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 is also among the higher paying jobs that require only a two-year associate degree to find entry-level work.
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 Southeast Community College in 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 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 2017) found that openings in this career are expanding faster than the national average. In fact, between 2016 and 2026, the BLS expects a 13 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 25,300 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 | 25,300 |
Projected Job Growth | 12% |
Average Salary | $60,320 |
Low Salary | $39,840 |
High Salary | $84,110 |
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 minimum, an associate degree from an accredited institution. Please reference the accreditation section of this page for more information on the 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 on this page 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 a 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).
Following is a selection of radiologic technologist schools that may be appropriate for launching a career in this field:
- Bellevue College: Based in Bellevue, Washington, this associate of 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. Coursework is designed to prepare students to sit for the ARRT exam upon completion. Students may later apply their associate degree toward a bachelor’s of science (BS) in radiation & imaging sciences at Bellevue College.
- Tarrant County College: Based in Fort Worth, Texas, 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, California, this associate of science (AS) 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 2012 and 2016 was 99 percent.
- Foothill College: Based in Los Altos Hills, California, 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, South Carolina, this associate of applied science (AAS) degree program in radiologic technology program comprises of two phases. First, students complete general education requirements, then they move on to 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 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 ARRT began requiring the completion of an accredited educational program (e.g., associate, bachelor’s, or graduate-level) in order to qualify 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) also 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 | grads (2018) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pima Medical Institute-Tucson | Tucson | Arizona | pmi.edu | 162 |
Midwestern State University | Wichita Falls | Texas | www.mwsu.edu | 158 |
Weber State University | Ogden | Utah | www.weber.edu | 134 |
San Jacinto Community College | Pasadena | Texas | www.sanjac.edu | 114 |
Galveston College | Galveston | Texas | www.gc.edu | 111 |
AdventHealth University | Orlando | Florida | www.ahu.edu | 94 |
Los Angeles City College | Los Angeles | California | www.lacitycollege.edu | 91 |
The College of Health Care Professions-Northwest | Houston | Texas | www.chcp.edu | 89 |
EDIC College | Caguas | Puerto Rico | www.ediccollege.edu | 87 |
Ponce Paramedical College Inc | Ponce | Puerto Rico | www.popac.edu | 74 |
Community College of Allegheny County | Pittsburgh | Pennsylvania | www.ccac.edu | 70 |
GateWay Community College | Phoenix | Arizona | www.gatewaycc.edu | 69 |
Ivy Tech Community College | Indianapolis | Indiana | www.ivytech.edu | 68 |
The College of Health Care Professions-San Antonio | San Antonio | Texas | chcp.edu | 68 |
Boise State University | Boise | Idaho | www.boisestate.edu | 66 |
Cypress College | Cypress | California | www.cypresscollege.edu | 66 |
The College of Health Care Professions-Fort Worth | Fort Worth | Texas | www.chcp.edu | 63 |
Pima Medical Institute-Seattle | Seattle | Washington | pmi.edu | 58 |
Houston Community College | Houston | Texas | www.hccs.edu | 57 |
St Philip's College | San Antonio | Texas | www.alamo.edu/spc | 57 |
Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque | Albuquerque | New Mexico | pmi.edu | 55 |
Brookhaven College | Farmers Branch | Texas | www.brookhavencollege.edu | 52 |
Oregon Institute of Technology | Klamath Falls | Oregon | www.oit.edu | 52 |
Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Carolina Campus | Carolina | Puerto Rico | une.suagm.edu | 51 |
Austin Community College District | Austin | Texas | www.austincc.edu | 50 |
Northwestern State University of Louisiana | Natchitoches | Louisiana | www.nsula.edu | 49 |
The College of Health Care Professions-Southwest Houston | Houston | Texas | www.chcp.edu | 49 |
Center for Allied Health Education | Brooklyn | New York | www.cahe.edu | 48 |
The College of Health Care Professions-Austin | Austin | Texas | www.chcp.edu | 48 |
Virginia Western Community College | Roanoke | Virginia | virginiawestern.edu | 48 |
Atenas College | Manati | Puerto Rico | www.atenascollege.edu | 47 |
Trocaire College | Buffalo | New York | trocaire.edu | 46 |
Chaffey College | Rancho Cucamonga | California | www.chaffey.edu | 45 |
San Diego Mesa College | San Diego | California | www.sdmesa.edu | 45 |
Pima Medical Institute-Denver | Denver | Colorado | pmi.edu | 44 |
