- Several schools in Colorado offer various radiology degree programs, including associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees, to help students gain the knowledge and skills to become X-ray technicians or radiologic technologists.
- Colorado issues four license types to individuals planning to work in the radiology field in the state: mammography, limited radiologist technology, computed tomography radiologist, and radiation therapy licenses(1).
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not track occupational data for limited-scope X-ray technicians. However, these technicians typically earn less than licensed radiologic technicians.
List of X-ray Tech Schools in Colorado
Radiology programs offered in various colleges and universities in Colorado can help job applicants land diagnostic imaging or radiology-related jobs, such as radiology technologists (often shortened to rad techs) or X-ray technicians.
The following schools offer radiology programs in Colorado(2):
- Colorado Mesa University
1100 North Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501
(970) 248-1308
- Aims Community College
5401 W 20th St, Greeley, CO 80634
(970) 330-8008
- Pikes Peak Community College
5675 S Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
(719) 502-2000
- Community College of Denver
1070 Alton Way – Building 849, Denver, CO 80230
(303) 365-8372
- Morgan Community College
920 Barlow Rd, Fort Morgan, CO 80701
(970) 542-3100
- Pima Medical Institute-Denver
7475 Dakin St, Suite 100, Denver, CO 80221
(800) 477-7462
- Concorde Career College–Aurora
111 N. Havana St, Aurora, CO 80010
(720) 808-0455
- Pueblo Community College
900 W Orman Ave, Pueblo, CO 81004
(719) 549-3200
- Red Rocks Community College
13300 W 6th Ave Frontage Rd, Lakewood, CO 80228
(303) 914-6600
Individuals interested in advancing their careers by pursuing a master’s or doctoral program in radiology can inquire and enroll at Colorado State University-Fort Collins.
List of Programs
Coursework for radiology programs can vary from one school to another. As of May 2022, the Colorado schools listed below offer the following radiology degree programs, including the program effectiveness in passing credentialing exams and job placement(3):
- Red Rocks Community College
Program: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 39 months
Program effectiveness:
Completion rate: 100%
Credential examination pass rate: 96%
Job placement rate: 93% - Colorado Mesa University
Program Type: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Radiologic Sciences
Duration: 40 months
Program effectiveness:
Completion rate: 95.6%
Credential examination pass rate: 98.8%
Job Placement rate: 86.4% - Community College of Denver
Program: AAS in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 64 months
Program effectiveness:
Completion rate: 92%
Credential examination pass rate: 99%
Job placement rate: 84% - Concorde Career College-Denver
Program: AAS in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 55 months
Program effectiveness:
Completion rate: 85%
Credential examination pass rate: 89%
Job placement rate: 100% - Pima Medical Institute-Denver
Program: AAS in Radiography
Duration: 91 months
Program effectiveness:
Completion rate: 76%
Credential examination pass rate: 98%
Job placement rate: 95%
Admission Criteria or Prerequisites
Different schools have varying admission requirements. Individuals interested in enrolling in a radiologic technology program in order to pursue an X-ray technician career or related job should contact the school of choice to know the program’s prerequisites.
For example, UCHealth Memorial Hospital’s School of Radiologic Technology has the following admission prerequisites for the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in radiologic technology(4):
- A final grade of “C” or higher for the following courses:
- Career math or college algebra
- College English composition
- Human anatomy and physiology with lab (BIO 201 and BIO 202)
- General psychology (Psychology 101)
- Introduction to radiology
In addition to completing these required courses, the enrollee must submit the following documents together with the completed application form to the school:
- All college transcripts
- Three character reference letters
- Employment references from the individual’s last three employers
- A one-page, typewritten, 150-word essay explaining why the individual wants to become a radiologic technologist, how they became interested, their plans after completing the training, and the qualities that they believe they possess to make them succeed in the program or career
Individuals may need to take a placement test if their credits are ten years or older. Furthermore, enrollees must submit their applications together with all the requirements by the application due date.
Program Goals and Outcomes
Schools have varying program goals and expected outcomes depending on the institution’s mission and objectives.
For example, the Community College of Denver has the following program outcomes, which are accessible through the school’s website at CCD.edu(5):
Quantitative Literacy
Junior students should be able to perform the following quantitative literacy outcomes:
- Apply appropriate technical factors while following “as low as reasonably achievable” (ALARA) principles using an in-lab technique chart.
- Apply the appropriate factors when doing portable exams in a clinical setting while adhering to ALARA principles.
- Demonstrate understanding of the procedure protocol and competency in positioning.
Meanwhile, senior students are expected to accomplish the following outcomes:
- Perform portable abdomen, chest, and extremity examinations through clear communication and accurate technical factor selection.
- Demonstrate understanding of procedure, protocol, and competency in positioning efficiently and without repeats during diagnostic, fluoroscopy, and orthopedic rotations.
Critical Thinking
Junior students should demonstrate the following problem-solving and critical thinking skills:
- Maintain an acceptable image based on the ALARA principle and apply the 15% rule to reduce the dose.
