- The state of Mississippi requires radiologic technologists to secure a license from the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH)(1).
- Experts project that the job growth rate for radiologic technologists in Mississippi is approximately 3% lower than the projected national growth rate(2).
- The average annual and hourly base salary for X-ray technicians in Mississippi may be below the national average(3).
- Qualified X-ray technicians and technologists may have job opportunities at healthcare facilities like the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Forrest General Hospital, St. Dominic Hospital, and Singing River Gulfport Hospital.
Top X-Ray Technician Schools in Mississippi
Mississippi residents may find some of the top X-ray technician and technologist programs in radiologic technology (RT) schools. These schools in Mississippi include(4):
- Copiah-Lincoln Community College
- Hinds Community College
- Itawamba Community College
- Jones County Junior College
- Meridian Community College
- Mississippi Delta Community College
- Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
- Northeast Mississippi Community College
- Pearl River Community College
- University of Mississippi
List of X-ray Technician Programs in Mississippi
Radiologic technology schools that may have X-ray technician programs include(5):
Copiah-Lincoln Community College
The two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program in medical radiologic technology at Copiah-Lincoln Community College meets the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) requirements.
The program’s instruction includes a combination of academic theory, clinical experience, and laboratory practice.
Students striving to work in radiologic-related occupations, such as radiographers, must complete particular coursework.
This coursework includes radiographic procedures, patient care in radiography, and radiographic pathology.
Additionally, students complete five semesters of clinical practicums that may include affiliated medical institutions such as:
- Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center
- King’s Daughters Medical Center
- VA Memorial Hospital
- St. Dominic Hospital
- Merit Health Central
- Merit Health Natchez
Acceptance into the program may include the application, grade point average (GPA), American College Testing (ACT) score, and an interview.
Individuals can learn more at: www.colin.edu.
Itawamba Community College
This community college is a two-year public institution of higher education located in northeastern Mississippi.
Itawamba Community College (ICC) offers an AAS in radiologic technology, combining classroom and clinical education.
ICC’s students must complete a core curriculum of general education and radiography courses such as anatomy and physiology, radiographic procedures, and radiographic pathology.
Clinical rotations start in the first semester at affiliated medical facilities such as:
- North Mississippi Medical Center
- Baptist Memorial Hospital
- Columbus and OCH Regional Medical Center
Admission into this program requires students to complete prerequisite courses with a “C” grade or higher, a minimum ACT score, and meet the program’s physical requirements.
Students can graduate from the AAS in radiologic technology by earning a “C” or higher in all major courses, maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA, and completing a final clinical evaluation.
Individuals can learn more at: www.iccms.edu/Home/portalid/0.
Meridian Community College
Meridian Community College (MCC) offers an ASS degree in radiologic technology. MCC designed the two-year clinical training program to prepare students for entry-level radiography and radiology positions.
The program focuses on competency-based instruction. MCC’s selective program prioritizes in-district students.
Applicants, including recent high-school graduates, must achieve minimum ACT scores and complete particular prerequisite courses with at least a “C” grade to meet the minimum acceptance requirements.
The program’s courses may include radiographic procedures, principles of radiation protection, and digital imaging acquisition and display.
Clinical rotation starts during the first semester. The program may also require students to complete a summer session.
Students may complete clinical rotations at various Mississippi medical facilities such as:
- Noxubee General Hospital
- Rush Imaging Centers
- Anderson Regional Medical Center
Individuals can learn more at www.meridiancc.edu.
University of Mississippi
The School of Health Related Professions at the University of Mississippi, which is also called “Ole Miss”, offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in its radiologic sciences program, meeting all educational requirements for ARRT certification.
This program includes didactic and clinical elements through classes and clinical rotations. The program may also require students in clinical rotations to travel to clinical sites such as:
- Madison Radiological Group LLC
- Medical Associates of Vicksburg
- University Physicians Grants Ferry Clinic
Classroom coursework may include age-specific patient care, concepts of radiologic sciences, and principles of computed tomography (CT).
The applicants must complete a minimum number of credit hours, maintain a minimum GPA, and receive at least a “C” grade in all prerequisite courses.
Practicing radiologic technologists may also complete an online BS in radiologic sciences.
Individuals can learn more at: www.olemiss.edu.
X-Ray Technician Program vs. Radiology Technologist Program
Radiology is a specific branch of medicine that utilizes medical imaging technology to diagnose and treat a patient’s disease(6). Meanwhile, X-rays are one type of diagnostic radiology exam.
While individuals may use the terms “X-ray technician” and “X-ray technologist interchangeably, some similarities and differences include(7):
- The medical industry generally classifies X-ray technologists as healthcare professionals. However, this classification does not apply the same to X-ray technicians.
- Technologists generally have more interaction with medical patients than technicians. For example, X-ray technicians may prepare or repair X-ray equipment, while X-ray technologists may operate such equipment.
