Radiology Schools in Wisconsin

  • The National Center for Education Statistics lists 18 institutions in Wisconsin that offer various radiology programs(1).
  • The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) has accredited 21 radiology programs from 20 radiology tech schools in Wisconsin(2).
  • The Ascension All Saints Hospital in Racine and the University of Wisconsin in LaCrosse are among the radiology schools in Wisconsin with the highest program effectiveness data(3).
  • As of May 2019, radiologic technologists and technicians in Wisconsin have an annual average salary of $60,440(4).

Radiologists, radiologic technologists, and radiology technicians are allied health science specialists in diagnostic imaging. Production of medical images involves modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray, sonography, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, and mammography.

Students typically need an associate’s degree from a radiography program to pursue specialized degrees in MRI or other radiology programs. Higher-ranking occupations in nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, and fluoroscopy are also available to radiology students.

Graduates of accredited radiology programs may apply for entry-level positions. These occupations include radiographers who operate sonography or X-ray machines. Those who aim for specialized and higher positions may study radiology programs to prepare for specific radiology fields.

Best Radiology Schools in Wisconsin

The best radiology schools in the state of Wisconsin have accreditation from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). This committee is the only one recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the United States Department of Education (USDE).

Nine schools offer radiography programs for Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees upon graduation. Meanwhile, seven schools offer certificate programs for radiography.

These degrees are necessary to pursue advanced radiology programs for specialized radiologic technology occupations.

Four schools offer Bachelor of Science degree programs in radiography and radiation therapy. Such degrees are necessary for aspiring radiologists. Additionally, one school offers a master’s degree in medical dosimetry. 

Prospects need a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree to pursue a medical degree.

Based on the latest report of the JRCERT, the following table is a summary of radiology schools in Wisconsin and the programs that they offer(5)*. 

Radiology School Type of Program Degree/ Certificate Program Length (in months) Tuition (per year) Program Effectiveness Data (%)
Completion Rate Credential Examination Pass Rate Job Placement Rate
Ascension All Saints Hospital

Racine, Wisconsin

 Radiography Certificate 24 $4,000.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
Ascension-St. Joseph

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

 Radiography Certificate 24 $4,000.00 100.00 87.00 100.00
Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

 Radiography Certificate 24 $6,000.00 85.70 100.00 98.30
Bellin College

Green Bay, Wisconsin

 Radiography Bachelor of Science 48 $21,000.00 (resident), $21,500.00 (non-resident) 85.70 95.80 100.00
Blackhawk Technical College

Janesville, Wisconsin

 Radiography Associate of Applied Science 24 $4,540.00 (resident), $6,680.00 (non-resident) 94.00 93.00 88.00
Chippewa Valley Technical College

Eau Claire, Wisconsin

 Radiography Associate of Applied Science 24 $4,327.50 (resident), $6,137.25 (non-resident) 89.00 99.00 100.00
Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

 Radiography Certificate 22 $5,000.00 100.00 98.00 100.00
Lakeshore Technical College

Cleveland, Wisconsin

 Radiography Associate of Applied Science 24 $9,240.00 (resident), $13,860.00 (non-resident) 78.00 91.00 100.00
Madison Area Technical College

Madison, Wisconsin

 Radiography Associate of Applied Science 24 $2,866.00 87.50 99.00 93.00
Marian University

Oshkosh, Wisconsin

 Radiography Bachelor of Science 24 $7,500.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
Marshfield Clinic

Marshfield, Wisconsin

 Radiography Certificate 22 $7,000.00 75.00 95.00 100.00
Milwaukee Area Technical College

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

 Radiography Associate of Applied Science 24 $4,900.00 (resident), $6,921.00 (non-resident) 71.00 97.00 96.00
Moraine Park Technical College

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

 Radiography Associate of Applied Science 24 $4,404.75 85.00 92.00 98.00
Northcentral Technical College

Wausau, Wisconsin

 Radiography Associate of Applied Science 23 $5,659.00 (resident), $6,137.25 (non-resident) 93.80 98.60 95.10
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Green Bay, Wisconsin

 Radiography Associate of Applied Science 23 $4,571.75 (resident), $6,576.50 (non-resident) 88.00 100.00 98.00
ThedaCare Regional Medical Center – Neenah

Neenah, Wisconsin

 Radiography Certificate 21 $6,500.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics

Madison, Wisconsin

 Radiography Certificate 24 $11,000.00 91.00 100.00 100.00
University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse

LaCrosse, Wisconsin

 Radiation Therapy Bachelor of Science 24 $8,679.04 (resident), $16,342.00 (non-resident) 100.00 100.00 100.00
Medical Dosimetry Master of Science 16 $18,400.00 (resident), $18,400.00 (non-resident) 97.00 91.00 100.00
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

 Radiography Bachelor of Science 24 $11,500.00 (resident), $24,000.00 (non-resident) 100.00 92.00 100.00
Western Technical College

LaCrosse, Wisconsin

 Radiography Associate of Applied Science 23 $3,710.00 (resident), $5,565.00 (non-resident) 73.00 96.00 100.00

*Data retrieved on Sept. 4, 2020. Changes may occur when new information comes in.

