Having a degree from the best colleges that offer radiology technician programs near me can be a life-changing event.
With the ability to work alongside doctors in medical settings, you’ll administer diagnostic imaging to assist with making diagnoses. Radiology technicians must have ample training ranging from using modern diagnostic imaging machines to working with patients to get clear and reliable results.
Undoubtedly, this career is one of the most important in the medical field to help doctors with prospective treatments and prognoses. As such, we’ve curated a list of the top ten programs nationwide to help you gather the essential skills for this career. Each of the schools included meets the following criteria, and we ranked them from the lowest to the highest cost:
- An average yearly cost of no more than $25,000
- An expected median starting pay of no lower than $40,000
- Accredited programs by recognized bodies
Related Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Best Colleges That Offer Radiology Technician Programs
1. Northwest Iowa Community College
2-4 Year; Sheldon, IA
Average Annual Cost: $10,831
The radiologic technology program at Northwest Iowa Community College is designed for healthcare-minded students.
In two years, you’ll work through a comprehensive curriculum of clinical experience, radiologic courses, and general studies. Students will study on campus and get clinical experience at approved clinical sites in the state.
You’ll explore multiple facets of your learning, such as producing x-ray films, working with computerized tomography scanners (CT), and learning how to use MRI machines. Upon graduation, you’ll have the skills and experience needed to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technology examination.
With a passing grade, you’ll be licensed to perform your duties as a radiologic technician.
The Northwest Iowa Community College radiologic technician program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. This accreditation helps guarantee your coursework will thoroughly prepare you for your future career
In total, students will be signing up for six full terms of study, helping them earn 85 credits before sitting for your exam. There is a vast list of courses to participate in, including:
- Radiographic Seminar
- Introduction to Psychology
- Physics for Radiographers
- Radiographic Procedures
- Radiologic Patient Care
- Foundations of Radiologic Technology
- Medical Terminology
- Imaging
- Quality Assurance
2. State Technical College of Missouri
2-4 Year; Linn, MO
Average Annual Cost: $12,481
State Technical College of Missouri has a fantastic program for students interested in exploring the world of radiography.
With their curriculum, you’ll become a part of the Medical Radiologic Technology (MRT) program. Students will examine the facets of this career through hands-on and in-class instruction.
Many graduates of the MRT program move on to work in imaging centers, hospitals, and clinics. Your education will teach you how to prepare patients for procedures and operate medical imaging equipment.
There’s also a strong emphasis on maintaining patient confidentiality and using proper protective equipment when working with radiation.
After your studies, graduates will sit for the AART exam before moving on to their careers. It’s important to note students must meet specific physical requirements before applying to this learning pathway.
State Technical College of Missouri requires students to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds unassisted and reach and bend frequently.
Some other physical requirements include:
- Demonstrating finger and eye-hand dexterity and coordination
- Be able to speak and hear clearly in person and over the telephone
- Must have good vision up close and at a distance
- Must be able to read information from computer screens and printed sources
One of the most significant benefits of the MRT program at State Technical College of Missouri is its hands-on education. Students will have plenty of real-world experience to help them diversify their employable skills.
The school has over 50 labs, some of which will be used during your studies. You can expect to enroll in an assortment of courses during your studies.
Students will be expected to take five semesters in total with classes such as:
- Radiographic Pathology
- Clinical Education
- Radiographic Procedures
- Medical Terminology
- Advanced Digital Imaging
- Radiobiology
- Patient Care and Education
3. Ball State University
4 Year; Muncie, IN
Average Annual Cost: $14,765
Ball State University’s radiography program is ideal if you’re interested in a medical imaging professional career. They offer an AAS in radiography, preparing students for diverse environments where they can become entry-level radiographers.
You’ll develop your technical and clinical competence during your coursework and learn how to serve patients and your community. After you’ve completed your studies, you can then apply to take the national certification through the AART.
