- Aspiring individuals intending to work as medical imaging professionals like radiologic technologists or X-ray technicians can apply to radiology-related courses at various Indiana schools and colleges.
- Indiana requires a separate license for X-ray technicians and radiologic technologists(1). Moreover, employers generally prefer ARRT-certified radiologic technologists.
- As of May 2022, X-ray technicians in Indiana have an estimated annual salary of $26,343(2). X-ray technicians with more than ten years of experience may earn $31,456 each year.
List of X-ray Tech Schools in Indiana
Many schools in Indiana offer medical imaging degree programs to help aspirants pursue employment opportunities as X-ray technicians or radiologic technologists (also called rad techs).
- Ball State University
1701 N. Senate Boulevard – Wile Hall 643, Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 962-3284
- Columbus Regional Hospital
2400 East 17th Street, Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-5354
- Good Samaritan Hospital
520 South 7th Street, Vincennes, IN 47591
(812) 885-8011
- Hancock Regional Hospital
801 North State Street, Greenfield, IN 46140
(317) 468-4468
- Indiana University Fort Wayne
2101 East Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46805
(260) 481-6146
- Indiana University Kokomo
2300 South Washington Street, Kokomo, IN 46904-9003
(765) 455-9329
- Indiana University Northwest (Radiography)
3400 Broadway, Gary, IN 46408-1197
(219) 980-6540
- Indiana University Northwest (Radiation Therapy)
3400 Broadway, Gary, IN 46408-1197
(219) 981-4204
- Indiana University School of Medicine (Medical Dosimetry)
535 Barnhill Drive, RT no. 041, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5289
(317) 944-1316 - Indiana University School of Medicine (Radiation Therapy)
535 Barnhill Drive – Indiana Cancer Pavilion, RT no. 041, Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 944-1343 - Indiana University School of Medicine (Radiography)
541 N. Clinical Drive, CL 120, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5111
(317) 274-5254 - Indiana University South Bend (Radiography)
1700 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, IN 46634-7111
(574) 520-4372 - Ivy Tech Community College-Bloomington (Radiation Therapy)
200 Daniels Way, Bloomington, IN 47404
(812) 330-6288 - Ivy Tech Community College-Central Indiana (Radiography)
9301 East 59th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46216
(317) 921-4438 - Ivy Tech Community College-Marion (Radiography)
261 S. Commerce Drive, Marion, IN 46953
(765) 651-3100
- Ivy Tech Community College-Wabash Valley Region (Radiography)
8000 South Education Drive, Terre Haute, IN 47802
(812) 298-2242
- King’s Daughters’ Health
1373 East State Road 62, Madison, IN 47250
(812) 200-0910
- John Patrick University of Health and Applied Sciences
100 E. Wayne Street, Suite no. 140, South Bend, Indiana 46601
(574) 232-2408
- Reid Hospital & Health Care Services
1100 Reid Parkway, Richmond, IN 47374
(765) 983-3167
- St. Vincent Anderson Hospital
2015 Jackson Street, Anderson, IN 46016
(317) 338-2273
- St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital
2001 W. 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260
(317) 338-2273
- St. Vincent Kokomo Hospital
1907 W. Sycamore Street, Kokomo, IN 46901
(317) 338-2273
- University of Saint Francis
2701 Spring Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
(260) 399-7700
- University of Southern Indiana
8600 University Boulevard, Evansville, IN 47712
(812) 465-1183
List of Programs
The coursework, credit hours, and duration of radiology programs for X-ray technicians and radiologic technologists differ. Furthermore, students can pursue a certificate, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree program.
Specialty areas in radiologic technology include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammography, radiation therapy, sonography, computed tomography (CT), and nuclear medicine.
Moreover, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is the accrediting body in charge of accrediting various diagnostic radiology and radiography programs.
JRCERT-accredited colleges and universities offer accredited programs with varying levels of effectiveness, such as completion rates, credential exam, pass rates, and job placement rates.
The table below compares radiologic technology and medical imaging programs in Indiana. Aspiring radiologic technologists, radiology technicians, and X-ray technicians can use the succeeding information to find an appropriate program.
