- The radiologic technician and technologist schools in Texas offer training and education in a broad range of practice areas, including diagnostic radiology and mammography(1). Students can obtain a credential, such as a diploma, certificate, or a degree, in the field of their choice.
Still, students need to be sure that the radiology programs they choose have the required accreditation before enrolling in their selected radiologic technology programs. - The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) requires almost all radiologic science practitioners in the state of Texas to take either the state test or the national exam(2). Radiolographers, nuclear medicine technicians, and radiation therapists are all included.
- In hospitals, clinics, and outpatient settings, R.T.s or radiologic technologists play a critical role in patient care(3). Radiologic technologists use diagnostic imaging procedures, like X-rays, on patients.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated that the average annual salary for a radiologic technician in Texas is $52,660(4). The salary is around $2,000 less than the average in the United States. In Texas, 12,790 individuals are working in this sector.
List of X-ray Tech Schools
Here is the list of programs to help students compare non-profit radiologic technology or medical imaging programs in Texas(5). Students should consult the Texas Medical Board (TMB) before enrolling in any program to guarantee that the program they are considering meets the licensure requirements.
| School Name | Associate’s Imaging Program | Bachelor’s Imaging Program | Graduate Imaging Program | National Accreditation | Completion Rate | Net Price |
| Amarillo College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, JRCNMT | 88% | $6,005 |
| Alvin Community College | Yes | — | — | CAAHEP | N.Av. | $10,917 |
| Austin Community College District | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 90% | $4,786 |
| Angelina College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 86% | $8,749 |
| Coastal Bend College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 80% | $4,403 |
| Blinn College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 89% | $13,400 |
| Covenant School of Nursing and Allied Health (Cert. Only) | — | — | — | JRCERT | 85% | N.Av. |
| Collin College | Yes | — | — | — | N.Av. | $5,454 |
| Dallas College-El Centro | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 92% | $4,411 |
| Dallas College-Brookhaven | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 86% | $5,205 |
| El Paso Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 75% | $4,673 |
| Del Mar College (Corpus Christi) | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 80% | $5,919 |
| Grayson College | Yes | — | — | — | N.Av. | $9,518 |
| Galveston College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, JRCNMT | 69% | $4,262 |
| Howard College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 90% | $5,047 |
| Hill College | Yes | — | — | — | N.Av. | $8,149 |
| Houston Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP, JRCNMT | 64% | $4,686 |
| Kilgore College | Yes | — | — | — | N.Av. | $7,791 |
| Laredo Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 83% | $4,529 |
| Lamar Institute of Technology | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 93% | $7,033 |
| Lone Star College-Montgomery (Conroe) | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 73% | $8,401 |
| Lone Star College–Cyfair | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 96% | $8,401 |
| Midland College | Yes | — | — | CAAHEP | N.Av. | $5,773 |
| McLennan Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 93% | $6,835 |
| North Central Texas College | Yes | — | — | — | N.Av. | $4,826 |
| Midwestern State University (Wichita Falls) | — | Yes | Yes | JRCERT | 84% | $9,799 |
| Odessa College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 88% | $6,317 |
| Parker University | Yes | — | — | CAAHEP | N.Av. | $21,676 |
| Paris Junior College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 100% | $7,066 |
| South Plains College | Yes | — | — | — | N.Av. | $7,424 |
| San Jacinto Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 90% | $8,858 |
| Southwest Texas Junior College | Yes | — | — | — | N.Av. | $6,703 |
| South Texas College | Yes | — | — | — | N.Av. | $1,337 |
| Tarrant County College (Fort Worth) | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 92% | $6,266 |
| St. Philip’s College (San Antonio) | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 91% | $6,340 |
| Texas Southmost College | Yes | — | — | CAAHEP | N.Av. | $4,882 |
| Temple College | Yes | — | — | CAAHEP | N.Av. | $3,921 |
| The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Bachelor’s) | Yes | Yes | Yes | JRCERT | 81% | N.Av. |
| Texas State University–San Marcos | — | Yes | — | JRCERT | 92% | $13,178 |
| University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center | — | Yes | Yes | JRCERT | 40% | N.Av. |
| Tyler Junior College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 74% | $8,837 |
| Weatherford College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 91% | $7,601 |
| University of the Incarnate Word | — | Yes | — | JRCNMT | N.Av. | $24,481 |
| Wharton County Junior College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 83% | $4,482 |
**Data retrieved on June 12, 2022. Any changes may reflect when new information comes in.
Students may finish a two–year radiology degree program(6).
Meanwhile, it may take two to four years to complete an associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree program.
List of Programs
One of the reputable states in the U.S. to get a degree in radiologic science is Texas, which has more than 50 colleges and universities offering radiologic science degrees(7).
The radiologic science students can go all the way up to earning a Master of Science in Radiology, which is the most advanced non-medical job in the industry.