Resurrection University | Chicago | Illinois | www.resu.edu | 44 |
Central Georgia Technical College | Warner Robins | Georgia | www.centralgatech.edu | 43 |
Foothill College | Los Altos Hills | California | foothill.edu | 43 |
Long Beach City College | Long Beach | California | www.lbcc.edu | 43 |
Amarillo College | Amarillo | Texas | www.actx.edu | 42 |
Modern Technology School | Fountain Valley | California | www.mtschool.edu | 42 |
Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee | Muskogee | Oklahoma | www.ictctech.com | 41 |
Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas | Las Vegas | Nevada | pmi.edu | 41 |
Indiana University-Northwest | Gary | Indiana | www.iun.edu | 39 |
Pima Medical Institute-Houston | Houston | Texas | pmi.edu | 39 |
University of South Alabama | Mobile | Alabama | www.southalabama.edu | 39 |
American Career College-Ontario | Ontario | California | americancareercollege.edu | 38 |
Community College of Denver | Denver | Colorado | www.ccd.edu | 38 |
Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology | Delray Beach | Florida | www.cambridgehealth.edu | 37 |
Community College of Rhode Island | Warwick | Rhode Island | www.ccri.edu | 37 |
ECPI University | Virginia Beach | Virginia | www.ecpi.edu | 37 |
University of Iowa | Iowa City | Iowa | www.uiowa.edu | 37 |
Vatterott College-Dividend | Memphis | Tennessee | www.vatterott.edu | 37 |
Bakersfield College | Bakersfield | California | www.bakersfieldcollege.edu | 36 |
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith | Arkansas | uafs.edu | 36 |
Career Care Institute | Lancaster | California | www.ccicolleges.edu | 35 |
Lansing Community College | Lansing | Michigan | www.lcc.edu | 35 |
Northern Virginia Community College | Annandale | Virginia | www.nvcc.edu | 35 |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond | Virginia | www.vcu.edu | 35 |
South College | Knoxville | Tennessee | www.south.edu | 34 |
Southwestern Illinois College | Belleville | Illinois | www.swic.edu | 34 |
Century College | White Bear Lake | Minnesota | www.century.edu | 33 |
Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla | Aguadilla | Puerto Rico | aguadilla.inter.edu | 33 |
University of Louisiana at Monroe | Monroe | Louisiana | www.ulm.edu | 33 |
El Centro College | Dallas | Texas | www.elcentrocollege.edu | 32 |
Tidewater Community College | Norfolk | Virginia | www.tcc.edu | 32 |
Tyler Junior College | Tyler | Texas | www.tjc.edu | 32 |
Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Barranquitas | Barranquitas | Puerto Rico | www.br.inter.edu | 31 |
Lewis-Clark State College | Lewiston | Idaho | www.lcsc.edu | 31 |
Sinclair Community College | Dayton | Ohio | www.sinclair.edu | 31 |
Southern Union State Community College | Wadley | Alabama | www.suscc.edu | 31 |
The College of Health Care Professions-McAllen Campus | McAllen | Texas | www.chcp.edu | 31 |
West Georgia Technical College | Waco | Georgia | www.westgatech.edu | 31 |
Moorpark College | Moorpark | California | www.moorparkcollege.edu | 30 |
NHTI-Concord's Community College | Concord | New Hampshire | www.nhti.edu | 30 |
John Patrick University of Health and Applied Sciences | South Bend | Indiana | jpu.edu | 30 |
Wake Technical Community College | Raleigh | North Carolina | www.waketech.edu | 30 |
ATA Career Education | Spring Hill | Florida | www.atafl.edu | 29 |
Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction | Colorado | www.coloradomesa.edu | 29 |
Holy Family University | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | www.holyfamily.edu | 29 |
Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis | Indianapolis | Indiana | www.iupui.edu | 29 |
Laramie County Community College | Cheyenne | Wyoming | www.lccc.wy.edu | 29 |
St John's University-New York | Queens | New York | www.stjohns.edu | 29 |
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College | Valdosta | Georgia | www.wiregrass.edu | 29 |
City College of San Francisco | San Francisco | California | www.ccsf.edu | 28 |
County College of Morris | Randolph | New Jersey | www.ccm.edu | 28 |
Mt San Antonio College | Walnut | California | www.mtsac.edu | 28 |
Pueblo Community College | Pueblo | Colorado | www.pueblocc.edu | 28 |
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center | Houston | Texas | www.mdanderson.org | 28 |
University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne | Fort Wayne | Indiana | www.sf.edu | 28 |
California State University-Northridge | Northridge | California | www.csun.edu | 27 |
Fresno City College | Fresno | California | www.fresnocitycollege.edu | 27 |
George C Wallace State Community College-Hanceville | Hanceville | Alabama | www.wallacestate.edu | 27 |
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts | San Mateo | California | www.gurnick.edu | 27 |
Merced College | Merced | California | www.mccd.edu | 27 |
Merritt College | Oakland | California | www.merritt.edu | 27 |
Parker University | Dallas | Texas | www.parker.edu | 27 |
Riverside College of Health Careers | Newport News | Virginia | www.riverside.edu | 27 |
Saint Louis Community College | Bridgeton | Missouri | www.stlcc.edu | 27 |
Delaware Technical Community College-Terry | Dover | Delaware | www.dtcc.edu | 26 |
Lamar Institute of Technology | Beaumont | Texas | www.lit.edu | 26 |