Radiology School | Type of Program(3) | Degree/ Certificate | Program Duration(4) | Program Effectiveness Data(5) (%) | ||
Completion Rate (%) | Exam Pass Rate | Job Placement Rate (%) | ||||
Ball State University | Radiography | Associate of Science | 14 | 93 | 97 | 95 |
Columbus Regional Hospital | Radiography | Certificate | 24 | 100 | 95 | 100 |
Hancock Regional Hospital | Radiography | Certificate | 23 | 70 | 100 | 100 |
Indiana University (Fort Wayne) | Radiography | Bachelor of Science | 33 | 90 | 100 | 100 |
Indiana University (Kokomo) | Radiography | Associate of Science | 22 | 92 | 96.3 | 100 |
Indiana University Northwest | Radiography | Associate of Science | 24 | 82.35 | 98.06 | 94.78 |
Radiation Therapy | Bachelor of Science | 22 | 81 | 89 | 93 | |
Indiana University School of Medicine – Department of Radiation Oncology | Medical Dosimetry | Certificate | 12 | 80 | 100 | 100 |
Radiation Therapy | Bachelor of Science | 22 | 92 | 87 | 95 | |
Indiana University School of Medicine – Department of Radiology | Radiography | Associate of Science | 22 | 94.7 | 94 | 94.7 |
Indiana University South Bend | Radiography | Associate of Science | 22 | 87 | 100 | 96 |
Ivy Tech Community College– Bloomington | Radiation Therapy | Associate of Science | 22 | 100 | 94 | 100 |
Ivy Tech Community College-Central Indiana | Radiography | Associate of Science | 21 | 93 | 100 | 92 |
Ivy Tech Community College-Marion | Radiography | Associate of Science | 21 | 85 | 100 | 93 |
Ivy Tech Community College-Wabash Valley Region | Radiography | Associate of Science | 20 | 56 | 90 | 93 |
John Patrick University of Health and Applied Sciences | Medical Dosimetry | Master of Science, Bachelor of Science | 24, 16 | 91 | – | – |
King’s Daughters’ Health | Radiography | Certificate | 24 | 83.3 | 96.43 | 100 |
Reid Hospital & Health Care Services | Radiography | Certificate | 24 | 50 | 100 | 100 |
St. Vincent Indianapolis/St. Vincent Anderson/St. Vincent Kokomo Consortium | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science (AAS) | 22 | 71.4 | 98 | 97.8 |
University of Saint Francis | Radiography | Associate of Science | 22 | 61 | 100 | 99 |
University of Southern Indiana | Radiography | Bachelor of Radiologic and Imaging Sciences | 28 | 92.86 | 95.12 | 100 |
Students can find out if their selected program has accreditation by visiting the JRCERT office at 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182 or searching the www.jrcert.org webpage for more information.
X-ray Technician Program vs. Radiology Technologist Program
Depending on the school, radiology programs may vary. However, the training courses for radiologic technologists and X-ray technicians are similar.
Nonetheless, one significant distinction is that radiologic technology programs generally take approximately two years to complete. These programs include hours of customized fieldwork, including clinical rounds and patient care, for students interested in pursuing a career in a healthcare environment that involves radiographic applications.
X-ray technician degree programs can last nine months to two years, depending on the university or college.
Moreover, a radiology certificate is necessary for a full-time and entry-level X-ray technician job.
Furthermore, many states may require aspirants to pass special licensure examinations before working as radiologic technologists. This condition may necessitate additional months or years of training before candidates can become X-ray technicians.
What Is an X-ray Technician?
X-ray technicians use medical imaging equipment to photograph the human body. These pictures can aid radiologists in developing treatment plans for various health conditions and injuries.
Technicians may help calm patients during X-ray procedures and guarantee that the latter receive the minimal radiation exposure required to create high-quality images.
The terms “X-ray tech” and “X-ray technologist” are interchangeable and typically mean the same thing(6).
Furthermore, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists medical X-ray imaging as a radiologic technology specialty(7).
Universities, community colleges, and health institutions may interchange “radiologic technician” and “radiology technologist” because these terms frequently refer to the same profession(8). Other comparable terms include:
- Radiology tech
- Radiologic tech
- Radiographer(9)
How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Indiana
A general education development (GED) or a high school diploma is typically necessary for radiology school applicants. Aspiring radiologic technologists must be at least 17 years old to enroll in a radiology program at an accredited college.
Application
Schools, colleges, and universities typically allow online applications. Moreover, official websites require membership to facilitate the registration process.
Furthermore, some official websites also have a webpage where applicants can request further information.
Admission
Admission to radiology schools is typically competitive. Academic institutions may prioritize students with GPAs greater than 3.0 for radiologic technology programs.
Studying advanced math and science courses in high school may improve students’ chances of admission to their chosen institutions.
Some school systems may require prerequisite courses for non-high school students before admission. These subjects involve physiology and anatomy, preconditions for clinical education, and science in radiologic technology.
Financial aid departments can assist students in applying for specific programs that may help applicants minimize the cost of admission.
Curriculum
A typical radiography program syllabus contains industry fundamentals like concepts, methods, radiation protection, specialized patient care, and coursework.
On the other hand, radiology programs may concentrate on more thorough diagnostic and instructive training to prepare students for technical jobs.
Graduation
Students who enroll in an AAS degree program may need two years to complete their training. Usually, AAS degree holders can pursue entry-level positions as X-ray technicians or operators of CT scans and ultrasound machines in radiology departments of hospitals.
Students of JRCERT-accredited schools have high chances of landing jobs in radiologic technology upon graduation.
Moreover, graduates may register with the Indiana Radiological Society. This professional organization intends to standardize and develop Indiana state’s radiologic practices(10).
Accreditation
The ARRT, or American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, conducts and facilitates certification examinations for radiologic technologists who intend to practice their professions within the state of Indiana.
Moreover, only graduates of schools with ARRT certification may take the state’s licensing exam.
The JRCERT is the sole credentialing agency for radiography programs in the United States.
