- Oklahoma has several educational institutions offering radiology-related programs to help students pursue medical imaging careers, such as becoming radiologic technologists or X-ray technicians.
- Oklahoma does not require X-ray technicians or radiologic technologists to be state-licensed(1). However, employers usually look for radiologic technologist applicants with ARRT certification.
- According to salary estimates retrieved on May 15, 2022, X-ray technicians in Oklahoma have an estimated annual salary of $25,091(2). Technicians working for ten years or more may earn up to $29,961 annually.
List of X-ray Tech Schools in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has several schools offering medical imaging programs that can help applicants land radiology- or imaging-related jobs, such as X-ray technicians or radiologic technologists (also called rad techs). The following schools are as follows:
- Autry Technical College
1201 W Willow Rd, Enid, OK 73703
(580) 242-2750
- Bacone College
2299 Old Bacone Rd, Muskogee, OK 74403
(918) 683-4581
- Cameron University
2800 W Gore Blvd, Lawton, OK 73505
(580) 581-2200
- Indian Capital Technical College
2403 N 41st St E, Muskogee, OK 74403 - (918) 687-6383
- Meridian Technology Center
1312 S Sangre Rd, Stillwater, OK 74074
(405) 377-3333
- Metro Technology Centers
1900 Springlake Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
(405) 424-8324
- Moore Norman Technology Center
4701 12th Ave NW, Norman, OK 73069
(405) 801-5000
- Oklahoma State University–Oklahoma City
900 N Portland Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73107
(405) 947-4421
- Rose State College
6420 SE 15th St, Midwest City, OK 73110
(405) 733-7673
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University
100 W Campus Dr, Weatherford, OK 73096
(580) 774-3063
- Tulsa Community College
3727 E Apache St, Tulsa, OK 74115
(918) 595-7000
- Tulsa Technology Center
c/o Health Sciences Center, Tulsa, OK 74147-7200
(918) 828-1230
- University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center
1100 N Lindsay Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73104
(405) 271-4000
Other schools with radiology programs in Oklahoma include Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa, Great Plains Technology Center in Lawton, and Carl Albert State College in Poteau.
List of Programs
Coursework and duration for radiology programs to become X-ray technicians or radiologic technologists vary between schools.
The Oklahoma schools listed below offer the following radiology degree programs, including information on how long the program takes and the program’s effectiveness for job placement and passing credentialing exams(3):
- Autry Technology Center
Program: Certificate in Radiography
Duration: 18 months
Program Effectiveness:
Completion Rate: 78%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 86%
Job Placement Rate: 100%
- Bacone College
Program: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiography
Duration: 39 months
Program Effectiveness:
Completion Rate: 57%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 82%
Job Placement Rate: 85%
- Cameron University
Program: AAS in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 32 months
Program Effectiveness:
Completion Rate: 100%
- Indian Capital Technology Center
Program: Certificate in Radiography
Duration: 37 months
Program Effectiveness:
Completion Rate: 73%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 83%
Job Placement Rate: 100%
- Meridian Technology Center
Program: Certificate in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 29 months
Program Effectiveness:
Completion Rate: 85%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 98%
Job Placement Rate: 98%
- Metro Technology Centers
Program: Certificate in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 43 months
Program Effectiveness:
Completion Rate: 100%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 89%
Job Placement Rate: 99%
- Rose State College
Program: AAS in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 40 months
Program Effectiveness:
Completion Rate: 82%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 98%
Job Placement Rate: 85%
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University at Sayre
Program: AAS in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 44 months
Program Effectiveness:
Completion Rate: 92%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 73%
Job Placement Rate: 95%
- Tulsa Community College
Program: AAS in Radiography
Duration: 80 months
Program Effectiveness:
Completion Rate: 83%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 87%
Job Placement Rate: 95%
- Tulsa Technology Center
Program: Certificate in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 44 months
Program Effectiveness:
Completion Rate: 76%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 78%
Job Placement Rate: 95%
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Program: Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy
Duration: 30 months
Program Effectiveness:
Completion Rate: 100%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 98%
Job Placement Rate: 95%
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Program: Bachelor of Science in Radiography
Duration: 54 months
Program Effectiveness:
Completion Rate: 73%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 93%
Job Placement Rate: 93%
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Program: Master of Science in Medical Dosimetry
Duration: 11 months
Program Effectiveness:
Completion Rate: 100%
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 71%
Job Placement Rate: 91%
Admission Criteria or Prerequisites
Admission requirements typically vary from one school to another. Thus, radiologic technology program enrollees planning to become an X-ray technician or pursue other radiology profession should contact the school of choice to inquire about the program’s prerequisites.
As an example, Tulsa Tech’s entrance requirements to enroll in the school’s radiologic technologist program are the following(4):
- Applicants must be an adult (aged 18 or older)
- Enrollees must have a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED)
- Individuals must have basic computer literacy
Additionally, individuals applying for a radiography program at Tulsa Tech should accomplish either of the following(5):
- Complete an associate degree or higher from an institution acknowledged by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
- Be close to completing a degree from an ARRT-recognized institution and have that degree audited before admission.
