- Individuals intending to have careers as radiologic technologists or X-ray technicians can apply to radiology-related training programs at several Arkansas universities and colleges.
- Arkansas requires a special license for X-ray technicians and radiologic technologists(1). Moreover, hospitals and clinics in the state typically employ ARRT-certified radiologic technologists.
- As of May 2022, X-ray technicians in New Hampshire have an estimated annual salary of $25,829(2). X-ray technicians with more than ten years of experience can make $30,842 each year.
List of X-ray Tech Schools in Arkansas
Several universities and colleges in Arkansas can provide medical imaging degree programs to help aspiring applicants get work as X-ray technicians or radiologic technologists (rad techs) in radiology or imaging-related jobs.
The following are some of these academic institutions:
- Arkansas State University (Radiation Therapy)
2713 Pawnee, Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 972-3073 - Arkansas State University (Radiography)
P.O. Box 910, State University, AR 72467-0069
(870) 972-3073 - Arkansas State University (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
P.O. Box 910, State University, AR 72467
(870) 972-2772 - Baptist Health College Little Rock
11900 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock, AR 72015
(501) 202-7468 - Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute (CARTI)
4 Saint Vincent Circle, Little Rock, AR 72215
(501) 660-7621 - CHI St. Vincent Infirmary
Two St. Vincent Circle, Little Rock, AR 72205-5499
(501) 552-2971 - Henderson State University
1100 Henderson St, Arkadelphia, AR 71999
(870) 230-5000 - National Park College
101 College Drive, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71913
(501) 760-4285 - North Arkansas College
1515 Pioneer Drive, Harrison, AR 72601
(870) 391-3319 - South Arkansas Community College
311 S. West Avenue, El Dorado, AR 71730-7010
(870) 875-7226 - Southeast Arkansas College
1900 South Hazel Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71603
(870) 543-5941 - University of Arkansas – Fort Smith
5210 Grand Avenue – P.O. Box 3649, Ft. Smith, AR 72913-3649
(479) 788-7845 - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
4301 West Markham, Slot 563, Little Rock, AR 72205
(501) 686-6511
The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) in Conway, in partnership with Baptist Health College Little Rock and St. Vincent Systems, also offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Radiography.
List of Top X-ray Technician Schools and Programs in Arkansas
The coursework and extent of radiology programs for aspiring X-ray technicians or radiologic technologists can differ.
Arkansas universities and colleges provide the radiography programs listed below, including the program timeframe, job placement rate, and passing credentialing exam rate(3).
- Arkansas State University
Program: Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy
Duration: 9 months
Program Effectiveness Data:
-
-
- Job Placement Rate: 95%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 89%
- Completion Rate: 67%
-
- Arkansas State University
Program: Bachelor of Science in Radiography
Duration: 82 months
Program Effectiveness Data:
-
-
- Job Placement Rate: 100%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 82%
- Completion Rate: 85%
-
- Arkansas State University
Program: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science – Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Duration: 20 months
Program Effectiveness Data:
-
-
- Job Placement Rate: 97%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 93%
- Completion Rate: 71%
-
- Baptist Health College Little Rock
Program: Certificate in Radiography
Duration: 30 months
Program Effectiveness Data:
-
-
- Job Placement Rate: 94.6%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%
- Completion Rate: 100%
-
- Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute (CARTI)
Program: Certificate in Radiation Therapy
Duration: 12 months
Program Effectiveness Data:
-
-
- Job Placement Rate: 100%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%
- Completion Rate: 100%
-
- CHI St. Vincent Infirmary
Program: Certificate in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 35 months
Program Effectiveness Data:
-
-
- Job Placement Rate: 100%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 97%
- Completion Rate: 87%
-
- National Park College
Program: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiography
Duration: 42 months
Program Effectiveness Data:
-
-
- Job Placement Rate: 100%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 79.4%
- Completion Rate: 64%
-
- North Arkansas College
Program: AAS in Radiological Technology
Duration: 40 months
Program Effectiveness Data:
-
-
- Job Placement Rate: 100%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 76%
- Completion Rate: 80%
-
- South Arkansas Community College
Program: AAS in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 24 months
Program Effectiveness Data:
-
-
- Job Placement Rate: 90%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 90%
- Completion Rate: 83.3%
-
- Southeast Arkansas College
Program: AAS in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 30 months
Program Effectiveness Data:
-
-
- Job Placement Rate: 100%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%
- Completion Rate: 62%
-
- University of Arkansas – Fort Smith
Program: AAS in Radiography
Duration: 40 months
Program Effectiveness Data:
-
-
- Job Placement Rate: 100%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 99%
- Completion Rate: 95%
-
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Program: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging Sciences
Duration: 85 months
Program Effectiveness Data:
-
- Job Placement Rate: 98%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 87.5%
- Completion Rate: 87%
X-ray Technician Program vs. Radiology Technologist Program
Several radiology programs differ from one another. However, training courses for radiologic technologists and X-ray technicians are generally similar(4).
