- Kansas has five colleges and universities accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)(1).
- Colleges that offer accredited radiologic technology programs include Fort Hays State University, Hutchinson Community College, Labette Community College, Newman University, and Washburn University.
- To become a radiologic technologist in Kansas, one needs to complete a JRCERT-accredited program and pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam.
- The Kansas State Board of Healing Arts offers state licensure for radiologic technology professionals.
- An estimated 2,130 radiologic technologists and radiology technicians are employed in Kansas. They earn an average annual salary of $54,750(2).
Best Radiology Schools in Kansas
There are five colleges and universities with radiologic technology programs in Kansas. These schools are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Aspiring radiologic technologists or radiology technicians may pursue a one-year certificate program, two-year associate’s degree, or four-year bachelor’s degree.
Meanwhile, those who want to become a radiologist need a four-year college degree, a medical school degree, and at least four years of residency training.
Radiologic technology programs may include specialty areas, such as X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diagnostic medical sonography, computed tomography (CT), mammography, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine.
JRCERT accreditation uses the program effectiveness data, including students’ completion rate, credential exam pass rate, and job placement rate.
Here are the best radiology schools in Kansas with JRCERT-accredited programs.
| Name of Colleges | Program Type | Degree Level | Program Duration | Program Effectiveness(3)* | ||
| Completion Rate | Pass Rate | Job Placement Rate | ||||
| Fort Hays State University | Radiography | Associate of Science | 24 months | 97% | 98% | 100% |
| Hutchinson Community College | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 24 months | 62.5% | 98.6% | 95.5% |
| Labette Community College (Parsons) | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 23 months | 76.3% | 97.3% | 100% |
| Newman University (Wichita) | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 24 months | 69% | 75% | 97% |
| Washburn University (Topeka) | Radiation Therapy | Certificate | 13 months | 95% | 96.9% | 86.5% |
| Washburn University (Topeka) | Radiography | Associate of Science | 21 months | 79.2% | 96% | 100% |
*Data retrieved on Sept. 7, 2020. Changes may occur when new information comes in.
Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University, one of the fastest-growing public universities in Kansas state, provides a range of academic programs in medical diagnostic imaging.
The Department of Allied Health offers Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology, which is the entry-level degree for certified radiologic technologists.
Additionally, Fort Hays offers two Bachelor of Science in medical diagnostic imaging programs; one with a general emphasis, and the other specializes in ultrasound. The general program is available on campus or online.
Program applicants must meet the general admission requirements of Fort Hays State University. Prospective students may apply for admission at the school’s official website.
Students must also complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of “C” or above and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.
Several online certificate programs in mammography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are also available.
These programs help practicing radiologic technologists achieve the skills to qualify for higher-paying positions.
Hutchinson Community College
Hutchinson Community College offers a two-year associate’s degree in radiologic technology. It provides students with a more affordable alternative to a four-year degree program.
Aside from general college requirements, students take courses on radiographic exposure, radiologic physics, the physical foundation of radiology, and skull radiography.
Students are also assigned to clinical rotations for hands-on experience during their second year. Affiliated medical facilities include Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Comcare P.A., McPherson Hospital, Inc., and Pratt Regional Medical Center.
Due to the guidelines established by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, enrollment in the Hutchinson Community College program is limited.
Applicants must complete all the requirements, such as the assessment test, prerequisite courses, and an information session to be considered into the program.
The college also has a ‘2 for 2’ arrangement with Friends University. After earning their initial degree at Hutchinson, students are allowed to spend two years at Friends and complete a Bachelor of Science in radiologic technology.
Labette Community College
Labette Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in radiologic technology.
This 23-month program consists of general college requirements, radiologic technology coursework, and clinical education.
Coursework encompasses radiographic procedures, radiographic imaging, patient care, and imaging modalities.
Students complete clinical rotations at affiliated medical facilities, such as Labette Health, Mercy Hospital, and Allen County Hospital.
The college ensures that students are assigned to facilities near their hometown. Clinical rotations are also available at hospitals in Missouri and Oklahoma.
Before applying to the program, prospective students must pass the test of essential academic skills (TEAS) to be eligible for admission.
Students also undergo shadowing by observing a radiologic technologist in action at one of the school’s affiliate medical facilities.
Newman University
Newman University offers an associate degree in health science, which takes 24 months to complete.
This radiologic technology program prepares students to work in different healthcare settings or pursue further studies in various imaging modalities.
Students learn theory, practice, and patient care skills in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings.