- Programs for X-ray technologists, such as radiography programs, generally include medical courses like anatomy and physiology and ARRT certification. Programs for X-ray technicians may not include similar requirements such as ARRT exams.
Steps to Become a Radiologic Technologist in Mississippi
Mississippi requires prospective radiologic technologists to secure a license through the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH)(8). The MSDH issues the medical radiation technologist license to radiologic technologists, radiation therapists, and nuclear medicine technologists.
The MSDH may issue temporary permits to those awaiting professional certification(9).
Individuals in Mississippi may wish to learn how to become an X-ray technician or technologist, including those in cities and towns such as:
- Booneville
- Ellisville
- Fulton
- Hattiesburg
- Jackson
- Moorhead
- Raymond
- Wesson
Here are the steps required for Mississippi licensure(10):
Step 1: Complete an accredited program
Individuals must complete a degree program or certificate program in their particular modality.
Based on ARRT requirements, candidates must complete at least an associate’s degree.
Step 2: Take the certification exam
Candidates must pass either the ARRT or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) certificate exam applicable to their modality.
Step 3: Apply for a license through the MSDH
The MSDH requires candidates to submit:
- An application
- Application fee
- Proof of licensure
Step 4: Renew the license and finish the continuing education
Mississippi requires radiological technologists or “rad techs” to renew their license every two years. In addition, the MSDH requires 24 hours of continuing education (CE) for every renewal period.
The MSDH also offers a limited X-ray machine operators (LXMO) permit for “limited scope” operation.
Admission Requirements
Selecting a Program
The amount of time an X-ray technician or technologist needs to complete schooling may depend on their training. Here are the general time frames for various types of schooling:
- Certificate Programs: Six months to one year
- Associate’s Degree Programs: Two years
- Bachelor’s Degree Programs: Four years
- Master’s Degree Programs: One to three years
Other factors may impact how long one’s schooling takes, such as a student’s full-time or part-time status.
LXMO Permit
In Mississippi, a limited X-ray machine operator (LXMO) receives a permit to conduct medical radiation technology on particular sections of the human anatomy, such as the chest and abdomen(11).
The state allows LXMOs to work for up to one year without a permit(12). This process allows them to earn the continuing education credits for the permit application.
Thus, the amount of schooling Mississippi requires for X-ray technicians to obtain a permit is one year.
Radiologic technology schools in Mississippi may require the following admissions requirements and prerequisites(13):
Admission Process
Schools may accept online applications. The process may require individuals to submit an application and official transcripts.
A program may require students to have a minimum GPA. In addition, the candidates may need to meet a minimum grade (for example, a “C”) for all core” classes in the RT curriculum.
Examinations
RT programs may require students to achieve a minimum ACT score. They may also need to complete the Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) exam.
Prerequisites
An ART program may require students to take a minimum of the program’s core classes before applying to the program.
Prerequisite coursework may include courses such as human anatomy and physiology.
Prerequisites may also differ based on a student’s degree. Individuals may need to consider a major, specialization, or concentration, such as radiation therapy or mammography.
Program Goals and Objectives
Goals and objectives of radiologic technology schools may include(14):
Graduates Are Clinically Component
Key outcomes may include:
- Apply proper positioning skills
- Demonstrate comprehension of technical concepts
- Apply radiation safety principles to patients and self
Graduates Demonstrate Proper Communication Skills
Key outcomes may include:
- Show effective communication with patients and staff
Graduates Utilize Critical Thinking Skills.
Key outcomes may include:
- Adjust standard procedures for any non-routine patients
- Critique images to decipher the diagnostic quality
Graduates Display Ethical Principles
Key outcomes may include:
- Demonstrate professional ethics
- Maintain patient confidentiality
Accreditation
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredits particular educational programs.
Such accreditation can assure students and graduates that their education program provides the required skills, knowledge, and values that employers nationwide require(15).
For example, Mississippi residents may wish to be radiologic technicians or technologists in out-of-state cities like New York City, Chicago, Dallas, Seattle, and Los Angeles.
JRCERT’s program effective data for RT schools include(16):
- Program Completion Rate: The exact number of students completing the program within the stated length. A program defines the entry point it uses to calculate the completion rate.
Some examples of entry points include the required orientation date and the final date to add or drop classes.
- Credentialing Examination Pass Rate: JRCERT defines this term as including the number of student graduates who pass either exam on the first attempt, including:
-
- ARRT certification exam
- State licensing exam
-
The JRCERT compares this figure to the number of graduates attempting the exam within six months.
- Job Placement Rate: This term compares the number of graduates working in the radiologic sciences to the number of graduates searching for employment in the radiologic sciences.
JRCERT requires individuals to “actively” seek employment. In other words, they cannot meet any of the criteria JRCERT set for individuals not actively seeking employment.
Individuals can learn more at: www.jrcert.org.
Tuition and Fees
The primary expenses of a radiologic technology program may include tuition, books, and additional fees (for example, room and board).
