- In Utah, several educational facilities offer radiography programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
- Some of the top radiology schools in the state are Dixie State University and Salt Lake Community College.
- The most common requirement for admission in one of these institutions is to complete prerequisite courses in biology, math, and English.
- Career growth in radiologic technology is predicted to accelerate in the coming years, according to information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)(1).
The state of Utah has several colleges and universities offering accredited programs in radiologic technology. Students can earn a certificate or associate’s degree in radiography from one of these institutions.
Graduates who are interested in specializing in the radiologic sciences can continue their studies and obtain a bachelor’s degree (Bachelor of Science) in the field.
Top Radiography Schools in Utah
There are at least four educational facilities in the state that offer programs in radiologic technology.
| Colleges | Program Type | Degree Level | Duration | Program Effectiveness | ||
| Program Completion Rate | Exam Pass Rate | Job Placement Rate | ||||
| Dixie State University(2)* | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 22 months | 100% | 100% | 96.20% |
| Salt Lake Community College | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 22 months | 93% | 100% | 100% |
| University of Utah Hospital(3)** | Interventional Radiography | Certificate | 9 months | N/A | 100% | N/A |
| Weber State University(4)*** | Radiologic Technology | Associate and Bachelor | 22 months (associate) | N/A | 95% | N/A |
*Data retrieved on Sept. 9, 2020. Changes may occur when new information comes in.
**Data retrieved on Sept. 9, 2020. Changes may occur when new information comes in.
***Data retrieved on Sept. 9, 2020. Changes may occur when new information comes in.
Dixie State University
Graduates of the two-year radiology technology program at Dixie State University (dixie.edu) are awarded an Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Radiography. It prepares students to take on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam for professional licensing.
This five-semester program involves coursework and clinical rotations on radiology, preparing students to work variable shifts at hospitals and other medical facilities. Applicants should also know that Saturday work is a requirement from the third semester onwards.
Before applying for the university’s radiography program, applicants must accomplish at least 11 prerequisite courses. They also need to complete the Psychological Services Bureau Occupations Aptitude Examination to be admitted.
Their radiologic technology program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). A comprehensive list of all schools and accreditation information can be found at the JRCERT website.
Salt Lake Community College
The Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology degree is presented to students who can complete all five semesters of the program at Salt Lake Community College. Students who wish to obtain their science degree part-time may apply for the evening program.
Students choosing to go full-time should be willing to dedicate 40 hours a week to do daytime clinical rotations and coursework. About one or two days each week are spent by students on the Salt Lake City campus to accomplish requirements. Meanwhile, three days a week must be allocated for clinical rotations.
Four prerequisite courses are required to be completed by prospective applicants. These courses are English, biology, math, and an introductory radiology technology course. To be considered for admission to their radiography program, students must earn a minimum of a C in all studies.
University of Utah Hospital
The University of Utah offers a 9-month certificate program in vascular intervention for certified radiographers. Their Health Care Department of Radiology teaches students every aspect of interventional radiology, including assisting physicians, processing images, and patient care. They also undergo studies in interventional body and neuro procedures.
The program provides the didactic knowledge that students need to do vascular iIntervention procedures and the opportunity to accomplish clinical competency requirements from the ARRT.
Students will work with experienced radiologists and the latest equipment to prepare them for an environment where advanced imaging techniques are routinely performed. Students will learn how to screen patients, image trauma patients, answer radiography questions, and assist doctors in biopsies.
Weber State University
Weber State University offers a full-time program that leads to an Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology when completed. Students go through a well-rounded curriculum involving on-campus studies and clinical experiences.
Radiologic technology students are assigned to a clinical schedule in one of the medical facilities associated with the university. Some examples include rotations at Alta View Hospital, St. Mark’s Hospital, Logan Regional Hospital, and Tanner Clinic. However, not all of their affiliates accept rad tech students each year.
Their radiologic technology coursework typically involves studies on patient care and assessment, radiographic exposure, and basic anatomy. Applicants should submit all requirements by January 10 each year to be considered for admission.
Becoming a Radiologic Technologist in Utah
An associate degree in radiology is required to become a radiographer in Utah. The first step in obtaining it is to have a high school diploma or similar education.
Once students have the basic requirements, they can apply at either Dixie State University, Salt Lake Community College, or Web State University. Those who already have a radiology degree can apply for one of the specialty radiology health sciences programs offered by the University of Utah (nuclear medicine, computed tomography).