- Adhere to the radiation safety protocols in the clinical site by knowing and applying the ALARA principle to lower the dose through technical factor manipulation and collimation with a steady decrease repeat rate.
On the other hand, senior students must achieve the following critical thinking outcomes:
- Obtain quality diagnostic images during a trauma exam and adapt patient positioning and equipment independently and efficiently while compensating for the patients’ condition.
- Describe events in sequence while prioritizing patient care needs during a complex imaging scenario and developing an action plan.
Intercultural Literacy and Communication
Junior students should exhibit the following communication and literacy outcomes:
- Communicate effectively by creating a case study presentation using medical terminology.
- Use the “acknowledge, introduce, duration, explanation, thank you” (AIDET) principles and adequately explain the exam and positioning instructions to the patient.
Meanwhile, senior students must achieve the following communication outcomes:
- Use the AIDET principles to communicate the examination and positioning instructions to the patient adequately.
- Effectively communicate by writing a chapter summary using medical terminology.
Expenses
Tuition and fees for school programs or courses that provide a pathway to an X-ray technician or radiologic technologist career can typically vary between schools.
Some programs may have additional fees on top of the base tuition to support other essential school costs, such as lab maintenance and development.
Course tuition and fees can change over time. As of May 2022, the schools listed below have the following estimated tuition fees for the different JRCERT-accredited radiology programs(6):
- Colorado Mesa University: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Radiologic Sciences
Tuition: $6,686 (resident), $13,741 (non-resident) - Community College of Denver: Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology
Tuition: $11,994 (resident), $30,741 (non-resident)
- Concorde Career College-Denver: Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology
Tuition: $51,614 (resident), $51,614 (non-resident)
- Pima Medical Institute-Denver: Associate of Applied Science in Radiography
Tuition: $16,760 (resident), $16,760 (non-resident)
- Red Rocks Community College: Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology
Tuition: $3,600 (resident), $28,000 (non-resident)
- UCHealth Memorial Hospital: Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology
Tuition: $10,000 (resident), $10,000 (non-resident)
Some schools offer financial aid to eligible students. For instance, Community College of Denver’s radiologic technology program offers federal financial aid to help students afford college education(7).
Accreditation
A Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accreditation on a radiologic technology program indicates that the program has the appropriate processes and teaching procedures for a student to be well prepared for future employment in the radiology field.
Additionally, taking up an accredited program allows the individual to be successful in the ARRT-administered national registry examination at the program’s completion.
The Community College of Denver’s radiologic technology program was awarded a five-year accreditation in 2016(8). The new JRCERT award will be updated in 2022.
At Pima Medical Institute in Denver, the radiography program is JRCERT-accredited with an accreditation length of eight years(9).
X-ray Technician Program vs. Radiology Technologist Program
School course requirements for radiologic technologists and X-ray technicians are usually similar(10).
However, radiologic technologists typically undergo at least a two-year hospital-based program composed of extensive fieldwork hours.
On the other hand, coursework for X-ray technicians can take between nine months and two years, depending on the school’s program.
What Is an X-ray Technician?
X-ray technicians take X-rays of an individual’s internal anatomy to help doctors diagnose and treat diseases or injuries. Technicians explain X-ray procedures to patients and ensure these individuals are exposed to limited radiation doses.
Other responsibilities of an X-ray technician include:
- Monitoring radiology supplies
- Attending mandatory staff meetings and training sessions
- Ensuring that all X-ray rooms are clean and tidy at all times
- Ensuring that the X-ray machines have the correct radiation level settings
Becoming a Radiology Technologist in Colorado
Individuals planning to become an X-ray technician or registered radiologic technologist in Colorado should complete a radiographic training program from an accredited school approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Some schools offer entry-level radiology certificates, which may help students land an entry-level or limited-scope job.
However, most students must complete an associate program to enter the radiology field and have the opportunity to pursue higher-level careers.
Here are the basic steps required for individuals to be admitted to a radiology school in Colorado(11):
- Obtain a high school diploma: Most health care jobs require this step as a prerequisite. High school provides students an opportunity to take math and science classes, including biology, chemistry, anatomy, physics, and physiology.
- Obtain an associate degree: Students can pursue an Associate of Applied Science program as the standard science degree for entry-level radiologic technology careers.
Before enrolling in their program of choice, students should ensure that the program has passed accreditation by the JRCERT. - Get certification or licensure in the state of Colorado: Colorado’s state website provides helpful information about state-specific requirements to work in the radiology field.
The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) acknowledges that Colorado has varying requirements for professionals working with radiation. These requirements typically include a Colorado state licensure exam or the ARRT certification exam.
Individuals who want to learn more about obtaining certification or state licensure in Colorado should contact the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Students who graduated from ARRT-approved programs are eligible to take the ARRT certification exam.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provides information on certifications.
Individuals can contact the Colorado Radiological Society to ask about the licensure process.