Pennsylvania College of Technology | Williamsport | Pennsylvania | www.pct.edu | 26 |
Pima Medical Institute-Mesa | Mesa | Arizona | pmi.edu | 26 |
Bluegrass Community and Technical College | Lexington | Kentucky | bluegrass.kctcs.edu | 25 |
Henry Ford College | Dearborn | Michigan | www.hfcc.edu | 25 |
Massachusetts Bay Community College | Wellesley Hills | Massachusetts | www.massbay.edu | 25 |
North Dakota State University-Main Campus | Fargo | North Dakota | www.ndsu.edu | 25 |
Pasadena City College | Pasadena | California | pasadena.edu | 25 |
Rhode Island College | Providence | Rhode Island | www.ric.edu | 25 |
Salt Lake Community College | Salt Lake City | Utah | www.slcc.edu | 25 |
Sauk Valley Community College | Dixon | Illinois | www.svcc.edu | 25 |
Southern Crescent Technical College | Griffin | Georgia | www.sctech.edu | 25 |
Triton College | River Grove | Illinois | www.triton.edu | 25 |
Community College of Baltimore County | Baltimore | Maryland | www.ccbcmd.edu | 24 |
Delgado Community College | New Orleans | Louisiana | www.dcc.edu | 24 |
Northampton County Area Community College | Bethlehem | Pennsylvania | www.northampton.edu | 24 |
Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista | Chula Vista | California | pmi.edu | 24 |
Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Ponce | Mercedita | Puerto Rico | ponce.inter.edu | 23 |
Orange Coast College | Costa Mesa | California | www.orangecoastcollege.edu | 23 |
Austin Peay State University | Clarksville | Tennessee | www.apsu.edu | 23 |
Grady Health System Professional Schools | Atlanta | Georgia | www.gradyhealth.org | 23 |
Jefferson Community and Technical College | Louisville | Kentucky | jefferson.kctcs.edu | 23 |
Mercy College of Ohio | Toledo | Ohio | www.mercycollege.edu | 23 |
Santa Barbara City College | Santa Barbara | California | www.sbcc.edu | 23 |
Vatterott College-Berkeley | Berkeley | Missouri | www.vatterott.edu | 23 |
The College of Health Care Professions-Dallas | Dallas | Texas | www.chcp.edu | 22 |
Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies | Weslaco | Texas | vgi.edu | 22 |
Cabrillo College | Aptos | California | www.cabrillo.edu | 22 |
Columbus Technical College | Columbus | Georgia | www.columbustech.edu | 22 |
Johnston Community College | Smithfield | North Carolina | www.johnstoncc.edu | 22 |
Linn-Benton Community College | Albany | Oregon | www.linnbenton.edu | 22 |
McLennan Community College | Waco | Texas | www.mclennan.edu | 22 |
South Suburban College | South Holland | Illinois | www.ssc.edu | 22 |
Augusta Technical College | Augusta | Georgia | www.augustatech.edu | 21 |
Casper College | Casper | Wyoming | www.caspercollege.edu | 21 |
Central New Mexico Community College | Albuquerque | New Mexico | www.cnm.edu | 21 |
Grand Rapids Community College | Grand Rapids | Michigan | www.grcc.edu | 21 |
Mount Aloysius College | Cresson | Pennsylvania | www.mtaloy.edu | 21 |
The University of Montana | Missoula | Montana | www.umt.edu | 21 |
Tulsa Community College | Tulsa | Oklahoma | www.tulsacc.edu | 21 |
University of Alaska Anchorage | Anchorage | Alaska | www.uaa.alaska.edu | 21 |
Weatherford College | Weatherford | Texas | www.wc.edu | 21 |
William Rainey Harper College | Palatine | Illinois | www.harpercollege.edu | 21 |
Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences | Memphis | Tennessee | www.bchs.edu | 20 |
Concorde Career College-Memphis | Memphis | Tennessee | www.concorde.edu/campus/memphis-tennessee | 20 |
Del Mar College | Corpus Christi | Texas | www.delmar.edu | 20 |
El Camino Community College District | Torrance | California | www.elcamino.edu | 20 |
Florida Career College-Miami | Miami | Florida | www.floridacareercollege.edu | 20 |
Marshall University | Huntington | West Virginia | www.marshall.edu | 20 |
Mitchell Technical Institute | Mitchell | South Dakota | www.mitchelltech.edu | 20 |
Moraine Valley Community College | Palos Hills | Illinois | www.morainevalley.edu | 20 |
Pearl River Community College | Poplarville | Mississippi | www.prcc.edu | 20 |
Red Rocks Community College | Lakewood | Colorado | www.rrcc.edu | 20 |
Santa Rosa Junior College | Santa Rosa | California | www.santarosa.edu | 20 |
Tarrant County College District | Fort Worth | Texas | www.tccd.edu | 20 |
Vance-Granville Community College | Henderson | North Carolina | www.vgcc.edu | 20 |
Washburn University | Topeka | Kansas | www.washburn.edu | 20 |
Westmoreland County Community College | Youngwood | Pennsylvania | westmoreland.edu | 20 |
Angelina College | Lufkin | Texas | www.angelina.edu | 19 |
Boston University | Boston | Massachusetts | www.bu.edu | 19 |
Cox College | Springfield | Missouri | coxcollege.edu | 19 |
Hinds Community College | Raymond | Mississippi | www.hindscc.edu | 19 |
Johnson College | Scranton | Pennsylvania | www.johnson.edu | 19 |
Kaskaskia College | Centralia | Illinois | www.kaskaskia.edu | 19 |
Lake Superior College | Duluth | Minnesota | www.lsc.edu | 19 |
Louisiana State University-Eunice | Eunice | Louisiana | www.lsue.edu | 19 |
Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights | Kentucky | www.nku.edu | 19 |
Pima Community College | Tucson | Arizona | www.pima.edu | 19 |
Pitt Community College | Winterville | North Carolina | www.pittcc.edu | 19 |
