- Individuals interested in pursuing careers as radiologic technologists or X-ray technicians can enroll in radiology-related courses at various Michigan colleges and universities.
- Michigan does not require a separate license for medical imaging professionals, except mammographers(1).
- As of May 2022, X-ray technicians in Michigan have an estimated annual salary of $61,795(2). X-ray technicians with more than ten years of experience can earn $73,789 each year.
List of X-Ray Schools in Michigan
Several schools in Michigan offer medical imaging degree programs to assist individuals seeking career opportunities as X-ray technicians or radiologic technologists (rad techs) in radiology or imaging-related fields. Some of these universities and colleges are as follows:
- Ascension St. John Hospital
22101 Moross Road, Detroit, MI 48236-2172
(313) 343-4544
- Baker College of Clinton Township
34950 Little Mack Avenue, Clinton Township, MI 48035-4701
(586) 790-9401
- Baker College of Jackson
2800 Springport Road, Jackson, MI 49202
(517) 780-4562
- Baker College of Muskegon
1903 Marquette Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49442-1490
(231) 777-5224
- Baker College of Owosso
1020 South Washington Street, Owosso, MI 48867-9122
(989) 729-3420
- Delta College
1961 Delta Drive, University Center, MI 48710
(989) 686-9533
- DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital
6071 West Outer Drive, Detroit, MI 48235
(313) 966-6866
- Ferris State University
200 Ferris Drive, Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 591-2732
- Grand Rapids Community College
143 Bostwick Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 234-4233
- Grand Valley State University – Medical Dosimetry
301 Michigan Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 331-5753
- Grand Valley State University – Radiation Therapy
301 Michigan Street NE, Suite 249, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 331-5949
- Henry Ford College
Health Careers Division, Dearborn, MI 48128
(313) 317-6595
- Jackson College
2111 Emmons Road, Jackson, MI 49201-8399
(517) 796-8644
- Kellogg Community College
450 North Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49017-3397
(269) 965-3931
- Lake Michigan College
2755 East Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022-1899
(269) 927-5102
- Lansing Community College
P.O. Box 40010, Lansing, MI 48901-7210
(517) 483-1434
- Michigan Radiologic and Imaging Sciences Consortium (MiRIS)
222 N. Chestnut Street, Lansing, MI 48933
- Mid Michigan College
1375 South Clare Avenue, Harrison, MI 48625-9447
(989) 386-6646
- Northern Michigan University
1401 Presque Isle Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855
(906) 227-2868
- Oakland Community College (Southfield Campus)
22322 Rutland Drive, Southfield MI 48075-4793
(248) 233-2922
- Oakland University
2200 North Squirrel Road, Rochester, MI 48309
(248) 364-8780
- Providence-Providence Park Hospital, Southfield Campus
16001 West Nine Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48075
(248) 849-3293
- St. Clair County Community College
323 Erie Street, Port Huron, MI 48061-5015
(810) 989-5688
- University of Michigan – Flint
3124 Williams S. White Building, Flint, MI 48502-1950
(810) 424-5368
- Washtenaw Community College
4800 East Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105-4800
(734) 677-5119
- Wayne State University
259 Mack Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 916-1348
List of Programs
Radiology programs for individuals wanting to become X-ray technicians or radiologic technologists differ in course requirements and duration.
Listed below are Michigan schools that offer radiology degree programs. The list also includes the length of the program and its success rate in job placement and in helping examinees pass credentialing tests(3).