X-ray Technician Program vs. Radiology Technologist Program
X-ray technicians assist doctors and other medical staff in treating patients(8). They capture X-ray images using specialized equipment for radiologists to evaluate and study. Technicians are responsible for positioning patients properly for X-rays, ensuring that the images are of the highest quality.
On the other hand, R.T.s or radiologic technologists play a crucial role in delivering patient care in hospitals, clinics, and outpatient settings(9). In collaboration with physicians and nurses, radiologic technologists conduct diagnostic imaging techniques, such as X-rays on patients.
It is common for R.T.s to work in various clinical specialties, from obstetrics and gynecology to orthopedics(10).
There is a strong emphasis on patient positioning, examination procedures, equipment protocols, radiation safety, and patient care in their education(11). It is possible for R.T.s to perform general radiography or to specialize in a specific imaging method such as:
- Bone densitometry
- Cardiac or vascular interventional radiography
- Computed tomography or CT scans, or mammography
- MRIs or magnetic resonance imaging
- Nuclear scans or sonographies
Ways to Become a Radiology Technologist in Texas
Licensed medical physicists (MPs), medical radiologic technologists (MRTs), and radiologist assistants (RAs) are all overseen by the Texas Medical Board (TMB)(12).
Non-Certified Radiologic Technicians (NCTs) can do limited imaging under the direct supervision of a qualified physician based on the TMB’s NCT registration.
The following are the general steps to becoming a radiologic technologist in Texas:
- Students should obtain a credential, such as a diploma, certificate, or a degree, depending on the field of their choice. Students must ensure that the radiology programs they choose have the required accreditations before enrolling.
- Students should make an application for a position. The TMB offers forms and instructions for each kind of license. It is recommended to have formal documentation of the ARRT or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) certification, such as transcripts validated by the school.
- Students must complete the Jurisprudence (JP) test for Texas Medical Jurisprudence (TMJ). Medical professionals in Texas must pass an examination that includes the state’s legislation and Board regulations on licensing, the scope of practice, and medical ethics. The TMB website provides further information and directions.
- MRT applicants must pass an ARRT test for their selected modality before applying for a license. NMTCB applicants must pass an NMTCB exam.
- Students need to obtain their license or registration. The TMB will issue the license or registration after the application has been accepted and all supporting papers have been submitted. Students can also see whether their application has been approved or denied online.
- Students can apply for national ARRT certification. Although the ARRT test is necessary for some forms of license in Texas, national certification is a separate procedure that can enhance a person’s credentials.
- Students must keep their medical license current. All radiologic professionals must take continuing education courses approved by the TMB for their licenses to be up-to-date. For every two-year renewal cycle, MRTs must complete 24 hours of continuing education, with at least 12 formally designed courses.
Radiology Technician Licensing in Texas
The Medical Radiologic Technologist Certification Program is administered by The Texas Department of State Health Services. The Applicants must pay a $86 non-refundable application fee(13).
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) requires that students complete a certification test. The application’s name, address, phone number, and social security number are all necessary fields in the application form.
Second, in the application section, students must indicate any professional qualifications they have, including any radiologic technologist training.
A criminal conviction does not automatically exclude students from being licensed as professionals, even if they respond “yes” to the question.
School Accreditation
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredits programs offering(14):
- Certificates
- Associate’s degrees
- Bachelor’s degrees
- Master’s degrees in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance, and medical dosimetry can be offered in both traditional and distance education settings.
In addition, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, or CAAHEP, is the most prominent programmatic accreditor for jobs in the health sciences degree(15).
CAAHEP, in conjunction with its Committees on Accreditation, analyzes and accredits over 2,100 individual education programs in 32 health science professions. Ongoing assessments verify that CAAHEP-accredited programs comply with each profession’s requirements and norms(16).
Meanwhile, the Joint Review Committee on Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT) evaluates programs using nationally accepted standards(17). Consequently, ensuring the quality of educational programs is vital.
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes the JRCNMT to accredit postsecondary nuclear medical technology programs(18).
Here are some of the JRCERT accredited radiography programs in Texas(19):
1. Amarillo College – Radiation therapy
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%
Job Placement Rate: 71.4%
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 78%
Program Name: Radiation therapy
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 20 months
2. Tarrant County College (Trinity River East Campus) – Radiography
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 90.2%
Job Placement Rate: 80%
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 91.7%
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 70 months
3. Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas – Radiography in Beaumont
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 94.1%
Job Placement Rate: 96.9%
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 92.9%
Program Name: Radiologic technology
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 64 months
4. El Centro College – Radiography
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 90%
Job Placement Rate: 93%
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 84%
Program Name: Radiologic sciences
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 57 months
5. McLennan Community College – Radiography in Waco
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 88%
Job Placement Rate: 96%
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 73.53%
Program Name: Radiologic technology
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 80 months
6. Midwestern State University – Radiography
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 93%
Job Placement Rate: 95%
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 79%
Program Name: Radiologic sciences
Program Type: Bachelor of Science
Duration: 113 months
7. Baptist Health System School of Health Professions – Radiography
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 83%
Job Placement Rate: 82%
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100%
Program Name: Radiologic technology
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 43 months
8. San Jacinto College – Radiography
Credential Examination Pass Rate: 93%
Job Placement Rate: 94.1%
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 92.1% Pass
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 164 months
Tuition Fee
Generally, at least $6,000 and up to $20,000 is required to get an accredited certificate in radiography or radiologic technology(20).