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College | Bowling Green | Kentucky | southcentral.kctcs.edu | 19 |
Southern Regional Technical College | Thomasville | Georgia | southernregional.edu | 19 |
Spokane Community College | Spokane | Washington | scc.spokane.edu | 19 |
Vatterott College-Appling Farms | Memphis | Tennessee | www.vatterott.edu | 19 |
Arizona Western College | Yuma | Arizona | www.azwestern.edu | 18 |
ATA College | Louisville | Kentucky | www.ata.edu | 18 |
Central Arizona College | Coolidge | Arizona | www.centralaz.edu | 18 |
Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science | Los Angeles | California | www.cdrewu.edu | 18 |
Florida National University-Main Campus | Hialeah | Florida | www.fnu.edu | 18 |
Forsyth Technical Community College | Winston-Salem | North Carolina | www.forsythtech.edu | 18 |
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University | Baton Rouge | Louisiana | www.franu.edu | 18 |
Gateway Community College | New Haven | Connecticut | www.gatewayct.edu | 18 |
Gwinnett Technical College | Lawrenceville | Georgia | www.gwinnetttech.edu | 18 |
Indian Hills Community College | Ottumwa | Iowa | www.indianhills.edu | 18 |
James A Rhodes State College | Lima | Ohio | www.rhodesstate.edu | 18 |
Kilgore College | Kilgore | Texas | www.kilgore.edu | 18 |
Lanier Technical College | Gainesville | Georgia | www.laniertech.edu | 18 |
McNeese State University | Lake Charles | Louisiana | www.mcneese.edu | 18 |
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College | Perkinston | Mississippi | www.mgccc.edu | 18 |
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health | Omaha | Nebraska | www.methodistcollege.edu | 18 |
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences | Lancaster | Pennsylvania | www.pacollege.edu | 18 |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Charlottesville | Virginia | www.pvcc.edu | 18 |
Covenant School of Nursing and Allied Health | Lubbock | Texas | www.covenanthealth.org | 17 |
Jefferson State Community College | Birmingham | Alabama | www.jeffersonstate.edu | 17 |
Athens Technical College | Athens | Georgia | www.athenstech.edu | 17 |
City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College | Chicago | Illinois | www.ccc.edu/colleges/wright | 17 |
Harrisburg Area Community College | Harrisburg | Pennsylvania | www.hacc.edu | 17 |
Iowa Central Community College | Fort Dodge | Iowa | www.iowacentral.edu | 17 |
Jackson College | Jackson | Michigan | www.jccmi.edu | 17 |
Joliet Junior College | Joliet | Illinois | www.jjc.edu | 17 |
Kettering College | Kettering | Ohio | kc.edu | 17 |
Lone Star College System | The Woodlands | Texas | www.lonestar.edu | 17 |
Maine College of Health Professions | Lewiston | Maine | www.mchp.edu | 17 |
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science | Rochester | Minnesota | college.mayo.edu | 17 |
Northwestern College-Southwestern Campus | Bridgeview | Illinois | www.nc.edu | 17 |
Ogeechee Technical College | Statesboro | Georgia | www.ogeecheetech.edu | 17 |
Paris Junior College | Paris | Texas | www.parisjc.edu | 17 |
Regis College | Weston | Massachusetts | www.regiscollege.edu | 17 |
Somerset Community College | Somerset | Kentucky | somerset.kctcs.edu | 17 |
Southwest Baptist University | Bolivar | Missouri | www.sbuniv.edu | 17 |
Tulsa Technology Center | Tulsa | Oklahoma | tulsatech.edu | 17 |
University of Mary | Bismarck | North Dakota | www.umary.edu | 17 |
Yakima Valley College | Yakima | Washington | www.yvcc.edu | 17 |
Yuba College | Marysville | California | yc.yccd.edu | 17 |
Cleveland Clinic Health System-School of Diagnostic Imaging | Euclid | Ohio | portals.clevelandclinic.org/sdi | 16 |
Aims Community College | Greeley | Colorado | www.aims.edu | 16 |
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College | Asheville | North Carolina | www.abtech.edu | 16 |
Bon Secours St Mary's Hospital School of Medical Imaging | Richmond | Virginia | www.mysomi.org | 16 |
Canada College | Redwood City | California | canadacollege.edu | 16 |
Carteret Community College | Morehead City | North Carolina | www.carteret.edu | 16 |
Central Ohio Technical College | Newark | Ohio | www.cotc.edu | 16 |
Chattahoochee Technical College | Marietta | Georgia | www.chattahoocheetech.edu | 16 |
Concorde Career College-Aurora | Aurora | Colorado | www.concorde.edu/campus/aurora-colorado | 16 |
Eastern Iowa Community College District | Davenport | Iowa | www.eicc.edu | 16 |
Edgecombe Community College | Tarboro | North Carolina | www.edgecombe.edu | 16 |
Fortis Institute-Nashville | Nashville | Tennessee | www.fortis.edu | 16 |
Gadsden State Community College | Gadsden | Alabama | www.gadsdenstate.edu | 16 |
Kellogg Community College | Battle Creek | Michigan | www.kellogg.edu | 16 |
North Central Texas College | Gainesville | Texas | www.nctc.edu | 16 |
Northland Community and Technical College | Thief River Falls | Minnesota | www.northlandcollege.edu | 16 |
Owens Community College | Perrysburg | Ohio | www.owens.edu | 16 |
Parkland College | Champaign | Illinois | www.parkland.edu | 16 |
Wenatchee Valley College | Wenatchee | Washington | www.wvc.edu | 16 |
Blinn College | Brenham | Texas | www.blinn.edu | 15 |
