Radiologists, radiologic technologists, and radiology technicians are healthcare specialists in medical imaging. Production of medical images involves modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray, sonography, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, and mammography.
Radiology students typically need an associate degree in radiology before pursuing specialized degrees. Advanced occupations in nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, and fluoroscopy are also available to radiology students.
Upon obtaining degrees from accredited radiology schools, graduates may apply for entry-level positions as technicians who operate sonography or X-ray machines. Those who aim for specialized and advanced positions may take continuing education.
Best Radiology Schools in Florida
The best radiology schools in Florida have accreditation from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). This is the only agency with recognition from the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Students of JRCERT-accredited schools have better chances of securing employment upon graduation.
Graduates may also join the Florida Society of Radiologic Technologists. This group works closely with the local Department of Health and offers networking opportunities, job posting, and support for continuing education requirements.
Based on program effectiveness data, here are some of the best JRCERT-accredited radiology schools in Florida(1)*. The following are the top ten schools with the highest completion rates for radiography programs available in Florida.
| School and Location | Type of Program | Degree/ Certificate | Program Length (in months) | Program Effectiveness (%) | ||
| Completion Rate | Credential Examination Pass Rate | Job Placement Rate | ||||
| Mayo Clinic Jacksonville Jacksonville, Florida | Radiography | Certificate | 24 | 100.00 | 96.15 | 86.95 |
| Hillsborough Community College (Dale Mabry Campus) Tampa, Florida | Radiography | Associate of Science | 22 | 95.50 | 96.90 | 96.80 |
| Marion Technical College Ocala, Florida | Radiography | Certificate | 22 | 93.00 | 86.00 | 98.00 |
| South Florida State College Avon Park, Florida | Radiography | Associate of Science | 24 | 92.00 | 76.00 | 92.00 |
| Broward College Central Campus Davie, Florida | Radiography | Associate of Science | 22 | 91.40 | 95.00 | 85.00 |
| Keiser University/ Miami Campus Miami, Florida | Radiography | Associate of Science | 16 | 91.00 | 86.00 | 100.00 |
| West Boca Medical Center Boca Raton, Florida | Radiography | Certificate | 24 | 91.00 | 96.00 | 97.00 |
| Bethesda College of Health Sciences Boynton Beach, Florida | Radiography | Associate of Science | 24 | 88.90 | 86.20 | 100.00 |
| Halifax Health Medical Center Daytona Beach, Florida | Radiography | Certificate | 24 | 89.00 | 96.00 | 100.00 |
| Santa Fe College Gainesville, Florida | Radiography | Associate of Science | 22 | 89.00 | 99.00 | 87.00 |
*Data retrieved on August 31, 2020. Changes may occur when new information comes in.
Other JRCERT-Accredited Radiology Schools in Florida
Many state universities and private colleges in the state of Florida offer radiology tech programs for prospects looking for a career in radiology.
Students have the option to take full-time courses for a degree in radiology or take short courses for a certificate or diploma.
The time it takes to complete a program varies among schools. Typically, radiography programs may take up to two years to complete.
Radiation therapy programs could last the same amount of time, while certificate programs are much shorter. Students would then proceed to at least two more years of training.
