Radiology Schools in Michigan

• According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Michigan has 23 institutions that offer radiologic tech programs⁽¹⁾.
• In Michigan, Oakland Community College and St. Clair County Community College offer radiologic tech programs with the highest program effectiveness data calculated by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)⁽²⁾.
• Other institutions that offer rad tech programs with high program effectiveness data include Wayne State University, Oakland University, and Delta College⁽³⁾.
• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), rad techs in the state have an annual mean wage of $57,510⁽⁴⁾. Michigan’s highest-paid rad techs are in Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, and Portage⁽⁵⁾.
• Experts project a job growth of 10%for radiologic technologists and radiologic technicians in Michigan through 2026⁽⁶⁾.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) lists 23 institutions in Michigan that offer the following programs:

• Medical Radiologic Technology or Radiologic Science – Radiation Therapist
• Radiation Biology or Radiobiology
• Radiation Protection – Health Physics Technician
• Radiologic Technology/Science – Radiographer
• Radiologist Assistant⁽⁷⁾

Most of the radiography programs in Michigan are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

The committee is responsible for awarding accreditation to programs in radiation therapy, radiography, magnetic resonance, and medical dosimetry.

The committee also calculates the accredited program’s program effectiveness data, including the program’s completion rate, exam pass rate, and job placement rate. The committee’s findings are available on their www.jrcert.org webpage.

Below is a summary of JRCERT-accredited programs in Michigan and their program effectiveness data⁽⁸⁾*. 

*Data retrieved on Sept. 18, 2020. Changes may occur when new information comes in.

Associate’s Degree

Baker College offers a radiologic technology program at the associate’s level. 

The radiologic technology program is taught by radiography professionals to ensure relevant and all-encompassing education for students. The curriculum includes classroom study, labs, closed-circuit video training, and clinical rotations.

The program aims to provide students with a wealth of experience, training, and skills to prepare them for their desired career path.

Delta College offers an associate’s degree program in radiography. The program aims to prepare students to become competent radiologic technology professionals.

The curriculum includes fundamentals of radiography, patient care, radiographic procedures, and clinical education.

Ferris State University has a radiography program that aims to provide students with the skills they need to excel in the radiography field.

The program’s curriculum includes basic human anatomy and physiology, radiographic procedures, radiographic pathology, and advanced radiography concepts.

Grand Rapids Community College offers a radiologic technology program at the associate’s level. The program aims to provide students with the educational credits needed to become a registered radiographer. 

Program graduates can opt to specialize in various medical imaging procedures, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), or general radiography.

Henry Ford College has an associate’s degree program in radiologic technology. Students learn to produce medical images of tissues, organs, bones, and vessels using radiographic equipment.

Students have to complete clinical rotations at various health care institutions throughout Eastern Michigan.

Jackson College offers an associate degree program in radiography. The program aims to prepare students for a career in the radiology field.

To enter the program, applicants must complete prerequisite courses and earn clinical practicum experience. Admission to Jackson’s radiography program is competitive and based on a points system. 

Kellogg Community College offers a six-semester program in radiography. Under the program, students must complete four academic semesters and two summer sessions.

The program curriculum includes classroom lectures and supervised clinical rotations. Coursework for the program includes radiologic physics, principles of radiologic imaging, and cross-sectional anatomy.

Lake Michigan College offers a radiologic technology with summer semester courses. Under the program, students gain clinical experience at local healthcare facilities and learn through formal classroom lectures.

The college also offers financial aid and scholarship to students who cannot afford full tuition.

Lansing Community College offers an Associate of Science degree in radiologic technology. The program’s curriculum includes anatomy and physiology, health law and ethics, radiographic positioning, and patient care.

The program aims to provide students with the experiences and skills they need to function competently in the field of radiologic technology.

Michigan Radiologic and Imaging Sciences Consortium (MiRIS) offers a radiologic technology program at the associate’s level, bachelor’s level, and certificate level. 

Under the program, students learn MRI procedures, pathophysiology, and physics. The program aims to foster the students’ skills, knowledge, professional attitudes, values, and behaviors.

Mid Michigan Community College offers a radiography program at the associate’s level. Curriculum for the program includes lectures, lab sessions, and clinical education.

Northern Michigan University has a medical imaging program that is designed to prepare students for a career as entry-level radiographers. The program’s mission is to provide the highest quality of education to students through the efficient use of the university’s resources.

Under the program, students learn effective communication skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving. 