-
- Ascension St. John Hospital
Program: Certificate in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 26 months
Program Effectiveness:-
- Job Placement Rate: 100%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%
- Completion Rate: 64%
-
- Baker College of Clinton Township
Program: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 44 months
Program Effectiveness:-
- Job Placement Rate: 90%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%
- Completion Rate: 94%
-
- Baker College of Jackson
Program: Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy
Duration: 40 months
Program Effectiveness:-
- Job Placement Rate: 87%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 81.4%
- Completion Rate: 69.2%
-
- Baker College of Muskegon
Program: AAS in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 37 months
Program Effectiveness:-
- Job Placement Rate: 90.9%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 97.3%
- Completion Rate: 89.5%
-
- Baker College of Owosso
Program: AAS in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 76 months
Program Effectiveness:-
- Job Placement Rate: 89%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 89%
- Completion Rate: 91.6%
-
- Delta College
Program: AAS in Radiography
Duration: 40 months
Program Effectiveness:-
- Job Placement Rate: 94.8%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 94.6%
- Completion Rate: 64.7%
-
- DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital
Program: Certificate in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 20 months
Program Effectiveness:-
- Job Placement Rate: 100%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 98%
- Completion Rate: 100%
-
- Ferris State University
Program: AAS in Radiography
Duration: 125 months
Program Effectiveness:-
- Job Placement Rate: 85%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 98%
- Completion Rate: 86%
-
- Grand Rapids Community College
Program: AAS in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 62 months
Program Effectiveness:-
- Job Placement Rate: 91%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 95%
- Completion Rate: 79%
-
- Grand Valley State University
Program: Master of Science in Medical Dosimetry
Duration: 20 months
Program Effectiveness:-
- Completion Rate: 100%
-
- Grand Valley State University
Program: Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy
Duration: 51 months
Program Effectiveness:-
- Job Placement Rate: 86%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 94%
- Completion Rate: 94%
-
- Henry Ford College
Program: AAS in Radiography
Duration: 64 months
Program Effectiveness:-
- Job Placement Rate: 94%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 93%
- Completion Rate: 85%
-
- Jackson College
Program: AAS in Radiography
Duration: 44 months
Program Effectiveness:-
- Job Placement Rate: 97%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 87%
- Completion Rate: 90%
-
- Kellogg Community College
Program: AAS in Radiography
Duration: 48 months
Program Effectiveness:-
- Job Placement Rate: 86%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 88%
- Completion Rate: 75%
-
- Lake Michigan College
Program: AAS in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 50 months
Program Effectiveness:-
- Job Placement Rate: 86%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 90%
- Completion Rate: 85%
-
- Lansing Community College
Program: AAS in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 66 months
Program Effectiveness:-
- Job Placement Rate: 78%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 74%
- Completion Rate: 81%
-
- Michigan Radiologic and Imaging Sciences Consortium (MiRIS)
Program: AAS in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Duration: 58 months
Program Effectiveness:-
- Job Placement Rate: 99%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 77%
- Completion Rate: 80%
-
- Mid Michigan Community College
Program: AAS in Radiography
Duration: 48 months
Program Effectiveness:-
- Job Placement Rate: 94%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 83%
- Completion Rate: 88%
-
- Northern Michigan University
Program: AAS in Radiography
Duration: 41 months
Program Effectiveness:-
- Job Placement Rate: 92%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 92%
- Completion Rate: 100%
-
- Oakland Community College (Southfield Campus)
Program: AAS in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 30 months
Program Effectiveness:-
- Job Placement Rate: 100%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%
- Completion Rate: 90%
-
- Oakland University
Program: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 41 months
Program Effectiveness:-
- Completion Rate: 87.5%
-
- Providence-Providence Park Hospital, Southfield Campus
Program: Certificate in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 24 months
Program Effectiveness:-
- Job Placement Rate: 100%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 96%
- Completion Rate: 92%
-
- St. Clair County Community College
Program: AAS in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 24 months
Program Effectiveness:-
- Completion Rate: 100%
-
- University of Michigan – Flint
Program: Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy
Duration: 20 months
Program Effectiveness:-
- Job Placement Rate: 88.8%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 91.1%
- Completion Rate: 87.5%
-
- Washtenaw Community College
Program: AAS in Radiography
Duration: 69 months
Program Effectiveness:-
- Job Placement Rate: 97%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 98%
- Completion Rate: 71%
-
- Wayne State University (Radiation Therapy)
Program: Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy
Duration: 28 months
Program Effectiveness:-
- Job Placement Rate: 93.1%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%
- Completion Rate: 90.9%
-
- Wayne State University (Radiography)
Program: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 40 months
Program Effectiveness:-
- Job Placement Rate: 100%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 99%
- Completion Rate: 100%
-
- Ascension St. John Hospital
X-Ray Technician vs. Radiology Technologist Program
Radiology-related coursework varies from one school to another. However, programs leading to a career as a radiologic technologist or X-ray technician are generally similar(4).
