Radiology Technology is a very important aspect of modern medicine, which can be used in detecting ulcers and other injuries, as well as to align broken bones, by using x-ray imaging. In this writing, we shall be exploring the different Radiology Technician and Technology Schools available for you.
What is Radiology Technology?
Radiology Technology is the art and science of using radiation to provide images of the body organs, bones, soft tissues, and vessels in the human body. These images get from the x-ray are then used to detect and diagnose disease, injury, or congenital deformity. So, the accurate result of the radiographic examination is used to diagnose and treat the patients. Radiology technicians are responsible for carrying out X-rays and they are an essential aspect of a medical team, as they work hand in hand, with other medical experts, to provide healthcare services to individuals.
Why Study Radiology Technology. Is Radiology Technology a good career?
Radiology Technology is a core aspect of medicine, which helps in the diagnosis of diseases and to check the state of the organs in the human body.Here are some interesting reasons why you should consider choosing a career in radiology technology:
- It allows you to specialize in several areas in radiology technology: In studying to become a radiology technician, you can choose to specialize in several areas, such as mammography, diagnostic x-ray, bone densitometry, etc. This allows you to be an expert in your field, gather experience to work at a medical facility, and also do research in any area of specialization you like.
- Another core reason why you should study radiology technology is because of the increase in demand for professionals in the field. Individuals of different age groups, most especially the ageing population require diagnostic imaging to treat and manage different medical conditions. This is very important and points to the fact that radiology technicians are ever in demand, to provide healthcare services.
- As a radiology technician, you would also be able to help people, in the course of your work. Asides from doing your professional job of carrying out x-ray exercises, you are also able to give encouraging words to patients, reassure them and urge them on, during their treatment period.
- Everyone loves to have good rewards for their work, and this is one of the juicy aspects of being a radiology technician. Radiology technicians are highly paid workers, who are well sought after; hence, well paid for services rendered.
- Flexibility to work alone or in groups: Radiology Technicians also have the flexibility to decide whether they want to work, as a one-man professional, or with a team of other experts. This flexibility helps you to be in charge of a medical condition when working alone. And when working in a team, it allows you to learn from other experts.
- Radiology Technicians contribute significantly to the medical field, as they are changing the landscape of medicine through advanced research and work. They also help top doctors to better understand and treat critical illnesses, through their x-ray imaging, which is used in diagnosis.
How much does a Radiology Technician earn?
The salary of a radiology technician differs; based on the institution where they work, years of experience, area of specialization in radiology technology, etc. However, the average annual salary of a radiology technician is $63,120.
What is Radiology Technology and Technician School like?
Radiology Technology and Technician School like every other specialized institution require hard work. So, I wouldn’t say Radiology Tech school is hard or not, I would rather opine that you get your mind prepared for the various challenges you would encounter, as you start and all the way, till you complete your program. Now, the following can be done to help prepare you for Radiology Technology school: To start with, be clear with your expectations, as to what you would encounter while studying to become a radiology technician. This would help prepare your mind, as to what you need to do, to ensure that you succeed in school. There are several courses that you would be required to offer as you study to be a Radiology technician, such as radiation biology, fluoroscopy, components of x-ray, how the X-rays are produced, bones and their bony landmarks, etc. Also, you should be prepared to do intensive studying to help you scale through. You can use flashcards, which would help you memorize concepts, as well as remember important parts of your notes. Studying in groups would also go a long way, in helping you learn from others and get better perspectives to your schoolwork. You would also need to cut down on some excesses, such as watching Netflix for long hours, partying every day of the week, etc. Finally, being an x-ray technician would require that you are passionate about this field of study. This is because, it surely gets tough along the way, however, it is the passion you have to help humanity with the knowledge you would get from the course, that would help you stay on course on tough days.
How much does a Radiology Technician School cost?
The costs required to be in a radiology technician school are dependent on the school, the area of specialization, and the kind of program being enrolled into. However, on an average, the following costs are required to be enrolled into a radiology technician school: Certificate: $6,000- $20,000Bachelor’s Degree: $15,000- $43,000 Associate Degree: $4,000- $30,000. There could be additional costs for other things, such as room, books, uniforms, etc.
How long does it take a radiologist technician to go to school?
The duration for a course in radiology technology is dependent on the kind of degree, being enrolled for. For a Bachelor’s Degree, it takes 4 years to complete the course. And for an Associate Degree, it takes 2 years to complete the course.
Which Body accredites Radiology Technology Programs?
