- Missouri (MO) has several institutions that offer degree programs in radiography. However, not all of them are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
- Radiologic technology programs in the state are offered at Cox College, Jefferson College, and St. Louis Community College(1).
- Aspiring radiographers in Missouri need to have a high school diploma to enroll in an associate’s degree in radiologic technology.
- A report from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics states that radiologic technologists and technicians earn an average annual salary of $54,170(2).
Many institutions in Missouri offer radiologic technology degree programs. The state has eighteen radiography programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
The JRCERT is the organization tasked by the United States Department of Education (USDE) to maintain excellence in traditional and online radiography programs.
However, there are institutions in Missouri that offer radiography programs not recognized by the JRCERT. North Central Missouri College and Hillyard Technical Center are examples.
Top Radiologic Technology Schools in Missouri
Here are the top radiology schools in Missouri offering JRCERT-accredited rad tech programs(3)*.
| Institution | Program Type | Degree Level | Duration | Program Effectiveness | Tuition and Fees | ||
| Program Completion Rate | Exam Pass Rate | Job Placement Rate | |||||
| Avila University | Radiography | Bachelor of Science | 40 months | 95% | 90.10% | 100% | Resident: $24,000 Non-resident: $24,000 |
| Cox College | Radiography | Associate of Science | 22 months | 90% | 97% | 100% | Resident: $6,775 Non-resident: $6,775 |
| Jefferson College | Radiography | Certificate and Associate | 22 months | 100% | 0% | 0% | Resident: $4,222 Non-resident: $5,575.50 |
| Mercy Hospital St. Louis | Radiography | Certificate | 24 months | 88% | 90% | 100% | Resident: $4,4725 Non-resident: $4,725 |
| Metropolitan Community College (Penn Valley) | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 24 months | 83% | 95% | 95% | Resident: $3,050 Non-resident: $7,060 |
| Metropolitan Community College (St. Joseph) | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 24 months | 87% | 100% | 100% | Resident: $4,951 Non-resident: $8,105 |
| Mineral Area College | Radiography | Associate of Science | 21 months | 66.60% | 63.80% | 96.50% | Resident: $3,384 Non-resident: $4,536 |
| Missouri Southern State University | Radiography | Associate of Science | 24 months | 67% | 100% | 100% | Resident: $5,084 Non-resident: $10,169 |
| Research Medical Center | Radiography | Certificate | 23 months | 100% | 98% | 100% | Resident: $2,800 Non-resident: $2,800 |
| Rolla Technical Center | Radiography | Certificate | 20 months | 92% | 97% | 98% | Resident: $8,976 Non-resident: $8,800 |
| Saint Louis University | Radiation Therapy | Bachelor of Science | 12 months | 100% | 100% | 95% | Resident: $36,090 Non-resident: $36,090 |
| Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City | Radiography | Certificate | 24 months | 87.50% | 98% | 100% | Resident: $2,800 Non-resident: $2,800 |
| Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 24 months | 91% | 83% | 100% | Resident: $15,853 Non-resident: $15,853 |
| Southwest Baptist University | Radiography | Associate of Science | 23 months | 94% | 95% | 95% | Resident: $14,592 Non-resident: $14,592 |
| St. Louis Community College at Forest Park | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 23 months | 75% | 95% | 96% | Resident: $3,838 Non-resident: N/A |
| State Fair Community College | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 21 months | 89% | 91% | 97% | Resident: $4,683.25 Non-resident: $5,333.25 |
| State Technical College of Missouri | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 21 months | 77% | 92% | 96% | Resident: $6,162 Non-resident: $12,324 |
| University of Missouri (Columbia Campus) | Radiography | Bachelor of Science | 24 months | 91% | 98.40% | 100% | Resident: $13,428 Non-resident: $26,917 |
*Data retrieved on Sept. 15, 2020. Changes may occur when new information comes in.
Avila University
Avila University (www.avila.edu) offers a bachelor’s degree program in radiologic science for Kansas City residents. The program aims to develop specific technical skills in students while providing education in the liberal arts.
After graduation, students can continue to work as radiographers and technologists in advanced modalities. Applicants are accepted into the radiologic science program based on the department faculty’s decision, the number of positions available, and if they pass the criteria for admission.
