- Individuals interested in working as radiologic technologists or X-ray technicians may find several radiology-related programs in Missouri.
- Missouri does not mandate a separate license for X-ray technicians and radiologic technologists. However, employers usually select ARRT-certified radiologic technologists(1).
- As of May 2022, X-ray technicians in Missouri have an estimated annual salary of $24,640(2). X-ray technicians with more than ten years of experience may earn up to $29,422 each year.
List of X-ray Tech Schools in Missouri
Many schools in Missouri offer medical imaging degree programs to help job applicants seeking employment opportunities as X-ray technicians or radiologic technologists (also called rad techs).
Some of these schools are as follows:
- Avila University
College of Science and Health, Kansas City, MO 64145
(816) 501-3624
- Cox College
1423 North Jefferson Avenue, Springfield, MO, 65802
(417) 269-8987
- Hillyard Technical Center
3434 Faraon Street, St. Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 671-4170
- Jefferson College
1000 Viking Drive, Hillsboro, MO 63050
(636) 481-3523
- Mercy Hospital St. Louis
615 South New Ballas Road, St. Louis, MO 63141
(314) 251-6203
- Metropolitan Community College – Penn Valley
Health Science Institute, Kansas City, MO 64111
(816) 604-1000
- Mineral Area College
P.O. Box 1000, Park Hills, MO 63601
(573) 518-2334
- Missouri Southern State University
3950 East Newman Road, Joplin, MO 64801-1595
(417) 625-3118
- Research Medical Center
2316 East Meyer Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64132-1199
(816) 276-3437
- Rolla Technical Center
500 Forum Drive, Rolla, MO 65401
- Saint Louis University – Magnetic Resonance
3437 Caroline Street, St. Louis, MO 63104
(314) 977-5343
- Saint Louis University – Radiation Therapy
3437 Caroline Street, St. Louis, MO 63104
(314) 977-8630
- Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City
4401 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64111
(816) 932-2788
- SoutheastHealth College of Nursing and Health Sciences
2001 William Street, 2nd Floor, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
(573) 334-6825
- Southwest Baptist University
4431 South Fremont, Springfield, MO 65804
(417) 447-8676
- St. Louis Community College at Forest Park
5600 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 644-9640
- State Fair Community College
3201 West 16th Street, Sedalia, MO 65301
(660) 596-7403
- State Technical College of Missouri
One Technology Drive, Linn, MO 65051
(573) 897-2406
- University of Missouri – Columbia Campus
School of Health Professions, Columbia, MO 65211
(573) 884-2623
List of Programs
Radiology schools for X-ray technicians and radiologic technologists differ in coursework, credit hours, and duration.
As shown below, Missouri colleges and universities offer radiologic technology programs(3). The following lists also show the programs’ time frame, job placement rate, and passing rate for credentialing assessments.
- Avila University
Program: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 104 months
Program Effectiveness:
-
-
- Job Placement Rate: 96.9%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 86.7%
- Completion Rate: 83.3%
-
- Cox College
Program: Associate of Science in Radiography
Duration: 46 months
Program Effectiveness:
-
-
- Job Placement Rate: 100%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 99%
- Completion Rate: 100%
-
- Hillyard Technical Center
Program: Certificate in Radiography
Duration: 37 months
Program Effectiveness:
-
-
- Job Placement Rate: 100%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%
- Completion Rate: 92%
-
- Jefferson College
Program: Certificate in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 44 months
Program Effectiveness:
-
-
- Completion Rate: 71%
-
- Mercy Hospital St. Louis
Program: Certificate in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 20 months
Program Effectiveness:
-
-
- Job Placement Rate: 100%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 88%
- Completion Rate: 100%
-
- Metropolitan Community College – Penn Valley
Program: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 53 months
Program Effectiveness:
-
-
- Job Placement Rate: 93%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 92%
- Completion Rate: 86%
-
- Mineral Area College
Program: Associate of Science in Radiology
Duration: 36 months
Program Effectiveness:
-
-
- Job Placement Rate: 96.7%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 66.6%
- Completion Rate: 93.7%
-
- Missouri Southern State University
Program: Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 24 months
Program Effectiveness:
-
-
- Job Placement Rate: 83.2%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%
- Completion Rate: 100%
-
- Research Medical Center
Program: Certificate in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 34 months
Program Effectiveness:
-
-
- Job Placement Rate: 100%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 94.4%
- Completion Rate: 100%
-
- Rolla Technical Center
Program: Certificate in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 48 months
Program Effectiveness:
-
-
- Job Placement Rate: 100%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 95%
- Completion Rate: 92%
-
- Saint Louis University – Magnetic Resonance
