X-ray Tech Schools in Wisconsin

  • Individuals interested in seeking medical imaging professions like radiologic technologists or X-ray technicians can enroll in radiology-related courses at various Wisconsin schools and colleges.
  • Wisconsin requires a separate license for X-ray technicians and radiologic technologists(1). Moreover, employers usually look for ARRT-certified radiologic technologists.
  • As of May 2022, X-ray technicians in Wisconsin have an estimated annual salary of $28,852(2). X-ray technicians with more than ten years of experience might earn $34,452 each year.

List of X-ray Tech Schools in Wisconsin

Several Wisconsin colleges offer medical imaging programs to help job seekers get employment in radiology or imaging-related fields as X-ray technicians or radiologic technologists (also called rad techs). Some of these schools are as follows:

    • Ascension All Saints Hospital
      3801 Spring Street, Racine, WI 53405
      (262) 687-5090
    • Ascension-St. Joseph
      5000 West Chambers, Milwaukee, WI 53209
      (414) 874-6410
    • Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center
      Aurora Health Center – Airport, Milwaukee, WI 53207
      (414) 747-4335
    • Bellin College
      3201 Eaton Road, Green Bay, WI 54311-6830
      (920) 433-6626
    • Blackhawk Technical College
      6004 S. County Road G, Janesville, WI 53546-9458
      (608) 757-7703
    • Chippewa Valley Technical College
      620 West Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701-6162
      (715) 830-5548
    • Concordia University–Wisconsin
      12800 N Lake Shore Drive Mequon, WI 53097
      (262) 243-5700
    • Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital
      9200 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53226
      (414) 805-4999
    • Gateway Technical College
      3520 30th Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53144
      (800) 247-7122
    • Lakeshore Technical College
      1290 North Avenue, Cleveland, WI 53015-1414
      (920) 693-1655
    • Madison Area Technical College
      1701 Wright Street, Madison, WI 53704
      (608) 259-2901
    • Marian University
      500 South Oakwood Road, Oshkosh, WI 54904
      (920) 223-0135
    • Marshfield Clinic
      1000 North Oak Avenue, Marshfield, WI 54449
      (715) 387-9056
    • Milwaukee Area Technical College
      700 West State Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233-1443
      (414) 297-6439
    • Moraine Park Technical College
      235 North National Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI 54936-1940
      (920) 924-3243
    • Mount Mary University
      2900 Menomonee River Pkwy, Milwaukee, WI 53222
      (414) 930-3000
    • Northcentral Technical College
      1000 West Campus Drive – HSC2, Wausau WI 54401-1899
      (715) 675-3331
    • Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
      2740 West Mason Street, Green Bay, WI 54303
      (920) 498-5470
    • ThedaCare Regional Medical Center – Neenah
      130 Second Street P.O. Box 2021, Neenah, WI 54957-2021
      (920) 729-2444
    • University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics
      610 N. Whitney Way, Suite 440, Madison, WI 53705
      (608) 266-6175
    • University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse
      1725 State Street 4033 HSC, LaCrosse, WI 54601
    • University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
      Department of Biomedical Sciences, Milwaukee, WI 53201
      (414) 229-1122
    • Western Technical College
      400 7th Street North, LaCrosse, WI 54601
      (608) 785-9256

List of Programs

The curriculum and time frame of radiology programs to become X-ray technicians or radiologic technologists vary.

Wisconsin colleges and universities offer radiography programs shown below, along with the duration of the program, job placement rate, and passing credentialing assessments(3):

  • Ascension All Saints Hospital
    Program: Certificate in Radiologic Technology
    Duration: 18 months
    Program Effectiveness:

      • Job Placement Rate: 91%
      • Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%
      • Completion Rate: 100%
  • Ascension – St. Joseph
    Program: Certificate in Radiologic Technology
    Duration: 23 months
    Program Effectiveness:

      • Job Placement Rate: 95%
      • Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%
      • Completion Rate: 80%
  • Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center
    Program: Certificate in Radiologic Technology
    Duration: 36 months
    Program Effectiveness:

      • Job Placement Rate: 96%
      • Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%
      • Completion Rate: 93%
  • Bellin College
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences
    Duration: 80 months
    Program Effectiveness: 
      • Job Placement Rate: 100%
      • Credential Examination Pass Rate: 97.9%
      • Completion Rate: 100%
  • Blackhawk Technical College
    Program: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiography
    Duration: 36 months
    Program Effectiveness: 
      • Job Placement Rate: 86%
      • Credential Examination Pass Rate: 95%
      • Completion Rate: 72% 
  • Chippewa Valley Technical College
    Program: AAS in Radiography
    Duration: 65 months
    Program Effectiveness: 
      • Job Placement Rate: 98%
      • Credential Examination Pass Rate: 99%
      • Completion Rate: 75%
  • Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital
    Program: Certificate in Radiologic Technology
    Duration: 40 months
    Program Effectiveness: 
      • Job Placement Rate: 94%
      • Credential Examination Pass Rate: 93%
      • Completion Rate: 94%
  • Lakeshore Technical College
    Program: AAS in Radiography
    Duration: 41 months
    Program Effectiveness: 
      • Job Placement Rate: 100%
      • Credential Examination Pass Rate: 88%
      • Completion Rate: 87%
  • Madison Area Technical College
    Program: AAS in Radiography
    Duration: 58 months
    Program Effectiveness: 
      • Job Placement Rate: 90%
      • Credential Examination Pass Rate: 97%
      • Completion Rate: 91%
  • Marian University
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology
    Duration: 26 months
    Program Effectiveness: 
      • Job Placement Rate: 100%
      • Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%
      • Completion Rate: 70%
  • Marshfield Clinic
    Program: Certificate in Radiography
    Duration: 30 months
    Program Effectiveness: 
      • Job Placement Rate: 100%
      • Credential Examination Pass Rate: 93%
      • Completion Rate: 80%
  • Milwaukee Area Technical College
    Program: AAS in Radiography
    Duration: 18 months
    Program Effectiveness: 
      • Job Placement Rate: 100%
      • Credential Examination Pass Rate: 97%
      • Completion Rate: 42%
  • Moraine Park Technical College
    Program: AAS in Radiography
    Duration: 30 months
    Program Effectiveness: 
      • Job Placement Rate: 92%
      • Credential Examination Pass Rate: 88%
      • Completion Rate: 87%
  • Northcentral Technical College
    Program: Associate of Applied Science in Radiography
    Duration: 40 months
    Program Effectiveness: 
      • Job Placement Rate: 90.6%
      • Credential Examination Pass Rate: 98.3%
      • Completion Rate: 77.7%
  • Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
    Program: AAS in Radiography
    Duration: 28 months
    Program Effectiveness: 
      • Job Placement Rate: 100%
      • Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%
      • Completion Rate: 71%
  • ThedaCare Regional Medical Center
    Program: Certificate in Radiologic Technology
    Duration: 20 months
    Program Effectiveness: 
      • Job Placement Rate: 100%
      • Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%
      • Completion Rate: 100%
  • University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics
    Program: Certificate in Radiologic Technology
    Duration: 40 months
    Program Effectiveness: 
      • Job Placement Rate: 98%
      • Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%
      • Completion Rate: 100%
  • University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy
    Duration: 50 months
    Program Effectiveness: 
      • Job Placement Rate: 97.8%
      • Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%
      • Completion Rate: 84.2%
  • University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse
    Program: Master of Science in Medical Dosimetry
    Duration: 33 months
    Program Effectiveness: 
      • Job Placement Rate: 100%
      • Credential Examination Pass Rate: 90%
      • Completion Rate: 95%
  • University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology
    Duration: 33 months
    Program Effectiveness: 
      • Job Placement Rate: 100%
      • Credential Examination Pass Rate: 93%
      • Completion Rate: 100%
  • Western Technical College
    Program: AAS in Radiography
    Duration: 66 months
    Program Effectiveness: 
      • Job Placement Rate: 99%
      • Credential Examination Pass Rate: 93%
      • Completion Rate: 59%

X-ray Technician Program vs. Radiology Technologist Program

Many radiology programs vary from one school to the next. However, radiologic technologists‘ and X-ray technicians’ training programs are frequently comparable(4).

