- According to the National Center for Education Statistics College, Maryland (MD) has 11 colleges and universities with radiologic technology degree programs(1).
- Some of the colleges that offer accredited radiologic technology programs include Anne Arundel Community, Chesapeake College, Community College of Baltimore County, Hagerstown Community College, Howard Community College, and Montgomery College.
- To become a radiologic technologist in MD, one needs to complete a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam.
- The Maryland Board of Physicians offers state licensure for radiologic technologists and radiology technicians.
- Radiology tech jobs in Maryland could experience a 16.5% increase in 2026(2).
Best Radiology Schools in Maryland
There are 11 colleges and universities with radiologic technology and medical imaging programs in Maryland. Students may choose from certificate, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree programs.
Radiologic technology programs also include specialties, such as radiation therapy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammography, sonography, computed tomography (CT), and nuclear medicine.
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology is the organization responsible for accrediting various radiology programs.
JRCERT-accredited schools are determined by the program effectiveness data, including completion rate, credential exam pass rate, and job placement rate.
Here are some of the accredited schools in MD for aspiring radiologic technologists, radiology technicians, and X-ray technicians.
| Name of Colleges | Program Type | Degree Level | Program Duration | Program Effectiveness(3)* | ||
| Completion Rate | Pass Rate | Job Placement Rate | ||||
| Anne Arundel Community College (Arnold) | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 24 months | 74% | 100% | 100% |
| Chesapeake College (Wye Mills) | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 24 months | 100% | 95% | 100% |
| Community College of Baltimore County (Baltimore) | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 22 months | 86.20% | 95.30% | 100% |
| Community College of Baltimore County (Baltimore) | Radiation Therapy | Associate of Applied Science | 21 months | 77% | 87% | 96% |
| Fortis College (Landover) | Radiography | Associate of Science | 24 months | 57% | 0% | 0% |
| Hagerstown Community College (Hagerstown) | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 24 months | 72% | 92% | 92% |
| Howard Community College (Columbia) | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 24 months | 94.70% | 97% | 100% |
| Montgomery College (Takoma Park) | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 24 months | 73% | 100% | 100% |
| Prince George’s Community College (Largo) | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 19 months | 86% | 88% | 97% |
| The Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore) | Radiography | Certificate | 18 months | 81.3% | 98.3% | 100% |
| University of Maryland Medical Center (Baltimore) | Medical Dosimetry | Certificate | 12 months | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Washington Adventist University (Takoma Park) | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 23 months | 90% | 0% | 0% |
| Wor-Wic Community College (Salisbury) | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 22 months | 45% | 100% | 98% |
*Data retrieved on Sept. 2, 2020. Changes may occur when new information comes in.
Anne Arundel Community College
Anne Arundel Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in radiologic technology, which requires 67 credits.
This two-year radiography program consists of on-campus coursework, labs, and clinical rotations at local hospitals and medical facilities.
Before beginning the radiology technology program, the required general education courses must be completed. They usually take an additional year of study.
The coursework covers radiographic procedures, imaging equipment maintenance and operation, radiation protection and biology, and patient management techniques.
The program is also affiliated with 17 different clinical locations to provide students with experience in the radiologic technology field.
Prospective students must first complete seven prerequisite courses and take the essential academic skills test before applying to the program.
Anne Arundel Community College accepts applications on a rolling basis. In this process, the college continuously accepts and reviews applications and judges all applications at once.
The tuition for this program is $4,052.50 for in-state students and $7,000 for out-of-state students(4).
Chesapeake College
Chesapeake College, the first community college on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, offers an Associate of Applied Science in radiologic sciences.
The program requires 70 credits and takes a minimum of six semesters or 24 months to complete. Students also spend 29-34 weeks in clinical practice.
Courses include patient care, positioning, clinical radiology, imaging equipment, image analysis, and radiographic pathology.
Chesapeake College’s radiologic science program has a competitive admission due to a set number of clinical rotation spots.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the ARRT licensing examination.
The tuition for this program is $5,695.00 for in-state students and $10,715 for out-of-state students(5).
Community College of Baltimore County
The Community College of Baltimore County offers an associate’s degree program in radiography. It requires 69 credits or 22 months to complete.
This full-time program includes on-campus classroom instruction, laboratory work, and field-based clinical rotations.
Students learn how to practice radiation safety, position patients, evaluate radiographic images, and display professional behavior.
Most of the clinical rotations are scheduled during the day. Occasionally, students are also required to work night and weekend shifts.
Students’ clinical rotations take place at Franklin Square Hospital Center, Harbor Hospital, Maryland General Hospital, and St. Joseph Medical Center.
Before submitting an application, applicants must complete prerequisite courses.
