- Aspirants interested in working as radiologic technologists or X-ray technicians may find some radiology-related courses and programs in Maryland.
- Maryland requires an additional license for X-ray technicians and radiologic technologists(1). However, hospitals and clinics usually select ARRT-certified radiologic technologists.
- As of May 2022, X-ray technicians in Maryland have an estimated annual salary of $63,643(2). X-ray technicians with more than ten years of experience may earn $75,995 annually.
List of X-ray Technician Schools in Maryland
Some Maryland schools provide medical imaging degree programs to students interested in working as X-ray technicians or radiologic technologists. The following are some of these universities and colleges:
- Anne Arundel Community College
101 College Parkway, Arnold, MD 21012-1895
(410) 777-7449 - Chesapeake College
1000 College Circle, Wye Mills, MD 21679
(410) 827-5927
- Community College of Baltimore County
7201 Rossville Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21237
(443) 840-2807
- Community College of Baltimore County
7201 Rossville Boulevard, ADMN-300, Baltimore, MD 21237
(443) 840-1505 - Fortis College – Landover
4351 Garden City Drive, Landover, MD 20785
(301) 459-3650 - Hagerstown Community College
11400 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21742-6590
(240) 500-2549 - Howard Community College
10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044
(443) 518-3324
- Montgomery College
7600 Takoma Park Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912
(240) 567-5564
- Prince George’s Community College
301 Largo Road, CHS – Room 2231-F, Largo, MD 20774
(301) 546-3021
- The Johns Hopkins Hospital
School of Medical Imaging, Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 223-1853
- University of Maryland Medical Center
22 South Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 328-3544
- Washington Adventist University
7600 Flower Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912
(301) 891-4050
- Wor-Wic Community College
32000 Campus Drive, Salisbury, MD 21804
(410) 572-8741
List of Programs
Radiology programs for X-ray technicians and radiologic technologists vary in coursework, credit hours, and duration. Moreover, students may choose from certificate, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree programs.
Radiologic technology programs can also be a pathway to specializations, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radiation therapy, mammography, computed tomography (CT), sonography, and nuclear medicine.
Furthermore, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is the credentialing agency responsible for accrediting different diagnostic radiology and radiography programs.
The JRCERT-accredited colleges and universities have accredited programs with different effectiveness data, including completion rate, credential exam pass rate, and job placement rate.
The table below compares various radiologic technology and medical imaging programs in Maryland. Aspiring radiologic technologists, radiology technicians, and X-ray technicians may use the following information to select a suitable program.
| Names of Academic Institutions | Program Type | Degree Level | Program Duration(3) | Program Effectiveness(4) | ||
| Completion Rate (%) | Exam Pass Rate (%) | Job Placement Rate (%) | ||||
| Anne Arundel Community College (Arnold) | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 50 months | 75 | 100 | 100 |
| Chesapeake College (Wye Mills) | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 24 months | 100 | 95 | 100 |
| Community College of Baltimore County (Baltimore) | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 60 months | 88.5 | 95.2 | 100 |
| Community College of Baltimore County (Baltimore) | Radiation Therapy | Associate of Applied Science | 20 months | 92 | 85 | 100 |
| Fortis College (Landover) | Radiography | Associate of Science | 54 months | 75 | — | –– |
| Hagerstown Community College (Hagerstown) | Radiography, | Associate in Applied Science | 70 months | 84 | 89 | 95 |
| Howard Community College (Columbia) | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 46 months | 94.4 | 97.7 | 100 |
| Montgomery College (Takoma Park) | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 57 months | 76 | 100 | 100 |
| Prince George’s Community College (Largo) | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 70 months | 82 | 90 | 98 |
| The Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore) | Radiography | Certificate | 46 months | 71.4 | 98.5 | 100 |
| University of Maryland Medical Center (Baltimore) | Medical Dosimetry | Certificate | 4 months | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Washington Adventist University (Takoma Park) | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 20 months | 90 | 58 | 100 |
| Wor-Wic Community College (Salisbury) | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 32 months | 64.3 | 100 | 100 |
Students may confirm if their chosen program has accreditation by visiting the JRCERT office at 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182 or exploring the www.jrcert.org webpage for more information.
Other Schools to Consider
Here are other radiology tech academic institutions in Maryland that are not JRCERT-accredited but are still worth considering.
Allegany College of Maryland (Cumberland)
Allegany College of Maryland awards an Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology. Students need to accomplish a combination of radiology technology courses and 1,600 hours of clinical rotations(5).
Radiographic positioning, clinical radiology, EKG analysis and testing, IV therapy training, and phlebotomy for health professionals are all part of the program’s curriculum.
Schools may also assign students to medical centers in Maryland or nearby states like Pennsylvania.