Graduation from JRCERT–accredited programs may increase individuals’ probability of securing entry-level positions in the radiologic technology industry.
Students must prefer to finish a radiography program at a school that complies with the ARRT criteria for the exam.
After passing the ARRT certification exam, radiographers must complete continuing education to renew their license every two years.
More data and additional resources about accreditation and licensure are available at the Indiana State Department of Health and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).
Tuition and Fees
Aside from differences in program offerings, such as radiologic technology or X-ray technician, tuition fees in Indiana schools also vary.
In addition to basic tuition for the training course, each school may charge supplemental fees to cover financial requirements, such as utilities and laboratory maintenance.
As of May 11, 2022, the Indiana schools below have the following tuition fee estimations for various JRCERT-accredited radiology and radiography programs(11):
- Ball State University
Associate of Science in Radiography: $8,682 (resident);
$23,948 (non-resident)
- Columbus Regional Hospital
Certificate in Radiologic Technology: $2,500 (resident);
$2,500 (non-resident)
- Hancock Regional Hospital
Certificate in Radiologic Technology $4,000 (resident);
$4,000 (non-resident)
- Indiana University Fort Wayne
Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology: $8,371 (resident);
$28,727 (non-resident)
- Indiana University Kokomo
Associate of Science in Radiography: $6,916 (resident);
$10,800 (non-resident)
- Indiana University Northwest
Associate of Science in Radiography: $7,655 (resident);
$21,403 (non-resident)
- Indiana University Northwest
Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy: $6,750 (resident);
$18,865 (non-resident)
- Indiana University School of Medicine – Department of Radiation Oncology
Certificate in Medical Dosimetry: $11,500 (resident);
$11,500 (non-resident)
- Indiana University School of Medicine – Department of Radiation Oncology
Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy: $9,816 (resident);
$24,429 (non-resident),
- Indiana University South Bend
Associate of Science in Radiography: $6,300 (resident);
$17,200 (non-resident)
- Ivy Tech Community College-Bloomington
Associate of Science in Radiation Therapy: $4,100 (resident);
$8,764 (non-resident)
- Ivy Tech Community College-Central Indiana
Associate of Science in Medical Imaging: $3,561 (resident);
$7,421 (non-resident)
- Ivy Tech Community College-Marion
Associate of Science in Medical Imaging: $3,020 (resident);
$6,510 (non-resident)
- Ivy Tech Community College-Wabash Valley Region
Associate of Science in Medical Imaging: $3,410 (resident);
$18,280 (non-resident)
- King’s Daughters’ Health
Certificate in Radiologic Technology: $4,000
- John Patrick University of Health and Applied Sciences
Associate of Science in Medical Imaging:$17,500 (resident);
$17,500 (non-resident)
- Reid Hospital & Health Care Services
Certificate in Radiologic Technology: $3,600 (resident);
$3,600 Non-resident
- St. Vincent Indianapolis/St. Vincent Anderson/St. Vincent Kokomo Consortium
Associate of Applied Science in Radiography: $3,000 (resident);
$3,000 Non-resident
- University of Saint Francis
Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology: $25,180
- University of Southern Indiana
Bachelor of Radiologic and Imaging Sciences: $6,358 (resident);
$15,213 (non-resident)
Career Opportunities
Indiana has over 100 hospitals, and all of these institutions need professional X-ray techs and radiologic technologists(12). Moreover, there are smaller health facilities in Indiana, such as family doctors’ offices and local clinics.
The following are some of the most renowned hospitals in the state:
- Baptist Health Floyd
1850 State Street, New Albany, IN 47150-4997
(812) 949-5500
- Community Howard Regional Health
3500 South Lafountain Street, Kokomo, IN 46904-9011
(765) 453-0702 - Dupont Hospital
2520 East Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
(260) 416-3000 - Franciscan St. Francis Health
8111 South Emerson Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46217
(317) 865-5000 - Indiana University Health
550 University Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46202-5149
(317) 962-2000 - Parkview Hospital Fort Wayne
2200 Randallia Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46805-4699
(260) 373-4000 - St. Vincent Hospital and Health Center
2001 West 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260-1991
(317) 338-2345
Salary for X-ray Techs in Indiana
As of May 21, 2022, the estimated annual salary for an X-ray technician in Indiana is $26,343(13). X-ray techs with more than ten years of experience may earn up to $31,456 annually.
- Get Started in Medical Imaging in Indiana
https://radiologyed.org/schools/indiana/ - X-ray Technician salary in Indiana
https://www.indeed.com/career/x%20ray-technician/salaries/IN - Find a Program
https://www.jrcert.org/find-a-program/ - Ibid.
- Get Started in Medical Imaging in Indiana
https://radiologyed.org/schools/indiana/ - 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 - About the Indiana Radiological Society
http://www.inrad.org/about.html - Get Started in Medical Imaging in Indiana
https://radiologyed.org/schools/indiana/ - Ibid.
- X-ray Technician salary in Indiana
https://www.indeed.com/career/x%20ray-technician/salaries/IN