Colorado state law allows the issuance of four types of radiology licenses(12):
- Mammography license: This license allows the practice of mammography in the state and must be renewed every other year.
- Limited radiologist technology license: This license permits the individual to perform X-ray procedures on the skull, spine, chest, upper and lower extremities, and bones. The individual must also pass the ARRT exam and be certified to work in this position in a non-hospital setting.
- Computed tomography (CT) radiologist license: A CT license permits an individual to work as a CT radiologist. The individual must register with the ARRT and pass the exam to work in this position.
- Radiation therapist license: This license allows the individual to practice radiation therapy in the state. The applicant must pass the ARRT and Colorado state exams, and the license must be renewed every other year.
The individual must be a graduate of an ARRT-accredited school before taking the exam. The Colorado Radiological Society provides students and professionals with training materials in this field.
Aside from obtaining an associate degree, individuals who wish to pursue further expertise in radiology can continue studying by enrolling in a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or a doctoral program.
Individuals may also visit the JRCERT’s official website at jrcert.org to know more about the program accreditation process.
Career Opportunities
Occupational estimates in Colorado between 2018 and 2028 show a 25.1% increase in employment for radiologic technologists(13).
This outlook is significantly faster than the estimated 9% national projection for the radiologic technologist job growth in the same period.
Although the BLS has sufficient occupational data for radiologic technologists, the agency does not track such data for limited-scope X-ray technicians.
However, these technicians usually earn less than fully-licensed radiologic technicians due to the former’s lower educational requirements and job responsibilities(14).
The following large health facilities in Colorado provide career opportunities for individuals aspiring to work as radiologic science professionals(15):
- University of Colorado Hospital
12605 East 16th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045-2545
(720) 848-0000
- Craig Hospital
3425 South Clarkson Street, Englewood, CO 80113-2899
(303) 789-8000
- National Jewish Health
1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206-2762
(303) 388-4461
- North Colorado Medical Center
1801 16th Street, Greeley, CO 80634
(970) 352-4121
- Poudre Valley Hospital
1024 South Lemay Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80524-3998
(970) 495-7000
- Porter Adventist Hospital
2525 South Downing Street, Denver, CO 80210-5876
(303) 778-1955
- Saint Joseph Hospital
1375 E 19th Ave, Denver, CO 80218-1191
(303) 812-2000
Salary
In May 2021, the BLS reported the following mean annual salaries for individuals working in the medical imaging field in Colorado(16):
- Radiologic technologists and technicians: $68,810
- Magnetic resonance imaging technologists: $83,090
- Diagnostic medical sonographers: $88,090
- Nuclear medicine technologists: $90,780
- Radiation therapists: $94,640
- Radiologists: $336,560
The May 2021 BLS data also showed that there are 3,800 individuals employed as radiologic technologists and technicians in Colorado(17).
Overall, industries with the highest employment levels for radiologic technologists and technicians are hospitals, physician’s offices, medical laboratories, and outpatient care centers.
FAQs
1. How much do X-ray technicians make in Colorado?
As of May 5, 2022, X-ray technicians in Colorado have an average salary of around $43,382 annually(18). Salaries for this job in this state can be as high as $70,930 or as low as $24,427 per year.
2. How long does a school program take to become an X-ray technician?
Individuals typically undergo an X-ray technician-related program for about nine months to two years, depending on the school’s program, before becoming an X-ray technician(19).
- Colorado Radiology Tech Careers and Degrees
https://www.ultrasoundtechnicianschools.com/specialty/radiology/colorado/ - Radiology Schools in Colorado
https://www.radiology-schools.com/radiology-schools-state/colorado.html - A Guide to Medical Imaging Education in Colorado
https://radiologyed.org/schools/colorado/ - UCHealth School of Radiologic Technology
https://www.uchealth.org/professionals/education-programs/radiologic-technology-school/ - Radiologic Technology
https://www.ccd.edu/program/radiologic-technology - A Guide to Medical Imaging Education in Colorado
https://radiologyed.org/schools/colorado/ - Radiologic Technology
https://www.ccd.edu/program/radiologic-technology - Ibid.
- Accreditation
https://pmi.edu/why-pima-medical/accreditation/ - Differences Between Radiologic Technicians and X-Ray Techs
https://work.chron.com/differences-between-radiologic-technicians-xray-techs-25424.html - Radiology Schools in Colorado
https://www.radiology-schools.com/radiology-schools-state/colorado.html - Colorado Radiology Tech Careers and Degrees
https://www.ultrasoundtechnicianschools.com/specialty/radiology/colorado/ - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Colorado
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/colorado/ - Ibid.
- A Guide to Medical Imaging Education in Colorado
https://radiologyed.org/schools/colorado/ - May 2021 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Colorado
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_co.htm - Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2021
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292034.htm#st - XRAY Technician Salary in Colorado
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/XRAY-Technician-Salary–in-Colorado - Differences Between Radiologic Technicians and X-Ray Techs
https://work.chron.com/differences-between-radiologic-technicians-xray-techs-25424.html