Institute-Grand Prairie | Grand Prairie | Texas | https://www.fortis.edu/ | 3 |
| Fortis Institute-Erie | Erie | Pennsylvania | https://www.fortis.edu/ | 3 |
| Yakima Valley Community College | Yakima | Washington | http://www.yvcc.edu/Pages/default.aspx | 2 |
| University of Massachusetts-Lowell | Lowell | Massachusetts | http://www.uml.edu | 2 |
| Southeastern Louisiana University | Hammond | Louisiana | http://www.southeastern.edu/ | 2 |
| Oakland University | Rochester Hills | Michigan | http://wwwp.oakland.edu/ | 2 |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College | Milwaukee | Wisconsin | http://www.matc.edu/ | 2 |
| Guilford Technical Community College | Jamestown | North Carolina | http://home.gtcc.edu/ | 2 |
| Darton State College | Albany | Georgia | http://www.darton.edu | 2 |
| University of Nevada-Las Vegas | Las Vegas | Nevada | https://www.unlv.edu/ | 1 |
| Sanford-Brown College-Houston North Loop | Houston | Texas | http://www.sanfordbrown.edu/north-loop | 1 |
| Pikes Peak Community College | Colorado Springs | Colorado | http://www.ppcc.edu | 1 |
| National University of Health Sciences | Lombard | Illinois | http://www.nuhs.edu | 1 |
| Friends University | Wichita | Kansas | http://www.friends.edu | 1 |
| Contra Costa College | San Pablo | California | http://www.contracosta.edu | 1 |
| Butler County Community College | Butler | Pennsylvania | http://www.bc3.edu | 1 |
| Bristol Community College | Fall River | Massachusetts | http://bristolcc.edu/ | 1 |
| Andrew College | Cuthbert | Georgia | https://www.andrewcollege.edu/ | 1 |
Online & Hybrid Programs in Radiologic Technology
Adventist University
The George Washington University (MSHS)
St. Joseph's University
While there’s a wealth of accredited educational programs across the country, for students located in more rural regions or with temporal constraints, enrolling in an online or hybrid (i.e., blended online and on-campus) program may be preferable. These flexible programs typically involve the completion of online classes and in-person clinical practicums at approved facilities near a student’s home. Please note that due to state-based restrictions on distance-based education, residents from some states may not be authorized to receive online instruction from another state. Be sure to ask coordinators of online programs about the school’s “state authorization” status.
For students seeking this convenient learning format, here are some online or hybrid radiologic technologist schools:
Indian Hills Community College: Based in Ottumwa, IA, this hybrid two-year associate program offers online learning during the second year. Classes include human anatomy, medical terminology, radiology & medical imaging, and positioning & film critique. After graduating, students are eligible to sit for the ARRT exam. Between 2008 and 2013, the five-year passing rate among students was an impressive 95 percent.
Southeast Community College: Based in Lincoln, NE, Southeast This two-year program includes a track for clinical coursework to be completed in Lincoln, but the didactic portion may be learned online or in the classroom. Classes include diagnostic imaging theory, radiation biology, and advanced patient care management. Students must maintain at least a C+ in all of their program courses and those pursuing the online option must attend a multi-day workshop at the Lincoln campus at their own expense.
Ball State University (BSU): Based in Muncie, IN, BSU provides a 26-month hybrid associate of science (AS) in radiography. Please note that while classes are offered mainly online, clinical work must be completed at specific sites in IN, including IU Health Methodist Hospital or Hendricks Regional Health.
St. Joseph’s College (SJC): This online bachelor of science (BS) in radiologic science administration program may be ideal to advance the careers of aspiring leaders in the field. Designed to prepare supervisors and educators, this unique online program has classes in human resource management, ethics in healthcare, healthcare informatics, and reimbursement methodologies. SJC also offers the option to “fast track” to a master of health administration degree program.