Community College of Philadelphia | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | www.ccp.edu | 15 |
Crafton Hills College | Yucaipa | California | www.craftonhills.edu | 15 |
Dalton State College | Dalton | Georgia | www.daltonstate.edu | 15 |
Fortis Institute-Cookeville | Cookeville | Tennessee | www.fortis.edu | 15 |
Grayson College | Denison | Texas | grayson.edu | 15 |
Hutchinson Community College | Hutchinson | Kansas | www.hutchcc.edu | 15 |
Jefferson College | Hillsboro | Missouri | www.jeffco.edu | 15 |
Lincoln Land Community College | Springfield | Illinois | www.llcc.edu | 15 |
Louisiana State University-Alexandria | Alexandria | Louisiana | www.lsua.edu | 15 |
Madisonville Community College | Madisonville | Kentucky | madisonville.kctcs.edu | 15 |
North Central State College | Mansfield | Ohio | www.ncstatecollege.edu | 15 |
Rush University | Chicago | Illinois | www.rushu.rush.edu | 15 |
South Texas College | McAllen | Texas | www.southtexascollege.edu | 15 |
Southern Vermont College | Bennington | Vermont | svc.edu | 15 |
State Fair Community College | Sedalia | Missouri | www.sfccmo.edu | 15 |
SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | Alfred | New York | www.alfredstate.edu | 15 |
West Virginia University Hospital Departments of Rad Tech and Nutrition | Morgantown | West Virginia | www.wvuhradtech.com | 15 |
Olney Central College | Olney | Illinois | www.iecc.edu | 14 |
Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences | Canton | Ohio | www.aultmancollege.edu | 14 |
Baton Rouge General Medical Center-School of Nursing | Baton Rouge | Louisiana | www.brgeneral.org/medical-education/school-of-nursing | 14 |
Cape Fear Community College | Wilmington | North Carolina | www.cfcc.edu | 14 |
Carolinas College of Health Sciences | Charlotte | North Carolina | www.carolinascollege.edu | 14 |
Dixie State University | Saint George | Utah | dixie.edu | 14 |
George C Wallace Community College-Dothan | Dothan | Alabama | www.wallace.edu | 14 |
H Councill Trenholm State Community College | Montgomery | Alabama | www.trenholmstate.edu | 14 |
Kankakee Community College | Kankakee | Illinois | www.kcc.edu | 14 |
Kennebec Valley Community College | Fairfield | Maine | www.kvcc.me.edu | 14 |
Mercy College of Health Sciences | Des Moines | Iowa | www.mchs.edu | 14 |
Montana State University Billings | Billings | Montana | www.msubillings.edu | 14 |
Northeast Iowa Community College | Calmar | Iowa | www.nicc.edu | 14 |
Oakland University | Rochester Hills | Michigan | www.oakland.edu | 14 |
Odessa College | Odessa | Texas | www.odessa.edu | 14 |
Quinsigamond Community College | Worcester | Massachusetts | www.qcc.edu | 14 |
Riverland Community College | Austin | Minnesota | www.riverland.edu | 14 |
South Plains College | Levelland | Texas | www.southplainscollege.edu | 14 |
Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College | Cumberland | Kentucky | southeast.kctcs.edu | 14 |
Southern Maine Community College | South Portland | Maine | www.smccme.edu | 14 |
West Kentucky Community and Technical College | Paducah | Kentucky | westkentucky.kctcs.edu | 14 |
Baptist Health College Little Rock | Little Rock | Arkansas | www.bhclr.edu | 13 |
Champlain College | Burlington | Vermont | www.champlain.edu | 13 |
College of Coastal Georgia | Brunswick | Georgia | www.ccga.edu | 13 |
Eastern Maine Community College | Bangor | Maine | www.emcc.edu | 13 |
Fayetteville Technical Community College | Fayetteville | North Carolina | www.faytechcc.edu | 13 |
Guilford Technical Community College | Jamestown | North Carolina | www.gtcc.edu | 13 |
Hazard Community and Technical College | Hazard | Kentucky | hazard.kctcs.edu | 13 |
Itawamba Community College | Fulton | Mississippi | www.iccms.edu | 13 |
MCPHS University | Boston | Massachusetts | www.mcphs.edu | 13 |
Metro Technology Centers | Oklahoma City | Oklahoma | www.metrotech.edu | 13 |
North Shore Community College | Danvers | Massachusetts | www.northshore.edu | 13 |
Northern Michigan University | Marquette | Michigan | www.nmu.edu | 13 |
Sandhills Community College | Pinehurst | North Carolina | www.sandhills.edu | 13 |
Southwest University at El Paso | El Paso | Texas | southwestuniversity.edu | 13 |
Wharton County Junior College | Wharton | Texas | www.wcjc.edu | 13 |
Universidad Central Del Caribe | Bayamon | Puerto Rico | www.uccaribe.edu | 12 |
Allen College | Waterloo | Iowa | www.allencollege.edu | 12 |
Carl Sandburg College | Galesburg | Illinois | www.sandburg.edu | 12 |
Central Virginia Community College | Lynchburg | Virginia | www.centralvirginia.edu | 12 |
Coastal Bend College | Beeville | Texas | www.coastalbend.edu | 12 |
Coastal Pines Technical College | Waycross | Georgia | www.coastalpines.edu | 12 |
College of Southern Idaho | Twin Falls | Idaho | www.csi.edu | 12 |
Columbia Basin College | Pasco | Washington | www.columbiabasin.edu | 12 |
Copiah-Lincoln Community College | Wesson | Mississippi | www.colin.edu | 12 |
Danville Area Community College | Danville | Illinois | www.dacc.edu | 12 |
DLP Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center | Johnstown | Pennsylvania | www.conemaugh.org | 12 |
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | Teaneck | New Jersey | www.fdu.edu | 12 |