Cox College
Cox College‘s Associate of Science in Radiography program is among the most successful radiology technology programs in the area. Applicants can expect to find expert faculty members with graduate degrees in radiation physics, education, and organizational leadership.
Enrolled students can gain clinical experiences in Springfield, West Plains, Monett, and Bolivar. Completing Cox College‘s associate degree guarantees acceptance to their Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Imaging program.
Jefferson College
Jefferson College offers both a certificate program and an associate’s degree in radiologic technology. Students at the Hillsboro institution go through courses that prepare them to become competent radiographers.
By the second to the fifth semester, students are assigned to clinical rotations to places such as Crystal City, St. Charles, Bridgeton, Troy, and Louisiana. Undergraduates can either complete specialty objectives, accomplish orientations, or be assessed by the instructor on their professional development in each rotation.
Mercy Hospital St. Louis
The mission of the School of Radiologic Technology at Mercy Hospital St. Louis is to provide students with quality education and learning to become highly-skilled radiographers. Graduates of the program can demonstrate clinical competence, proper communications, critical thinking, and ethical behavior.
To be eligible for the program, applicants should have graduated from an accredited high school or equivalent, have maintained at least a 2.5 GPA, and achieved a composite ACT score of 18 or higher. Additionally, applicants need to have completed an associate or bachelor’s degree in radiography to be considered.
Metropolitan Community College (Penn Valley and St. Joseph)
The radiologic technology programs at Metropolitan Community College‘s Penn Valley and St. Joseph campuses prepare students to become expert entry-level rad techs. Graduates of their radiology programs are expected to be workforce-ready once they are certified.
Some of the learning outcomes include exhibiting proper performance of radiographic procedures, formulating appropriate technical factors, and applying radiation safety. Students are also taught critical thinking and problem-solving skills at their Kansas City campuses.
Mineral Area College
Mineral Area College offers a five-semester radiologic technology program for full-time students. The college in Park Hills starts accepting applications every January, with all requirements needed by May.
Mineral Area College accepts international students. In terms of financial aid, applicants should first complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) document.
Missouri Southern State University
An Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology program is available at the Missouri Southern State University (MSSU). The Joplin program prepares students to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) exam to become registered professionals.
Students can expect hands-on training in the radiology departments of medical facilities in the area. The radiography program provides rigorous training in the radiologic sciences. Additional training in mammography and computerized tomography can be obtained at MSSU.
Research Medical Center
Research Medical Center‘s School of Radiologic Technology aims to provide an educational program that promotes excellence in radiology sciences. Its goal is to produce competent and professional radiographers to join the healthcare community.
Graduates can obtain the necessary knowledge and skills for an entry-level job in radiologic technology and be prepared to take the ARRT examination. The program is full-time, with students expected to allocate 40 hours each week.
Rolla Technical Center
The Rolla Technical Center’s radiography program is a 2-year course that teaches students how to generate medical images using X-rays. Individuals need to undergo a background check and provide transcripts from high school or any colleges attended during application.
Prerequisites include finishing all classes for an associate’s degree in radiography or completing an Associate of Science degree or higher in radiologic technology. Students should expect coursework on anatomy and physiology, math, English composition, sociology, and computer applications.
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University‘s Radiation Therapy Program is the only program that offers education in radiation therapy within St. Louis. It allows students to interact with others majoring in the various health care fields, including nuclear medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and clinical lab science.
Those who are interested in becoming a radiation therapist can obtain the education they need at the university.
Their radiation therapy program aims to produce graduates who excel in their professional field. Students are also provided premier clinical education and experiences at the best hospitals in the Saint Louis Metropolitan Area.
Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City
Students of Saint Luke’s School of Radiologic Technology can expect extensive didactic and clinical instruction to maximize learning experiences. They have instructors who have more than 30 years of educational experience and small class sizes with one-on-one instruction.
The radiologic technology school of Saint Luke’s prepares students for employment opportunities in various medical settings. After completing the program, many of their graduates were able to secure roles in physician offices, hospitals, clinics, biomedical services, and mobile units.
Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Those attending the college’s radiologic technology program learn how to operate medical imaging equipment, provide patient care, and understand the fundamentals of X-rays.
To be admitted, students need to have a cumulative high school and college GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, a minimum ACT composite score of 21, or an SAT score of 1060. Transfer students need to have a college GPA of at least 2.5 and a minimum ATI TEAS score of 58.7%.