Oakland Community College offers a radiologic technology program at the associate’s level. The program’s mission is to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to become professional radiographers.

Under the program, students learn proper radiation protection procedures, produce diagnostic images, and provide appropriate patient care.

Oakland University also offers a radiologic technology program that teaches students to integrate advanced radiographic techniques and positioning with applied knowledge of human anatomy. 

The program’s curriculum includes biology, medical terminology, chemistry, and healthcare law and ethics.

St. Clair County Community College has a radiologic technology program at the associate’s level. The program aims to teach students how to perform medical imaging exams and produce diagnostic medical images.

Washtenaw Community College offers a radiography program at the associate’s level. Under the program, students have to complete a comprehensive curriculum that includes specialty courses in diagnostic imaging and clinical training.

Bachelor’s Degree

Baker College at Jackson offers a bachelor’s degree program in radiation therapy. Under the program, students learn the proper use of radiation to treat cancer and cancer-related diseases.

The program aims to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to have successful careers in radiation therapy.

Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids offers a Bachelor of Science degree in radiation therapy. Under the program, students receive didactic, laboratory, and clinical education.

The program curriculum includes training in existing and emerging radiation therapy practices and procedures.

The university also offers a Master of Science degree in medical dosimetry. Under the full-time program, students have to complete physical lectures and online classes. 

The program includes clinical education courses held at radiation oncology centers.

The University of Michigan offers a radiation therapy program at the bachelor’s level. The program aims to help students take and pass the Radiation Therapy Certification Exam given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Wayne State University offers bachelor’s degree programs in radiation therapy and radiologic technology.

Under the radiation therapy program, students have access to high-quality education and state-of-the-art research facilities. The program aims to prepare students for their role in providing quality care to oncology patients.

Meanwhile, the radiographic tech program aims to provide students with the knowledge and clinical experience they need for a career in radiography. The program is composed of six semesters.

Program curriculum includes radiation biology, clinical education, medical terminology, pharmacology, and patient care.

Application and Admission Process

Most institutions require students to apply and register online for admission to radiography programs.

Schools, colleges, and universities typically offer fall classes for radiologic tech programs. However, some programs include summer semesters.

Application for programs beginning August typically opens from January to February. 

Program directors hold orientations a month before the start of classes. However, orientation schedules vary depending on the school.

Accreditation of Radiography Programs in Michigan

Students have to complete an accredited program to be eligible for the ARRT exam. Aside from JRCERT, there are other accreditors of radiography programs in Michigan.

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) awards accreditation to education programs in health sciences.

The following institutions in Michigan offer radiology programs accredited by CAAHEP:

• Baker College, Auburn Hills
• Baker College, Owosso
• Delta College, University Center
• Ferris State University, Big Rapids
• Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids
• Jackson College, Jackson
• Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor
• Lansing Community College, Lansing
• Oakland Community College, Southfield

The Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT) awards accreditation to nuclear medicine technology programs. 

In Michigan, Ferris State University is one institution that offers a JRCNMT-accredited radiography program.

How Does One Become a Rad Tech in Michigan?

After completing a radiography program, students can take the ARRT exam to become a certified radiologic technologist.

Michigan does not require rad techs to have a license to begin their practice. X-ray technicians in the state are also not required to be licensed.

There are no credentialing requirements for operating X-ray equipment in Michigan. However, other rad techs specializing in other modalities have to pass the ARRT exam or the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) exam.

The certification is required to practice nuclear medicine, CT, and mammography. Their certification must be provided once requested by the Michigan Radiation Safety Section.

How Long Does One Go to School to Be an MRI Tech?

Depending on the duration of the rad tech programs and prior educations, most MRI technicians spend three to five years studying. 

To be an MRI tech, students have to complete a radiologic tech program. An associate’s degree takes two years to complete, while a bachelor’s degree takes four years.

Students can also complete certificate programs in radiography, which can take one year to complete.

Career Opportunities for Rad Techs in Michigan

Data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics show that as of 2019, Michigan employers have hired 6,750 radiologic technicians⁽⁹⁾.

In the same year, recruiters hired 460 radiation therapists, 610 nuclear medicine technologists, 1,350 MRI techs, and 2,660 medical sonographers⁽¹⁰⁾.

Experts are also expecting a 10% job growth for radiologic technologists and radiologic technicians through 2026⁽¹¹⁾.