Florida Career College-Orlando | Orlando | Florida | www.floridacareercollege.edu | 12 |
Georgia Northwestern Technical College | Rome | Georgia | www.gntc.edu | 12 |
Hackensack Meridian Health JFK Medical Center Muhlenberg Harold B Dorothy A Snyder Schools-School of Imaging | Plainfield | New Jersey | www.jfkmuhlenbergschools.org | 12 |
ICPR Junior College-Mayaguez | Mayaguez | Puerto Rico | www.icprjc.edu | 12 |
Jones County Junior College | Ellisville | Mississippi | www.jcjc.edu | 12 |
Labette Community College | Parsons | Kansas | www.labette.edu | 12 |
Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing | Medford | Massachusetts | www.lmregis.org | 12 |
Montgomery County Community College | Blue Bell | Pennsylvania | www.mc3.edu | 12 |
Owensboro Community and Technical College | Owensboro | Kentucky | owensboro.kctcs.edu | 12 |
Randolph Community College | Asheboro | North Carolina | www.randolph.edu | 12 |
Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences | Reading | Pennsylvania | www.readinghealth.org | 12 |
Roxbury Community College | Roxbury Crossing | Massachusetts | www.rcc.mass.edu | 12 |
Southern University at Shreveport | Shreveport | Louisiana | www.susla.edu | 12 |
St Luke's College | Sioux City | Iowa | www.stlukescollege.edu | 12 |
Stanly Community College | Albemarle | North Carolina | www.stanly.edu | 12 |
Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences | Rock Island | Illinois | www.trinitycollegeqc.edu | 12 |
Union County College | Cranford | New Jersey | www.ucc.edu | 12 |
University of Holy Cross | New Orleans | Louisiana | uhcno.edu | 12 |
University of Rio Grande | Rio Grande | Ohio | www.rio.edu | 12 |
Yavapai College | Prescott | Arizona | www.yc.edu | 12 |
Indiana University-South Bend | South Bend | Indiana | www.iusb.edu | 11 |
Alvernia University | Reading | Pennsylvania | www.alvernia.edu | 11 |
Bellin College | Green Bay | Wisconsin | www.bellincollege.edu | 11 |
Indiana University-Kokomo | Kokomo | Indiana | www.iuk.edu | 11 |
Kishwaukee College | Malta | Illinois | www.kish.edu | 11 |
Meridian Technology Center | Stillwater | Oklahoma | www.meridiantech.edu | 11 |
Mineral Area College | Park Hills | Missouri | www.mineralarea.edu | 11 |
Minnesota State College Southeast | Winona | Minnesota | www.southeastmn.edu | 11 |
Minnesota West Community and Technical College | Granite Falls | Minnesota | www.mnwest.edu | 11 |
Missouri State University-Springfield | Springfield | Missouri | www.missouristate.edu | 11 |
Pioneer Pacific College | Beaverton | Oregon | www.pioneerpacific.edu | 11 |
Sanford Medical Center | Sioux Falls | South Dakota | www.sanfordhealth.org | 11 |
Springfield Technical Community College | Springfield | Massachusetts | www.stcc.edu | 11 |
University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences | San Juan | Puerto Rico | www.rcm.upr.edu | 11 |
Washington State Community College | Marietta | Ohio | www.wscc.edu | 11 |
Albany State University | Albany | Georgia | www.asurams.edu | 10 |
Avera McKennan Hospital School of Radiologic Technology | Sioux Falls | South Dakota | www.avera.org | 10 |
Catawba Valley Community College | Hickory | North Carolina | www.cvcc.edu | 10 |
CHI Health School of Radiologic Technology | Omaha | Nebraska | www.chihealth.com/school-of-radiologic-technology | 10 |
Cleveland Community College | Shelby | North Carolina | www.clevelandcc.edu | 10 |
Concordia College-New York | Bronxville | New York | www.concordia-ny.edu | 10 |
Elgin Community College | Elgin | Illinois | www.elgin.edu | 10 |
Laredo College | Laredo | Texas | www.laredo.edu | 10 |
Macomb Community College | Warren | Michigan | www.macomb.edu | 10 |
Mercy-St Luke's School of Radiologic Technology | Cedar Rapids | Iowa | www.unitypoint.org/cedarrapids/school-of-radiologic-technology.aspx | 10 |
Mississippi Delta Community College | Moorhead | Mississippi | www.msdelta.edu | 10 |
Northeast Mississippi Community College | Booneville | Mississippi | www.nemcc.edu | 10 |
Robeson Community College | Lumberton | North Carolina | www.robeson.edu | 10 |
Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences | Cape Girardeau | Missouri | www.sehcollege.edu | 10 |
St Clair County Community College | Port Huron | Michigan | www.sc4.edu | 10 |
State Technical College of Missouri | Linn | Missouri | www.statetechmo.edu | 10 |
Florida Career College-Margate | Margate | Florida | www.floridacareercollege.edu | 9 |
Gannon University | Erie | Pennsylvania | www.gannon.edu | 9 |
Highlands College of Montana Tech | Butte | Montana | www.mtech.edu | 9 |
John Wood Community College | Quincy | Illinois | www.jwcc.edu | 9 |
Lake Michigan College | Benton Harbor | Michigan | www.lakemichigancollege.edu | 9 |
Morgan Community College | Fort Morgan | Colorado | www.morgancc.edu | 9 |
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College | Johnstown | Pennsylvania | www.pennhighlands.edu | 9 |
Richland Community College | Decatur | Illinois | www.richland.edu | 9 |
Southeastern Technical College | Vidalia | Georgia | www.southeasterntech.edu | 9 |
University of Central Missouri | Warrensburg | Missouri | www.ucmo.edu | 9 |
Xavier University | Cincinnati | Ohio | www.xavier.edu | 9 |
Albany Technical College | Albany | Georgia | www.albanytech.edu | 8 |
