X-ray Tech Schools in Florida

• The responsibilities of radiographers, including radiologic and X-ray technicians, are generally similar. However, the scope of work the two medical professionals perform is different⁽¹⁾, and so are the educational requirements.
• For a two-year academic program, students need to prepare to take the national certification examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and the State of Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Service General License Examination⁽²⁾.
• Florida has the third-highest number of radiologic techs employed in any state in the U.S., according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics⁽³⁾. Technical radiology technologists often earn less than radiologic technologists because of their lower educational requirements and narrower scope of work.

List of X-ray Tech Schools

The purpose of the following table is to provide the students with an easy way to evaluate all of the radiologic technology and medical imaging programs in Florida that are not run by a profit-making organization⁽⁴⁾. 

Students need to ensure that the program they are considering will comply with the standards for obtaining a license by contacting the Florida Department of Health.

The table below includes the following acronyms:

1. JRCERT: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
2. CAAHEP: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
3. JRCNMT: Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology

** Data retrieved on June 29, 2022. Changes may occur when a new source of data comes in.

List of Programs

JRCERT Accredited Radiography Programs in Florida include⁽⁵⁾:

1 Adventist University of Health Sciences – Radiography

671 Winyah Drive, Orlando, FL 32803
(407) 303-7747
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 80 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 61%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 92.4%
Job Placement Rate: 96%
Tuition Fees: $15,355

---

2 Santa Fe College – Radiography

3000 N.W. 83rd Street, Gainesville, FL 32606
(325) 395-7057
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 64 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 83.33%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%
Job Placement Rate: 83.2%
Tuition Fees: $3,685 Resident, $13,351 Non-resident

---

3 Indian River State College – Radiography

3209 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34981-5596
(772) 462-7541
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 45 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 82%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%
Job Placement Rate: 96%
Tuition Fees: $4,000 Resident, $15,033 Non-resident

---

4 Keiser University/Ft. Lauderdale Campus – Radiography

1500 N.W. 49th Street, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309-3700
(954) 776-4456
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 108 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 91%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 86%
Job Placement Rate: 99%
Tuition Fees: $26,232

---

5 Gulf Coast State College – Radiography

5230 West U.S. Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32401-1041
(850) 913-3318
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 40 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 90%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 95%
Job Placement Rate: 87%
Tuition Fees: $7,604 Resident, $15,108 Non-resident

---

6 Hillsborough Community College (Dale Mabry Campus) – Radiation Therapy

4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd., Tampa, FL 33614
(813) 253-7372
Program Name: Radiation Therapy
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 51 months
Completion Rate: 90.9%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 94.51%
Job Placement Rate: 91.76%
Tuition Fees: $8,038 Resident, $29,230 Non-resident

---

7 Marion Technical College – Radiography

1014 S.W. 7th Road, Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 671-7222
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 67 months
Program Effectiveness Data: Completion Rate: 100%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 88%
Job Placement Rate: 99%
Tuition Fees: $3,969 Resident, $15,875 Non-resident

**Data based on listings last updated on June, 14, 2022.

X-ray Technician Program vs. Radiology Technologist Program

The responsibilities of radiographers, including radiologic and X-ray technicians, are generally similar. However, the scope of work the two medical professionals perform is different⁽⁶⁾. Thus, the education required for each job is noticeably different.

A two-year degree is required to perform the tasks and responsibilities of a radiologic technician⁽⁷⁾. 

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) specializes in specific imaging techniques, including

• General radiography
• Computed tomography
• Mammography
• Sonography
• Magnetic resonance imaging
• Bone densitometry
• Cardiovascular-interventional radiography
• Nuclear medicine
• Quality management

For a two-year academic program, students should be prepared to take the National Certifying Examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and the State of Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Service General License Examination⁽⁸⁾.

As allied health practitioners, radiologic technologists utilize medical imaging technology and patient care skills to perform diagnostic procedures⁽⁹⁾. 

What Is an X-ray Technician?

An X-ray technician, like a radiologic technician, is restricted in the quantity of work they can accomplish⁽¹⁰⁾. 

While X-ray technicians in certain states are required to take various exams, the official Florida health website mandates that all radiologic workers satisfy the essential national standards. 

