Radiology Tech Schools in Delaware

  • The National Center for Education Statistics lists one institution in Delaware that offers a radiology tech program(1).
  • The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) has accredited two radiography programs from two radiology tech schools in Delaware(2).
  • The Delaware Technical & Community College is the only institution in the state that offers an associate degree program in radiologic technology.
  • No school in Delaware offers certificate programs or online programs in radiologic technology.
  • As of May 2019, radiologic technologists and radiology technicians in Delaware have an annual average salary of $63,160.00(3).
  • Radiologists are licensed physicians who conduct medical imaging services and diagnose patients.
  • Radiographers are also known as X-ray technicians or radiology technicians. These professionals do not officially diagnose patients.

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 from MRI technologist or other radiology programs.

Higher-ranking occupations in nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, and fluoroscopy are also available to radiology students. Students may also supplement their education with criminal justice courses to combine forensic sciences and radiologic technology.

Graduates of accredited radiography programs may apply for entry-level positions. These occupations include radiographers, also known as X-ray technicians or radiology technicians, 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 Delaware

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

Two accredited schools offer radiography programs for Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees upon graduation.

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

Based on the latest report of the JRCERT, the following table is a comprehensive list of all schools in Delaware and the radiologic technology programs that they offer(4)*. 

Radiology School Type of Program Degree/ Certificate Program Length (in months) Program Effectiveness Data (%)
Completion Rate Credential Examination Pass Rate Job Placement Rate
Delaware Technical & Community College (George Campus)

Wilmington, Delaware

 Radiography Associate of Applied Science 24 85.00 98.00 100.00
Delaware Technical & Community College (Jack F. Owens Campus)

Georgetown, Delaware

 Radiography Associate of Applied Science 23 53.00 100.00 98.00

*Data retrieved on Sept. 14, 2020. Changes may occur when new information comes in.

The accredited radiologic technology program of the Delaware Technical & Community College is available on two campuses. The program provides necessary and comprehensive educational experiences for students to qualify for certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)(5).

The curriculum of this particular program of study includes initial application courses and succeeding six semesters. This curriculum is worth 85 credits, 57 lectures, and 120 lab sessions(6).

Students learn how to perform complete radiology (RAD) courses that include radiologic procedures on various patients to enhance clinical competence. Learning professional communication skills for patient care intervention is also part of the curriculum.

Further, students are trained to practice the profession’s code of ethics to demonstrate professional growth and development. They also perform radiographic procedures to practice problem solving skills and critical thinking.

Students have to enroll and complete all RAD courses to progress through the curriculum.

Graduates of this program may apply in hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, radiology departments, physician’s offices, and other healthcare institutions. They may also pursue further education to get jobs in mammography, MRI, or CT.

Delaware Technical & Community College (George Campus) – Wilmington, Delaware

The school’s George Campus is in downtown Wilmington, which is between Washington, DC and New York City. Its radiography program is available to New Castle County residents.

Prospective students may contact the Wilmington Campus Academic Advising Center for personalized tours to become familiar with the program and campus facilities:

Phone: (302) 552-5950

E-mail: sw-info@dtcc.edu 

Delaware Technical & Community College (Jack F. Owens Campus) – Georgetown, Delaware

The Owens Campus covers 147 acres and is located in Georgetown, the county seat of Sussex County. The campus serves as the center for education, recreation, community gatherings, and cultural events in the county.

Prospective students may contact the Owens Campus Academic Advising Center for personalized tours to become familiar with the program and campus facilities:

Phone: (302) 259-6060

E-mail: owens-info@dtcc.edu 

Other Radiology Schools in Delaware

Some schools in the state of Delaware may offer radiology technology programs that are not JRCERT-accredited. However, graduates of such programs are still eligible to take the ARRT exam(7).

According to the JRCERT’s dedicated page for frequently asked questions (FAQs), as long as students complete an educational program that meets ARRT standards, they may sit for the ARRT exam.

Passing the ARRT certification exam is required for licensure. Most states, including Delaware, require licensure before radiographers can legally practice(8). Industries also prefer hiring registered radiologic technologists.

Despite the lack of a JRCERT accreditation, the following school offers a radiology program:

Delaware Technical Community College-Terry – Dover, Delaware

This public school offers an associate’s degree in radiologic technology or radiologic science for radiographers. Twenty-three students completed the program during 2018 to 2019(9).

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), radiologic technologists and technicians in Dover, DE earn an estimated average annual salary of $55,400.00(10).

This campus is located in the northern part of Delaware’s capital city of Dover.

Prospective students may contact the Dover Campus Academic Advising Center for personalized tours to become familiar with the program and campus facilities:

Phone: (302) 857-1017

E-mail: terry-info@dtcc.edu 

How to Become a Radiologic Technologist in Delaware

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

Application

Schools, colleges, and universities typically accommodate online applications. Official websites require membership for easier application processes. Some official websites also offer a dedicated webpage for applicants to request information.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and additional fees may vary depending on the residency of students. Residents of Delaware may have lesser tuition than non-residents. Most 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.

Upon acceptance to a radiography program, students must meet academic and clinical requirements to become eligible for graduation.

To be eligible for graduation, students should maintain a grade of C (2.0) or higher in each course and take the ARRT certification exam. Graduation may be delayed should students fail to meet these requirements.

Curriculum

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

Some RAD clinical courses may expose students to actual practice of radiography. Students take immersive classes in various diagnostic imaging departments to develop and refine their patient management skills.

