- The schools in Pennsylvania that offer radiologic technology programs include Community College of Philadelphia, Gannon University, and Pennsylvania State University.
- The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) requires individuals to secure at least an associate’s degree to qualify for certification(1).
- Financial aid available to Pennsylvanian radiologic tech students includes the Pennsylvania State Grant, Partnership for Access to Higher Education Grant, and the Ready to Succeed Scholarship.
- Pennsylvania has the fifth-highest employment level for radiologic technologists in the United States(2).
List of X-ray Tech Schools in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania residents may wish to pursue a career as an X-ray technician or technologist. Here are some of the schools located in the state(3):
- Alvernia University
- Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
- Bucks County Community College
- Butler County Community College
- Cedar Crest College
- California University of Pennsylvania
- Clarion University of Pennsylvania
- Community College of Allegheny County-Allegheny
- Community College of Allegheny County-Boyce
- Community College of Beaver County
- Community College of Philadelphia
- Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
- Gannon University
- Gwynedd Mercy University
- Harcum College
- Harrisburg Area Community College-Harrisburg
- Harrisburg Area Community College-Lancaster
- Holy Family University
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- Johnson College
- Lackawanna College
- La Roche University
- Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
- Misericordia University
- Montgomery County Community College
- Mount Aloysius College
- Northampton County Area Community College
- Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
- Pennsylvania College of Technology
- Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
- Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington
- Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Schuylkill
- Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences
- Robert Morris University
- Thomas Jefferson University
- Westmoreland County Community College
- Widener University
- York College of Pennsylvania
List of X-ray Tech Programs In Pennsylvania
Here are some X-ray tech programs in Pennsylvania(4):
Bucks County Community College
Bucks County Community College (BCCC) offers prospective students a 23-month certificate in Medical Imaging. Pupils learn radiography through a blend of class, laboratory, and clinical activities. Such activities emphasize technical skills, patient care, and radiation protection.
The curriculum’s courses include anatomy and physiology, physics, radiographic pathology, and image production and evaluation.
Students obtain clinical experiences at Pennsylvania hospitals and clinics. Graduates of the school’s Medical Imaging Program qualify to take the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) exam.
Individuals can learn more at www.bucks.edu/.
Community College of Philadelphia
The Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) through its Diagnostic Medical Imaging degree program.
The Community College has designed the 24-month program, including summer sessions for students. They will then complete clinical education experiences at affiliated hospitals.
Individuals can learn more at www.ccp.edu/.
Gannon University
The private university offers an Associate of Science (AS) in Radiologic Science. JRCERT has accredited the program.
The program’s first year is an introductory year requiring students to meet general education requirements. Students also take introductory radiology courses and complete a clinical rotation.
During the program’s remaining months, students focus on professional development. This process includes clinical competency through clinical rotations and advanced radiology coursework.
Individuals can learn more at www.gannon.edu/.
Johnson College
Offering an AS in Radiologic Technology, Johnsson College is located in Scranton.
The program can prepare graduates to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) national certification exam. They may also be prepared to initiate entry-level careers in radiologic technology.
Courses in the program include radiologic nursing procedures, radiologic positioning, and radiologic pathology.
Students traditionally complete clinical practicum under faculty and licensed practitioners’ supervision.
Meanwhile, the school bases admission on cumulative grade point average (GPA), course prerequisites, and test scores.
Individuals can learn more at www.johnson.edu/.
Pennsylvania State University
Several of Pennsylvania State University’s campuses offer radiologic technology programs. The 24-month program awards students an AS in Radiologic Sciences upon graduation. This credential qualifies them to take the ARRT professional certification exam.
The school’s program may require students to complete their clinical requirements at medical institutions, including:
- Allegheny Medical Centers
- Butler Memorial Hospital
- West Penn Hospital
Individuals can learn more at www.psu.edu.
X-ray Technician Programs vs. Radiology Technologist Programs
Here are some of the primary similarities and differences between the two types of programs.
X-ray Technician Programs
X-ray technicians or radiographers often enter the field with a two-year associate degree program at a college or university(5). In other cases, they earn a comparable certificate through a two-year training program
However, in both scenarios, an X-ray technician requires a minimum of approximately two years to complete the required schooling.
A radiographer’s education may include subjects including physics related to anatomy and physiology. Experienced technologists may also help X-ray technicians learn how to operate X-ray equipment and work with patients.
Radiologic Technologist Programs
Radiologic technologists must meet various requirements(6). They require training in various areas, including:
- Patient positioning
- Examination techniques
- Equipment protocols
- Radiation safety
- Radiation protection
- Basic patient care
Before practicing as a registered radiologic technologist, students must(7):
- Earn an associate’s degree or more advanced degree from an academic institution or accredited hospital-based program
- Pass the national certification examination
How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Pennsylvania
High school graduates and other individuals wishing to become an X-ray tech in Pennsylvania should follow the steps. Such individuals may live in Pennsylvania cities, towns, and boroughs, including:
- Bethlehem
- Blue Bell
- Bryn Mawr
- Dallas
- Johnstown
- Scranton
- Williamsport
Here are the fundamental steps to becoming a radiology technologist in Pennsylvania(8):
Step 1: Complete a degree or certificate in a modality
Students may earn a certificate or degree, such as an AS or bachelor of science (BS) degree in their particular modality.