Nonetheless, one significant contrast is that radiologic technology programs often take at least two years to finish. Working in a healthcare context involving radiographic procedures is part of this program, as are hours of intensive fieldwork such as clinical rotations and patient care.

X-ray technician degree programs can range anywhere between nine months to two years, depending on the school.

Moreover, a radiology certificate is necessary for entry-level work as a limited-scope X-ray technician.

Furthermore, some states may require a separate license for individuals wanting to work as radiologic technologists. This condition may necessitate an additional waiting period for becoming an X-ray technician.

For instance, in California, radiologic technologists typically earn a two-year Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology. However, an additional year or less may be necessary to take the California state test for a diagnostic or therapeutic radiologic technology certificate.

What Is an X-ray Technician?

X-ray technicians use medical imaging equipment to create human body images. Physicians use these images to treat medical conditions and injuries.

Technicians may help calm individuals undergoing X-ray procedures and ensure they receive the least amount of radiation necessary to obtain high-quality images.

The titles “X-ray tech” and “X-ray technologist” refer to the same thing and are usually interchangeable(5).

Furthermore, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) classifies medical X-ray imaging as a specialty in radiologic technology(6).

Colleges and organizations may interchange the terms “radiologic technician” and “radiology technologist” because these titles often refer to the same career(7). Other similar terms include:

  • Radiology tech
  • Radiologic tech
  • Radiographer(8)

How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Wisconsin

Many states in the United States may require individuals to have some form of license to operate in radiologic technology.

As per the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, anyone conducting radiography or operating an X-ray machine or equipment must have a license or permit(9).

Moreover, to practice radiography or radiation therapy, the individual must pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or ARRT certification.

Individuals interested in working in the radiologic technology profession should also meet the ARRT‘s standards. One way to satisfy this condition is to obtain a certificate or degree (associate’s or bachelor’s degree) in a relevant program.

Admission Requirements

The admissions requirements differ from one institution to the next. As a result, students intending to become an X-ray technician or other radiology specialist should inquire about the program’s qualifications before enrolling.

As an example, the Western Technical College (WTC) requires the following prerequisites for enrolling in the school’s radiologic technologist program(10):

    • College Requirements: 
        • Application
        • $30 Application Fee
        • High School Transcript or High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED)
  • Program Requirements: WTC employs ACCUPLACER, an online computer-based exam that assesses the individual’s reading, writing, and arithmetic capabilities.

    The information above may be necessary to place students in the most appropriate classes according to their academic objectives. Depending on one’s scores, an applicant may have to take extra general education coursework and the general studies courses necessary for the program.
  • Additional Requirements: To participate in the Radiography program, the applicant must apply to the College, read the program’s Essential Functions, and undergo a background check.

    In addition, applicants must earn a “C” or better in General Anatomy and Physiology and its prerequisites.
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Status: Although COVID-19 immunization is not necessary to take classes at Western Technical College, the clinical site now needs confirmation of completion of COVID-19 vaccination.

    To avoid any disruptions to the applicant’s clinical, practicum, and field classes, the school may require individuals to give documentation of their COVID-19 immunization.

The WTC radiography program has accreditation from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)(11). 

Furthermore, graduates of JRCERT-accredited programs are eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) national test(12).

Accreditation

A JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology or radiography program teaches students the skills and procedures they would need for a future career in radiology.

As stated on JRCERT.org, JRCERT can certify educational programs in radiography, radiation therapy, MRI, and medical dosimetry(13).

After finishing an approved program, the student has the option of passing the ARRT-administered national registry examinations.

Tuition and Fees

Aside from variations in program offerings that give individuals a track to a profession, such as radiologic technology or X-ray technician, tuition fees in Wisconsin schools vary.

In addition to the program’s standard tuition, each school may charge additional fees to cover necessary expenses, including utilities and laboratory maintenance.

