Radiologic technologists and X-ray technicians are trained professionals who operate diagnostic medical imaging methods, such as X-ray, computed tomography (CT), sonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and mammography.
These professionals use diagnostic imaging to produce medical images of a patient’s internal organs, bones, and tissues.
Radiology technicians‘ educational path includes pursuing a certificate program. Technicians may opt to further their education by enrolling in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program.
Meanwhile, radiologic technologists may pursue an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree.
Graduates must apply for a national license before seeking employment opportunities. However, aspiring technologists and technicians may also be required to seek a state license depending on applicable state licensure laws.
Newly–licensed professionals may qualify for entry-level positions. Radiologic professionals who completed advanced training may specialize in more complex modalities and earn higher salaries.
Best Radiology Schools in Maine
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is among the primary accreditation agencies on radiography learning programs.
JRCERT judges an academic program’s performance through its program completion rate, exam pass rate, and job placement rate.
The agency releases the results of each school’s program effectiveness annually at www.jrcert.org.
| Colleges | Program Name | Degree Level | Duration | Program Effectiveness(1)* | Annual Tuition and other Fees(2)** | ||
| Program Completion Rate | Exam Pass Rate | Job Placement Rate | |||||
| Eastern Maine Community College in Bangor | Radiography | Associate of Science | 23 months | 68% | 97% | 99% | Resident: $4,042 Non-Resident: $8,084 |
| Kennebec Valley Community College in Fairfield | Radiography | Associate of Science | 21 months | 87% | 77% | 98% | Resident: $3,680 Non-Resident: $7,224 |
| Maine College of Health Professions in Lewiston | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 22 months | 83% | 86% | 97% | $8,825 |
| Southern Maine Community College in South Portland | Radiography | Associate of Science | 23 months | 82% | 96% | 91% | Resident: $3,342 Non-Resident: $6,684 |
*Data retrieved on Sept. 11, 2020. Changes may occur when new information comes in.
**Data retrieved on Sept. 11, 2020. Changes may occur when new information comes in.
Eastern Maine Community College
Eastern Maine Community College’s (EMCC) medical radiography program focuses on diagnostic radiography.
The program combines classroom study and intensive clinical experience to equip students with a working knowledge of human anatomy, radiologic physics, patient positioning, equipment operation, and radiologic physics.
Classes for EMCC’s radiography program start every fall. The application period begins in September and ends in December of the same year.
Prospective students must submit a copy of their high school transcript, recommendation letters, immunization records, and relevant test results before February of the following year.
Kennebec Valley Community College
Kennebec Valley Community College offers an associate’s degree in radiologic technology.
The college aims to educate and train highly–competent radiologic technologists. The program’s coursework includes safe radiation practices, equipment manipulation, quality assurance, good patient care, and professional conduct.
Applicants must pass the Assessment Technologies Institute’s Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS) and have a cumulative general point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher.
Maine College of Health Professions
The Maine College of Health Profession’s (MCHP) radiologic technology program offers an in-depth and hands-on diagnostic radiography approach. In-classroom sessions are combined with clinical practicum opportunities.
The college also offers advanced certificate courses in CT, diagnostic medical sonography, and mammography.
Prospective students must submit their Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) results. Students must have a score of C or higher to qualify.
MHCP has several financial aid options, such as scholarships, study grants, and loans, to help students fund their college expenses. Eligible students who apply for financial aid may be accepted depending on fund availability.
Southern Maine Community College
Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) students may become radiologic technologists with an associate’s degree through didactic and clinical education.
The program equips students with the essential skills and knowledge to perform general radiographic procedures using various diagnostic medical equipment and proper radiation safety protocol.
The program also requires students to exhibit professional communication and critical thinking skills.
Other notable Maine radiologic technology schools include Saint Joseph’s College of Maine and Kennebec Valley Community College in Augusta.
However, these colleges are not yet accredited by any of the country’s leading accreditation institutions as of September 2019.
Radiology Program vs. Radiography Program
Radiologists and radiologic technologists have distinct yet interrelated responsibilities. This distinction is also evident in the educational programs required for both careers.
Radiography programs focus on training aspiring radiographers to operate diagnostic imaging equipment and produce clear and accurate medical images.
