X-ray Tech Schools in Maine

  • The radiologic technology program aims to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively perform their duties as medical imaging technicians(1). This field involves working as part of a medical team and conducting various imaging procedures.
  • Before becoming licensed, the board mandates that radiology technologists (rad techs) get a professional credential from either the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or the Nuclear Medicine Technologist Certification Board (NMTCB)(2).
  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were over 1,080 jobs in Maine‘s radiologic tech industry in 2020(3). The average annual wage for these professionals was over $60,000.
  • Numerous states need certification before being employed as a rad tech(4). Contacting the United States Department of Labor provides access to licensing information for each state.

The Top X-ray Technician Schools in Maine

The following table can help applicants compare the various programs in medical imaging and not-for-profit radiographic technology in Maine(5). 

Before aspiring enrollees start looking into a program, it is essential that they thoroughly check with the Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners to make sure that the program meets the licensing requirements.

School Name Associate’s Imaging Program Bachelor’s Imaging Program National Accreditation Net Price
Eastern Maine Community College Yes — Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)  $10,228
Kennebec Valley Community College Yes — JRCERT $7,419
Maine College of Health Professions Yes — JRCERT $16,172
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine Yes Yes — $27,324
Southern Maine Community College Yes — JRCERT $10,535

**Data retrieved on July 3, 2022. Changes can occur when new information comes in.

Programs

Here is the list of JRCERT accredited radiography programs in Maine(6):

1. Kennebec Valley Community College – Radiography

92 Western Avenue, Fairfield, ME 04937
Tel: (207) 453-5143
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 38 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 81%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 73%
Job Placement Rate: 98%

2. Eastern Maine Community College – Radiography

354 Hogan Road, Bangor, ME 04401
Tel: (207) 974-4659
Program Name: Medical Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 40 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 83%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 94%
Job Placement Rate: 98%

3. Southern Maine Community College – Radiography

2 Fort Road, South Portland, ME 04106
Tel: (207) 741-5595
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 44 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 64%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 97%
Job Placement Rate: 80%

4. Maine College of Health Professions – Radiography

70 Middle Street, Lewiston, ME 04240-0305
Tel: (207) 795-5974
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 48 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 86%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 87%
Job Placement Rate: 94%

Cost

Applicants need to take note of the mentioned cost for radiology programs. The cost can depend on the program type, duration, and school institutions. 

Students also need to remember the changes in tuition fee costs and may compare their prospective schools’ rates on their chosen program.

Moreover, applicants may ask for any financial aid available to those who qualify(7). However, this offer is for educational opportunities and does not imply future employment. 

Students should first consult with a school representative to learn more about their potential career path.

X-ray Technician Program vs. Radiology Technologist Program

The radiologic technology program aims to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties as medical imaging technicians(8). This field involves working as part of a medical team and performing various medical imaging procedures.

The radiologic technologist is responsible for performing various tasks related to imaging body structures. They are also in charge of determining the exposure factor and executing other procedures related to medical imaging equipment operation.

The key tasks of the radiographer include(9):

  • Positioning the patient to get the proper anatomical perspective
  • Reducing patient and employee radiation exposure
  • Utilizing sophisticated imaging equipment
  • Choosing the correct exposure factor
  • Providing emotional support to the patient, such as demonstrating empathy and compassion

Meanwhile, X-ray technicians use sophisticated equipment to create medical images of anatomical structures in patients’ bodies(10).

These healthcare professionals are highly trained to operate medical equipment and look inside the patient’s body using imaging techniques. Thus, X-ray technicians can help physicians diagnose and treat a patient’s condition.

Prospective X-ray technicians with restricted scope may apply for a limited radiographer (LR) license(11). Under supervision, LRs may do X-ray exams of specified body parts. 

Prospective LRs must complete an authorized education program in X-ray technology that includes clinical training logs that fulfill the Board’s criteria.

Applicants must complete a processor quality control program and provide a letter of recommendation from a certified supervising practitioner.