Prospective students reviewing RT programs should research whether advertised prices include non-tuition costs, such as books or additional fees.
The net costs of attending various radiologic technology schools in Mississippi may include(17):
- Copiah-Lincoln Community College: $5,273
- Jones County Community College: $5,512
- Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College: $7,433
- Northeast Mississippi Community College: $5,908
- University of Mississippi: $14,762
Financial Aid
Individuals training as X-ray technicians and technologists may apply for various types of financial, state, and private financial aid. State-based sources of financial support available in Mississippi include(18):
Mississippi State Promise Program
This program is for full-time Mississippi resident students aiming for their first bachelor’s degree. Students must be freshmen students with a minimum GPA and ACT scores.
Candidates must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and be Pell Grant-eligible.
State Student Financial Aid
Mississippi offers numerous student financial aid programs. These include the:
- Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG)
- Higher Education Legislative Plan for Needy Students (HELP)
- Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG)
What Precisely Is an X-Ray Technician?
An X-ray technician’s roles and responsibilities include creating X-ray images of a medical patient’s internal anatomy to help physicians diagnose illness, injuries, and diseases(19).
Typical responsibilities of X-ray technicians may include(20):
- Explaining X-ray procedures to patients
- Operating X-ray equipment to produce radiographic images of patients’ tissues, bones, and organs
- Preventing duplicate X-ray procedures
- Producing high-quality X-ray images
- Working with resident radiologists
- Maintaining the accuracy of completed X-ray records
- Reviewing doctors’ orders
- Positioning, lifting, and moving patients
- Limiting radiation exposure of patients
- Maintaining X-ray equipment
- Verifying patients’ identities
- Reporting malfunctioning X-ray equipment
Job Growth Outlook for X-Ray Technicians in Mississippi
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the projected 2020-2030 job growth for radiologic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists is 9%(21). This figure is approximately as fast as the national average for all occupations.
Some experts project that the 2018-2028 projected job growth for radiologic technologists and technicians in Mississippi is 6%(22). This figure is 3% lower than the BLS’ projected job growth within a decade.
Radiologic technicians and technologists may work at one of the hospitals in the state, such as the Methodist Diagnostic Center, Compass Imaging, Madison Radiological Group, and the Premier Imaging LLC(23).
Salaries for Certified X-Ray Technicians In Mississippi
The BLS reported that the national mean salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Mississippi is $49,880 annually and $23.98 hourly(24). These figures are below the U.S.’s mean annual salary ($66,490) and mean hourly salary ($31.97).
The BLS does not track or report occupational data for X-ray technicians or technologists. However, fully-licensed technicians and technologists typically earn less than limited scope X-ray technicians. This factor is due to lower educational requirements.
Individuals considering a career in the health sciences may ponder the salary that X-ray techs earn in Mississippi.
As of May 24, 2022, the average base salary for X-ray technicians in Mississippi may be $49,174 annually and $21.49 hourly(25).
25 Sources
- Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Mississippi
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/mississippi/ - Mississippi Employment Trends 29-2034.00 – Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/29-2034.00?st=MS - X-ray Technician salary in Mississippi
https://www.indeed.com/career/x%20ray-technician/salaries/MS - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Mississippi
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/mississippi/ - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Mississippi
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/mississippi/ - Imaging and radiology
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007451.htm - X-Ray Technologist vs. X-Ray Technician: What’s the Difference?
https://www.x-rayschools.net/articles/x-ray-technologist-vs-x-ray-technician/index.html - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Mississippi
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/mississippi/ - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Mississippi
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/mississippi/ - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Mississippi
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/mississippi/ - Limited X-Ray Machine Operators
https://www.msbml.ms.gov/Licensure/Limited_X-Ray_Machine_Operators - Limited X-Ray Machine Operators
https://www.msbml.ms.gov/Licensure/Limited_X-Ray_Machine_Operators - Apply for Radiography Technology
https://mgccc.edu/programs/schools/nursing-health-professions/medical-professionals/radiologic-technology-radiography/apply-for-radiography/ - Radiologic technology
https://meridiancc.edu/programs/career_and_technical_programs/division_of_health_education/radiologic_technology/index.html - Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
https://www.jrcert.org/ - Program effectiveness data
https://www.jrcert.org/program-effectiveness-data/ - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Mississippi
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/mississippi/ - Types of aid
https://www.sfa.msstate.edu/types-of-aid/ - X-Ray Technician Job Description
https://www.betterteam.com/x-ray-technician-job-description - X-Ray Technician Job Description
https://www.betterteam.com/x-ray-technician-job-description - Radiologic and MRI Technologists
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm - Mississippi Employment Trends 29-2034.00 – Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/29-2034.00?st=MS - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Mississippi
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/mississippi/ - 29-2034 Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292034.htm - X-ray Technician salary in Mississippi
https://www.indeed.com/career/x%20ray-technician/salaries/MS