Temple College in Texas offers the least expensive rate for their associate’s imaging program, with an average of $3,921 tuition fee(21). On the other hand, the University of the Incarnate Word offers the most expensive tuition for their bachelor’s imaging program, costing an average of $24,481.
Admission Criteria and Prerequisites
The ARRT requires almost all radiologic science practitioners in the state of Texas to take either the state test or the national exam(22). Radiolographers, nuclear medicine technicians, and radiation therapists are all included.
For non-hazardous operations, Texas recognizes NCTs who do not need to be certified by either the state or the federal government. It is legal for professionals who have been certified in another state with the same certification and standards to work in Texas.
All professions, except those with a limited license, must complete 24 hours of continuing education credits every other year.
Career Opportunities for Radiology Technicians in Texas
In the United States, there are now 219,900 individuals working as radiologic technologists(23). The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects this figure to rise to 281,000 by 2020.
There are more radiologic techs in Houston, and Sugar Land than anywhere else in the United States(24). The metropolitan region of Dallas, Plano, and Irving comes in at number nine.
According to projections, radiologic technologists and technicians in Texas may expect a 15.5% growth in employment between 2018 and 2028(25). Radiology techs anticipate a 9% increase in employment over the next decade.
Radiation technologists in Texas can anticipate an average of 1,230 job opportunities every year, including new and vacated positions(26). Texas has the second-highest number of posts for radiologic technologists, after California.
Outpatient imaging facilities are projected to see a rise in qualified radiology techs soon(27). Third-party insurers are increasingly using outpatient treatment centers to save money.
Salary
The average annual salary for a radiology technician in Texas is $52,660, according to the BLS(28). The salary is around $2,000 less than the average in the United States. In Texas, about 12,790 individuals are working in this sector.
Meanwhile, other reports stated that the average yearly pay for radiologic science practitioners in the state of Texas is close to the national average(29). Radiologic technologists in Texas made an annual average wage of $57,350 in 2017, which was lower than the national average of $60,320.
29 Sources
- Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Texas
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/texas/ - The Texas Radiology Technologist Schools Guide
https://radiologyed.org/schools/texas/ - Career Profile: Radiologic Technologist
https://www.cambridgehealth.edu/career-profile-radiologic-technologist/ - Radiology Technician Schools in Texas
https://www.ultrasoundtechnicianschools.com/specialty/radiology/texas/ - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Texas
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/texas/ - 9 Reasons to Become a Radiologic Technologist
https://www.cleveland.edu/blog-post/~post/9-reasons-to-become-a-radiologic-technologist-20180220/ - The Texas Radiology Technologist Schools Guide
https://radiologyed.org/schools/texas/ - What Is the Process of Becoming an X-Ray Technician?
https://www.cambridgehealth.edu/blog/what-is-the-process-of-becoming-an-x-ray-technician/ - Career Profile: Radiologic Technologist
https://www.cambridgehealth.edu/career-profile-radiologic-technologist/ - Careers in Radiologic Technology
https://www.asrt.org/main/career-center/careers-in-radiologic-technology - Ibid.
- Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Texas
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/texas/ - Radiology Technician Schools in Texas
https://www.ultrasoundtechnicianschools.com/specialty/radiology/texas/ - About JRCERT
https://www.jrcert.org/about-jrcert/ - What is CAAHEP?
https://www.caahep.org/#:~:text=What%20is%20CAAHEP%3F,of%20the%20health%20sciences%20professions. - Ibid.
- JRCNMT
https://www.jrcnmt.org/ - Ibid.
- The Texas Radiology Technologist Schools Guide
https://radiologyed.org/schools/texas/ - How Much Does X-Ray Technician School Cost?
https://www.vocationaltraininghq.com/cost/x-ray-technician-school/ - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Texas
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/texas/ - The Texas Radiology Technologist Schools Guide
https://radiologyed.org/schools/texas/ - Radiology Technician Schools in Texas
https://www.ultrasoundtechnicianschools.com/specialty/radiology/texas/ - Ibid.
- Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Texas
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/texas/ - Ibid.
- Radiology Technician Schools in Texas
https://www.ultrasoundtechnicianschools.com/specialty/radiology/texas/ - Ibid.
- The Texas Radiology Technologist Schools Guide
https://radiologyed.org/schools/texas/