---

How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Florida

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that an associate degree is often required to work as a radiologic technologist⁽¹¹⁾. Individuals can participate in programs leading to a certificate or a bachelor’s degree. 

However, earning an associate degree is sufficient for acquiring the knowledge necessary to pass any national examination required for state licensing⁽¹²⁾.

In order to operate in Florida, all radiologic technologists and technicians must be certified by the Department of Health‘s Council on Radiation Protection⁽¹³⁾. 

Steps to obtain a license include: 

1. Earn a certificate, diploma, or degree in the radiography program, radiation therapy, or another modality. When applying for licensure as a certified radiologic technologist, students must choose a modality and satisfy the educational requirements for that modality.
2. Pass either the ARRT or JRCNMT examination. Florida accepts the linked ARRT test for certification in most modalities. However, prospective nuclear medicine technicians (NMTs) must have completed the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) exam.
3. Florida Health encourages applicants to utilize its online licensing portal. Printed versions of the necessary paperwork are also available on its website.
4. Online licensing applications with the relevant evidence are typically handled within 13 business days. However, paper license applications may take longer.

Students in a two-year associate degree program may acquire a significant amount of baseline information in areas such as positioning and associated anatomy, fundamental patient care procedures, and radiographic physics⁽¹⁴⁾.

Clinical education is a standard component of radiologic technician programs in Florida and around the country, which gives students hands-on experience with X-ray equipment.

Completing a Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)-approved school is particularly crucial since certain states need students to graduate from an accredited program to be licensed there.

---

Admission Criteria and Prerequisites

In some institutions, 22 months of full-time study are required to complete the radiologic technology program⁽¹⁵⁾. Extensive clinical laboratory experience in radiology departments at participating clinical affiliates is included in the program.

The prerequisites are designed to help students complete the program. They include evaluating academic records, competition with other students, and an effective skills demonstration.

The admissions process requires a criminal history background check to be completed at the applicant’s expense⁽¹⁶⁾. 

Those who have completed a hospital-based program may also satisfy the program’s career core requirements by completing the RTE 1951-Radiologic Technologist Equivalency Assessment. 

---

Program Goals and Outcomes

Program goals and outcomes in X-ray tech schools include the following⁽¹⁷⁾:

1. Students will demonstrate clinical competence and demonstrate understanding of positioning techniques which include:

• The use of radiographic procedures
• The use of proper radiation safety procedures

2. Students will exhibit the capacity to think critically.

3. Students will demonstrate excellent communication skills.

4. Students will show professional standards of practice.

---

Tuition Fee

Students may need to compare different school programs depending on the courses they need to take and their budget. 

Tuition and fees vary depending on the program and school institution⁽¹⁸⁾. For instance, in the associate’s imaging program, the lowest tuition fee may be as low as $984 (Indian River State College) and as high as $17,298 (Advent Health University). 

---

Licensing Requirements

In Florida, radiologic professionals who want to work in the industry must pass the state exam required for their imaging specialty or the national exam⁽¹⁹⁾. 

The ARRT administers the certification test for radiologist assistants, radiologic technologists, and radiation therapists. Meanwhile, the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) is in charge of administering the nuclear medicine examination.

In addition, the state does not require students a minimum amount of schooling to take the test and get licensed as a basic X-ray machine operator.

---

Accreditation

Students need to look for recognized tech schools by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), ensuring that the training will be acknowledged and legitimate. 

Thus, students will have confidence in whatever rad tech career they choose, knowing that they have obtained the gold standard in training and can apply this level of excellence elsewhere.

---

Career Opportunities

Considering the large number of radiologic technologists employed in the state, Florida ranks third place, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics⁽²⁰⁾. Technical radiology technologists often earn less than radiologic technologists because of their lower educational requirements and narrower scope of work.

Employment growth for radiology techs in Florida is expected to be roughly 17% between 2018 and 2028. This percentage is higher than the national average of 9% for radiologic technologists and technicians⁽²¹⁾.

Medical institutions, including Adventist Health System, Jupiter Medical Center, the University of Central Florida, MedExpress, and Holy Cross Hospital of Florida, employ many radiologic technologists and technicians⁽²²⁾. 

