- Several Ohio schools offer various radiology degree programs, such as certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees, to help individuals earn the knowledge and skills to become radiologic technologists or X-ray technicians.
- After graduation, individuals must obtain an Ohio state licensure to work as radiologic technologists, radiographers, nuclear medicine technologists, or radiation therapists.
- The May 2022 data showed that Ohio-based X-ray technicians have an estimated yearly salary of $57,801(1).
List of X-ray Tech Schools in Ohio
Ohio has several schools offering radiology-related programs to help students land radiology or medical imaging jobs, including radiologic technologists or X-ray technicians. These schools include the following:
- Cleveland Clinic Health System-School of Diagnostic Imaging
18901 Lakeshore Blvd, Euclid, OH 44119
(216) 692-7512
- Columbus State Community College
550 E Spring St, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 287-5353
- Cuyahoga Community College District
700 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115 - (216) 987-6000
- Eastern Gateway Community College
- 4000 Sunset Blvd, Steubenville, OH 43952
- (740) 264-5591
- James A Rhodes State College
4240 Campus Dr, Lima, OH 45804
(419) 995-8320
- Kent State University at Ashtabula
- 3300 Lake Rd W, Ashtabula, OH 44004
440-964-3322
- Kent State University at Salem
- 2491 OH-45, Salem, OH 44460
(330) 332-0361
- Lorain County Community College
- 1005 Abbe Rd N, Elyria, OH 44035
(800) 995-5222
- Marion Technical College
1467 Mt Vernon Ave, Marion, OH 43302
(740) 389-4636
- Mercy College of Ohio
2221 Madison Ave, Toledo, OH 43604
(419) 251-1313
- North Central State College
2441 Kenwood Cir, Mansfield, OH 44906
(419) 755-4800
- Ohio State University-Main Campus
281 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43210
(614) 292-6446
- Owens Community College
30335 Oregon Rd, Perrysburg, OH 43551
(567) 661-7000
- Shawnee State University
940 2nd St, Portsmouth, OH 45662
(740) 351-3205
- University of Akron Main Campus
302 E Buchtel Ave, Akron, OH 44325
(330) 972-7111
- University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College
9555 Plainfield Rd, Blue Ash, OH 45236
(513) 558-9495
- Xavier University
3800 Victory Pkwy, Cincinnati, OH 45207
(513) 745-3000
- Zane State College
1555 Newark Rd, Zanesville, OH 43701 - (740) 588-5000
List of Programs
Coursework, duration, and program effectiveness for radiology programs for individuals to become X-ray technicians or radiologic technologists can vary between schools.
The Ohio schools listed below offer the following radiology degree programs, including how long these programs take to complete and the estimated tuition costs(2):
- Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Program: Associate of Science (AS) in Radiography
Duration: 46 months
Program effectiveness:
Completion rate: 62%
Tuition: $17,700 (resident), $17,700 (non-resident) - Central Ohio Technical College
Program: Associate of Applied Science degree (AAS) in Radiologic Science Technology
Duration: 70 months
Program effectiveness:
Completion rate: 52%
Credential examination pass rate: 99%
Job placement rate: 100%
Tuition: $5,500 (resident), $9,640 (non-resident) - Columbus State Community College
Program: AAS in Medical Imaging
Duration: 70 months
Program effectiveness:
Completion rate: 86%
Credential examination pass rate: 93%
Job placement rate: 95.9%
Tuition: $4,078
- Cuyahoga Community College
Program: AAS in Radiography
Duration: 112 months
Program Effectiveness:
Completion rate: 84.7%
Credential examination pass rate: 93.4%
Job placement rate: 93.3%
Tuition: $4,006 (resident), $8,625 (non-resident)
- Eastern Gateway Community College
Program Type: AAS in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 32 months
Program effectiveness:
Completion rate: 73%
Credential examination pass rate: 86%
Job placement rate: 100%
Tuition: $3,218 (resident), $4,290 (non-resident)
- Euclid Hospital or Cleveland Clinic Health System
Program: Certificate in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 54 months
Program effectiveness:
Completion rate: 66.6%
Credential examination pass rate: 96%
Job placement rate: 90%
Tuition: $7,500 (resident), $7,500 (non-resident)
- Fortis College – Columbus
Program: AAS in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 35 months
Program effectiveness:
Credential examination pass rate: 64%
Job placement rate: 96%
Tuition: $19,416 (resident), $19,416 (non-resident)