Still, a significant difference between the two programs is that radiologic technology or radiography programs typically require at least two years to finish.
This course program involves practicing in a medical context that includes applying radiographic methods and hours of fieldwork, such as clinical practice and patient care.
Meanwhile, X-ray technician school programs may require nine months to two years to complete, depending on the program and school.
For example, passing certification exams for radiologic technologists may be a necessary qualification for entry-level and full-time work as an X-ray technician.
What Is an X-Ray Technician?
X-ray technicians capture images of the human body using medical imaging apparatus, commonly an X-ray machine. Radiologists use these photographs to determine and design treatment strategies for diseases and injuries.
Technicians may help calm patients during X-ray procedures and ensure that these individuals get the least radiation exposure necessary to generate high-quality images.
“X-ray tech” and “X-ray technologist” may refer to the same career and are generally interchangeable medical terms(5).
Moreover, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) online handbook classifies medical X-ray imaging as a specialization in radiologic technology(6).
Schools and medical centers use the titles “radiologic technician” and “radiology technologist” interchangeably because these terms typically mean the same profession(7). Other similar phrases include:
- Radiology tech
- Radiographer(8)
- Radiologic tech
Radiologic techs can specialize in various fields, such as:
- Vascular interventional radiograph
- Mammography
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Sonography
- Cardiac-interventional radiography
- Nuclear medicine
How to Become an X-Ray Tech in Michigan
An individual must meet the following requirements to become a radiologic technologist or X-ray technician in Michigan:
- Obtain a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or high school diploma.
- Earn an associate degree or finish a bachelor’s degree program.
The state has no policy mandating special licensure for medical imaging specialists, except for mammographers.
Individuals working in mammography must pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification test(9). A 15-hour minimum for ongoing education every three years is also necessary.
Accreditation
A JRCERT-accredited radiologic science or radiologic technology program can provide the general education in health sciences and specific training that a student requires to be ready for a possible career in radiologic technology.
JRCERT stands for the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
After completing a JRCERT-approved program, the aspirant can opt to earn several credentials through the ARRT-administered national registry examinations.
Individuals may confirm if their chosen program has accreditation by visiting the JRCERT headquarters at 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182 or checking the www.jrcert.org webpage for more information.
Tuition and Fees
Aside from the differences in coursework that provide individuals with pathways to becoming radiologic technologists or X-ray technicians, tuition fees in Michigan schools also differ.
