Radiology Technician Schools in Ohio

• The National Center for Education Statistics lists 29 institutions in Ohio that offer various radiology programs⁽¹⁾.
• Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Kent State University, and Lakeland Community College are some of the institutions in Ohio with JRCERT-accredited radiology programs.
• The Ohio State University, Kent State University, and Marion Technical College offer radiology programs with high program effectiveness data⁽²⁾.
• Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, and Elyria have the highest employment rate in
  Ohio for radiologic technicians and technologists⁽³⁾.
• As of May 2019, radiologic techs in Ohio have an annual average pay of $60,890⁽⁴⁾.

Radiology Technician Schools in Ohio

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics show that Ohio has 29 institutions that offer a diverse range of radiography programs⁽⁵⁾.

Most of the programs in Ohio are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

JRCERT is responsible for awarding accreditation to various programs in radiography, medical dosimetry, magnetic resonance, and radiation therapy.

As accreditor, JRCERT calculates the program effectiveness data, which includes the program’s completion rate, credential exam pass rate, and job placement rate. Students can view the committee’s findings on the www.jrcert.org webpage.

The following are some radiologic tech programs in Ohio and their program effectiveness data⁽⁶⁾*:

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

Certificate/Diploma

Cleveland Clinic Health System-School of Diagnostic Imaging offers certificate programs in radiologic technology, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT). 

The competency-based programs use student learning outcome assessment plans to ensure quality education.

Associate’s Degree

Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences in Canton offers an associate’s degree program in radiography. The program aims to prepare students for entry-level positions in radiology departments.

The college also offers financial aid and scholarships to students who cannot afford full tuition.

Belmont College has a radiologic technology program at the associate’s level. The program aims to provide students with learning opportunities to help them deliver quality healthcare upon graduation.

Central Ohio Technical College offers a radiologic science technology program at the associate’s level. The program includes classroom, laboratory, and clinical training.

It aims to provide students with the essential knowledge and skills to practice radiology.

Columbus State Community College has a medical imaging program for aspiring radiologists. The program prepares students for entry-level employment as a medical imaging professional.

Cuyahoga Community College offers an associate’s degree in radiography program. Under the program, students learn about patient care and proper medical imaging procedures.

The program aims to produce graduates who can serve as essential members of a healthcare team.

Eastern Gateway Community College has a radiologic technology program offered to aspiring rad techs in Ohio. The program’s mission statement is to produce competent, entry-level radiographers.

Students undergo clinical rotations at partner health institutions, including Trinity Health Systems and Weirton Medical Center.

Fortis College-Columbus offers a radiologic technology program with classroom and laboratory training. Students learn to operate X-ray equipment, position patients properly, and produce X-ray images.

James A Rhodes State College offers a radiographic imaging program at the associate’s level. Coursework includes radiobiology, radiation dosimetry, applied anatomy, oncologic pathology, treatment planning, medical ethics, and radiation oncology procedures.

Kent State University in Ashtabula and Salem offer Associate of Applied Science degree programs in radiologic technology. Under the program, students learn how to conduct medical imaging procedures.

Students under the program have to complete classroom lectures and gain clinical experience at healthcare facilities. Students also learn proper patient positioning, medical imaging equipment operation, radiation safety, and patient care.

Kettering College has an Associate of Science degree program in radiologic sciences imaging. The program is five semesters long. It aims to provide Ohio’s healthcare community with skilled imaging specialists. 

Lakeland Community College offers an associate’s degree in radiologic technology. Under the program, students work under the supervision of program directors, physicians, or other radiologists.

Upon completing the program, individuals can process radiographic films, perform imaging examinations, provide patient education, and apply radiation protection principles.

Lorain County Community College offers a radiologic technology program for students who want to join the radiology departments in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities.

Students under the program learn skills necessary to enter the field of radiology. The program also prepares individuals who are interested in continuing specialized training in other areas of radiology.

Marion Technical College has an associate’s degree program in radiologic technology. Students learn how to produce X-ray images, position patients for medical imaging procedures, and demonstrate radiation safety standards.

Mercy College of Ohio provides an associate degree in radiologic technology program with 3,400 hours of clinical training. The college onboards up to 60 students for the program.

North Central State College offers an associate’s degree program in radiologic sciences.

The program provides students with experience in special procedures, trauma, surgery, and diagnostic techniques. There are also program lectures conducted online.

Owens Community College offers associate’s degree programs in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiologic technology.

Under the radiologic technology program, students learn about anatomy, physiology, and directed practice in radiology. Students can enroll online for the program.

Meanwhile, the MRI program has a coursework that covers topics such as MRI patient care and study, MRI physics, and MRI procedures. Students under the program learn in a fully-functional MRI simulation lab.