Career opportunities available for rad tech students include⁽²³⁾: 

• Healthcare administration
• Education
• Research
• Radiologic technology career opportunities
• Diagnostic technology
• Computed tomography (CAT Scan) tech
• MRI technology
• Mammography
• Bone densitometry

---

Salary

Florida offers an annual income of $55,210 on average to those working in the field of radiologic science⁽²⁴⁾. This salary is much lower than the average yearly wage for this industry, which is $60,320 throughout the country.

Compared to the average yearly wage in the state of Florida for all occupations, which is $44,790, this may be an impressive amount⁽²⁵⁾. 

Supervisory positions in the field of diagnostic radiology are the ones that offer the most lucrative salaries for radiologic science professionals in the state of Florida⁽²⁶⁾.

---

FAQs

1. How long does it take to become an X-ray Tech in Florida?

A two-year degree is required to perform the tasks and responsibilities of a radiologic technician⁽²⁷⁾. 

For a two-year academic program, students should be prepared to take the National Certifying Examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and the State of Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Service General License Examination⁽²⁸⁾.

2. How do I become an X-ray Tech in Florida?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that an associate degree is often required to work as a radiologic technologist⁽²⁹⁾. Students can participate in programs leading to a certificate or a bachelor’s degree. 

However, earning an associate degree is sufficient for acquiring the knowledge necessary to pass any national examination required for state licensing⁽³⁰⁾.

3. How much does an X-ray tech make in Florida?

Radiologic science professionals in Florida earn, on average, $55,210 annually⁽³¹⁾. The salary is much less than the national average annual pay for this industry, which is $60,320 annually.

4. How many years of college does it take to be an X-ray tech?

X-ray technician training takes one to two years, depending on the curriculum. X-ray technologist certificate programs usually run for 14 months⁽³²⁾. 

X-ray techs can get a two-year degree. Some schools offer part-time night classes to spread course material, making working or caring for a family simpler.

Students who already have a degree can transfer credits to an X-ray technologist school and finish in a few months. Aspiring students should check with the issuing college regarding transferring credits.

---

32 Sources

1. Best X-Ray Tech Program in South Florida
   https://www.fnu.edu/x-ray-tech-program-south-florida/
2. Ibid.
3. Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Florida
   https://www.radiologyschools411.com/florida/
4. Ibid.
5. Radiologic Technologist Training in Florida – Schools, Programs and Other Education Options
   https://radiologyed.org/schools/florida/
6. Best X-Ray Tech Program in South Florida
   https://www.fnu.edu/x-ray-tech-program-south-florida/
7. Ibid.
8. Ibid.
9. AS, Radiologic Technology
   https://www.fsw.edu/academics/programs/asradiologictechnology
10. Best X-Ray Tech Program in South Florida
    https://www.fnu.edu/x-ray-tech-program-south-florida/
11. Radiology Schools in Florida
    https://www.radiology-schools.com/radiology-schools-state/florida.html
12. Ibid.
13. Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Florida
    https://www.radiologyschools411.com/florida/
14. Radiology Schools in Florida
    https://www.radiology-schools.com/radiology-schools-state/florida.html
15. AS, Radiologic Technology
    https://www.fsw.edu/academics/programs/asradiologictechnology
16. Ibid.
17. Radiography Program
    https://www.cf.edu/academics/areas-of-study/health-sciences/radiography/
18. Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Florida
    https://www.radiologyschools411.com/florida/
19. Radiologic Technologist Training in Florida – Schools, Programs and Other Education Options
    https://radiologyed.org/schools/florida/
20. Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Florida
    https://www.radiologyschools411.com/florida/
21. Ibid.
22. Ibid.
23. AS, Radiologic Technology
    https://www.fsw.edu/academics/programs/asradiologictechnology
24. Radiologic Technologist Training in Florida – Schools, Programs and Other Education Options
    https://radiologyed.org/schools/florida/
25. Ibid.
26. Ibid.
27. Best X-Ray Tech Program in South Florida
    https://www.fnu.edu/x-ray-tech-program-south-florida/
28. Ibid.
29. Radiology Schools in Florida
    https://www.radiology-schools.com/radiology-schools-state/florida.html
30. Ibid.
31. Radiologic Technologist Training in Florida – Schools, Programs and Other Education Options
    https://radiologyed.org/schools/florida/
32. FAQ: How Much Time Does It Take To Be an X-Ray Tech?
    https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-xray-tech