As of May 8, 2022, the Michigan schools below have the following estimates of matriculation fees for different radiology programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT):
- Ascension St. John Hospital
Certificate in Radiologic Technology: $3,000 (resident); $3,000 (non-resident)
- Baker College of Clinton Township
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology: $10,992 (resident); $10,992 (non-resident)
- Baker College of Jackson
Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy: $9,818 (resident); $10,519 (non-resident)
- Baker College of Muskegon
AAS in Radiologic Technology: $10,922 (resident), $10,922 (non-resident)
- Baker College of Owosso
AAS in Radiologic Technology: $10,668 (resident), $10,922 (non-resident)
- Delta College
AAS in Radiography: $2,100 (resident), $3,200 (non-resident)
- DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital
Certificate in Radiologic Technology: $2,500 (resident), $2,500 (non-resident)
- Ferris State University
AAS in Radiography: $13,914 (resident), $16,080 (non-resident)
- Grand Rapids Community College
AAS in Radiologic Technology: $6,011 (resident), $11,107 (non-resident)
- Grand Valley State University
Master of Science in Medical Dosimetry: $21,276 (resident), $21,276 (non-resident)
- Grand Valley State University
Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy: $10,782 (resident), $14,167 (non-resident)
- Henry Ford College
AAS in Radiography: $6,471 (resident), $8,855 (non-resident)
- Kellogg Community College
AAS in Radiography: $6,062 (resident), $8,359 (non-resident)
- Lake Michigan College
AAS in Radiologic Technology: $3,668 (resident), $4,998 (non-resident)
- Lansing Community College
AAS in Radiologic Technology: $8,034 (resident), $10,658 (non-resident) - Michigan Radiologic and Imaging Sciences Consortium (MiRIS)
AAS in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): $5,550 (resident), $16,650 (non-resident)
- Mid Michigan College
AAS in Radiography: $6,501 (resident), $9,511 (non-resident)
- Northern Michigan University
AAS in Radiography: $8,400 (resident), $14,050 (non-resident)
- Oakland Community College (Southfield Campus)
AAS in Radiologic Technology: $2,674 (resident), $4,385 (non-resident)
- Oakland University
Bachelor of Science in Radiography: $14,287
- Providence-Providence Park Hospital, Southfield Campus
Certificate in Radiologic Technology: $6,500 (resident), $6,500 (non-resident)
- St. Clair County Community College
AAS in Radiologic Technology: $9,680 (resident); $17,864 (non-resident)
- University of Michigan – Flint
Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy: $13,239 (resident),
$25,869 (non-resident)
- Washtenaw Community College
AAS in Radiography: $4,500 (resident), $5,400 (non-resident)
- Wayne State University
Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy: $14,115
- Wayne State University
Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology: $17,947 (resident), $38,714 (non-resident)
Career Opportunities
The state of Michigan has several major healthcare institutions that employ radiologic technologists. These medical centers are mainly in the Detroit and Grand Rapids metropolitan areas(10).
While large hospitals may hire more radiologic technologists, many others work for small rural clinics.
The following Michigan healthcare centers employ certified radiology professionals:
- Beaumont Hospital
3601 West Thirteen Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073-6712
(248) 898-5000
- Harper University Hospital
3990 John ‘R’ Street, Detroit, MI 48201-2018
(313) 745-8040
- Henry Ford Hospital
2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202-2608
(313) 916-2600
- McLaren Regional Medical Center
401 South Ballenger Highway, Flint, MI 48532-3685
(810) 342-2000
- Munson Medical Center
1105 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684-2345
(231) 935-5000
- University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers
1500 East Medical Center Drive Ann, Arbor, MI 48109-5000
(734) 936-4000
Salary for X-Ray Techs
As of May 18, 2022, the approximated annual salary for an X-ray technician in Michigan is $61,975(11). X-ray techs with more than ten years of relevant experience may earn up to $73,789 annually.
FAQ
Is it difficult to become an X-ray technician?
The difficulty of becoming an X-ray technician may depend on the school’s program coursework and teaching approach.
- Radiology Education Options in Medical Imaging in Michigan
https://radiologyed.org/schools/michigan/ - X-ray Technician Salary in Michigan
https://www.indeed.com/career/x%20ray-technician/salaries/MI - Radiology Education Options in Medical Imaging in Michigan
https://radiologyed.org/schools/michigan/ - 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/ - 5 Differences Between RT (Radiologic Technologist) and LMRT (Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist)
https://www.chcp.edu/blog/5-differences-between-rt-and-lmrt/ - 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 - Radiology Education Options in Medical Imaging in Michigan
https://radiologyed.org/schools/michigan/ - X-ray Technician Salary in Michigan
https://www.indeed.com/career/x%20ray-technician/salaries/MI