Moreover, Altoona Hospital, Advanced Diagnostic Radiology, Potomac Valley Hospital, and the University of Maryland Medical System are the school’s affiliated healthcare centers.
Program applicants must pass the Allegany College Placement Test before submitting their application documents.
Notre Dame of Maryland University (Baltimore)
The University of Notre Dame of Maryland in Baltimore offers a Bachelor of Science degree in radiological sciences.
At the Johns Hopkins Hospital School of Medical Imaging (JHSMI), aspiring radiology technicians can finish their clinical requirements and become certified diagnostic imaging technicians.
The program gives students hands-on experience with various types of medical imaging. This training prepares students for advanced radiologic science positions in diagnostic laboratories and hospitals.
The courseworks of clinical certification programs, such as radiography, nuclear medicine technology, diagnostic medical sonography, and echocardiography may take 14 to 18 months(6).
X-ray Technician Program vs. Radiology Technologist Program
Radiology programs may differ depending on the school. However, radiologic technologists’ and X-ray technicians‘ training programs are comparable(7).
Still, one crucial contrast is that radiologic technology programs often take at least two years to accomplish. Pursuing a career in a healthcare setting that involves radiographic applications is part of these programs, as hours of curated fieldwork, including clinical rounds and patient care.
X-ray technician degree programs can range from nine months to two years, depending on the college or university.
Moreover, a radiology certificate is necessary for full-time and entry-level work as an X-ray technician.
Furthermore, some states may mandate candidates to pass special licensure exams before these individuals can work as radiologic technologists. This condition may require additional months or years before they become X-ray technicians.
What Is an X-ray Technician?
X-ray technicians operate medical imaging devices to take photographs of the human body. Radiologists use these images to determine treatment strategies for specific medical conditions and injuries.
Technicians may assist in calming patients during X-ray operations and ensure the latter gets the minor radiation exposure necessary to produce high-quality images.
The labels “X-ray tech” and “X-ray technologist” generally mean the same thing and are interchangeable terms(8).
Moreover, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists medical X-ray imaging as a specialization in radiologic technology(9).
Universities, colleges, and health institutions may substitute the terms “radiologic technician” and “radiology technologist” because these phrases often refer to the same profession(10). Other similar terminologies include:
- Radiology tech
- Radiologic tech
- Radiographer(11)
How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Maryland
Radiologic technologists should meet education prerequisites and earn a license to practice in the state of Maryland.
Accreditation and Certification
As with most professions in healthcare, aspirants must obtain a high school diploma. Then, these individuals should complete a JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program.
Many entry-level radiologic technologists are graduates of a degree program. However, interested individuals may also get the necessary training through certification programs.
Upon completing the program, radiology tech graduates should pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or ARRT exam to qualify as radiologic technologists or radiology technicians.
The ARRT requires its members to renew all relevant credentials every two years.
Moreover, radiology techs should complete 24 hours of continuing education credits and pass the ethics evaluation.
According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), aspirants must also obtain a Maryland state license if they want to work as radiologic technologists(12).
The Maryland Board of Physicians instates licenses for radiology techs(13).
Licensure conditions involve completing a JRCERT–accredited program, a registration fee, and ARRT certification.
Like the ARRT certification, radiology techs in Maryland should renew their state credentials every two years. The Maryland Board of Physicians mandates proof that the candidate has fulfilled ARRT’s education prerequisites.
Furthermore, an aspirant who wants to become an X-ray technician in Maryland must pass the ARRT certification exam and obtain state licensure.
Tuition and Fees
Aside from differences in curricula that lead to a career, such as radiologic technology or X-ray technician, tuition and fees in Maryland schools vary.
In addition to standard tuition for the program, each school may incur higher fees to encompass requisite expenses, such as utilities and laboratory preservation.
As of May 19, 2022, the Maryland academic institutions below have the following tuition cost approximations for various JRCERT-accredited radiology programs(14):
- Anne Arundel Community College
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology: $4,053 (resident); $7,000 (non-resident)
- Chesapeake College
AAS in Radiologic Sciences: $5,695 (resident); $10,715 (non-resident)
- Community College of Baltimore County
AAS in Radiography: $4,720 (resident); $8,880 (non-resident)
- Community College of Baltimore County
AAS in Radiation Therapy: $2,398 (resident); $4,576 (non-resident)
- Fortis College – Landover
Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology: $44,446 (resident); $44,446 (non-resident)
- Hagerstown Community College
AAS in Radiography: $2,650 (resident); $5,450 (non-resident)
- Howard Community College
AAS in Radiologic Technology: $4,692 (resident); $9,108 (non-resident)
- Montgomery College
AAS in Radiologic Technology: $4,928 (resident,); $10,942 (non-resident)
- Prince George’s Community College
AAS in Radiography: $2,491 (resident); $4,982 (non-resident)
- The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Certificate in Radiography: $3,000 (resident); $3,000 (non-resident)
- University of Maryland Medical Center
Certificate in Medical Dosimetry: $20,000 (resident);
$20,000 (non-resident)
- Washington Adventist University
AAS in Radiologic Technology: $19,995 (resident); $19,995 (non-resident)
- Wor-Wic Community College
AAS in Radiologic Technology: $9,297 (resident); $21,548 (non-resident)
Career Opportunities
Maryland is a populous city with numerous medical facilities and clinics. Hence, graduates of radiologic technology should have no difficulty finding jobs in the state.