The ARRT requires individuals to have at least an associate’s degree in any subject, and sufficient education in one or more recognized modalities to secure ARRT certification.
Step 2: Take and pass the ARRT examination
The ARRT offers content exams in all modalities for which it offers certification. Candidates must pass the exam to become certified.
Step 3: Maintain registration
After individuals receive their initial credentials, registered technologists must complete a yearly renewal process. They must also complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years of registration.
Admission Criteria and Prerequisites
The process of applying to a radiologic technology program in Pennsylvania may include the following requirements(9):
- Completing an undergraduate application
- Selecting a major such as radiological sciences
- Meeting the school’s admissions criteria
- Fulfilling requirements for transfer students, if applicable
- Meeting application deadlines for the following semester
Program Goals and Outcomes
The goals and objectives of X-ray tech programs may include(10):
Preparing Component and Entry-Level Radiographers With Necessary Knowledge and Skills
Key outcomes may include:
- Applying knowledge in the evaluation of anatomical technique
- Demonstrating positioning skills for a particular examination
- Recognizing imaging errors and providing corrective actions
Demonstrating Commitment to Professional Behaviors, Attitudes, and Ethics
Key outcomes may include:
- Explaining the significance of ethics in radiography
- Modeling professional behaviors, attitudes, and ethics in clinical and lab settings.
Applying Critical Thinking Theoretical Knowledge to Clinical Practice
Key outcomes may include:
- Applying critical thinking skills to lab and classroom applications
- Exhibiting synthesis of coursework, experiential learning, and clinical skills to demonstrate healthcare proficiency
Communicating Respectfully and Effectively With Patients and Healthcare Team Members
Key outcomes include:
- Using oral communication effectively with patients and healthcare team members in a clinical or lab setting
- Using effective written communication
Accreditation
Individuals training as X-ray technicians or technologists may consider accreditations from various educational institutions.
CAAHEP Accreditation
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is an accrediting agency for postsecondary education that the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) has recognized(11).
CAAHEP conducts accrediting activities in coordination with several review committees on accreditation, accrediting entry-level education programs in several health science professions.
JRCERT Accreditation
Individuals training as an X-ray technician or technologist may also consider JRCERT accreditation.
An educational program’s JRCERT accreditation can provide students and graduates confidence that their education program provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and values that employers require nationwide(12).
Individuals can learn more at www.jrcert.org.
Curriculum
Radiologic technology is a field that continues to evolve. Thus, individuals training to become an X-ray tech should have an academic background and aptitude for courses including math and science.
Students training to become an X-ray tech may be required to complete various courses. For example, a two-year associate of applied science include courses, such as(13):
- Human anatomy
- Physiology
- Radiologic science
- Medical terms
- Clinical practice
Tuition Costs and Fees
The costs of programs for X-ray technicians and technologists vary. The primary costs include tuition, books, and additional fees (for example, room and board).
When reviewing radiological technology schools, individuals should review whether the advertised cost includes non-tuition costs, including books and fees.
Based on the tuition costs of one radiologic technology program in Pennsylvania, factors that can impact expenses include(14):
In-state tuition: In-state tuition for public colleges and universities may be significantly lower than the tuition for out-of-state students.
Associate’s or bachelor’s program: Associate’s programs for radiology and radiography students may be significantly lower for associate’s programs than bachelor’s programs.
Additional fees: Radiologic technology schools may charge various fees, including application, full- or part-time, bad checks, late and graduation fees. Such fees may range significantly.
The timeframe for completing schooling for radiologic technology credentials may include(15).
- Certificate programs: Six months to one year
- Associate’s degree: Two years
- Bachelor’s degree: Four years
- Master’s degree: One to three years
Financial Aid
Numerous types of financial aid are available to students in radiography programs, including:
Grants and Scholarships
State and federal scholarships and grants are available to X-ray tech students in Pennsylvania. Examples of state-based grants and scholarships include(16):
Pennsylvania State Grant: This Commonwealth-funded and Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)-awarded grant is for undergraduate students.
Partnerships for Access to Higher Education (PATH) Grant: PHEAA partners with non-profit Pennsylvania organizations and foundations to provide matching funds to eligible Pennsylvanian students.
Pennsylvania National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP): This assistance program is for students who enter a service commitment with the Pennsylvania National Guard for a minimum period.
Ready to Succeed Scholarship (RTSS): The Commonwealth funds the RTSS, and the PHEAA awards it to assist high-achieving and middle-income students.