Cities in Michigan with the highest employment for rad techs include Ann Arbor, Detroit, Warren, and Dearborn⁽¹²⁾.

BLS data showed that as of 2019, employers in Ann Arbor hired 600 radiologic techs and radiology technicians. Meanwhile, employers in Detroit, Warren, and Dearborn hired 3,010 radiologic techs⁽¹³⁾.

Rad tech graduates can apply in hospital systems in the state of Michigan, such as the University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers, Beaumont Hospital, Harper University Hospital, and Spectrum Health. 

Fresh grads can also send their applications to Providence Hospital, Henry Ford Hospital, Munson Medical Center, McLaren Regional Medical Center, and Oakwood Hospital and Medical Center.

Salary of Rad Techs in Michigan

BLS data shows that as of 2019, radiologic techs in Michigan earn an annual average salary of $57,510⁽¹⁴⁾.

In the same year, MRI techs earn an annual mean wage of $63,860, while radiation therapists earn $81,140 annually⁽¹⁵⁾.

BLS also reported an annual mean salary of $71,980 for nuclear medicine techs and $62,990 for sonography technicians and technologists⁽¹⁶⁾.

In Michigan, the highest-paid rad tech professionals are in Battle Creek. Rad techs in the city earn an annual mean pay of $62,200⁽¹⁷⁾.

In Portage and Kalamazoo, radiologic techs have a yearly average wage of $62,000, while rad techs in Ann Arbor earn an annual salary of $60,870⁽¹⁸⁾.

Recruiters in Michigan are hiring X-ray technicians with a wage of $40.75 per hour. The highest paying cities in the state for X-ray techs are Detroit and Ypsilanti⁽¹⁹⁾.

Employers in Detroit hire X-ray techs with a pay of $41.96 per hour. In Ypsilanti, recruiters are hiring X-ray techs with a salary of $40.95 per hour⁽²⁰⁾.

Professional Organizations and Additional Resources for Rad Techs in Michigan

Rad techs in Michigan can join the Michigan Society of Radiologic Technologists (MSRT), an association for radiologic science professionals. The organization is an affiliate of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).

Rad techs can also be a member of the Michigan Radiological Society (MRS). MRS is a chapter organization of the American College of Radiology (ACR).

Students can visit MRS’s website for additional information about the radiologic technology profession in Michigan.

Conclusion 

The NCES has named 23 institutions in Michigan that offer radiologic tech programs⁽²¹⁾.

Based on JRCERT’s program effectiveness data, Oakland Community College and St. Clair County Community College offer the best radiologic tech programs in Michigan. The programs boast a 100% completion rate, a 100% exam pass rate, and a 100% job placement rate⁽²²⁾.

Wayne State University, Oakland University, and Delta College also offer rad tech programs with high program effectiveness data⁽²³⁾.

BLS reports that as of 2019, rad techs in Michigan have an annual mean wage of $57,510⁽²⁴⁾. 

Michigan’s highest-paid rad techs are in Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Portage, and Ann Arbor⁽²⁵⁾.

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1. National Center for Education Statistics. College Navigator. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?s=MI&p=51.0907+26.0209+51.0916+51.0911+51.0814&l=91+92+93+94
2. Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Accredited Educational Programs. Retrieved from https://portal.jrcertaccreditation.org/accredited-educational-programs/search
3. Ibid
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment Statistics Query System. Retrieved from https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/geoOcc/Multiple%20occupations%20for%20one%20geographical%20area
5. BLS.May 2019 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm
6. Radiology Schools 411. Radiology Technologist Schools in Michigan. Retrieved from https://www.radiologyschools411.com/michigan/
7. NCES. Op. cit.
8. JRCERT. Op. cit.
9. BLS. Occupational Employment Statistics Query System. Op. cit.
10. Ibid
11. Radiology Schools 411. Op. cit.
12. BLS. May 2019 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. Op. cit.
13. Ibid
14. BLS. Occupational Employment Statistics Query System. Op. cit.
15. Ibid
16. Ibid
17. BLS. May 2019 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. Op. cit.
18. Ibid
19. Indeed. How much does an X-ray Technician make in Michigan? Retrieved from https://www.indeed.com/career/x%20ray-technician/salaries/MI
20. Ibid
21. NCES. Op. cit.
22. JRCERT. Op. cit.
23. Ibid
24. BLS. Occupational Employment Statistics Query System. Op. cit.
25. BLS. May 2019 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. Op. cit.