With a passing grade, you’ll officially become a Registered Technologist in Radiography, R.T.(R). There are several fascinating elements of your future career you’ll explore in this learning pathway, including:
- Operating imaging equipment
- Administering contrast media for imaging
- Performing quality control and radiation safety procedures
- Evaluating developed radiographs for diagnostic quality
- Preparing data for physicians to interpret
- Mastering basic nursing and medical care
The Ball State University program is unique as it combines hallmark courses and immersive learning projects. The immersive learning projects provide hands-on experiences so students can learn and work in healthcare facilities.
By graduation, you’ll have over 1200 patient hours under your belt under skilled supervision.
4. Clarkson College
4 Year; Omaha, NE
Average Annual Cost: $18,147
The radiography and medical imaging program at Clarkson College teaches the art behind this essential medical science. Students will work alongside expert faculty to develop their radiologic technician skills while using high-tech imaging equipment.
By the end of your studies, you’ll have the fundamentals to be compassionate and competent healthcare providers.
A few different learning pathways students can explore when enrolled at Clarkson College. These include:
- Associate Degree: With this degree, students will get clinical and classroom experiences to explore the diversity of radiography.
- Bachelor’s Degree: For advanced studies, students in this program can use their associate degree to obtain a four-year Bachelor’s in medical imaging.
- Dual Degree: This pathway is ideal if you’re interested in getting two degrees simultaneously. Students in the dual degree program can specialize in radiography and medical imaging or radiography and community health.
- Certificates: Undoubtedly, there are a vast number of certificate programs available at Clarkson College. Students can obtain certifications in medical imaging informatics, leadership in medical imaging, medical 3D printing, and more.
An associate’s degree is the most famous avenue for prospective radiology technicians at Clarkson College. You’ll have six semesters (24 months) of study in this pathway.
There are plenty of fundamental courses you’ll explore during your enrollment, including:
- Patient Care and Lab
- Medical Terminology
- Radiation Physics
- College Algebra
- Radiographic Procedures
- Human Physiology
5. Johnson College
2-4 Year; Scranton, PA
Average Annual Cost: $19,832
The radiologic technology program at Johnson College requires two years of study and gives you the fundamentals for entry-level healthcare positions.
Many graduates move on to work at outpatient clinics and hospitals, offering plenty of employment opportunities. Also, this program prepares you to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists examination.
The central premise of this program is to provide students with key courses to help develop their healthcare competence. You’ll also learn how to become a more compassionate provider while administering patient diagnostic imaging.
There are a ton of facets you’ll have to be well trained in before graduating, including:
- Radiation safety
- Anatomy
- Patient positioning
- Equipment protocols
- Exam techniques
You’ll also get to try your hands at real-world clinical experiences with your in-class instruction. Students will work alongside trained and licensed professionals to learn how to work with medical equipment and patients.
It’s also important to note this program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
6. Maine College of Health Professions
2-4 Year; Lewiston, ME
Average Annual Cost: $21,007
Maine College of Health Professions’ radiology program is unique, as it’s classified under medical imaging.
Students will explore many valuable concepts for their future careers, including visualizing the body for diagnoses, monitoring, and treatment. During your studies, you’ll learn about nuclear medicine imaging, MRIs, x-rays, and ultrasounds.
As a medical imaging technologist, you’ll have a well-rounded assortment of skills to work in numerous specialties. Many students specialize in bone densitometry, cardiac and vascular interventional radiography, or mammography.
Along with administering the appropriate testing for imaging, students will gain essential skills to provide top-tier patient care.
The four-year program plan for medical imaging at Maine College of Health Professions helps you earn a Bachelor of Science in medical imaging. There is also the option to earn the following degrees and certificates:
- AAS in radiologic technology
- An advanced certificate in computer tomography
- An advanced certificate in diagnostic medical sonography
- An advanced certificate in mammography
7. Gannon University
4 Year; Erie, PA
Average Annual Cost: $22,473
Gannon University’s radiology technician program considers healthcare from a worldwide perspective.