Oregon Tech Online: As another online BS degree, Oregon Tech’s distance-based program focuses more on the practice of radiologic science (as opposed to the administration). It provides advanced instruction in patient care, physics or medical imaging, radiation protection, equipment operation & maintenance, and a hands-on radiographic science externship at an approved facility. Please note that students must already be ARRT registered radiologic technologists to qualify for admission.
| School | City | State | Website | Total grads (2013) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adventist University of Health Sciences | Orlando | Florida | http://www.adu.edu | 213 |
| Midwestern State University | Wichita Falls | Texas | http://www.mwsu.edu | 180 |
| Pima Medical Institute-Tucson | Tucson | Arizona | http://pmi.edu | 160 |
| Northwestern State University of Louisiana | Natchitoches | Louisiana | https://www.nsula.edu/ | 51 |
| St Philip's College | San Antonio | Texas | http://www.alamo.edu/spc/ | 50 |
| Oregon Institute of Technology | Klamath Falls | Oregon | http://www.oit.edu | 48 |
| University of Mississippi Medical Center | Jackson | Mississippi | https://www.umc.edu/ | 43 |
| Marian University | Fond Du Lac | Wisconsin | http://www.marianuniversity.edu | 42 |
| University of Southern Indiana | Evansville | Indiana | http://www.usi.edu | 41 |
| University of Louisiana at Monroe | Monroe | Louisiana | http://www.ulm.edu | 37 |
| Spencerian College-Louisville | Louisville | Kentucky | http://www.spencerian.edu | 34 |
| Mid-State Technical College | Wisconsin Rapids | Wisconsin | http://www.mstc.edu | 29 |
| Lansing Community College | Lansing | Michigan | http://www.lcc.edu | 26 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction | Colorado | http://www.coloradomesa.edu | 24 |
| Linn-Benton Community College | Albany | Oregon | http://www.linnbenton.edu | 24 |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center | Omaha | Nebraska | http://www.unmc.edu | 16 |
| Ogeechee Technical College | Statesboro | Georgia | http://www.ogeecheetech.edu | 15 |
| South Central College | North Mankato | Minnesota | http://www.southcentral.edu | 14 |
| Presentation College | Aberdeen | South Dakota | http://www.presentation.edu | 14 |
| University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences | Little Rock | Arkansas | http://www.uams.edu | 14 |
| Loma Linda University | Loma Linda | California | http://www.llu.edu/index.html | 13 |
| Minnesota State Community and Technical College | Fergus Falls | Minnesota | http://www.minnesota.edu | 13 |
| Lakeshore Technical College | Cleveland | Wisconsin | http://www.gotoltc.edu | 12 |
| Everest University-Brandon | Tampa | Florida | http://www.everest.edu/campus/brandon | 8 |
| Saint Joseph's College of Maine | Standish | Maine | https://www.sjcme.edu/ | 7 |
| Bluefield State College | Bluefield | West Virginia | http://bluefieldstate.edu/ | 3 |
| Allied Health Institute | Plantation | Florida | https://www.alliedhealthinstitute.edu/ | 2 |
| Southwestern Oregon Community College | Coos Bay | Oregon | https://www.socc.edu | 1 |
| Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health | Omaha | Nebraska | http://www.methodistcollege.edu | 1 |
| University of Alaska Southeast | Juneau | Alaska | http://www.uas.alaska.edu | 1 |
Core & Elective Courses
According to the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians (ARRT), there are several core competencies that students must demonstrate before receiving their licensure. As of January 1, 2015, aspiring radiologic technologists must have at least an associate degree in order to pursue the nationally recognized ARRT-certification. In the past, a certificate was sufficient to qualify students for the ARRT board exam. Degree programs are specially designed to expose students to the didactic and clinical experiences which will prepare them for the national ARRT exam and state licensing procedures. In addition to general education requirements, associate degree programs in radiologic technology may offer the following preparatory courses:
- Basic radiographic procedures
- Anatomy & radiographic positioning
- Medical procedures for radiologic technologists
- Imaging modalities
- Medical terminology
- Radiation biology & protection
- Radiographic pathology
- Radiographic imaging equipment
- Specialized imaging
- Radiation physics
- Patient care
Bachelor’s degrees in radiologic technology typically feature the following:
- Patient professional interaction
- Radiographic legal & ethical aspects
- Radiographic exposure
- Physics in medical imaging
- Radiologic pathophysiology
- Radiographic technique
- Physics of radiation protection
- Advanced patient assessment & treatment
- Introduction to CT
- Introduction to MRI
- Introduction to mammography
- Procedures in imaging
- Anatomy & radiation biology
In addition to field-specific coursework, students need to gain hands-on experience through supervised instruction sessions known as practicums or clinicals. This training typically occurs in the latter half of programs after students have developed their skills and knowledge of a healthcare setting. Clinicals allow students to put their newfound abilities into practice in a real-world environment while working under the supervision of a skilled professional.
Accreditation
As mentioned in the overview of radiologic technology programs, students are encouraged to verify the accreditation status of their educational programs. The process of accreditation ensures that a school or program is meeting certain standards of quality with respect to curricula, student outcomes, and facilities. Furthermore, in order to qualify for professional certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), a person must have graduated from an accredited associate, bachelor’s, or graduate-level program.