Shawnee State University at Portsmouth offers a radiologic technology program. Students taking the program have to complete six semesters of classroom instruction and clinical rotation.

Sinclair Community College offers a radiologic technology program to prepare students for a career in radiology. 

Upon graduating from the program, students can help radiologists and other physicians provide health care services in medical imaging and other related departments.

University of Cincinnati–Blue Ash College has a radiologic technology program that aims to produce competent diagnostic radiographers. The program includes face-to-face interaction in classrooms and online lectures.

The University of Rio Grande has a radiologic technology program that prepares students for entry-level jobs in the radiology field. Under the program, students learn radiation safety and medical imaging principles.

Xavier University offers a radiologic technology program that onboards 30 students. Students under the program learn radiologic technology theory and receive training from registered radiographers.

The program includes classroom, laboratory, and clinical training.

Zane State College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in radiologic technology. Coursework includes communications, math, sociology, physics, biology, and medical radiography courses.

Bachelor’s Degree

Kent State University at Salem offers a bachelor’s degree program in radiation therapy. The program requires full-time commitment, with students completing 40 hours of clinical rotations every week.

Ohio State University offers bachelor degree programs in radiation therapy and radiography.

Under the radiography program, students learn proper radiography procedures to help radiologists diagnose various conditions.

Students undergo simulation training to learn how to help physicians in localizing anatomical areas requiring treatment.

Accreditation of Radiography Programs in Ohio

Aspiring radiographers in Ohio have to complete an accredited program to qualify for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam.

Aside from JRCERT,  the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is another accreditor in the healthcare field. CAAHEP awards accreditation to education programs in health sciences.

The following institutions offer radiology programs accredited by CAAHEP:

• Central Ohio Technical College, Newark
• Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Cincinnati
• Cuyahoga Community College District, Parma
• Kettering College, Kettering
• Lorain County Community College, Elyria
• Marion Technical College, Marion
• Ohio State University-Main Campus, Columbus
• Owens Community College, Toledo
• University of Findlay, Findlay
• University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande

The Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT) awards accreditation to postsecondary nuclear medicine technology programs. 

The following are some institutions in Ohio that offer JRCNMT-accredited programs:

• Cuyahoga Community College District, Parma
• Ohio State University-Main Campus, Columbus
• University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati
• University of Findlay, Findlay

Radiography Programs vs. Radiology Programs

Radiology schools in Ohio mostly offer radiography programs. Radiography programs aim to produce radiographers, such as radiologic technicians and technologists.

Radiographers conduct medical imaging tests and assist radiologists. They may specialize in various medical imaging procedures, including X-ray, MRI, positron emission tomography (PET), or mammography.

Students under radiography programs learn radiation safety, anatomy, pathology, patient care, medical ethics, and radiation physics.

Radiographers are not authorized to diagnose medical conditions. Their tasks are limited to producing medical images for radiologists.

Meanwhile, radiology programs aim to develop competent radiologists. Radiologists are the medical professionals who interpret medical images produced by radiographers like CT, MRI, and X-ray technicians.

Radiologists also help referring physicians in diagnosing medical conditions. They also partake in the planning of radiation therapy treatments for cancer patients.

Aspiring radiologists undergo more intensive training and education compared to radiographers. 

Unlike radiographers, radiologists are required to complete a residency program before they can begin their practice. Taking up a residency program provides students with the opportunity to learn advanced imaging procedures.

Radiologists also have to pass a core exam and a certifying exam before becoming board-certified.

The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) offers high-quality educational resources to radiology students who want certification from the American Board of Radiology (ABR).

How Does One Become a Radiologic Technologist/Technician in Ohio?

After completing an accredited radiologic tech program, individuals must take and pass the ARRT exam or an equivalent state exam. Nuclear technologists have to pass the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) exam.

Individuals who passed the exam are qualified to apply for a state license. Radiologic techs in Ohio are required to secure a license from the Ohio Department of Health. 

The department awards licensure to the following health professionals:

• Radiation therapists
• Nuclear medicine technologists
• General X-ray operators
• Radiographers

Individuals are also required to finish 12 credits of continuing education every year to be eligible for license renewal. Licensing costs $65 while license renewal costs $45⁽⁷⁾.

Coursework for continuing education may include equipment management, safety and protection practices, quality control, and radiographic imaging.

Radiology Requirements in Ohio

Aspiring radiologist assistants, radiation therapists, radiologic technologists and technicians, nuclear medicine practitioners, and fusion imaging technicians must pass the appropriate state or national exam before entering the radiology field.

Limited scope X-ray technicians only need to complete a state-approved certification program to begin their practice.