Other Radiology Schools in Wisconsin

Some schools in the state of Wisconsin may offer radiology technology programs that are not JRCERT-accredited. However, graduates of such programs are still eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam(6).

As long as students complete an educational program that meets ARRT standards, they may sit for the ARRT exam. Passing the ARRT exam is required for licensure.

Most states, including Wisconsin, require licensure before radiographers can practice(7). Industries also prefer hiring registered radiologic technologists.

The following schools offer radiology programs but do not have JRCERT accreditation:

Concordia University–Wisconsin – Mequon, Wisconsin

This private, not-for-profit school offers a bachelor’s degree in medical radiologic technology or medical radiologic science for radiation therapists. No students completed the program during 2018 to 2019.

During the academic year 2018 to 2019, the total expenses of beginning students were $44,850. Tuition fees and other expenses for students living with family off campus were $38,100.

The average amount of financial aid that undergraduate students received between 2018 to 2019 was $14,536(8).

Gateway Technical College – Kenosha, Wisconsin

This public school offers programs in medical radiologic technology for radiation therapists and radiologic technology or radiologic science for radiographers. Between 2018 to 2019, no students completed either of the associate’s degree programs.

During the academic year 2018 to 2019, the total expenses of in-state beginning students off campus were $17,530. Tuition and other fees for out-of-state students off campus were $19,543.

The average amount of financial aid that undergraduate students received between 2018 to 2019 was $4,366(9).

Rasmussen College-Wisconsin – Green Bay, Wisconsin

This private, for-profit school offers a distance learning associate’s degree program in radiologic technology or radiologic science for radiographers. No students completed the program during 2018 to 2019.

During the academic year 2018 to 2019, the total expenses of beginning students off campus were $24,219. Tuition and other fees for off-campus students living with families were $15,993.

The average amount of financial aid that undergraduate students received between 2018 to 2019 was $3,784(10).

University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh – Oshkosh, Wisconsin

This public school offers a program in medical radiologic technology or medical radiologic science for radiation therapists. Between 2018 to 2019, 22 students completed the bachelor’s degree program.

During the academic year 2018 to 2019, the total expenses of in-state beginning students on campus were $19,493. Tuition and other fees for out-of-state students on campus were $27,066.

The average amount of financial aid that undergraduate students received between 2018 to 2019 was $5,569(11).

Wisconsin Lutheran College – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This private, non-profit school offers a program in radiologic technology or radiologic science for radiographers. Between 2018 to 2019, no students completed the school’s bachelor’s degree program.

The estimated expenses for the academic year 2018 to 2019 was $43,045 for beginning students on campus.

This school also offers an average amount of $18,553 financial aid in grants or scholarships for all undergraduate students(12).

How to Become a Radiologic Technologist in Wisconsin

Typical requirements for radiology school prospects include a high school degree or general education development (GED) degree. Applicants must be at least 17 years old to enter an accredited college with a radiology program.

Application

Schools, colleges, and universities typically offer fall classes for radiology programs. Students must apply between June and February to join the September program. Schools may hold program orientations a month before the start of classes.

Some schools that offer remote programs may require prospective students to join live program orientations via the teleconferencing application Zoom. Orientation schedules vary per school.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition may vary depending on the residency of students. Residents of Wisconsin may have lesser tuition than non-residents. Some schools offer financial aid options for non-resident students.

Admission

The admission processes of radiology schools tend to be competitive. Schools may prioritize students with a grade point average (GPA) above 3.0 for their radiologic technology programs. Having taken advanced math and science courses in high school also boosts one’s admission chances.

For non-high school students, some schools may require prerequisite courses before admission. These subjects include physiology and anatomy, which are essential starting points in clinical education and science in radiologic technology.

Curriculum

A standard curriculum of radiography programs includes industry fundamentals, such as theory, procedures, radiation protection, and specialized patient care, and other coursework.

Meanwhile, radiology programs may focus on more specific clinical and didactic instruction to prepare students for specialized positions.

Graduation

Graduation from programs earns students an AAS degree. Such programs may take two years to complete. AAS degree holders may apply for entry-level positions in radiology departments of hospitals as X-ray technicians or operators of CT scans and ultrasound machines.

Students of JRCERT-accredited schools have better chances of securing jobs in radiologic technology upon graduation. Graduates may also join the Wisconsin Society of Radiologic Technologists(13). This professional organization aims to standardize and advance the state’s radiologic practices.

Licensing Requirements in Wisconsin

The ARRT provides licensing exams for radiologic technologists to practice their profession within the state of Wisconsin. Only graduates of schools with ARRT certification can take the licensing exam.

The JRCERT is the only recognized accrediting body for radiography programs. Graduation from accredited programs may boost an individual’s chances of securing entry-level positions in the industry. However, students may complete any radiography program from a school that meets ARRT standards for the licensing exam(14).

After passing the ARRT licensure exam, radiographers must renew their license within two years by pursuing continuing education.