Technologists and technicians may spend two to four years earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program.
Meanwhile, radiology programs allow licensed medical doctors (MD) to train in diagnosing and treating patients’ medical conditions through radiographic or digital images.
Radiologists spend approximately 15 years in academic, clinical, and specialization training.
Accreditation
Studying in accredited radiology technology and technician schools might equip students better in taking the National Registry Exam (NRE), which is administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT).
JRCERT is the country’s primary accreditation agency on radiologic technology programs. It is recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)(3).
CAAHEP focuses on health sciences educational programs. It is a recognized member of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA) and is acknowledged by the CHEA(4).
Meanwhile, JRCNMT specializes in reviewing and accrediting nuclear medicine technology programs(5).
Maine Licensure Requirements
The Office of Professional and Financial Regulatory Board (OPFR) issues licenses to all aspiring radiologic technologists and radiology technicians who wish to work in Maine.
Applicants must provide proof of their certification from ARRT or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Board (NMTB). A licensure fee of $100 and a criminal background check fee of $21 are also required.
Radiology tech licenses are only valid for two years.
Career Opportunities and Salary
Radiologic technologists, also known as X-ray technologists, often hold job titles such as X-ray technicians.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) assessed that the employment outlook for radiologic and MRI technologists is to grow by 7% from 2019 to 2029(6).
Radiologic technology is a blanket term that encompasses individuals who work with different imaging technologies. One of its subcategories is “radiography,” which includes x-ray technicians.
The American Society of RadiologicTechnologists (ASRT) reported the mean yearly salary for radiologic technologists as $69,266, while X-ray technicians earn $57,865 annually across all states(7).
The report is arranged per discipline and sorted by state. The values for X-ray technicians were derived from the report’s “Radiography” column.
According to the report, the average rad tech income in Maine is $63,656(8).
X-ray technicians may receive an average salary of $56,035 per year in Maine(9).
According to ASRT, an entry-level technologist may earn $51,763 annually, while an entry-level X-ray technician may expect $48,175(10).
Technologists and technicians in senior positions may expect a significantly higher income.
A full-time senior technologist may earn an average annual wage of $75,361, while a manager or supervisor gets an average of $85,539(11).
A senior x-ray technician may receive $62,152, while individuals in managerial or supervisory positions get $73,565(12).
The BLS noted that a large percentage of the country’s radiologic technicians work in hospitals, while the other half work in various healthcare facilities.
Notable companies that employ radiologic technologists and technicians include the Maine Medical Center, Maine General Medical Center, Northern Light, and Togus Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Conclusion
Radiologic science programs may range from a certificate program to a bachelor’s degree program, which typically takes 22 to 24 months. Graduates may apply for a full license from the ARRT and the state of their chosen employment.
Licenses have a validity of two years. Technologists must pursue continuing education, training, and other certification to qualify for a renewed ARRT or NMTB license. These requirements are necessary for license renewal in Maine.
- “Accredited Educational Programs.” Program Effectiveness Data. Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Accessed September 10, 2020. https://portal.jrcertaccreditation.org/accredited-educational-programs/search.
- Ibid.
- “US Department of Education Recognition.” Joint Review on Education in Radiologic Technology. Accessed September 10, 2020. https://www.jrcert.org/resources/us-department-of-education-recognition/; “CHEA Recognition.” Joint Review on Education in Radiologic Technology. Accessed September 10, 2020. https://www.jrcert.org/resources/council-for-higher-education-accreditation-recognition/.
- “Commission on Accreditation.” CAAHEP. Accessed September 10, 2020. https://www.caahep.org/.
- “JRCNMT Mission, Vision & Values.” JRCNMT. Accessed September 10, 2020. https://www.jrcnmt.org/about/.
- “Radiologic and MRI Technologists : Occupational Outlook Handbook.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, April 10, 2020. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm.
- “Radiologic Technologist Wage and Salary Survey 2019.” American Society of Radiologic Technologists, 2019. Accessed September 10, 2020. http://members.issrt.org/resources/SiteUploads/20190808/radiologic-technologist-wage-and-salary-survey-2019.pdf.
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Ibid.