Program: Bachelor of Science in Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Duration: 12 months
Program Effectiveness:
-
-
- Job Placement Rate: 100%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%
- Completion Rate: 63%
-
- Saint Louis University – Radiation Therapy
Program: Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy
Duration: 16 months
Program Effectiveness:
-
-
- Job Placement Rate: 91%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 95%
- Completion Rate: 92%
-
- Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City
Program: Certificate in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 22 months
Program Effectiveness:
-
-
- Job Placement Rate: 100%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 98%
- Completion Rate: 100%
-
- Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Program: AAS in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 27 months
Program Effectiveness:
-
-
- Job Placement Rate: 94%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 81%
- Completion Rate: 88%
-
- Southwest Baptist University
Program: Associate of Science in Radiography
Duration: 48 months
Program Effectiveness:
-
-
- Completion Rate: 69%
-
- St. Louis Community College at Forest Park
Program: AAS in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 98 months
Program Effectiveness:
-
-
- Job Placement Rate: 86%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 96%
- Completion Rate: 64%
-
- State Technical College of Missouri
Program: AAS in Medical Radiologic Technology
Duration: 28 months
Program Effectiveness:
-
-
- Job Placement Rate: 94%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 90%
- Completion Rate: 100%
-
- University of Missouri – Columbia Campus
Program: Bachelor of Health Science in Radiography
Duration: 30 months
Program Effectiveness:
-
- Job Placement Rate: 100%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 99%
- Completion Rate: 100%
X-ray Technician Program vs. Radiology Technologist Program
Each school of radiologic technology varies in its radiology programs. However, radiologic technologists and X-ray technicians’ training programs are often similar(4).
One significant distinction is that radiologic technology programs typically take two years to complete. This program includes a significant amount of fieldwork, such as clinical education, patient care, and working in a medical environment that requires radiography procedures.
Depending on the school, X-ray technician degree programs can last nine months to two years.
A radiology certificate is also necessary for entry-level work as a limited-scope X-ray technician.
What Is an X-ray Technician?
X-ray technicians use medical imaging equipment to generate images of human bodies. These photographs help doctors diagnose specific injuries and ailments.
Technicians can assist individuals undergoing X-ray procedures relax while obtaining the best pictures possible with the least amount of radiation.
“X-ray technician” and “X-ray technologist” are frequently interchangeable medical terminologies(5).
Medical X-ray imaging is a radiologic technology specialization, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)(6).
Universities and institutions may use the terms “radiologic technician” and “radiology technologist” because the terms generally refer to the same career interchangeably(7).
Some terms that are similar include:
- Radiologic tech
- Radiology tech
- Radiology technician
- Radiographer(8)
Radiologic technologists may specialize in the following areas(9):
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Magnet resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography
- Mammography
- Nuclear medicine
- Bone densitometry
How to Become a Radiologic Technologist in Missouri
To operate as a radiologic technologist or X-ray technician in Missouri, an individual must satisfy the following requirements:
- Obtain a high school diploma
- Finish an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree program
- Earn relevant certifications
Several states in the United States may mandate individuals to hold some kind of license to practice a career in radiologic technology.
There are no licensing or registration prerequisites for radiological technology professionals in Missouri.
However, recent radiology technologist graduates must take and pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam to obtain official certification(10). Many establishments, such as major hospitals, require the ARRT test, so passing it will broaden an individual’s employment options.
Accreditation
A JRCERT-accredited radiologic science or radiography program provides the general education and specific training to prepare students for a future job in radiologic technology. JRCERT means the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
After finishing a JRCERT-approved program, the candidate has the option of earning credentials through an ARRT-administered national registry test.
Individuals may check 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.
Tuition and Fees
Aside from the various programs that lead to careers, such as radiologic technology or X-ray technician, tuition in Missouri colleges and universities also varies.
Each university may demand extra fees to cover necessary costs, such as utilities, laboratory upkeep, and the program’s basic fee.