The tuition for this program is $4,720 for in-state students and $8,880 for out-of-state students(6).
Hagerstown Community College
Hagerstown Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in radiography. This two-year program consists of six semesters and requires 70 credits.
Students learn about X-ray technology, medical imaging, CT imaging, radiation biology, radiographic positioning and venipuncture, and cross-sectional anatomy.
The curriculum also includes a clinical practicum to provide students with hands-on experience in the medical imaging field.
The tuition for this program is $2,650 for in-state students and $5,450 for out-of-state students(7).
Howard Community College
Howard Community College offers an associate’s degree in radiologic technology, which requires 74 credits to complete.
This two-year program combines classroom coursework and clinical rotations. Students take courses during the day, while clinical rotations may be scheduled during the day, evening, or weekends.
Coursework includes radiologic procedures, radiation biology, imaging equipment, and clinical radiography.
Prospective students of the radiologic technology program must complete all prerequisites before applying.
Successful applicants are required to attend an orientation before starting the program in the fall. Applicants must also earn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification through the American Heart Association.
The tuition for this program is $4,692 for in-state students and $9,108 for out-of-state students(8).
Montgomery College
Montgomery College offers an Associate of Applied Science in radiologic technology, which requires 70 credits. The college has campuses in Takoma Park, Rockville, and Germantown.
Students complete two years of coursework and clinical experiences. The program prepares students to embark on their careers as radiographers.
The curriculum includes radiologic technology, radiographic positioning, and clinical radiology. Students are also required to spend ample time at clinical rotations.
During the first year of the program, students work at a local medical facility for eight and a half hours per day.
Aspiring radiographers are also required to work full-time at a clinical facility for ten weeks, during the summer between the first and second years.
Program graduates are eligible to sit for the ARRT certification exam. Rad tech graduates may also pursue additional education to receive certification in MRI, mammography, or radiation therapy.
Montgomery College’s radiologic technology program has a competitive admission, as the program accepts a maximum of 27 students each year.
The tuition fee for this program is $4,928 for in-state students and $10,942 for out-of-state students(9).
Other Schools to Consider
Here are other radiology tech schools in MA that are currently not JRCERT-accredited, but are worth considering.
Allegany College of Maryland (Cumberland)
Allegany College of Maryland in Cumberland offers an Associate of Science in radiologic technology. Students complete a mix of radiology technology courses and 1,600 hours of clinical rotations.
The program’s coursework includes radiographic positioning, clinical radiology, EKG analysis and testing, IV therapy training, and phlebotomy for health professionals.
Students may be assigned to clinical facilities in Maryland or neighboring states, like Pennsylvania.
Affiliated medical facilities include Altoona Hospital, Advanced Diagnostic Radiology, Potomac Valley Hospital, and the University of Maryland Medical System.
Program applicants are required to pass the Allegany College Placement Test before submitting their application materials.
Notre Dame of Maryland University (Baltimore)
Notre Dame of Maryland University, located in Baltimore, offers a Bachelor of Science degree in radiological sciences.
Students are required to earn 60 credits of coursework before advancing to the clinical portion of the program.
Aspiring rad techs may also complete their clinical requirements and become licensed medical imaging technicians at The Johns Hopkins Hospital School of Medical Imaging (JHSMI).
The program provides experience in various forms of medical imaging. This experience qualifies students to work in more advanced radiologic science positions at diagnostic laboratories and hospitals.
14 and 18-month clinical certification programs are also available in radiography, nuclear medicine technology, diagnostic medical sonography, and echocardiography.
Radiography Program vs. Radiology Program
Radiography programs usually require completion of one to four years. The program courses include anatomy, pathology, patient care, medical ethics, radiation physics, and protection.
Students may also pursue specializations, such as X-ray, CT, mammography, or sonography (ultrasound).
Meanwhile, radiology programs focus on advanced modalities and procedures. These include fluoroscopy, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, contrast medium injection, and other interventional radiology procedures.
Graduates of radiology programs may apply for higher-paying positions or choose to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree.
How to Become a Radiologic Technologist in MD
Radiologic technologists must meet the educational requirements and obtain a license to work in the state of Maryland.
Like most careers in healthcare, students need to earn a high school diploma first. Then, they need to complete a radiologic technology program accredited by the JRCERT.
Most entry-level radiologic technologists are associate’s degree holders, while others have a certificate or bachelor’s degree.
Upon completing the program, rad tech graduates must pass the ARRT exam to become certified radiologic technologists or radiology technicians.
The ARRT requires all licenses to be renewed every two years. Rad techs need to complete 24 hours of continuing education credits and pass the ethics review.