Antelope Valley College | Lancaster | California | www.avc.edu | 8 |
Colorado State University-Fort Collins | Fort Collins | Colorado | www.colostate.edu | 8 |
CVPH Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology | Plattsburgh | New York | www.cvph.org | 8 |
El Paso Community College | El Paso | Texas | www.epcc.edu | 8 |
Fortis College-Columbus | Westerville | Ohio | www.fortiscollege.edu | 8 |
Fortis College-Grand Prairie | Grand Prairie | Texas | www.fortis.edu | 8 |
Great Basin College | Elko | Nevada | www.gbcnv.edu | 8 |
Gwynedd Mercy University | Gwynedd Valley | Pennsylvania | www.gmercyu.edu | 8 |
Herzing University-Winter Park | Winter Park | Florida | www.herzing.edu | 8 |
Howard College | Big Spring | Texas | www.howardcollege.edu | 8 |
Meridian Community College | Meridian | Mississippi | www.meridiancc.edu | 8 |
O C Collins Career Center | Chesapeake | Ohio | www.collins-cc.edu | 8 |
Oconee Fall Line Technical College | Sandersville | Georgia | www.oftc.edu | 8 |
Presentation College | Aberdeen | South Dakota | www.presentation.edu | 8 |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Cedar Bluff | Virginia | sw.edu | 8 |
Southwestern Community College | Sylva | North Carolina | www.southwesterncc.edu | 8 |
Wilkes Community College | Wilkesboro | North Carolina | www.wilkescc.edu | 8 |
York College of Pennsylvania | York | Pennsylvania | www.ycp.edu | 8 |
Fortis College-Baton Rouge | Baton Rouge | Louisiana | www.fortis.edu | 7 |
Heartland Community College | Normal | Illinois | www.heartland.edu | 7 |
Henderson State University | Arkadelphia | Arkansas | www.hsu.edu | 7 |
Inter American University of Puerto Rico-San German | San German | Puerto Rico | www.sg.inter.edu | 7 |
Northwest Iowa Community College | Sheldon | Iowa | www.nwicc.edu | 7 |
Texas Southmost College | Brownsville | Texas | www.tsc.edu | 7 |
Atlanta Technical College | Atlanta | Georgia | atlantatech.edu | 7 |
Arnot Ogden Medical Center | Elmira | New York | www.arnothealth.org | 7 |
Atlantic Cape Community College | Mays Landing | New Jersey | www.atlantic.edu | 7 |
Florida Career College | Pembroke Pines | Florida | www.floridacareercollege.edu | 7 |
Autry Technology Center | Enid | Oklahoma | autrytech.edu | 6 |
Avera Sacred Heart Hospital | Yankton | South Dakota | www.averasacredheart.org | 6 |
Butler County Community College | Butler | Pennsylvania | www.bc3.edu | 6 |
Florida Career College-Hialeah | Hialeah | Florida | www.floridacareercollege.edu | 6 |
Hudson County Community College | Jersey City | New Jersey | www.hccc.edu | 6 |
ICPR Junior College-Arecibo | Arecibo | Puerto Rico | www.icprjc.edu | 6 |
ICPR Junior College-Manati | Manatà | Puerto Rico | www.icprjc.edu | 6 |
Lenoir Community College | Kinston | North Carolina | www.lenoircc.edu | 6 |
Mount Marty College | Yankton | South Dakota | www.mtmc.edu | 6 |
Purdue University Fort Wayne | Fort Wayne | Indiana | www.pfw.edu | 6 |
River Valley Community College | Claremont | New Hampshire | www.rivervalley.edu | 6 |
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College | Salisbury | North Carolina | www.rccc.edu | 6 |
Virginia Highlands Community College | Abingdon | Virginia | www.vhcc.edu | 6 |
St Francis Medical Center-School of Radiologic Technology | Trenton | New Jersey | www.stfrancismedical.org/education-programs/school-of-radiologic-technology | 5 |
Bellevue College | Bellevue | Washington | bellevuecollege.edu | 5 |
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute | Hudson | North Carolina | www.cccti.edu | 5 |
Flathead Valley Community College | Kalispell | Montana | www.fvcc.edu | 5 |
Northwest Missouri State University | Maryville | Missouri | www.nwmissouri.edu | 5 |
Santa Fe Community College | Santa Fe | New Mexico | www.sfcc.edu | 5 |
University of St Francis | Joliet | Illinois | www.stfrancis.edu | 5 |
North Iowa Area Community College | Mason City | Iowa | www.niacc.edu | 4 |
Portland Community College | Portland | Oregon | www.pcc.edu | 4 |
Washington Hospital School of Radiologic Technology | Washington | Pennsylvania | www.washingtonhospital.org | 4 |
Abdill Career College Inc | Medford | Oregon | www.abdill.com | 3 |
Manhattan College | Riverdale | New York | www.manhattan.edu | 3 |
Quinnipiac University | Hamden | Connecticut | www.qu.edu | 3 |
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences | Little Rock | Arkansas | www.uams.edu | 3 |
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences | Concord | North Carolina | atriumhealth.org/education/cabarrus-college-of-health-sciences | 2 |
City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College | Chicago | Illinois | www.ccc.edu/colleges/malcolm-x | 1 |
Lewis University | Romeoville | Illinois | www.lewisu.edu | 1 |
Mount Mary University | Milwaukee | Wisconsin | www.mtmary.edu | 1 |
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | Winona | Minnesota | www.smumn.edu | 1 |
San Joaquin Delta College | Stockton | California | www.deltacollege.edu | 1 |
Online & Hybrid Programs in Radiologic Technology
University of Cincinnati Online
Cleveland University Kansas City
While there is 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. Applicants should be sure to ask coordinators of online programs about the school’s state authorization status.