Admission applications for the Cape Girardeau program are accepted continuously throughout each school year. Each student is assigned the next available seat in their requested program during admission.
Southwest Baptist University
Southwest Baptist University offers a six-semester radiography program that combines classroom instruction with extensive clinical experience in a two-year schedule. Graduates of the associate program have completed the requirements needed to take the ARRT certification exam.
There is a science incentive program available for radiography students in the university. Taking the prerequisite science coursework can let students earn up to $375 per semester of credit for their degree for up to four semesters.
St. Louis Community College at Forest Park
The radiologic technology program offered at St. Louis Community College prepares students to become professional technologists. Students learn how to use complex imaging equipment to aid radiologists in diagnosing various health conditions.
Students must attend a full-time schedule while satisfying both the didactic and clinical aspects of the program. The school’s academic plan combines general education requirements with options for specialization, allowing students to maximize their learning.
Applicants need to complete a physical exam, drug screen, and background check before the mandatory program orientation in May.
State Fair Community College
The State Fair Community College‘s rad tech program teaches students diagnostic imaging skills to become trained medical radiographers. Applicants should have specific qualifications, such as physical, behavioral, and cognitive abilities, to succeed in the program.
The college in Sedalia has a student success center that provides the support and resources students need to clarify and achieve their personal and professional goals.
State Technical College of Missouri
Students taking the medical radiologic technology program at the State Technical College of Missouri are trained to perform diagnostic X-ray examinations in various healthcare settings. They are required to allocate a minimum of 12 credit hours on clinical studies at approved health facilities.
The curriculum focuses on hands-on experiences and coursework on subjects like medical terminology and radiographic procedures.
To be considered in the program, applicants must submit the following:
- Application for admission
- Education record (high school or GED and college transcripts)
- General education prerequisites in algebra, English, math, and calculus with a grade of C or better
- Minimum ACT scores of 18
- TEAS test scores
- Verification of observation experience
- Attend an MRT information session
Candidates should submit all of these requirements before the 5th of December for priority consideration.
University of Missouri (Columbia Campus)
The University of Missouri‘s Columbia campus offers a Bachelor of Health Science degree in radiography. It provides a pathway for registered technologists to acquire a bachelor’s degree and further specialize in radiologic technology.
Many program graduates have continued their education in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography.
To be considered, applicants need to have graduated from a JRCERT-accredited program, successfully passed the ARRT exam, and completed general education courses. They should have also maintained a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50.
The university has orientation programs in Summer and Winter to prepare new students in transitioning to college life. Summer welcome dates usually occur in June and July, while the Winter orientation happens every December and January.
Becoming a Radiologic Technologist in Missouri
To become a radiologic technologist in Missouri, one has to earn at least an associate’s degree in radiology. They also have to pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist exam to obtain their certification.
The most basic requirement to apply for an associate degree is to have a high school diploma. Specializing in classes such as trigonometry, chemistry, biology, physics, and physiology can be very helpful.
The grade point average requirement to get into radiologic technology depends on the school. Usually, applicants need to have at least a GPA of 2.0 to 2.5 to be considered.
In Missouri, radiographers can get the support and continuing education information they need from the Mid-American Interventional Radiological Society (MIRS). There is also the Missouri Radiological Society, a branch of the American College of Radiology (ACR).
Based on data reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, X-ray technologists in Missouri earn an average yearly salary of $54,170(4).
Conclusion
There are several institutions in Missouri that offer degree programs in radiography. However, not all of them are accredited by the JRCERT (www.jrcert.org).
Cox College, Jefferson College, and St. Louis Community College are a few examples of institutions that offer JRCERT-accredited radiography programs. Meanwhile, schools like North Central Missouri College and Hillyard Technical Center are not recognized by the committee.
A high school diploma is the most common requirement to join an entry-level degree in radiology. Focusing on classes in chemistry, biology, physiology, and physics is recommended to succeed in radiologic technology.
In Missouri, radiographers can get support and help from professional organizations, such as the Mid-American Interventional Radiological Society and the Missouri Radiological Society.
Radiologic technologists in the state reportedly earn a median annual salary of $54,170.
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Retrieved from: https://portal.jrcertaccreditation.org/accredited-educational-programs/search
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2019 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Missouri. Retrieved from: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mo.htm
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. op. cit.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. op. cit.