The body responsible for accrediting Radiology Technology Programs in the US is JCERT.JCERT stands for Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiology Technology. JCERT is involved in ensuring the quality and safety of patient care by duly accrediting qualified educational programs in radiography, radiation, therapy, magnetic resonance, medical dosimetry, etc. They ensure that these programs are taken in accredited institutions, hospitals, and medical centers, where the equipment and human resource needed for the program are available. They are also committed to promoting the welfare of patients, protect the rights of students, ensure that educational quality is upheld and not compromised, as well as collaborate with other organizations to advance the profession. JCERT also exemplifies the highest ethical principles in its actions and decisions.
20 Radiology Technician and Technology Schools in 2022
1. Loma Linda University(LLU)
This school offers a Bachelor of Science in Radiation Science, which enables students interested in radiology to study a unique blend of radiology-related coursework. They also offer a Masters in Radiologist Assistant, as well as a Masters of Science in Radiation Sciences. Here, students learn the nitty-gritty of the radiology technology profession, as well as be educated in leadership, policy, education, and administration, for those interested in picking up a management position in a radiologic department. The length of the program is 2 years, and the program is readily accredited by relevant bodies. Link to the program
2. Marian University, Fond Du Lac, WI
Here, students who already have their American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Certificate are eligible for the Bachelors of Science in Radiologic Technology Program. The program is designed to help to practice radiologic technicians advance in their careers, by moving into a management role. The Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology requires 60 credits for the program and the tuition for this course is $28,100 per year. Link to the program
3. Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction, CO
This school offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Radiologic Sciences for students who are not yet certified, but who already have an associate degree. The program focuses on upper-level radiologic courses, such as advanced patient care, applied computer tomography, principles of magnetic resonance imaging, etc. The program has a total of 120 credits, spans for two semesters, and is duly certified by JCERT. The cost for the program is $434 per credit. Link to the program
4. Adventist University of Health Sciences, Orlando, FL
This school offers a Bachelor’s of Science in Radiologic Sciences, for students who wish to advance their career in radiographic technology. To be eligible for the program, students would have to be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The curriculum is distributed between general education and specialized courses in radiologic sciences. The course has a total of 66 credits, spans for three trimesters, and the cost for the program is $630 per credit. Link to the program
5. ECPI University, Virginia Beach, VA
They have a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences course, which aims at providing additional training to practicing registered radiographers, who wish to expand their professional growth into administration, leadership, and management positions. This course guides individuals to be able to take on more strategic roles, in the delivery of radiographic medical services to patients. The course has a total of 32 credits and takes place for 30 months. It is duly certified by JCERT, and the cost is $6,960 per semester. Link to the program
6. The College of Health Care Professions, NorthWest, Houston
This school offers the Radiologic Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree to individuals, who do not possess an associate degree, but who have Texas Licensure with Limited Medical Radiology Certification (LMRT). The program covers courses, such as patient care and pharmacology, advanced imaging, radiology pathology, etc. General courses, such as psychology, English composition would also be taught, and upon graduation, students would be able to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination. The program has a total of 78 credits, lasts for about 64 weeks, and is duly accredited.The total cost for the program is $25,300. Link to the program
7. Pima Medical Institute, Tucson, AZ:
This school offers practicing radiologic professionals, who are ready to step up in their career by earning a Bachelor’s Degree. In this program, students would take courses, such as advanced anatomy, pharmacology, healthcare management, etc. The course has a total of 120 credits to be completed in 15 months. It is a JCERT accredited program, and it costs $20,014. Link to the program
8. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, Standish, ME
The Associate of Science in Radiologic Science Administration, as well as Bachelor of Science in Radiological Science Administration Program, are offered at this institution. The courses include general education courses, as well as specialized courses in radiology. Depending on the degree to be bagged, an incoming student may receive up to 50 credits toward the completion of their Bachelor of Science at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine. The Associate of Science in Radiologic Science Administration has a total of 66 credits, to be completed in about 2 years and the cost of the program is $557 per credit. While for the Bachelor of Science in Radiological Science Administration Program, the total credit is 128, with a cost of $557 per credit, to be completed in about 2-3 years. Link to the program
9. University of Louisiana, Monroe, LA
This program would prepare students for more advanced Radiographic work, as well as educate them on taking managerial positions. To be eligible for admission, students must have their AART certification. The Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology has a total of 100-120 credits, with a cost of $400 per credit. The program takes about 2-3 years to be completed. Link to the program
10. Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, TX
Here, students who are in their second year in a radiologic sciences program, or who are already registered radiologic technologists are eligible for the program. The program has a total of 120 credits, with a cost of $4,690 per semester for residents and $5,665 per semester for non-residents. The course takes approximately 2-3 years for its completion. Link to the program
11. Presentation College, Aberdeen, SD
This program does not require students to be AART certified before they can be admitted. Rather, this program is created to train new radiology professionals from the foundation. Here, students are to first finish two radiology technology-related courses, then they can apply to the radiology technology program. The major related course takes about 4 standard semesters, with one summer semester. The course has a total of 123 credits and costs $555 per credit. The duration of the program is approximately 2 years. Link to the program
12. East Tennessee University, Johnson City, TN
This university’s Radiologic Science Degree program is for professionals, who already possess an associate degree in radiology. The program has specialized courses, such as anatomy, physiology, introduction to allied health, patient care and assessment, etc. The program has a total of 120 credits, which costs $19,343 in total. It is also accredited by JCERT. Link to the program
13. University of Alaska Southeast, Juneau, AK
This institution offers a Pre-Radiologic Technology Qualifications Certificate Course, which requires about nine courses in general education and health sciences. The program has a total of 30 credits, which is completed in 1 year, with the program costing a total of $5,904. Link to the program
14. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
This school offers a program in Radiologic Technologist, which certifies individuals with a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences. Much of the subjects in the curriculum covers general education courses and specialized radiology and health courses. Some of the courses include: culture and ethical influences on healthcare, introduction to health care quality, special imaging, leadership challenges for professional radiographers, etc. The program has a total of 75 credits, costing $475 per credit for the first nine credits and $100 for the tenth and any additional credits Link to the program
15. The University of Alaska, Southeast
This school offers a unique program for students interested in a career in radiology. The Pre-Radiologic Technology Qualifications Certificate requires about nine courses in general education and specialized health subjects. This certificate is aimed at preparing students for the coursework they can expect, once they enroll in a future radiologic technology program, such as one providing an associate of applied science degree. The program has a total of 30 credits and takes approximately one year.The total cost for the program is $5,904. Link to the program
16. Minnesota State Community and Technical College (MSCTC):
They offer a course in Radiologic Technology. This program is aimed at individuals, who are interested in earning an associate degree while taking the first step toward a career in diagnostic medical imaging. The curriculum is delivered both online and via the school’s Detroit Lakes campus. The curriculum will teach students how to get diagnostic images through proper positioning and patient care, ascertaining if a diagnostic image will be adequate for interpretation, and ethical and professional standards of behavior. The course has a total of 79 credits and would take two years, approximately. It costs $199 per credit and is duly accredited by JRCERT. Link to the program
17. Ogeechee Technical College
This institution trains individuals through its Radiologic Technology Degree program. The curriculum has both didactic and clinical components, with students completing the program with an associate of applied science degree. The course consists of both general education credits and radiology-related coursework. Some of these courses are radiologic science, radiographic procedures, and medical terminology for allied health sciences, etc. The program has a total of 80 credits, costs $807 for the total program, and is duly accredited by JRCERT. Link to the program
18. The Pima Medical Institute, Las Vegas
This school offers a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS) program. Some of the courses in this program include technical writing, pharmacology, advanced sectional anatomy, pathophysiology, etc. Incoming students must already have American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification and upon matriculation, will have 70 transfer credits. The program has a total of 50 credits and takes 15 months for completion. It costs $20,014 for the entire program, and the program is duly accredited by JRCERT. Link to the program
19. Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology
This institution offers a Radiologic Technologist Training Program that allows students to earn an associate degree in radiologic technology. The program includes courses, such as radiographic physics, introduction to radiologic sciences, and cross-sectional anatomy/advanced modalities, etc. The program has a total of 62 credits and costs about $18,980 per year. Link to the program
20.Tarrant County College, Fort Worth, Texas
This school offers an associate of applied science (AAS) degree in radiology technology. It is a two-year program with selective admission, and it comprises courses such as patient care, radiographic imaging equipment, and radiation biology & protection, etc. Link to the program
Conclusion
Radiology Technology is an essential aspect of medicine, which helps other experts diagnose illnesses, in order to give the correct treatment to individuals.
- It allows you to specialize in several areas in the field.2. There is an increase in demand for professionals in the field.3. You can help people.4. You earn good money.5. You have the choice of either working in a group or alone. For a Bachelor’s Degree, it takes 4 years to complete the course.And for an Associate Degree, it takes 2 years to complete the course.