Loans
The types of loans available to higher-learning Pennsylvania students include those offered through federal and private loans. Some key features of primary differences include(17):
Federal Loans
- Individuals are not usually required to repay federal loans until they graduate, leave school, or alter their enrollment status.
- The interest rates are fixed and oftentimes lower than private loans. In some cases, federal loans are below credit card interest rates.
Private Loans
- Private loans often require payments from students while they are attending school.
- Private student loans may possess variable interest rates, which can significantly increase the total amount a student repays.
Other Factors to Consider When Choosing X-ray Tech Schools
Here are other factors to consider when selecting an X-ray technician school related to factors such as program effectiveness:
- Completion Rate (per program)
- Pass Rate (per semester)
- Job Placement Rate
- Majors (such as nuclear medicine or radiation therapy)
What Precisely Is an X-ray Technician?
An X-ray technician’s responsibilities include capturing X-ray images of patients’ internal anatomy to help physicians diagnose illnesses, injuries, and diseases(18).
The responsibilities of X-ray technicians include(19):
- Verifying patients’ identity
- Reviewing doctors’ orders
- Operating X-ray equipment to capture radiographic images of patients’ organs, bones, and tissues
- Explaining X-ray procedures to patients
- Positioning, moving, and lifting patients
- Limiting patients’ radiation exposure
- Ensuring X-ray images are high-quality
- Preventing repeat X-ray procedures
- Collaborating with resident radiologists
- Servicing X-ray equipment and reporting malfunctioning equipment
- Maintaining accurate records of completed X-rays
Career Opportunities
Radiographic technology career opportunities include those related to radiography. Examples of career opportunities for “rad techs” include(20):
Radiographer: Diagnostic radiography includes various types of radiographic (X-ray) examinations.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technologist: MRI technologists use powerful magnets and computers to produce human body images.
Computed Tomography (CT) Technologist: CT technologists produce detailed cross-sectional images of a patient’s internal structures.
Salary
The mean annual salary for radiologic technicians and technologists in Pennsylvania may be $60,390(21).
In addition, Pennsylvania had the fifth-highest employment level for radiologic technologists(22).
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not release employment data for X-ray technicians and technologists. However, technicians generally earn lower salaries than technologists due to lower education requirements.
In addition, individuals may review the average salaries of radiologist technicians and technologists reported by the BLS as a reference as they are related fields.
As of May 21, 2022, the average base salary for X-ray technicians in Pennsylvania may be $59,971(23).
Options that Pennsylvaniania residents have for X-ray technician and technology jobs include:
- Adams Diagnostic Imaging (Gettysburg)
- Image Radiology Group (Pittsburgh)
- Cedar Crest Imaging (Allentown)
- Hamot Imaging Center (Erie)
- Lebanon Diagnostic Imaging (Colebrook)
- Medical Imaging Associates LP (Philadelphia)
- Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals
- University of Pennsylvania Mercy Health System.
Job Outlook
Experts project that from 2018 to 2028, the growth rate of radiology tech employment may increase by 6.8% in Pennsylvania(24). That figure is somewhat below the projection of 9% for the national growth rate during the same period.
- How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Pennsylvania
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/pennsylvania/ - 29-2034 Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292034.htm - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Pennsylvania
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/pennsylvania/ - ibid.
- Differences Between Radiologic Technicians and X-Ray Techs
https://work.chron.com/differences-between-radiologic-technicians-xray-techs-25424.html - Careers in Radiologic Technology
https://www.asrt.org/main/career-center/careers-in-radiologic-technology - ibid
- How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Pennsylvania
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/pennsylvania/ - Applying to the Program
https://schuylkill.psu.edu/academics/assoc-degrees/radsc/incoming-student-information-radiological-sciences - Radiography associate degree
https://www.pacollege.edu/academics/associate-degrees/radiography-associate-degree/ - Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
https://www.caahep.org/ - Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
https://www.jrcert.org/ - Radiography Associate Degree
https://www.pacollege.edu/academics/associate-degrees/radiography-associate-degree/ - Campus Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
https://www.gmercyu.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid-tuition/undergraduate-tuition-fees - Radiology degrees
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/degrees/ - Pennsylvania State Grants and Scholarships
https://studentaid.psu.edu/types-of-aid/grants/for-pennsylvania-residents - Comparing Federal and Private Student Loans
https://studentaid.psu.edu/types-of-aid/loans/comparing-federal-and-private-student-loans - X-Ray Technician Job Description
https://www.betterteam.com/x-ray-technician-job-description - ibid.
- A World of Career Opportunities in Radiologic Technology
https://www.ahra.org/AHRA/Careers/A_World_of_Career_Opportunities.aspx - Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, Radiologic Technologists:
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292034.htm - 29-2034 Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292034.htm - X-ray Technician salary in Pennsylvania
https://www.indeed.com/career/x%20ray-technician/salaries/PA - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Pennsylvania
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/pennsylvania/