However, one key distinction is that radiologic technology programs typically take two years to complete. This program includes hours of focused fieldwork such as clinical rotations and patient care and works in a healthcare setting involving radiographic procedures.
X-ray technician degree programs can last nine months to two years, depending on the college or university.
A radiology certificate is also necessary for entry-level and full-time work as an X-ray technician.
What Is an X-ray Technician?
X-ray technicians produce anatomical and physiological images using medical imaging equipment. These images can help radiologists treat ailments and injuries.
Technicians may assist with patient care during X-ray procedures and ensure that the patient receives the least amount of radiation to obtain excellent images.
The terms “X-ray technician” and “X-ray technologist” typically mean the same profession(5).
Moreover, medical X-ray imaging is a radiologic technology specialization as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) occupational handbook(6).
Colleges, universities, and medical institutions may use “radiologic technician” and “radiology technologist” because these professional titles often mean the same career(7). Some other similar terms are:
- Radiology tech
- Radiologic tech
- Rad tech
- Radiographer(8)
Radiologic technologists have several different specialties, including:
- Vascular interventional radiography
- Mammography
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Sonography
- Bone densitometry
- Nuclear medicine
- Cardiac-interventional radiography
How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Arkansas
Many states in the United States require candidates to earn a special license before practicing radiologic technology.
For instance, aspiring radiology technologists must earn credentials through a state licensure test or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam in radiology science in Arkansas(9).
Moreover, a Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMCBT) license is necessary to practice nuclear medicine. Furthermore, individuals with a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) credential must have a Limited Specialty License before working as cardiovascular radiographers.
Radiologic Technology programs may cover equipment operations, anatomy, patient positioning, examination and treatment techniques, radiation safety, and patient care. This coverage can help students safeguard the lives and health of Arkansas residents.
Aspiring radiologic technicians typically need to meet the following requirements:
- Obtain a certificate, diploma, or degree in an appropriate field of study: Candidates in radiologic technology must select the appropriate programs for their future employment.
- Apply for a license: In Arkansas, medical imaging professionals must register and earn a license through the state’s licensure examinations.
- Retain ARRT certification: The ARRT or another credentialing organization may be necessary to approve and register for several state licenses.
Individuals licensed in specialized fields must keep their ARRT registration updated.
Accreditation and Certification
Like most healthcare occupations, applicants for an X-ray technician program must have a high school diploma.
Then these candidates should enroll in a JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology training course.
JRCERT, or the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, is the sole credentialing agency in the United States for radiologic science programs.
Many radiologic technologists at the entry-level have completed a degree program. On the other hand, certification programs can provide interested individuals with the necessary training.
To be eligible as radiologic technologists or radiology technicians, radiology tech graduates must pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) registry test after accomplishing the JRCERT-accredited program.
The ARRT requires its members to renew all relevant credentials every two years.
In addition, radiology technicians must complete 24 hours of continuing education and pass an ethics assessment.
Aside from distinctions in curriculum design that result in careers like radiologic technology or X-ray technician, Arkansas schools also have different tuition costs.
In addition to the program’s standard school fees, each school may charge additional fees to cover requisite expenses such as utilities and laboratory maintenance.
Tuition and Fees
As of May 19, 2022, the Arkansas academic institutions below have the following tuition and fee estimations for different JRCERT-accredited radiology programs(10):
- Arkansas State University – Radiation Therapy
Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy: $10,401 (resident),
$10,500 (non-resident)
- Arkansas State University – Radiography
Bachelor of Science in Radiography: $8,050 (resident),
$8,000 (non-resident)
- Arkansas State University – Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science – Magnetic Resonance Imaging:
$11,719
- Baptist Health College Little Rock
Certificate in Radiography: $7,492 (resident),
$7,492 (non-resident)
- Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute (CARTI)
Certificate in Radiation Therapy: $3,500 Resident,
$3,500 non-resident
- CHI St. Vincent Infirmary
Certificate in Radiologic Technology: $7,500 (resident),
$7,500 (non-resident)
- National Park College
Associate of Applied Science in Radiography: $3,510 (resident),
$4,050 (non-resident)
- North Arkansas College
Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology:
$3,792 (resident), $5,836 (non-resident)
- South Arkansas Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology:
$2,738 (resident), $5,624 (non-resident)
- Southeast Arkansas College
Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology:
$4,500 (resident), $9,000 (non-resident)
- University of Arkansas – Fort Smith
Associate of Applied Science in Radiography: $5,425 (resident),
$12,555 (non-resident)
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging Sciences:
$7,840 (resident), $12,972 (non-resident)
Career Opportunities
The capital city of Little Rock is home to Arkansas’ significant hospitals and clinics that hire a considerable number of radiologic technologists(11).