The curriculum also includes courses in medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology, radiologic positioning, radiation protection, radiologic pathology, and radiologic physics.
Students also take courses in oral communication, algebra, philosophy, and theology for a well-rounded education.
Program graduates are eligible to sit for the ARRT certification exam.
Prospective students are selected based on their completed admission requirements, scores derived from their cumulative GPA, prerequisite grades, application information, essay, and resumé.
Newman University also offers an optional concentration in computed tomography.
Washburn University
Washburn University offers Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology, which takes 21 months to complete.
This program allows graduates to be eligible to sit for the ARRT exam. Graduates may also complete additional study to earn a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree.
The curriculum includes a full range of radiologic technology coursework and clinical rotations each semester.
To be eligible for the program, applicants must be a high school graduate, or equivalent, with a knowledge base in science and mathematics. A minimum of 12 college credit hours must also be completed.
Applicants should submit complete requirements by February 1 of the year of application. The program accepts 24 students who begin the program in the fall semester.
Other Schools to Consider
Cleveland University (Kansas City)
Cleveland University offers a two-year associate’s degree in radiologic technology. It consists of eight-week evening courses aimed at educating working professionals.
After completing general education courses, students spend the next 16 months in traditional classes and clinical rotations at affiliated medical and imaging facilities nearby.
Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the ARRT exam to become registered and certified technologists.
Friends University
Friends University, located in Wichita, is another affordable option for radiologic technology students because of its formal arrangement with Hutchinson Community College.
The arrangement allows students to complete two years of studies at the community college before transferring to Friends’ four-year bachelor’s degree program.
How to Become a Radiologic Technologist in Kansas
To become a radiologic technologist in Kansas, an individual needs to meet the required education and state licensure.
The most common degree for rad techs is an associate’s degree. Before enrolling, students should make sure that the program is JRCERT-accredited.
Most schools require a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 to get into the radiology tech program.
After completing the program, rad tech graduates must pass the ARRT exam to become certified radiologic technologists.
Obtaining a license from the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts is also required to find employment in the state(4).
Radiology techs may be eligible for a license if they are ARRT-certified, or they hold a license from another state. The license should have similar acquisition requirements as Kansas.
ARRT-certified radiologic technologists must renew their license every two years and complete 24 continuing education credit hours.
The main professional organization for radiologic technologists in Kansas is the Kansas Society of Radiologic Technologists (KSRT)(5).
The KSRT provides information about education in the state, scholarship for aspiring students, and job postings.
The Kansas Radiological Society in Wichita and Kansas Radiology Licensing in Topeka also provides additional resources.
Radiology techs may find information on these organizations’ web pages regarding the requirements and process for license application and renewal.
Career and Salary
A radiologic technologist may work at imaging facilities, medical facilities, doctors’ offices, and hospitals in Kansas.
The primary responsibilities of a radiologic technologist include performing tests and operating equipment for diagnostic imaging.
Employment opportunities may be available at Providence Medical Imaging Center, Hutchinson Regional Care System, Mercy Regional Health Center, the University of Kansas Hospital, and the Department of Veteran Affairs.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an estimated 2,130 radiologic technologists and radiology technicians are employed in Kansas. They earn an average annual salary of $54,750(6).
Conclusion
Schools with the best radiology tech programs include Fort Hays State University, Hutchinson Community College, Labette Community College, Newman University, and Washburn University.
Their radiologic technology programs are accredited by the JRCERT. Students may choose from a one-year certificate program, a two-year associate’s degree, or a four-year bachelor’s degree.
To become a radiologic technologist in Kansas, one must complete a JRCERT-accredited program and pass the ARRT certification exam.
Radiologic technologists or technicians must obtain a license from the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts.
Once certified, rad tech professionals may find employment at imaging facilities, medical facilities, doctors’ offices, and hospitals in Kansas.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 2,130 radiologic technologists and radiology technicians currently employed in the state.
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. (Accessed 2020). Program Effectiveness Data. Retrieved from: https://www.jrcert.org/resources/program-effectiveness-data/
- US Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS). (May 2019). Kansas May 2019 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimate. Retrieved from: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ks.htm
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. op. cit.
- Kansas Board of Healing Arts. (Accessed 2020). Radiologic Technologist (L.R.T.). Retrieved from: http://www.ksbha.org/professions/LRT.shtml
- RadiologyED.org. (Accessed 2020). Discover a World of Possibilities in Radiology in Kansas. Retrieved from: https://radiologyed.org/schools/kansas/
- US Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS). (May 2019). op. cit.