Students taking classes in actual radiography departments also practice equipment manipulation, technical factor selection, machinery positioning, and image evaluation. Such courses come in varying levels of difficulty.

Radiography students also get introduced to different concepts of diseases. Instructors discuss pathology as it relates to different radiographic procedures.

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

Graduation

Graduation from radiography programs earns students an AAS degree. These 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.

Graduates of radiography programs may also pursue advanced radiology programs, such as radiation technology or MRI. This step is essential in getting a medical degree.

Students of JRCERT-accredited schools have better chances of securing jobs in radiologic technology upon graduation.

Graduates pursuing a bachelor’s degree also have the option to transfer through related degree programs. Delaware Tech offers such programs and has dual admission agreements with two partner institutions,  Delaware State University and Wilmington University(11).

Graduates may also join the Delaware Radiological Society(12). This professional organization strives to promote continued education and allow imaging professionals to provide the best quality healthcare.

Delaware Licensing Requirements

The ARRT offers licensing exams for radiologic technologists to practice their professions within the state of Delaware. Only graduates of schools with ARRT certification may take the licensing exam.

The JRCERT is the only accrediting body for radiography programs recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Completing accredited programs may boost an individual’s chances of securing entry-level positions in the industry.

Students may complete any radiography program from a school that meets ARRT standards for the exam(13).

The state of Delaware must certify all professional operators of X-ray equipment. Prospects looking to obtain certification must successfully pass the ARRT licensing exam, submit an application, and pay a fee.

Prospects also have the option to pass the state licensure examination. Radiographers must then pursue continuing education to renew their license every two years.

More information and additional resources regarding licensure are available from the Delaware Division of Public Health – Office of Radiation Control(14) or the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)(15).

Career Opportunities and Salary

The BLS offers an Occupational Employment Statistics query system, which gathers the latest labor data of multiple occupations for a specific geographic area(16). 

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

State: Delaware

Period: May 2019

Occupation Employment(A) Average Hourly Wage Average Annual Wage(B)
Radiation Therapists 50 $47.76 $99,350.00
Cardiovascular Technologists and Cardiovascular Technicians 260 $29.39 $61,130.00
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers 180 $34.88 $72,540.00
Nuclear Medicine Technologists 80 $39.55 $82,270.00
Radiologic Technologists and Radiology Technicians 670 $30.36 $63,160.00
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists 160 $37.74 $78,500.00

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 11, 2020.

B. Annual wages have been calculated by multiplying the corresponding hourly wage by 2,080 hours. Date extracted: September 11, 2020.

Based on the given data, there is a significant difference between the salaries of radiographers and radiologists.

Except for cardiovascular technologists and cardiovascular technicians, individuals with specialized radiology jobs make at least $9,000 more than radiologic technologists and radiology technicians.

Among these specialized occupations, radiation therapists in the state of Delaware make the most, with a recorded average annual salary of $99,350. This amount is at least $30,000 more than the salary of radiographers.

Aside from radiation therapy, radiologists may specialize in MRI, nuclear medicine technology, diagnostic medical sonography, or cardiovascular technology.

These professionals are actual physicians with a medical doctor (MD) status who diagnose and treat patients. Meanwhile, radiographers and rad techs are limited to operating radiologic technology machines.

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

Conclusion

Currently, there are two radiology tech schools in Delaware with accreditation from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

Students who complete accredited radiologic science programs may earn associate degrees in radiography to become radiographers or X-ray techs.

Completing radiography programs may take about two years. Those who want to pursue radiology programs should look for a college outside the state of Delaware.

The Delaware Technical & Community College offers degree programs that allow students to pursue bachelor’s degrees in sponsored schools and partner institutions.

Radiation therapy, MRI, mammography, and nuclear medicine technology, are among the specialized programs that radiography students can pursue.

Professionals in these fields earn significantly more than radiographers and radiology 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. However, giving formal diagnoses is not a radiographer’s responsibility.

  1. National Center for Education Statistics. College Navigator. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?s=DE&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. May 2019 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Delaware. Occupational Employment Statistics. National Center for Education Statistics. US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_de.htm 
  4. JRCERT program effectiveness data. Op cit
  5. RAD Georgetown Handbook. Delaware Technical & Community College. Retrieved from https://www.dtcc.edu/sites/default/files/rad-georgetown-handbook.pdf 
  6. Ibid. 
  7. Student FAQs. Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. https://www.jrcert.org/students/student-faqs/#javelin_faq1149_276
  8. Radiography Requirements. Delaware State Requirements. Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.danb.org/Meet-State-Requirements/State-Specific-Information/Delaware.aspx  
  9. College Navigator – Delaware Technical Community College-Terry. National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?s=DE&p=51.0907+26.0209+51.0916+51.0911+51.0814&l=91+92+93+94&id=130907 
  10. May 2019 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Dover, DE. Occupational Employment Statistics. National Center for Education Statistics. US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_20100.htm 
  11. Transfer Options. Delaware Technical & Community College. Retrieved from https://www.dtcc.edu/academics/transfer-options 
  12. About Us. Delaware Radiological Society. Retrieved from https://www.acr.org/Member-Resources/ACR-Chapters/Chapters/Delaware 
  13. Student FAQs. Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Op cit
  14. Office of Radiation Control. Delaware.gov. Retrieved from https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/hsp/orc.html 
  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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