Below is a summary of radiology schools in Florida and the programs that they offer. The effectiveness of the following radiology programs is based on the latest JRCERT report(2)**:
| School and Location | Type of Program | Degree/ Certificate | Program Length (in months) | Program Effectiveness (%) | ||
| Completion Rate | Credential Examination Pass Rate | Job Placement Rate | ||||
| Broward College North Campus Coconut Creek, Florida | Radiation Therapy | Certificate, Associate of Science | 15, 24 | 70.30 | 94.50 | 96.90 |
| College of Central Florida Ocala, Florida | Radiography | Associate of Science | 22 | Data not available | Data not available | Data not available |
| Eastern Florida State College Melbourne, Florida | Radiography | Associate of Science | 23 | 80.00 | 88.00 | 100.00 |
| Florida SouthWestern State College Fort Myers, Florida | Radiography | Associate of Science | 22 | 65.50 | 99.10 | 98.00 |
| Gulf Coast State College Panama City, Florida | Radiography | Associate of Science | 23 | 80.00 | 96.30 | 100.00 |
| Hillsborough Community College (Dale Mabry Campus) Tampa, Florida | Radiography | Certificate, Associate of Science | 15, 24 | 80.95 | 93.18 | 92.86 |
| Indian River State College Fort Pierce, Florida | Radiography | Associate of Science | 24 | 65.00 | 98.00 | 100.00 |
| Keiser University/ Daytona Beach Campus Daytona Beach, Florida | Radiography | Associate of Science | 24 | 65.00 | 89.40 | 96.00 |
| Keiser University/ Ft. Lauderdale Campus Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Radiography | Associate of Science | 16 | 89.00 | 81.00 | 99.30 |
| Keiser University/ Jacksonville Campus Jacksonville, Florida | Radiography | Associate of Science | 16 | 58.00 | 86.00 | 98.00 |
| Keiser University/ Lakeland Campus Lakeland, Florida | Radiography | Associate of Science | 16 | 52.00 | 81.00 | 95.00 |
| Keiser University/ Melbourne Campus Melbourne, Florida | Radiography | Associate of Science | 16 | 73.00 | 86.00 | 95.00 |
| Keiser University/ Sarasota Campus Sarasota, Florida | Radiography | Associate of Science | 16 | 85.00 | 91.00 | 99.00 |
| Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center Lakeland, Florida | Radiography | Certificate | 24 | 60.00 | 100.00 | 100.00 |
| Miami Dade College (Medical Center Campus) Miami, Florida | Radiography | Associate of Science | 24 | 80.00 | 90.00 | 94.00 |
| Northwest Florida State College Niceville, Florida | Radiography | Associate of Science | 24 | 60.00 | 98.00 | 99.00 |
| Palm Beach State College – Palm Beach Gardens Campus Palm Beach Gardens, Florida | Radiography | Associate of Science | 24 | 70.00 | 93.00 | 98.00 |
| Pensacola State College (Warrington Campus) Pensacola, Florida | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 23 | 48.00 | 83.00 | 92.00 |
| Polk State College Lakeland, Florida | Radiography | Associate of Science | 24 | 79.00 | 86.00 | 100.00 |
| Rasmussen College – Land O’Lakes/ East Pasco Land O’Lakes, Florida | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 24 | 30.00 | 100.00 | 100.00 |
| Rasmussen College – Ocala Ocala, Florida | Radiography | Associate of Science | 24 | Data not available | Data not available | Data not available |
| St. Johns River State College St. Augustine, Florida | Radiography | Associate of Science | 20 | 87.50 | 92.00 | 96.00 |
| St. Petersburg College St. Petersburg , Florida | Radiography | Associate of Science | 24 | 79.00 | 98.00 | 99.00 |
| State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota Bradenton, Florida | Radiography | Associate of Science | 24 | 71.00 | 97.00 | 100.00 |
| UF Health Jacksonville Jacksonville, Florida | Radiography | Certificate | 23 | 57.00 | 94.00 | 100.00 |
| Valencia College Orlando, Florida | Radiography | Associate of Science | 24 | 78.00 | 100.00 | 81.40 |
**Data retrieved on August 31, 2020. Changes may occur when new information comes in.
How to Choose a Radiology School
Students looking for radiology schools should consider the programs they offer. Radiology schools in Florida mostly offer radiography programs, while a few have radiation therapy or radiology programs.
Radiography programs prepare students for the responsibilities of a radiographer, who performs medical imaging tests and assists radiologists. Their tasks are limited to capturing images and do not include official diagnoses.
Radiography students study anatomy, pathology, patient care, medical ethics, radiation physics, and radiation protection.
Meanwhile, radiology programs prepare students for specialized medical imaging techniques, which are essential skills for radiologists.
Radiologists are physicians who analyze and interpret X-rays and other medical imaging results, diagnose patients, and conduct radiation therapy treatments.
Students also have several criteria to consider when selecting a radiology school.
-
Accreditation
Verify the accreditation of the radiology program the school offers. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is the only recognized program accrediting organization.
Graduation from an accredited program is necessary for licensure, which is important to get entry-level jobs in the industry.
More information on licensure is available at a state’s local licensing board or the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)(3).
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is the certifying institution of graduates to become accredited and professional radiographers or technicians. The ARRT conducts national tests to register radiologic technologists.
-
Prerequisites
Some radiology schools may require applicants to include transcripts of records to prove they have taken the appropriate coursework.
Programs may need prior knowledge from lessons and courses in physiology, anatomy, and English 101.