According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), a Maryland state license must also be obtained for any person to work as a radiologic technologist(10).
The Maryland Board of Physicians licenses radiology techs in the state(11). Licensure requirements include the completion of a JRCERT-accredited program, an application fee, and ARRT certification.
Like the ARRT certification, Maryland licensure must be renewed every two years. The Maryland Board of Physicians requires evidence that the ARRT’s education requirements have been fulfilled.
An individual who wants to become an X-ray technician in MD also needs to pass the ARRT certification exam and obtain state licensure.
Career and Salary
Different career opportunities for rad tech graduates include radiographers, X-ray technicians, sonographers, MRI technologists, or nuclear medicine technologists.
Rad tech professionals may secure employment in various settings, including imaging centers, medical facilities, hospitals, physicians’ offices, universities, and government agencies.
Employment opportunities are also available in major health centers and organizations in Maryland.
They include Baltimore Washington Medical Center, Community Radiology Associates, Franklin Square Hospital, Progressive Radiology, Mercy Medical Center, University of Maryland Medical System, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), radiologic technologists in MD earn an average annual salary of $68,970 and make $33.16 per hour(12).
There is a high demand for radiologic technologists in Maryland. To increase the number of rad techs in the state, the Maryland Higher Education Commission offers the Health Manpower Shortage program to community colleges for their radiologic technologist programs(13).
Under this program, a radiologic technology student seeking an Associate of Applied Science degree may receive financial aid.
Projections Central reported 16.5% job growth for radiologic technologists and technicians in Maryland between 2016 and 2026.
Rad tech positions are expected to increase from 4,050 to 4,720 in 2026(14).
Conclusion
Some of the best radiology schools in MD include Anne Arundel Community, Chesapeake College, Community College of Baltimore County, Hagerstown Community College, Howard Community College, and Montgomery College.
These schools have radiologic technology programs accredited by the JRCERT. Some programs may also grant financial aid to its students.
Students may pursue a one-year certificate program, a two-year associate’s degree, or a four-year bachelor’s degree.
To become a radiologic technologist, one must complete a JRCERT-accredited program and pass the ARRT certification exam.
The Maryland Board of Physicians offers licensure for radiology professionals in the state. Both the ARRT certification and state license need to be renewed every two years.
According to Projections Central, Maryland’s rad tech career opportunities could experience a 16.5% increase by 2026.
- National Center for Education Statistics. (Accessed 2020). College Navigator. Retrieved from: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
- Projections Central. (Accessed 2020). Long Term Occupational Projections. Retrieved from: https://projectionscentral.com/Projections/LongTerm
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. (Accessed 2020). Program Effectiveness Data. Retrieved from: https://www.jrcert.org/resources/program-effectiveness-data/
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. (Accessed 2020). Accredited Program Details. Retrieved from: https://portal.jrcertaccreditation.org/accredited-educational-programs/details/d0bcf033-b0ef-4c11-bb5e-6f26612cdf71
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. (Accessed 2020). Accredited Program Details. Retrieved from: https://portal.jrcertaccreditation.org/accredited-educational-programs/details/4bc654da-d162-4612-be83-fa696738a56d
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. (Accessed 2020). Accredited Program Details. Retrieved from: https://portal.jrcertaccreditation.org/accredited-educational-programs/details/c7a3a4a7-b043-41dd-9505-69cca666c6ba
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. (Accessed 2020). Accredited Program Details. Retrieved from: https://portal.jrcertaccreditation.org/accredited-educational-programs/details/b9385c2b-8d31-4a5f-956f-6986fc0ab077
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. (Accessed 2020). Accredited Program Details. Retrieved from: https://portal.jrcertaccreditation.org/accredited-educational-programs/details/3bea5882-b109-4d20-8623-722bfa184f5b
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. (Accessed 2020). Accredited Program Details. Retrieved from: https://portal.jrcertaccreditation.org/accredited-educational-programs/details/eee98240-9dce-496f-9526-026a5f9d2c5f
- American Society of Radiologic Technologists. (Accessed 2020). Individual State Licensure Information. Retrieved from: https://www.asrt.org/main/standards-and-regulations/legislation-regulations-and-advocacy/individual-state-licensure#md
- Maryland Board of Physicians. (Accessed 2020). Radiographers. Retrieved from: https://www.mbp.state.md.us/licensure_ahapp_radiographer.aspx
- US Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS). (May 2019). Maryland May 2019 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimate. Retrieved from: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_md.htm
- Maryland Higher Education Commission. (2011). A Student Guide To Higher Education and Financial Aid in Maryland. Retrieved from: http://docshare02.docshare.tips/files/11334/113349708.pdf
- Projections Central. op. cit.