For students seeking this convenient learning format, the following are some online or hybrid radiologic technologist schools:
Indian Hills Community College: Based in Ottumwa, Iowa, 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 2012 and 2016, the five-year passing rate among students was an impressive 96 percent.
Southeast Community College: Based in Lincoln, Nebraska, 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, Indiana, 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 IU Health Methodist Hospital in Muncie.
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 | grads (2018) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pima Medical Institute-Tucson | Tucson | Arizona | pmi.edu | 162 |
AdventHealth University | Orlando | Florida | www.ahu.edu | 94 |
The College of Health Care Professions-Northwest | Houston | Texas | www.chcp.edu | 89 |
Northwestern State University of Louisiana | Natchitoches | Louisiana | www.nsula.edu | 49 |
Siena Heights University | Adrian | Michigan | www.sienaheights.edu | 49 |
University of Mississippi | University | Mississippi | www.olemiss.edu | 47 |
East Tennessee State University | Johnson City | Tennessee | www.etsu.edu | 44 |
ECPI University | Virginia Beach | Virginia | www.ecpi.edu | 37 |
University of Nebraska Medical Center | Omaha | Nebraska | www.unmc.edu | 37 |
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith | Arkansas | uafs.edu | 36 |
Lansing Community College | Lansing | Michigan | www.lcc.edu | 35 |
University of Southern Indiana | Evansville | Indiana | www.usi.edu | 34 |
University of Louisiana at Monroe | Monroe | Louisiana | www.ulm.edu | 33 |
Baptist Health System School of Health Professions | San Antonio | Texas | www.bshp.edu | 30 |
Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction | Colorado | www.coloradomesa.edu | 29 |
Saint Joseph's College of Maine | Standish | Maine | www.sjcme.edu | 29 |
Linn-Benton Community College | Albany | Oregon | www.linnbenton.edu | 22 |
Marian University | Fond Du Lac | Wisconsin | www.marianuniversity.edu | 22 |
University of Alaska Anchorage | Anchorage | Alaska | www.uaa.alaska.edu | 21 |
Loma Linda University | Loma Linda | California | home.llu.edu | 19 |
Cox College | Springfield | Missouri | coxcollege.edu | 19 |
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health | Omaha | Nebraska | www.methodistcollege.edu | 18 |
Ogeechee Technical College | Statesboro | Georgia | www.ogeecheetech.edu | 17 |
Bluefield State College | Bluefield | West Virginia | www.bluefieldstate.edu | 12 |
Illinois Central College | East Peoria | Illinois | icc.edu | 12 |
Minnesota State Community and Technical College | Fergus Falls | Minnesota | www.minnesota.edu | 10 |
Presentation College | Aberdeen | South Dakota | www.presentation.edu | 8 |
Central Penn College | Summerdale | Pennsylvania | www.centralpenn.edu | 2 |
University of Alaska Southeast | Juneau | Alaska | www.uas.alaska.edu | 2 |
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 ARRT, a person must have graduated from an accredited associate, bachelor’s, or graduate-level program.
One of the most recognized programmatic 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. The JRCERT website lists the full set of standards used when deciding whether to grant accreditation to a school, as well as a convenient 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 ARRT provides a full list of approved radiologic technologist schools programs that will ensure credentialing eligibility for graduates.
Career Outlook
As mentioned in the introduction, the outlook is bright for radiologic technologists. By illustration, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2017) predicts that openings for radiologic technologists will increase 12 percent between 2016 and 20264, faster than the average growth projected across all occupations during that time period (7 percent). With 205,200 of these healthcare professionals currently working across the country and the expected addition of 25,300 more positions, it’s a career with expanding opportunities. The BLS (2017) adds that a majority of radiologic technologists work in hospitals (59 percent), followed by medical and diagnostic laboratories (20 percent), and the offices of physicians (13 percent).
Furthermore, the salary prospects are also promising, particularly for a career which requires a two-year degree. In fact, the BLS (2017) found that radiologic technologists make an average annual salary of $60,320 with the following percentiles:
10th percentile: $39,840
25th percentile: $47,380
50th percentile (median): $58,440
75th percentile: $71,810
90th percentile: $84,110
In a recent survey on compensation, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT 2016, available behind paywall) 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 survey. Radiologic technologists in California earn the highest annual compensation at $92,396, followed by those in Washington DC at $81,083. Notably, the BLS (2017), found slightly lower averages in these regions at $77,650 and $77,500, respectively—but this may be due to the nature of data collection and the differing time frames.
Career Facts | Radiologic Technologist |
---|---|
Related Careers | Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, MRI Technologist, Neurodiagnostic Technologist, Nuclear Medical Technologist, Radiation Therapist |
Common Job Titles | Diagnostic Radiographer, Radiographer, Radiologic Technologist, RT, X-Ray Technologist |
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 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, applicants can consult the ARRT state credentialing page 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. ARRT continuing education requirements are available on the ARRT website.