As of May 14, 2022, the Missouri schools below have the following cost estimations of programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)(11):
- Avila University
Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology: $24,000 (resident); $24,000 (non-resident)
- Cox College
Associate of Science in Radiography: $6,775 (resident);
$6,775 (non-resident)
- Hillyard Technical Center
Certificate in Radiography
$10,600 (resident); $10,600 (non-resident)
- Jefferson College
Certificate in Radiologic Technology
$4,223 (resident); $5,576 (non-resident)
- Mercy Hospital St. Louis
Certificate in Radiologic Technology
$4,725 (resident); $4,725 (non-resident)
- Metropolitan Community College – Penn Valley
AAS in Radiologic Technology
$3,050 (resident); $7,060 (non-resident)
- Mineral Area College
Associate of Science in Radiology
$3,384 (resident); $4,536 (non-resident)
- Missouri Southern State University
Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology
$5,084 (resident); $10,169 (non-resident)
- Research Medical Center
Certificate in Radiologic Technology
$2,800 (resident); $2,800 (non-resident)
- Rolla Technical Center
Certificate in Radiologic Technology
$8,976 (resident); $8,800 (non-resident)
- Saint Louis University
Bachelor of Science in Magnetic Resonance Imaging: $37,350
- Saint Louis University – Radiation Therapy
Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy
$36,090 (resident); $36,090 (non-resident)
- Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City
Certificate in Radiologic Technology: $2,800 (resident);
$2,800 (non-resident)
- Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences
AAS in Radiologic Technology: $15,853 (resident); $15,853 (non-resident)
- Southwest Baptist University
Associate of Science in Radiography: $14,592 (resident);
$14,592 (non-resident)
- St. Louis Community College at Forest Park
AAS in Radiologic Technology: $3,838
- State Fair Community College
AAS in Radiologic Technology: $4,683 (resident);
$5,333 (non-resident)
- State Technical College of Missouri
AAS in Medical Radiologic Technology: $6,162 (resident);
$12,324 (non-resident)
- University of Missouri – Columbia Campus
Bachelor of Health Science in Radiologic Technology: $13,428 (resident); $26,917 (non-resident)
Interested individuals may check with their selected schools if financial aid is available for a radiology program.
Career Opportunities
There are significant hospitals that hire radiologic technologists in Missouri. Most of these healthcare institutions are in St. Louis, Kansas City, and other central cities(12).
The following Missouri healthcare institutions employ certified radiology professionals:
- Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University
1 Barnes-Jewish Hospital Plaza, Saint Louis, MO 63110-1003
(314) 747-3000 - Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics
2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO 64108-4619
(816) 234-3000 - Cox Health Hospital
1423 North Jefferson Street, Springfield, MO 65802-1988
(417) 269-3000 - Freeman Hospital
1102 West 32nd Street, Joplin, MO 64804-3503
(417) 347-1111 - North Kansas City Hospital
2800 Clay Edwards Drive, North Kansas City, MO 64116-3220
(816) 691-2000 - St. Louis Children’s Hospital
One Children’s Place, Saint Louis, MO 63110-1002
(314) 454-6000 - University of Missouri Health Care
Columbia One Hospital Drive Columbia, MO 65212-0001
(573) 882-414
Salary for X-ray Technicians
As of May 18, 2022, the estimated annual salary for an X-ray technician in Missouri is $24,640(13). This average salary is 62% below the national average.
X-ray techs with ten years or more work experience may earn up to
$29,422 annually(14).
Is It Hard to Become an X-ray Tech?
The difficulty of pursuing a career as an X-ray technician relies on the school’s program coursework and teaching strategy.
The student’s ability to learn the material and apply it in a clinical setting might also influence how easily or slowly they become excellent technicians.
FDA Recommendations
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), medical imaging experts must consider two standards for radiation protection for patients(15).
- Justification: The X-ray procedure must regularly undergo an evaluation to ensure it benefits patients more than it harms them. As a result, ionizing radiation tests are necessary to diagnose a medical condition, cure an ailment, or give insight into treatment methods.
- Optimization: X-ray procedures should employ suitable techniques to ensure the least amount of radiation exposure possible while still generating good images for diagnosis or treatment. This goal may require the application of the X-ray technicians’ mathematical and critical thinking abilities.
Radiation dosage optimization occurs when technicians produce high-quality images with the most negligible radiation possible for the clinical job.
The quality assurance (QA) program at a facility can improve radiation exposure for every kind of X-ray imaging test, surgery, and medical imaging work.
15 Sources
- Radiology Education Options in Missouri
https://radiologyed.org/schools/missouri/ - X-ray Technician Salary in Missouri
https://www.indeed.com/career/x%20ray-technician/salaries/MO - Radiology Education Options in Missouri
https://radiologyed.org/schools/missouri/ - 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/ - 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 - Careers in Radiologic Technology
https://www.asrt.org/main/career-center/careers-in-radiologic-technology - Radiology Education Options in Missouri
https://radiologyed.org/schools/missouri/ - Ibid.
- Ibid.
- X-ray Technician salary in Missouri
https://www.indeed.com/career/x%20ray-technician/salaries/MO - Ibid.
- Medical X-ray Imaging
https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/medical-imaging/medical-x-ray-imaging#principles