- James A. Rhodes State College
Program: AAS in Radiographic Imaging
Duration: 101 months
Program effectiveness:
Completion rate: 33.3%
Credential examination pass rate: 95%
Job placement rate: 86%
Tuition: $5,687 (resident), $11,374 (non-resident)
- Kent State University Ashtabula
Program: AAS in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 36 months
Program effectiveness:
Completion rate: 90.5%
Credential examination pass rate: 98.5%
Job placement rate: 96.5%
Tuition: $6,975 (resident), $17,469 (non-resident)
- Kent State University – Salem Campus
Program: Bachelor of Rad. and Imaging Sciences in Radiation Therapy
Duration: 33 months
Program effectiveness:
Completion rate: 100%
Credential examination pass rate: 96%
Job placement rate: 100%
Tuition: $11,376 (resident), $28,122 (non-resident)
- Kettering College
Program: AS in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 57 months
Program effectiveness:
Completion rate: 76%
Credential examination pass rate: 87%
Job placement rate: 93%
Tuition: $15,400 (resident), $15,400 (non-resident)
- Lorain County Community College
Program: AAS in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 72 months
Program effectiveness:
Completion rate: 67%
Credential examination pass rate: 95%
Job placement rate: 92%
Tuition: $3,950 (resident), $4,721 (non-resident)
- Marietta Memorial Hospital
Program: Certificate in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 34 months
Program effectiveness:
Completion rate: 86.7%
Credential examination pass rate: 79.2%
Job placement rate: 100%
Tuition: $4,240
- Marion Technical College
Program: AAS in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 36 months
Program effectiveness:
Completion rate: 90%
Credential examination pass rate: 85%
Job placement rate: 98.6%
Tuition: $7,480 (resident), $11,000 (non-resident)
- Mercy Medical Center
Program: Certificate in Radiography
Duration: 30 months
Program effectiveness:
Completion rate: 57%
Credential examination pass rate: 85%
Job placement rate: 100%
Tuition: $7,375 (resident), $7,375 (non-resident)
- North Central State College
Program: AAS in Radiological Sciences
Duration: 50 months
Program effectiveness:
Completion rate: 67%
Credential examination pass rate: 100%
Job placement rate: 95%
Tuition: $9,724 (resident), $19,448 (non-resident)
- Owens Community College
Program: AAS in Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Duration: 25 months
Program effectiveness:
Completion rate: 100%
Tuition: $5,040 (resident), $9,545 (non-resident)
- Sinclair Community College
Program: AAS in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 72 months
Program effectiveness:
Completion rate: 67%
Credential examination pass rate: 98%
Job placement rate: 97%
Tuition: $3,500 (resident), $9,500 (non-resident)
- The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Program: Certificate in Medical Dosimetry
Duration: 7 months
Program effectiveness:
Completion rate: 100%
Credential examination pass rate: 86%
Job placement rate: 92%
Tuition: $10,000 (resident), $10,000 (non-resident)
- The Ohio State University
Program: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Radiologic Science and Therapy
Duration: 60 months
Program effectiveness:
Completion rate: 100%
Credential examination pass rate: 97.4%
Job placement rate: 100%
Tuition: $10,037 (resident), $28,229 (non-resident)
- The Ohio State University
Program: BS in Radiologic Science and Therapy
Duration: 28 months
Program Effectiveness:
Completion Rate: 100%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%
Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition: $10,010 (resident), $25,726 (non-resident)
- The University of Akron
Program: Associate Degree in Radiography
Duration: 61 months
Program Effectiveness:
Completion Rate: 74%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 94%
Job Placement Rate: 96%
Tuition: $10,655
- University of Cincinnati
Program: Certificate in Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Duration: 23 months
Tuition: $11,000
- University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College
Program: AAS in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 58 months
Program Effectiveness:
Completion Rate: 62%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 98%
Job Placement Rate: 96%
Tuition: $6,010 (resident), $14,516 (non-resident)
- University of Rio Grande–Rio Grande Community College
Program: AAS in Radiological Technology
Duration: 32 months
Program Effectiveness:
Completion Rate: 82%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 74%
Job Placement Rate: 95%
Tuition: $5,457 (resident), $6,177 (non-resident)
- Xavier University
Program: Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 30 months
Program Effectiveness:
Completion Rate: 69%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 75%
Job Placement Rate: 96%
Tuition: $9,770 (resident), $9,770 (non-resident)
- Zane State College
Program: AAS in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 36 months
Program Effectiveness:
Completion Rate: 87.5%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 98.3%
Job Placement Rate: 96%
Tuition: $5,400 (resident), $10,579 (non-resident)
Admission Criteria or Prerequisites
Admission requirements for radiology-related programs can vary between schools.
Enrollees applying to these programs to become X-ray technicians or other radiology professionals should inquire with the school of choice regarding the program’s prerequisites and financial aid requirements.
One example is Mercy College of Ohio’s prerequisites for its Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in radiologic technology, as listed below(3):
- The applicant must have graduated high school with a grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 or higher.
Applicants with a general equivalency diploma (GED) recipient should have a GED score of 570.
- Applicants must have completed and passed the following high school courses or their college equivalents with a grade of “C” or higher within the last seven years:
- Algebra
- Biology
- Chemistry
Program Goals and Outcomes
Although most program goals ensure the graduate gains the appropriate knowledge and skills that are helpful to the individual’s career, schools often state these goals differently.
For instance, Mercy College of Ohio’s Associate of Applied Science Degree in Radiologic Technology has the following program goals(4):
- Demonstrating clinical competence when conducting diagnostic radiographic procedures in a professional, compassionate manner
- Demonstrating critical thinking and problem-solving skills in radiography
- Employing effective written and oral communication skills
- Understanding the importance of professional development, continuous learning, and Christian values
- Meeting the healthcare community’s needs as employable radiographers
Furthermore, upon program completion, students should be able to perform the following:
- Producing quality diagnostic radiographs
- Evaluating radiographic images for appropriate quality
- Applying proper radiation protection to self, patients, and others
- Providing appropriate patient care in changing circumstances
- Performing effectively in various imaging areas
- Demonstrating effective communication skills
- Practicing ethical and professional behaviors
- Integrating Mercy’s core values into clinical practice
- Performing at entry-level expectations
Accreditation
A radiologic technology program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) means the program has been recognized to provide students with the necessary education to perform in their careers in the radiology field competently.
One JRCERT-accredited program is Kettering College’s radiologic technology course of study. JRCERT has accredited this program for more than three decades, and the program also received an eight-year accreditation period.
Kettering College’s program is also accredited by the Ohio Department of Health’s X-Ray Control Program.
Individuals interested in knowing the accreditation status of a specific program can visit the JRCERT office at 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182 or access the organization’s website at www.jrcert.org.
X-ray Technician Program vs. Radiology Technologist Program
Radiology-related programs typically vary from one school to another. One significant difference is that the radiologic technology programs can take two years or more to finish.
Meanwhile, programs for X-ray technicians can take between nine months to two years, depending on the school’s program.
Radiologic technologists also work with a broader range of imaging equipment than X-ray technicians. Technologists are skilled medical professionals who are certified and registered to perform diagnostic imaging examinations for physicians who diagnose diseases or traumas.
What Is an X-ray Technician?
X-ray technicians operate X-ray machines or similar medical imaging equipment to produce images of an individual’s internal anatomy to help doctors diagnose illnesses or injuries.