With your specialized degree, you’ll be able to enter a fast-paced and rewarding career focusing on patient care, compassion, and proper procedure. Also, students will learn from highly trained faculty with over 80 years of combined experience in radiology.
At Gannon University, students can earn their degree within 24 months, helping them find gainful employment after graduation. Another massive benefit of this program is that 100% of students pass their national certification exam, speaking of the quality of the instruction.
For peace of mind, the program is fully accredited by the JRCERT.
The unique learning environment at Gannon University is one of its most impressive features. For real-world simulations, students will explore state-of-the-art laboratories that boast PACS capabilities, imaging capturing, and body phantoms. Additionally, students have access to clinical opportunities in the healthcare community throughout Pennsylvania.
8. Emory University
4 Year; Atlanta, GA
Average Annual Cost: $22,597
Emory University is home to one of the largest radiology departments in the United States.
During your studies, you’ll explore various healthcare settings to administer imaging to diverse populations. Graduates often find themselves working in specialty medical centers and hospitals after graduation.
This program is unique because it’s designed for students looking to complete their radiology residency or fellowships. They also offer an interventional radiology residency, depending on your specialty of choice.
It’s a phenomenal program for continuing education to help you enter the wonderful world of medicine.
Emory University has some of the more unique opportunities for students to learn with different specialties, including:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Diagnostic Radiology
- Neuroradiology
- Nuclear Radiology
9. Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health
4 Year; Omaha, NE
Average Annual Cost: $24,108
Studying radiologic technology at Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health opens the door to numerous opportunities.
Students will be surrounded by a world of patient care, technology, and science for their job duties. By combining hands-on and in-class instruction, all graduates will be thoroughly prepared for their future careers.
This program is designed to be completed within 24 months, and at the end, students will graduate with an associate of science degree. You’ll explore clinical experience throughout Omaha and surrounding counties in Western Iowa. Also, you’ll be expected to complete two evening rotations during your program.
Regarding on-campus learning, Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health is home to some of the best equipment.
Students will train using state-of-the-art digital x-ray labs and participate in other simulations. This unique curriculum gives you the fundamental skills to begin your career after licensure.
To earn your degree, you must earn 80 total credits. Students will also need to sit for their national examinations before becoming licensed.
Fortunately, there is a massive list of courses in the curriculum to prepare you, which include:
- Radiology Fundamentals and Clinical Assessment
- Pathophysiology or Pharmacology
- Radiographic Imaging
- Radiographic Pathology
- Radiographic Procedures or Positioning
- Radiation Biology and Protection
10. Bellin College
4 Year; Green Bay, WI
Average Annual Cost: $24,804
Bellin College has a new three-year format to help prepare students to become radiologic technologists.
All your courses will prepare you to help diagnose disease and injury using medical imaging equipment. From x-ray machines to MRI equipment, you’ll get plenty of hands-on experience to assist you with your future career.
After completing this three-year program, you’ll graduate with a Bachelor of Science in radiologic sciences. You can then apply for the ARRT exam to acquire your licensure or registration.
As a fully-accredited program, you can’t go wrong with getting a specialized bachelor’s degree in three years.
Along with learning about general radiography, students can also learn two specialties while enrolled. You can choose from bone density scanning, women’s imaging (DXA scanning and mammography), MRI, and CT scanning.
With 120 credits in total, you can expect to take a blend of general and specialized courses, including:
- Intermediate Algebra
- Principles of Radiologic Physics
- Health Communication
- Philosophy or Ethics
- Clinical Radiography
- Image Analysis
- Principles of Radiation Protection
Radiology Technician Programs Near Me?
If you’re searching for the best radiology technician programs near you, it’s time to start today. All the above schools offer competitive curricula paired with essential hands-on experience.
Why not take the leap to become a part of a growing healthcare field in your state today?