To become a rad tech, graduates must first complete the national certification exam for radiologic technologists. It costs $70, and the educational requirements are either having a two-year associate or four-year bachelor’s degree in radiography.
Graduates must also pass the ARRT exam for their licensure. Test applicants are given a handbook containing exam details, such as the types of questions that will show up.
Those with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) certification must take the MRI exam to be recognized in their field. This test features 200 multiple choice questions concerning the career specialty.
Rad techs in the state can join the Utah Society of Radiologic Technologists (USRT). As the state affiliate of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), the USRT provides education and certification information and organizes annual meetings with its members.
Career Outlook for Radiologic Technologists in Utah
Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), radiology technician salaries average around $60,510 yearly(5). Magnetic resonance imaging technologists have a median annual wage of approximately $73,410 as of May 2019.
Meanwhile, X-ray technologists and technicians in Utah had an average yearly salary of $57,870 in 2019(6). Some of the state organizations that hire rad techs are the University of Utah Health Care, Intermountain Healthcare, and Ogden Regional Medical Center.
Career opportunities in radiologic technology are vast in the United States. Graduates can expect to find entry-level work at physicians’ offices, imaging clinics, and hospitals.
People choosing to become rad techs will work closely with patients, which makes developing interpersonal skills essential. Those working in radiology must also have a comprehensive understanding of physiology and anatomy.
Knowledge in chemistry will also come in handy since the role may require the accurate blending of imaging substances. Radiologic technicians should be able to work for long hours on their feet. They must also be strong enough to lift patients.
Career growth in radiology technology is expected to accelerate in the coming years. The BLS predicts that it will grow 7% faster compared to other jobs(7). The average growth rate is 4% for all occupations.
What is the Difference Between Radiology and Radiography?
Radiology is a branch in medicine that involves analyzing images created by equipment, such as CT, MRI, X-rays, and ultrasounds. It is the discipline by which medical imaging is used to diagnose and treat various health conditions.
Radiography is an imaging technique to view internal body parts using X-rays, ionizing radiation, and gamma rays. Two common aspects of radiography are medical radiography and industrial radiography.
Medical radiography has several modalities to produce images. The most common are computed tomography (CT scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and projectional radiography (X-rays).
People who specialize in radiology are called radiologists, while those who concentrate in radiography are called radiographers.
Two key factors differentiate a radiographer and a radiologist: their education and job responsibilities.
Cost of Education
To become a radiologist, a person must complete a four-year undergraduate degree, med school, and radiology residency.
Radiographers need to graduate from JRCERT-accredited radiology programs before they can be recognized as professionals. These associate programs cost an average of $4,000 to $12,000 yearly.
There are associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs offered at radiology schools for aspiring radiographers. Upon completion, graduates can choose to specialize in individual studies, such as mammography, radiation therapy, or diagnostic medical sonography.
Job Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of a radiologist are to prepare for imaging procedures, use their expertise to interpret imaging results, and make informed diagnoses. Meanwhile, radiographers are the professionals who assist physicians and help prepare patients for their imaging procedures.
Radiographers are knowledgeable in operating a wide variety of imaging devices and producing high-quality X-rays. They always work under the supervision of a radiologist.
Conclusion
Utah has several educational facilities that provide accredited programs for aspiring radiologic technologists and technicians. Students can obtain their associate’s degree in radiography in these institutions and even specialize in radiologic sciences.
Dixie State University appears to be the best school for radiology in Utah due to its high program effectiveness data and reasonable tuition fee.
According to data from the BLS, radiographers earn approximately $60,510 on average each year. On the other hand, MRI technologists have a median yearly wage of $73,410 as of 2019.
Radiologic technologists and technicians in Utah earn an average annual salary of $57,870. The top organizations that hire these professionals are Intermountain Healthcare, Ogden Regional Medical Center, and the University of Utah Health Care.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Radiologic and MRI Technologists. Retrieved from: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Radiologic-technologists.htm
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Retrieved from: https://portal.jrcertaccreditation.org/accredited-educational-programs/search
- Health University of Utah School of Medicine. IR Technologist. Retrieved from: https://medicine.utah.edu/radiology/education/technologist-education/programs/interventionalradiology/
- Weber State University. School of Radiologic Sciences. Retrieved from: https://www.weber.edu/radsci/
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Radiologic and MRI Technologists. op. cit.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2019 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Utah. Retrieved from: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ut.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Radiologic and MRI Technologists. op. cit.