One of the popular accreditation organizations in this field is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). According to its website, JRCERT is the only agency that is recognized by the US Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to accredit traditional and online learning programs in magnetic resonance, medical dosimetry, radiation therapy, and radiography. Its website lists the full set of standards used when deciding whether to grant accreditation to a school, as well as a handy search tool to organize radiologic technologist programs by state and degree level. Search results include information on the type of degree awarded, program length, contact person, website for the program, tuition per year, next scheduled accreditation review, and the program capacity.
While JRCERT is one program-approval option to qualify for credentialing in the field, the AART provides a full list of recognized accrediting agencies for radiologic technologist schools, including programmatic, regional, national, and faith-related institutions.
Career Outlook
As mentioned in the introduction, the outlook is bright for radiologic technologists. By illustration, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS Dec. 2015) predicts that openings for radiologic technologists will increase 9 percent between 2014 and 2024, faster than the average growth projected across all occupations during that time period (7 percent). With 197,000 of these healthcare professionals currently working across the country and the expected addition of 17,200 more positions, it’s a career with expanding opportunities. The BLS (2015) adds that a majority of radiologic technologists work in hospitals (59 percent), followed by the offices of physicians (21 percent), and medical & diagnostic laboratories (8 percent).
Furthermore, the salary prospects are also promising, particularly for a career which requires a two-year degree. In fact, the BLS (May 2015) found that radiologic technologists make an average annual salary of $58,520 with the following percentiles:
10th percentile: $38,110
25th percentile: $45,870
50th percentile (median): $56,670
75th percentile: $69,480
90th percentile: $81,660
In a recent survey on compensation, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT 2016) found that the annual average salary of radiologic technologists was $65,756, a 4.8 percent increase over 2015 figures. The highest paying specialty disciplines in this field were medical dosimetry ($106,777) and registered radiologic assistance / RPA ($100,311).
Not surprisingly, there were also regional differences in the ASRT (2016) survey. Radiologic technologists in California earn the highest annual compensation at $92,396, followed by those in Washington DC ($81,083). Notably, the BLS (May 2015), found slightly lower averages in these regions—$76,070 and $74,910, respectively—but this may be due to the nature of data collection and the differing time frames.
Finally, Payscale (2016)—an aggregator of self-reported salaries—found much lower figures among its 247 responding radiologic technicians nationwide:
10th percentile: $31,000
25th percentile: $39,000
50th percentile (median): $45,794
75th percentile: $57,000
90th percentile: $68,000
| Career Facts | Radiologic Technologist |
|---|---|
| Related Careers | Radiation Therapist, Nuclear Medical Technologist, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer |
| Common Job Titles | RTs, X-Ray Technologists |
| Technology & Equipment | X-Ray Bone Densitometers, Medical X-Ray Darkroom Equipment, Radiographic Locators |
| Sourced From BLS, June 2016 | |
Licensing & Certification
Radiologic technologists need to be professionally credentialed to practice in their field. The most common credentialing agency is the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), which has both generalized and specialized registration exams. There are several types of certification available through the ARRT, including nuclear medicine technology, magnetic resonance imaging, sonography, radiography and radiation therapy. Candidates have three attempts to pass one of the computer-based tests, and once they have received certification can use the credentials RT (radiologic technologist) after their name.
There are several types of primary certifications and registrations available, including radiography, nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapy, MRI, and sonography. To qualify for primary category certification and registration through the ARRT, candidates must graduate from an accredited college program (associate degree or higher), pass an ARRT examination, and pay a fee.
There are also post-primary (i.e., specialty) certifications available, including bone densitometry, breast sonography, cardiac-interventional radiography, cardiovascular-interventional radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammography, quality management, sonography, vascular-interventional radiography, and vascular sonography. To qualify, candidates must hold a primary certification, complete 16 hours of structured specialty education, show documentation of clinical experience, and pay a fee.
Additionally, the ARRT credentialing exams are used in 35 states for licensing of radiologic technologists. To learn more about regional credentialing in this field, please consult the ARRT state contacts list and reach out to the proper governing body.
Finally, these certifications must be renewed and maintained following the completion of qualifying continuing education (CE) credits every two years and continuing qualifications requirements (CQR) every ten years. Please check out the ARRT continuing education requirements page to learn more about what’s required to maintain specific credentials.