More information and additional resources regarding licensure are available at a state’s local licensing board or the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)(15).

Career Opportunities and Salary

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) offers an Occupational Employment Statistics Query System, which gathers the latest labor data of multiple occupations for one geographical area(16). 

Based on BLS data as of May 2019, the following table summarizes the employment rates and wages for radiologist jobs in Wisconsin:

State: Wisconsin
Period: May 2019
Occupation Employment(A) Average Hourly Wage Average Annual Wage(B)
Radiation Therapists 1,050 $38.39 $79,850.00
Cardiovascular Technologists and Cardiovascular Technicians 860 $31.53 $65,570.00
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers 1,440 $41.19 $85,670.00
Nuclear Medicine Technologists 360 $41.71 $86,770.00
Radiologic Technologists and Radiology Technicians 4,650 $29.06 $60,440.00
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists 890 $34.40 $71,550.00

(A) Estimates for detailed occupations do not sum to the totals because the totals include occupations not shown separately. Estimates do not include self-employed workers. Date extracted: September 4, 2020.

(B) Annual wages have been calculated by multiplying the corresponding hourly wage by 2,080 hours. Date extracted: September 4, 2020.

Based on the occupational employment statistics of the US BLS, specialized occupations have a significantly higher income than radiologic technologists and radiology technicians.

Cardiovascular technologists and cardiovascular technicians make at least $5,000 more than radiographers and rad techs. Meanwhile, other technical careers make at least $11,000 more than radiographers and rad techs. Responsibilities of each profession account for the wage gap.

Radiologists may specialize in MRI, nuclear medicine technology, diagnostic medical sonography, cardiovascular technology, or radiation therapy. These professionals are actual physicians with a medical doctor (MD) status who diagnose and treat patients.

Radiographers and rad techs are limited to operating radiologic technology machines. They may know about appropriate courses of action when using radiologic technology. However, only radiologists can officially make assessments of diseases and decide on the best treatment plans.

Although radiography programs prepare students for radiologic technologists’ responsibilities, graduates may pursue radiology programs for further education.

Conclusion

Currently, there are 20 radiology schools in Wisconsin with accreditation from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

Students who complete accredited radiologic science programs may earn certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, or master’s degrees in radiology.

Students may take at least two years to complete radiography programs. Specialized programs may take up to four years in preparation for medical school.

Radiation therapy, MRI, mammography, and nuclear medicine technology, are among other specialized programs that radiography students pursue. Professionals in these fields earn significantly more than radiographers and radiologic technicians.

Radiologists are actual physicians with advanced clinical experience. These professionals work full-time with medical imaging and radiation sciences to diagnose and treat patients. Meanwhile, radiographers may assist radiologists in the workplace, but may not give formal diagnoses.

  1. National Center for Education Statistics. College Navigator. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?s=WI&p=51.0907+26.0209+51.0916+51.0911+51.0814&l=91+92+93+94 
  2. JRCERT program effectiveness data. Retrieved from www.jrcert.org/resources/program-effectiveness-data/
  3. Ibid 
  4. May 2019 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Wisconsin. Occupational Employment Statistics. National Center for Education Statistics. US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_wi.htm 
  5. JRCERT program effectiveness data. Op cit
  6. Student FAQs. Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Retrieved from https://www.jrcert.org/students/student-faqs/#javelin_faq1149_276  
  7. Licensed Radiographer. State of Wisconsin – Department of Safety and Professional Services. Retrieved from https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/RadiographerLicensed/Default.aspx 
  8. College Navigator – Concordia University–Wisconsin. National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?s=WI&p=51.0907+26.0209+51.0916+51.0911+51.0814&l=91+92+93+94&ct=1+2+3&ic=1+2+3&pg=1&id=238616 
  9. College Navigator – Gateway Technical College. National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?s=WI&p=51.0907+26.0209+51.0916+51.0911+51.0814&l=91+92+93+94&ct=1+2+3&ic=1+2+3&pg=1&id=238759 
  10. College Navigator – Rasmussen College-Wisconsin. National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?s=WI&p=51.0907+26.0209+51.0916+51.0911+51.0814&l=91+92+93+94&ct=1+2+3&ic=1+2+3&pg=1&id=450571 
  11. College Navigator – University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?s=WI&p=51.0907+26.0209+51.0916+51.0911+51.0814&l=91+92+93+94&ct=1+2+3&ic=1+2+3&pg=1&id=238759 
  12. College Navigator – Wisconsin Lutheran College. National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?s=WI&p=51.0907+26.0209+51.0916+51.0911+51.0814&l=91+92+93+94&ct=1+2+3&ic=1+2+3&pg=2&id=240365 
  13. Our Mission. Wisconsin Society of Radiologic Technologists. Retrieved from https://www.wsrt.net/mission  
  14. Student FAQs. Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Op cit 
  15. Who We Are FAQ. American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Retrieved from https://www.asrt.org/main/about-asrt/mission-vision/who-we-are-faq
  16. Occupational Employment Statistics Query System. US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Retrieved from https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home
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