Candidates who satisfy these prerequisites must apply for authorization to take the ARRT Limited Scope of Practice in Radiography examination. After passing this test, the individual may apply for an LR license.

How to Become an X-ray Technician in Maine?

In the state of Maine, the Board offers licenses to radiographers, nuclear medicine technologists, and radiation therapy technologists(12).

Before becoming licensed, the Board mandates that rad techs get a professional credential from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or the Nuclear Medicine Technologist Certification Board (NMTCB). 

In Maine, the following procedures are needed to get a professional certification and license:

Candidates must complete an approved education program to be eligible for a certificate program and licensure in a specific radiologic discipline. Students also need to have either an associate’s degree or higher education in the field of their choice. These are not required courses but may be relevant to the program.

In order to be eligible for a license in nuclear medicine, applicants must first demonstrate their competency by passing a certification test that the Board provides. Candidates in imaging fields other than radiography are also required to take the ARRT exam.

A radiographer‘s license must be renewed every two years to be active. Candidates must finish at least 24 hours of continuing education coursework every two years to keep their licenses current.

Applicants who have a license with a restricted scope are authorized to conduct X-ray exams in certain areas while under supervision. Candidates must either have the required amount of clinical experience or training records that fulfill the standards of the Board to be eligible for this type of licensure.

Individuals who have also finished a processor quality control program and can provide a letter of endorsement for licensure should first apply for permission. This way, applicants can sit for the ARRT Limited Scope of Practice exam in radiography. This step is required for individuals who meet both of these requirements.

After completing the national registry exam and receiving ARRT certification, students are now qualified to work as radiologic technicians(13). Numerous states need certificates before employment. Contacting the United States department of labor provides access to licensing information for each state.

Admission Requirements

There are basic requirements for becoming a radiologic technician in Maine. As an aspiring technician, one should begin by enrolling in an authorized training program(14)

Associate’s degree programs provide training, and programs at radiology technician colleges can be completed in one to two years. A degree in a similar discipline is not suggested since a radiologic technologist’s job requires specialized knowledge in training programs.

Some schools provide a four-year program in radiologic technology that leads to a bachelor’s degree. However, obtaining a bachelor’s degree is not necessary to find work in this field.

When applying to colleges during their senior year of high school, prospective students should try to enroll in as many math and science courses as possible. Suppose a student has a solid grounding in chemistry, biology, and mathematics. In that case, they will be well-prepared for the courses required at the university level.

Clinical Internships

Clinical education classes are an essential component of the medical radiography program that all students must complete(15). Enrollees get the chance to put the knowledge they gained in their academic studies to use in a real-world setting via an internship in a clinical setting.

The order in which the academic and clinical courses are taken allows the student to acquire fundamental information in: 

  • Radiography concepts
  • Proper positioning procedures
  • Health care
  • Ethics 

Students can build their clinical abilities while going through standard exams. Moreover, they can sharpen those skills further while going through trauma assessments when they attend clinical courses in their final year of school.

Accreditation

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredits radiologic technology education programs(16).

The JRCERT is the only organization that is approved by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to accredit traditional and distant delivery educational programs in:

JRCERT supports educational excellence and improves the quality and safety of patient treatment by accrediting radiography educational programs. This organization has posted the standards for an accredited educational program in Radiography on its website.

For students who wish to contact the committee, here is more information on the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology: 

Address: 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182
Phone (312) 704-5300
Email: mail@jrcert.org
Webpage: http://www.jrcert.org

Professional Organization

The Maine Society of Radiologic Technologists is the state affiliate of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)(17). 

This organization organizes professional gatherings for its members, offers information regarding education and licensing in Maine, and advocates for state and national health policies that safeguard the specialty of radiography.

Career Opportunities for X-ray Techs in Maine

Those who are aspiring to become a radiology tech can expect to see healthy job growth over the next decade(18). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this type of employment will grow by 28%.

Radiologic technicians work in various healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic laboratories(19). They also sometimes work within the federal government.

Radiologists work in hospitals all across the country, and finding a job in one of these facilities will likely be the easiest path to full-time employment once the search has started(20).

Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide employment data for certain types of X-ray technicians, such as those with a limited scope of responsibility, these professionals typically earn less than other healthcare professionals(21).

Here is the list of medical facilities, hospitals, imaging centers, and private doctors’ offices that employ radiologic technologists and technicians in Maine(22):

  • Maine Medical Center
  • Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Northern Light Mercy Hospital 
  • Northern Light Acadia Hospital
  • Pen Bay Healthcare
  • Maine General Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging

Salaries

According to BLS, there were over 1,080 jobs in Maine‘s radiologic tech industry in 2020(23). The average annual wage for rad tech professionals was over $60,000.

Another report states that the average salary for a skilled and experienced radiology technician is $26 an hour, which is significantly higher than the average for all other jobs(24). 

After passing the ARRT examination and gaining state licensing, a technician can expect to earn around $54,000 annually.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to complete the X-ray tech program in Maine?

In general, programs to become a radiology technician can be completed in one to two years(25). A degree in a similar discipline is not suggested since a radiologic technologist’s job requires specialized knowledge in training programs.

2. What kind of schooling does an X-ray tech need?

Some colleges provide a four-year or Bachelor’s Degree in Radiologic Technology. However, a bachelor’s degree is not required for employment in the profession(26). 

For high school students preparing for college in this program, applicants should take subjects in math and science classes as possible. A student who has a strong foundation in chemistry, biology, and mathematics will be well-prepared for university-level studies.

3. Is X-ray tech a promising career?

Those looking to become a radiology tech can expect healthy job growth over the next decade(27). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this type of employment will grow by 28%.

Radiologic technologists are employed in a wide variety of medical settings, including clinics, diagnostic labs, and hospitals. In addition, they often have positions working inside the federal government.

4. How much do X-ray techs make in Maine?

As of July 25, 2022, the average base salary of X-ray technicians in Maine is $28.32 per hour or $64,802 per year(28). 

  1. RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY
    https://www.kvcc.me.edu/academics/information/programs-of-study/radiologic-technology/
  2. Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Maine
    https://www.radiologyschools411.com/maine/
  3. Ibid.
  4. RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY
    https://www.kvcc.me.edu/academics/information/programs-of-study/radiologic-technology/
  5. Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Maine
    https://www.radiologyschools411.com/maine/
  6. Radiology Education Options in Radiologic Technology in Maine
    https://radiologyed.org/schools/maine/
  7. Radiology Schools in Maine
    https://www.radiology-schools.com/radiology-schools-state/maine.html
  8. Ibid.
  9. Radiography
    https://www.pcc.edu/programs/radiography/
  10. What Does an X-Ray Technician Do?
    https://www.fortis.edu/blog/healthcare/what-does-an-x-ray-technician-do.html
  11. Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Maine
    https://www.radiologyschools411.com/maine/
  12. Ibid.
  13. RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY
    https://www.kvcc.me.edu/academics/information/programs-of-study/radiologic-technology/
  14. Maine Radiology Technician Careers and Degrees
    https://www.ultrasoundtechnicianschools.com/specialty/radiology/maine/
  15. Medical Radiography
    https://www.emcc.edu/academics/programs/programs-of-study/1879-2/
  16. RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY
    https://www.kvcc.me.edu/academics/information/programs-of-study/radiologic-technology/
  17. Radiology Education Options in Radiologic Technology in Maine
    https://radiologyed.org/schools/maine/
  18. Maine Radiology Technician Careers and Degrees
    https://www.ultrasoundtechnicianschools.com/specialty/radiology/maine/
  19. Ibid.
  20. Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Maine
    https://www.radiologyschools411.com/maine/
  21. Ibid.
  22. Ibid.
  23. Maine Radiology Technician Careers and Degrees
    https://www.ultrasoundtechnicianschools.com/specialty/radiology/maine/
  24. Ibid.
  25. Ibid.
  26. Ibid.
  27. X-ray Technician salary in Maine
    https://www.indeed.com/career/x%20ray-technician/salaries/ME
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