Program Goals and Outcomes
Similar to admission prerequisites, program goals also differ between the schools. Individuals can visit these schools’ websites to review these program objectives to determine if such objectives help the student accomplish their career goals.
For instance, the goals for the radiography program in the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences at the University of Oklahoma’s College of Allied Health are for the students to perform the following(6):
- Demonstrate competence in clinical radiography by:
- Performing diagnostic imaging procedures based on protocol standards
- Demonstrating competence in advanced modalities in radiography
- Demonstrate excellent communication skills by:
- Utilizing effective written communication skills
- Applying strong oral communication skills
- Demonstrating communication competence in the healthcare environment
- Demonstrate effective critical thinking skills by:
- Applying forethought when making logical decisions in completing imaging procedures
- Adjusting decisions in completing diagnostic imaging procedures based on critique and feedback
- Applying effective critical thinking skills within the healthcare environment
- Engage in interprofessional scholarly activity by:
- Submitting a scholarly project to an interdisciplinary group comprising healthcare professionals
- Engaging in interprofessional development
- Engage in student governance and service to the university, the community, and the profession by:
- Participating in student governance
- Engaging in national and state professional organizations
- Participating in philanthropic community service
Expenses
Aside from the differences in the program offers that provide individuals with a pathway to a radiologic technology or X-ray technician career, schools in Oklahoma also vary in tuition fees.
On top of the program’s base tuition, the school includes other fees to support essential school expenses, such as utilities or lab maintenance.
As of May 2022, the following Oklahoma schools have the following tuition fee estimates for various radiology programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)(7):
- Autry Technology Center
-
-
- Certificate in Radiography: $2,400 (resident), $6,800 (non-resident)
-
- Bacone College
-
- Associate of Applied Science in Radiography: $12,842 (resident), $12,842 (non-resident)
- Cameron University
-
- Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology: $5,970
- Indian Capital Technology Center
-
- Certificate in Radiography: $2,500 (resident), $5,000 (non-resident)
- Meridian Technology Center
-
- Certificate in Radiologic Technology: $2,400 (resident), $4,800 (non-resident)
- Metro Technology Centers
-
- Certificate in Radiologic Technology: $6,520 (resident), $16,952 (non-resident)
- Rose State College
-
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology: $4,237 (resident), $11,064 (non-resident)
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University at Sayre
-
-
- AAS in Radiologic Technology: $6,458 (resident), $14,832 (non-resident)
-
- Tulsa Community College
-
- AAS in Radiography: $3,895 (resident), $10,737 (non-resident)
- Tulsa Technology Center
-
- Certificate in Radiologic Technology: $4,413 (resident), $3,823 (non-resident)
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
-
- Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy: $6,184 (resident), $15,000 (non-resident)
- Bachelor of Science in Radiography: $7,102 (resident), $20,031 (non-resident)
- Master of Science in Medical Dosimetry: $7,000 (resident), $20,000 (non-resident)
Financial Aid
Some schools offer financial assistance to students to help shoulder the expenses associated with the students’ chosen programs.
For example, Tulsa Tech offers financial aid through several options, such as scholarships and grants. Individuals can visit tulsatech.edu or call (918) 828-5000 for updates and complete financial aid information.
Meanwhile, those interested in applying for federal financial assistance may visit www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Accreditation
A JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program means that the program has the necessary processes and teaching procedures a student needs to be sufficiently prepared for a future career in the radiology field.
Additionally, completing an accredited program gives the individual an opportunity to pass the ARRT-administered national registry exams upon completion of the program.
Becoming a Radiology Technologist in Oklahoma
Individuals should follow the following steps to become a radiologic technologist or X-ray technician in Oklahoma:
- Obtain a high school diploma
- Complete an associate degree
- Get licensed or certified in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has no licensing requirement for radiologic technologists or X-ray technicians(8). However, the Oklahoma Medical Board requires radiologist assistants (RAs) to be certified as registered radiologic assistants (RRAs) by the ARRT.
Despite the state not having such a requirement, employers usually value technologists with ARRT certification when hiring.
To become licensed RAs in Oklahoma, they must accomplish the following steps:
- Complete an associate’s degree, diploma, or certificate program in a chosen modality: Certification typically requires at least an associate’s degree and a program in a chosen modality.
- Complete an RA program and an ARRT-recognized bachelor’s degree: Candidates for ARRT certification to become RRAs must accomplish an ARRT-recognized RA program and obtain a bachelor’s degree from an ARRT-recognized school.
- Complete the ARRT certification exam for radiography: Candidates must take the ARRT exam to become certified radiographers. After passing the exam, the ARRT will certify these candidates as RTs.
- Complete at least one year of patient-related clinical work: ARRT requires RRAs to complete their professional clinical experience for at least one year.