The following Maryland hospitals employ certified radiology professionals:
- Greater Baltimore Medical Center
6701 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21204-6892
(443) 849-2000 - Johns Hopkins Hospital
600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287-2182
(410) 955-5000 - MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
201 East University Parkway, Baltimore, MD 21218-2895
(410) 554-2000 - Mercy Medical Center
301 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, MD 21202-2165
(410) 332-9000 - Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital
6501 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21285
(410) 938-3000 - Sinai Hospital of Baltimore
2401 West Belvedere Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215-5271
(410) 601-9000 - University of Maryland Medical Center
22 South Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201-1595
(410) 328-8667
Salary for X-ray Techs
As of May 18, 2022, the estimated annual salary for an X-ray technician in Maryland is $63,643(15). X-ray techs with more than ten years of experience may earn $75,995 a year.
FDA Recommendations
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), medical imaging experts must take into account two standards for radiation protection(16).
1. Justification: The X-ray procedure must regularly undergo examinations to guarantee that such a process benefits patients more than adversely affects them.
As a result, ionizing radiation evaluations are necessary to detect a medical condition, cure a disease, or provide information about treatment options.
2. Optimization: X-ray procedures should use appropriate techniques to minimize radiation exposure while still producing good images for a diagnostic test or therapeutic interventions. This goal may necessitate the use of the X-ray technicians‘ mathematical and critical thinking capacities.
Radiation dosage optimization happens when professionals produce high-quality images with the least amount of radiation possible for the clinical job.
A facility’s quality assurance (QA) program can reduce radiation exposure for any type of X-ray imaging test, surgery, or medical imaging procedure.
The size of the patient is an essential issue in optimization(17). Larger patients, for example, require a higher radiation dose to generate images of equivalent quality to smaller patients.
When radiation doses are unnaturally high, routine and systematic monitoring of radiation doses and the implementation of follow-up actions are crucial elements of a QA program (or low).
Furthermore, “diagnostic reference levels” (DRLs) or simply “reference levels” are necessary for interventional fluoroscopy exams (a type of X-ray medical imaging)(18). Professional organizations and national, state, regional, or municipal governments develop these standards.
FAQ
1. Is it hard to become an X-ray tech?
The difficulty of becoming an X-ray technician depends on the school’s program, course material, and teaching approach.
The student’s capacity to gain knowledge and apply the material in a healthcare setting may also influence how quickly or slowly they develop into excellent technicians.
18 Sources
- Where to Study Medical Imaging in Maryland
https://radiologyed.org/schools/maryland/ - X-ray Technician salary in Maryland
https://www.indeed.com/career/x%20ray-technician/salaries/MD - Where to Study Medical Imaging in Maryland
https://radiologyed.org/schools/maryland/ - Find a Program
https://www.jrcert.org/find-a-program/ - Radiology Programs in Maryland with Degree Overviews
https://bestaccreditedcolleges.org/articles/radiology-programs-in-maryland.html - Where to Study Medical Imaging in Maryland
https://radiologyed.org/schools/maryland/ - Differences Between Radiologic Technicians and X-Ray Techs
https://work.chron.com/differences-between-radiologic-technicians-xray-techs-25424.html - 5 Differences Between RT (Radiologic Technologist) and LMRT (Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist)
https://www.chcp.edu/blog/5-differences-between-rt-and-lmrt/ - What Radiologic and MRI Technologists Do
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm#tab-2 - 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/ - What Radiologic and MRI Technologists Do
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm#tab-2 - American Society of Radiologic Technologists. (Accessed 2020). Individual State Licensure Information.
https://www.asrt.org/main/standards-and-regulations/legislation-regulations-and-advocacy/individual-state-licensure#md - Maryland Board of Physicians. (Accessed 2020). Radiographers. Retrieved from: https://www.mbp.state.md.us/licensure_ahapp_radiographer.aspx
- Where to Study Medical Imaging in Maryland
https://radiologyed.org/schools/maryland/ - X-ray Technician salary in Maryland
https://www.indeed.com/career/x%20ray-technician/salaries/MD - Medical X-ray Imaging
https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/medical-imaging/medical-x-ray-imaging#principles - Ibid.
- Ibid.