Most rad techs have to complete 24 hours of continuing education credits every two years. Rad techs with limited licenses must complete 6 hours of continuing education credits while radiology assistants must complete 50 hours of continuing education credits.

How Long Does It Take to Be a Radiologic Tech?

The education of aspiring radiologic technicians and technologists can take up to one year to 4 years, depending on the level of credential desired. 

A student taking a diploma or certificate program needs to study for one year. Meanwhile, an associate’s degree program takes two years to complete.

A Bachelor of Science degree in radiologic technology takes four years to complete.

After completing an accredited radiologic technology program, students also have to take the exam for national certification. 

In Ohio, rad techs are required to take and pass the state licensure exam, which could take up more time.

How Long Do You Have to Go to School to Be a CT Tech?

Individuals must complete an academic program in radiography, radiation therapy, or nuclear medicine to be a CT technologist. 

A certificate program in radiography takes one year to complete. An associate’s degree takes two years to complete, while a bachelor’s degree takes approximately four years.

Candidates also have to pass the ARRT exam and meet ARRT’s clinical hour requirement for CT techs.

Career Opportunities for Radiologic Techs in Ohio

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Ohio employers have employed 8,280 rad technologists and technicians as of May 2019⁽⁸⁾.

In the same year, employers in Ohio hired 570 radiation therapists, 2,940 diagnostic medical sonographers, and 1,350 MRI technologists⁽⁹⁾.

Cleveland, Elyria, Cincinnati, and Columbus are the top rad tech employers in the state. As of 2019, Cleveland and Elyria hired 1,720 radiology techs, while Cincinnati hired 1,560 rad techs, and Columbus employed 1,480 rad techs⁽¹⁰⁾.

Other Ohio cities with high employment rates for radiologic techs include Akron, Dayton, and Toledo⁽¹¹⁾.

The top radiologic tech employers in Ohio include Grant Medical Center, Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, and Christ Hospital⁽¹²⁾.

Students can also apply at smaller imaging centers in Ohio, including Northern Ohio Imaging Center, Advantage Diagnostics, Brunswick Radiology, Kent Imaging, and Beavercreek Medical Imaging.

Salaries of Radiology Techs in Ohio

According to BLS, radiologic techs in Ohio have an annual average salary of $60,890 as of May 2019⁽¹³⁾.

As of 2019, radiation therapists in Ohio have an annual mean wage of $87,770. Meanwhile, nuclear medicine technologists have an average pay of $72,720 yearly⁽¹⁴⁾.

Diagnostic medical sonography practitioners have an annual mean wage of $67,150. Meanwhile, MRI technologists have an annual mean salary of $66,160⁽¹⁵⁾.

The highest-paid radiology technologists and technicians in the state are in Cincinnati. Rad techs in the city have an annual average pay of $72,510⁽¹⁶⁾.

Conclusion

Ohio has several institutions that offer radiology programs for aspiring radiologic techs.

Ohio State University has a radiation therapy program with a 100% completion rate, a 100% job placement rate, and a 100% exam pass rate⁽¹⁷⁾.

Kent State University and Marion Technical College also offer radiology programs with high program effectiveness data⁽¹⁸⁾.

Cincinnati Columbus, Cleveland, and Elyria have the highest employment rate in Ohio for radiologic techs.

Radiologic techs in the state have a yearly average pay of $60,890 as of May 2019⁽¹⁹⁾.

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1. National Center for Education Statistics. College Navigator. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?s=OH&p=51.0907+26.0209+51.0916+51.0911+51.0814&l=91+92+93+94
2. Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Accredited Program Details. Retrieved from https://portal.jrcertaccreditation.org/accredited-educational-programs/details/742305c1-beaf-4823-8892-5c015ce2152d
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2019 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm
4. BLS. Occupational Employment Statistics Query System. Retrieved from https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/geoOcc/Multiple%20occupations%20for%20one%20geographical%20area
5. NCES. College Navigator. op. cit.
6. JRCERT. Accredited Program Details. op. cit.
7. Radiology Schools 411. Radiology Technologist Schools in Ohio. Retrieved from https://www.radiologyschools411.com/ohio/
8. BLS. Occupational Employment Statistics Query System. op. cit.
9. Ibid
10. BLS. May 2019 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. op. cit.
11. Ibid
12. Radiology Schools 411. op. cit.
13. BLS. Occupational Employment Statistics Query System. op. cit.
14. Ibid
15. Ibid
16. BLS. May 2019 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. op. cit.
17. JRCERT. Accredited Program Details. op. cit.
18. Ibid
19. BLS. Occupational Employment Statistics Query System. op. cit.