-
Schedule
Some schools offer online options for students who may already be working at clinical sites. If flexibility is an issue, students must consider radiology programs that fit their schedules.
However, radiologic technology programs prepare students for a very hands-on industry. Online instruction might be limiting. Students must reassess their scheduling conflicts when choosing a radiology school.
How to Become a Radiologic Technologist in Florida
Typical requirements for radiology school prospects include a high school degree or general education degree (GED). Applicants must be at least 17 years old to enter an accredited college with a radiology program.
Some schools may also require prerequisite courses to enter, like physiology and anatomy. These are essential starting points in clinical education and the science in radiologic technology.
Industry fundamentals, such as theory, procedures, safety, and specialized patient care, are also part of the radiography programs.
Graduation from these programs earns students an Associate of Science (AS) degree or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. Unlike certificate programs that take less time to complete, these associate degrees may take two years.
AAS degree holders may apply for entry-level positions in radiology departments of hospitals as X-ray technicians, or operators of CT scan and ultrasound machines. After getting associate’s degrees, they may also enroll in continuing education programs for two more years.
After completing continuing education programs, radiologic technologists or radiographers could pursue a Bachelor of Science degree.
Bachelor’s degree programs may take four to five years to complete. These programs prepare students with radiology backgrounds for advanced positions in fields such as fluoroscopy, MRI, and interventional radiology.
A bachelor’s degree is also required to qualify for medical internships. Radiographers may become radiologists, or licensed physicians, once they follow the educational path of a radiologist, which includes internship programs and residency.
Career Opportunities and Salary
Radiologic technologists, also known as X-ray technologists, often hold job titles such as X-ray technician.
Based on the occupational employment statistics of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Florida is the third state with the highest employment level among radiologic technologists and technicians(4). Also, Florida is the second state with the highest employment level among MRI technologists(5).
As of May 2019, radiologic technologists and technicians in Florida posted an employment rate of 13,830. The average hourly salary and annual salary for this occupation are listed at $27.48 and $57,150 respectively(6).
At the same time, MRI technologists in Florida posted an employment rate of 3,040. The average hourly wage and annual wage for this position are listed at $30.76 and $63,980 respectively(7).
These salaries are higher since MRI technology is a specialized subspecialty of radiologic technology.
The BLS also offers an Occupational Employment Statistics Query System which gathers the latest labor data of multiple occupations for one geographical area(8).
The following employment rates and wages for other radiologist jobs in Florida are based on BLS data as of May 2019:
| Occupation | Employment | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Wage |
| Radiation Therapists | 1,030 | $40.41 | $84,060 |
| Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians | 5,080 | $24.20 | $50,330 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | 5,380 | $31.88 | $66,310 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologists | 1,600 | $35.80 | $74,470 |
Note that estimates in the employment column do not include self-employed workers. Annual wages have been calculated by multiplying the corresponding hourly wage by 2,080 hours.
Conclusion
Florida is among the top states with the highest employment rate for radiology specialists.
Currently, there are 38 radiology schools with JRCERT accreditation in this state. These schools offer radiography and radiation therapy programs, with some schools offering financial aid to students.
Students may earn an Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees from these accredited programs. However, they must take JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology programs for licensure purposes.
Besides accreditation, students must consider the type of program that a radiology school offers.
Radiography programs are prerequisites for radiology programs, which aspiring radiologists take to become certified physicians.
Radiation therapy is a specialized program. Other subspecialties that radiography students pursue include MRI, cardiovascular technology, diagnostic medical sonography, nuclear medicine technology, and mammography.
The main difference between radiographers and radiologists is the scope of responsibilities each occupation holds.
Radiographers conduct medical imaging procedures. Radiologists are physicians who analyze the results of the images, which are important in identifying and treating diseases.
- JRCERT program effectiveness data. Retrieved from www.jrcert.org/resources/program-effectiveness-data/
- ibid.
- Who We Are FAQ. American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Retrieved from https://www.asrt.org/main/about-asrt/mission-vision/who-we-are-faq
- Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2019 – 29-2034 Radiologic Technologists and Technicians. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292034.htm
- Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2019 – 29-2035 Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292035.htm
- Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2019 – 29-2034 Radiologic Technologists and Technicians. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Op cit
- Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2019 – 29-2035 Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Op cit
- Occupational Employment Statistics Query System. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Retrieved from https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home