As of April 30, 2022, the Wisconsin schools below have the following tuition fee approximations for different radiology programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)(14):

  • Ascension All Saints Hospital
      • Certificate in Radiologic Technology: $4,000 (resident); $4,000 (non-resident)
  • Ascension – St. Joseph
      • Certificate in Radiologic Technology: $4,000 (resident); $4,000 (non-resident)
  • Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center
      • Certificate in Radiologic Technology: $6,000 (resident); $6,000 (non-resident)
  • Bellin College
      • Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences: $21,000 (resident); $21,500 (non-resident)
  • Blackhawk Technical College
      • Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiography: $4,540 (resident); $6,680 (non-resident)
  • Chippewa Valley Technical College
      • AAS in Radiography: $4,328  (resident); $6,137 (non-resident)
  • Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital
      • Certificate in Radiologic Technology: $5,000 (resident); $5,000 (non-resident)
  • Lakeshore Technical College
      • AAS in Radiography: $9,240 (resident);  $13,860 (non-resident)
  • Madison Area Technical College
      • AAS in Radiography: $2,866
  • Marian University
      • Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology: $7,500 (resident); $7,500 (non-resident)
  • Marshfield Clinic
      • Certificate in Radiography: $7,000
  • Milwaukee Area Technical College
      • AAS in Radiography: $4,900 (resident); $6,921 (non-resident)
  • Moraine Park Technical College
      • AAS in Radiography: $4,405
  • Northcentral Technical College
      • AAS in Radiography: $5,659 (resident); $6,137 (non-resident)
  • Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
      • AAS in Radiography: ($4,572 resident); $6,577 (non-resident)
  • ThedaCare Regional Medical Center – Neenah
      • Certificate in Radiologic Technology: $6,500 (resident); $6,500 non-resident
  • University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics
      • Certificate in Radiologic Technology: $11,000 (resident); $11,000 (non-resident)
  • University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse
      • Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy: $8,679 (resident); $16,342 (non-resident)
  • University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse
      • Master of Science in Medical Dosimetry: $18,400 (resident); $18,400 (non-resident)
  • University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
      • Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology: $11,500 (resident); $24,000 (non-resident)
  • Western Technical College
      • AAS in Radiography: $3,710 (resident); $5,565 (non-resident)

Career Outlook

Wisconsin is a densely populated state with many significant medical institutions and hospitals. Radiologic technology graduates should have no trouble finding work in the state.

The following Wisconsin healthcare centers employ certified radiology professionals(15):

  • Aurora Memorial Hospital of Burlington
    252 McHenry Street, Burlington, WI 53105
  • Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
    9000 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53226
  • Chippewa Valley in Bloomer Hospital
    1501 Thompson Street, Bloomer, WI 54724
  • Sacred Heart Hospital
    900 West Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701
  • St. Francis Hospital
    3237 S. 16th Street, Milwaukee, WI

Salary for X-Ray Techs

As of May 13, 2022, the estimated annual salary for an X-ray technician in Wisconsin is $28,852(16). X-ray techs with more than ten years of experience may earn up to $34,452 annually.

  1. Where to Study Radiologic Technology in Wisconsin
    https://radiologyed.org/schools/wisconsin/
  2. X-ray Technician salary in Wisconsin
    https://www.indeed.com/career/x%20ray-technician/salaries/WI
  3. Where to Study Radiologic Technology in Wisconsin
    https://radiologyed.org/schools/wisconsin/
  4. Differences Between Radiologic Technicians and X-Ray Techs
    https://work.chron.com/differences-between-radiologic-technicians-xray-techs-25424.html
  5. 5 Differences Between RT (Radiologic Technologist) and LMRT (Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist)
    https://www.chcp.edu/blog/5-differences-between-rt-and-lmrt/
  6. What Radiologic and MRI Technologists Do
    https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm#tab-2
  7. 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/
  8. What Radiologic and MRI Technologists Do
    https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm#tab-2
  9. Where to Study Radiologic Technology in Wisconsin
    https://radiologyed.org/schools/wisconsin/
  10. Radiography
    https://www.westerntc.edu/radiography
  11. Ibid.
  12. Radiography Program
    https://www.westerntc.edu/sites/default/files/programs/documents/RAD_Student_Handbook.pdf
  13. Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
    https://www.jrcert.org/
  14. Where to Study Radiologic Technology in Wisconsin
    https://radiologyed.org/schools/wisconsin/
  15. Ibid.
  16. X-ray Technician salary in Wisconsin
    https://www.indeed.com/career/x%20ray-technician/salaries/WI
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