X-ray technicians are also responsible for the following tasks:
- Participating in training sessions and staff meetings
- Monitoring radiology supplies
- Ensuring the X-ray machines are set to the correct radiation levels
- Making sure all X-ray rooms are always clean
Technicians also help individuals who are undergoing X-ray imaging to calm down. These professionals also produce high-quality images while ensuring the patients have limited exposure to radiation.
Career Opportunities
Individuals interested in radiology-related careers in Ohio other than radiologic technology or becoming an X-ray technician may consider pursuing the following disciplines:
- Computed tomography
- Breast sonography
- Mammography
- Magnetic resonance imaging
Several large hospitals and medical centers in Ohio employ radiologic technologists in supervisory, technical, and teaching positions.
Individuals interested in working in this role may consider contacting the following facilities:
- Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195-5108
(216) 444-2200
- University Hospitals Case Medical Center
11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106-2602
(216) 844-1000
- Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
370 West 9th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210-1240
(614) 293-8000
- Grant Medical Center-Ohio Health
111 South Grant Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215-1898
(614) 566-9000
- Christ Hospital
2139 Auburn Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219-2906
(513) 585-2000
- Riverside Methodist Hospital-Ohio Health
3535 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43214-3998
(614) 566-5000
- Akron General-Cleveland Clinic
1 Akron General Avenue, Akron, OH 44307-2433
(330) 344-6000
- St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital-Mercy Health
1044 Belmont Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44504-1096
(330) 746-7211
Salary
As of May 2022, the estimated yearly salary of an X-ray technician in Ohio is $57,801(5). Technicians with ten years of clinical experience or more may earn up to $69,020 annually.
In May 2021, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported the following mean annual salaries for individuals working in the medical imaging field in Ohio(6):
- Radiation therapists: $83,720
- Radiologic technologists and technicians: $59,780
- Magnetic resonance imaging technologists: $70,060
- Diagnostic medical sonographers: $72,190
- Nuclear medicine technologists: $75,270
Becoming a Radiology Technologist in Ohio
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) provides state licensure to the following professions:
- Radiologic technologist
- Radiographer
- Nuclear medicine technologist
- Radiation therapist
Though the Ohio licensing process varies slightly based on the license, in general, applicants must do the following:
- Obtain a diploma, certificate, or degree in the individual’s chosen modality.
- Pass the required exam, such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam.
- Submit an application. The ODH website contains application materials for each license type, and applicants can complete the process online.
- Receive the license.
- Consider earning national certification through the ARRT.
- Complete continuing education hours as a requirement for Ohio-based radiographers to renew their licenses.
FAQs
1. Is it difficult to become an X-ray technician?
The difficulty in becoming an X-ray technician depends on the school’s program coursework and teaching method.
Additionally, the student’s ability to absorb information and apply the lessons in the clinical setting can also influence how fast or slow students learn to become effective technicians.
Upon graduation, the demand for X-ray technicians is another factor that can affect how easy or difficult it is for an individual to find a job.
Thus, no single factor determines how difficult it is to become an X-ray technician.
2. How much does becoming an X-ray tech cost?
Tuition fees and other expenses required to become X-ray technicians vary between states, schools, and programs.
For example, radiography certificate tuition can range between $6,000 and $20,000, while an associate degree can cost anywhere between $4,000 to $30,000(7).
- X-ray Technician Salary in Ohio
https://www.indeed.com/career/x%20ray-technician/salaries/OH - How to Become a Radiologic Technician in Ohio
https://radiologyed.org/schools/ohio/ - Associate of Applied Science Degree in Radiologic Technology
https://mercycollege.edu/academics/programs/associate/radiologic-technology - Ibid.
- X-ray Technician Salary in Ohio
https://www.indeed.com/career/x%20ray-technician/salaries/OH - May 2021 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimate Ohio
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_oh.htm#29-0000 - How Much Does X-Ray Technician School Cost?
https://www.vocationaltraininghq.com/cost/x-ray-technician-school/