- Apply for and pass the ARRT RRA certification exam: After completing the education and work requirements, candidates may apply for the ARRT RRA certification exam. Candidates must score at least 75 or higher to pass the exam.
- Apply for an RA license to the OMB: Applicants must submit proof to the OMB that they completed an ARRT-accredited RA program, ARRT RRA certification, and the application and required fees.
Upon verification and confirmation of the qualifications, candidates will become licensed RAs in Oklahoma.
- Maintain licensure and certification: RAs must renew their licenses biannually or twice every year.
To renew their licenses, RAs must submit a renewal form, proof of current ARRT registration, and payment of associated fees to maintain their license.
Additionally, the ARRT requires RAs to renew their certification every year and complete their continuing education (worth 50 hours) every two years.
Career Opportunities
Oklahoma has several major hospitals and healthcare facilities that employ many radiology-related professionals.
Most of these facilities are located in cities such as Oklahoma City and Tulsa. However, rural doctors’ offices and small clinics also provide similar employment opportunities.
The following health care facilities in Oklahoma employ aspiring radiology professionals(9):
- Bailey Medical Center
106th & Garnett Owasso, Oklahoma 74055
(918) 376-8000
- OU Medical Center
1200 Everett Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73104-5047
(405) 271-3636
- INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center
3300 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73112-4418 - (405) 949-3011
- St. Francis Hospital
6161 South Yale Avenue Tulsa, OK 74136-1902
(918) 494-2200
- SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital
1000 North Lee Street Oklahoma City, OK 73102-1080
(405) 272-7000
- Cedar Ridge Hospital
6501 NE 50th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73141 - (405) 605-6111
The May 2021 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) job outlook data showed that there are 2,840 individuals employed as radiologic technologists and technicians in Oklahoma(10).
Overall, industries with the highest employment levels for radiologic technologists and technicians are general medical and surgical hospitals, medical laboratories, physician’s offices, and outpatient care centers.
Individuals interested in other career opportunities in Oklahoma aside from becoming an X-ray technician or radiologic technologist may also consider pursuing the following disciplines:
- Breast sonography
- Computed tomography
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Mammography
Salary
The annual salary of an X-ray technician in Oklahoma based on salary estimates retrieved on May 15, 2022 is $25,091(11). Technicians with ten or more years of experience may earn up to $29,961 annually.
In May 2021, the BLS reported the following mean annual salaries for individuals working in the medical imaging field in Oklahoma(12):
- Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians: $48,480
- Radiologic technologists and technicians: $58,890
- Magnetic resonance imaging technologists: $69,440
- Diagnostic medical sonographers: $70,560
- Nuclear medicine technologists: $74,050
X-ray Technician Program vs. Radiology Technologist Program
Most radiology-related programs can vary between schools. However, programs that lead to a radiologic technologist or X-ray technician career typically share similarities(13).
Still, one significant difference is that radiologic technology programs usually take at least two years to finish. This program involves working in a medical setting, such as hospitals or clinics, that utilizes medical imaging and comprises hours of extensive fieldwork and patient care.
Meanwhile, school programs for X-ray technicians can take between nine months and two years, depending on the school’s program.
For example, a radiology certificate is a minimum requirement for an individual to be eligible for entry-level work, such as a limited-scope X-ray technician.
What Is an X-ray Technician?
X-ray technicians operate medical imaging equipment, typically an X-ray machine, to create images of an individual’s internal anatomy. These images help doctors diagnose and treat diseases or injuries.
Technicians help calm down individuals undergoing X-ray procedures, ensuring the latter have limited radiation exposure. These healthcare professionals also maintain high-quality images while operating such medical imaging equipment.
An X-ray technician is also tasked to perform the following:
- Attending training sessions and staff meetings
- Monitoring radiology supplies
- Ensuring all X-ray rooms are clean at all times
- Ensuring the X-ray machines have the correct radiation level settings
- Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Oklahoma
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/oklahoma/ - X-ray Technician salary in Oklahoma
https://www.indeed.com/career/x%20ray-technician/salaries/OK - Become a Radiologic Professional in Oklahoma
https://radiologyed.org/schools/oklahoma/ - Radiologic Technologist
https://tulsatech.edu/full-time-programs/health-science/radiologic-technologist/ - Ibid.
- Radiography
https://alliedhealth.ouhsc.edu/Departments/Medical-Imaging-and-Radiation-Sciences/Radiography - Become a Radiologic Professional in Oklahoma
https://radiologyed.org/schools/oklahoma/ - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Oklahoma
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/oklahoma/ - Become a Radiologic Professional in Oklahoma
https://radiologyed.org/schools/oklahoma/ - Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2021
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292034.htm#st - X-ray Technician salary in Oklahoma
https://www.indeed.com/career/x%20ray-technician/salaries/OK - May 2021 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Oklahoma
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ok.htm#29-0000 - Differences Between Radiologic Technicians and X-Ray Techs
https://work.chron.com/differences-between-radiologic-technicians-xray-techs-25424.html