However, there are also other notable businesses, and smaller clinics in less highly populated locations that may have a limited number of technologists available.
- Arkansas Heart Hospital
1701 South Shackleford Road, Little Rock, AR 72211
(501) 219-7000 - Mercy Hot Springs Arkansas
300 Werner Street, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913
(501) 622-1000 - NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital,
3024 Stadium Boulevard, Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 972-7000 - St. Vincent Infirmary
Two St. Vincent Circle Little Rock, AR 72205-5499
(501) 552-3000 - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
4301 W. Markham Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
(501) 686-7000
Salary for X-ray Techs in Arkansas
As of May 22, 2022, the estimated annual salary for an X-ray technician in Arkansas is $25,829(12). X-ray techs with more than ten years of experience may earn up to $30,842 annually.
FAQ
Is It Difficult To Become an X-ray Tech?
The challenge of becoming an X-ray technician depends on the educational institution’s curriculum and teaching methods.
The student’s ability to absorb information and apply it in a clinical setting may influence how quickly or slowly they develop competence as technicians.
FDA Recommendations
Medical imaging professionals must adopt two criteria for radiation safety for patients, per the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)(13):
- Optimization: X-ray testing should use the least amount of radiation while still producing a high-quality image for medical assessment or treatment. The X-ray technicians’ quantitative and critical thinking skills are necessary to achieve this goal.
- Justification: The imaging method should undergo a routine evaluation to verify that it is helpful rather than harmful. Consequently, ionizing radiation examinations are only necessary to diagnose, cure, or advise treatment.
Radiation dose optimization occurs when professionals acquire photographs of sufficient quality for the clinical task while using the least amount of radiation necessary.
Each kind of X-ray imaging exam, procedure, and medical imaging task can benefit from a facility’s quality assurance (QA) program.
The patient’s size is a vital component in optimization(14). For instance, larger patients demand a higher radiation dose than smaller patients in order to create images of equivalent quality.
When radiation levels are excessively high or low, routine and systematic tracking and implementation of follow-up activities are critical aspects of a QA program.
Furthermore, diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) or reference levels are essential for interventional fluoroscopy exams (a kind of X-ray medical imaging)(15). These standards rely on assessing professional organizations and national, state, regional, and municipal governments.
DRLs are not dose limits or thresholds. Instead, these metrics serve as a reference to good practice without guaranteeing ideal outcomes.
Poor image quality or insufficient diagnostic information may result from radiation dosages that are much lower than usual. The FDA encourages DRL development by establishing nationwide dose registers.
Imaging processes and patient populations vary by country and location, so each country or state should establish its own DRLs.
- Start a Career in Radiology in Arkansas
https://radiologyed.org/schools/arkansas/ - X-ray Technician Salary in Arkansas
https://www.indeed.com/career/x%20ray-technician/salaries/AR - Start a Career in Radiology in Arkansas
https://radiologyed.org/schools/arkansas/ - Differences Between Radiologic Technicians and X-Ray Techs
https://work.chron.com/differences-between-radiologic-technicians-xray-techs-25424.html - 5 Differences Between RT (Radiologic Technologist) and LMRT (Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist)
https://www.chcp.edu/blog/5-differences-between-rt-and-lmrt/ - What Radiologic and MRI Technologists Do
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm#tab-2 - What’s the Difference Between a Technician and Technologist in Radiology?
https://www.cambridgehealth.edu/blog/whats-the-difference-between-a-technician-and-technologist-in-radiology/ - What Radiologic and MRI Technologists Do
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm#tab-2 - Start a Career in Radiology in Arkansas
https://radiologyed.org/schools/arkansas/ - Ibid.
- Ibid.
- X-ray Technician salary in Arkansas
https://www.indeed.com/career/x%20ray-technician/salaries/AR - Medical X-ray Imaging
https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/medical-imaging/medical-x-ray-imaging#principles - Ibid.
- Ibid.