Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Connecticut

This overview of radiologic technologist and technician schools in Connecticut provides you with high-level information that can help you decide on the right school for your interests and career aspirations. The colleges and universities in Connecticut offer an array of options for earning an education in radiologic technology and may provide opportunities to pursue in-demand specialties such as sonography and nuclear medicine. In addition, online radiologic technologist and technician schools can be a flexible alternative to traditional on-campus study. Read about the difference between radiology technologists and radiology technicians. Read on to discover more information about rad tech schools in Connecticut, including a table of rad tech programs and occupational information that can help you shape your future career.

Quick Facts

• There are 9 not-for-profit colleges and universities with radiologic technology degree programs in Connecticut.¹
• 4 schools offer a certificate program in radiologic science.¹
• 6 schools offer an associate’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• 3 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• 1 school offers a master’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• 8 schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).²
• 2 schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).³
• 1 school has a medical imaging program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT).⁴

Table of Contents

• Connecticut Medical Imaging Schools Comparison
• Select Schools in Connecticut with RT Programs
• How to Become an RT in Connecticut
• Connecticut RT Salary and Job Outlook

Connecticut Medical Imaging Schools Comparison

We have designed the following table to allow you to easily compare the not-for-profit radiologic technology and medical imaging programs in Connecticut on a variety of factors. You should check with the Connecticut State Department of Public Health (DPH) to ensure that the program you are considering will meet licensure requirements.

• — indicates none.
• N.Av. indicates no data available.

Select Schools in Connecticut with Radiology Technologist Degree Programs

Capital Community College

Capital Community College (CCC) awards the Associate of Science (AS) in Radiologic Technology to students who successfully complete the two-year program. Students must follow a predetermined course of study, taking courses in sequence. Clinical rotations begin in the first semester and include rotations during winter break in each fall semester. A limited number of evening clinical rotations are available. Radiologic technology courses cover Anatomy and Physiology; Radiobiology and Protection; and Radiographic Seminar. Graduates of the program will be eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam. Admission into the program is based on the completion of prerequisite coursework, GPA in any radiologic technology classes already taken, and scores on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam.

Connecticut State Community College Middlesex

Connecticut State Community College Middlesex (MxCC) offers an Associate in Science (AS) Degree in Radiography that can be completed in 22 months. This program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions as radiologic technologists. The curriculum’s academic component is completed at MxCC, while laboratory and hands-on components are completed at Middlesex Healthcare Systems locations. On-campus coursework covers subjects like radiobiology, patient care, and general education. All students complete a five-month internship during the final semester of the program. Admission to the program is competitive as slots are limited by clinical facility capacity. Applicants must satisfy the general admissions requirements of MxCC, complete prerequisite coursework, take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam, and attend an information session before applying to the radiologic technology program. Final admission is based on the overall application as well as an interview with program faculty and a background check. MxCC also offers post-primary certification programs in Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Mammography.

Gateway Community College

Gateway Community College (GCC) confers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology that will help prepare students for careers as radiographers and meet the requirements to sit for the ARRT certification exam. The nine-semester curriculum is sequential, with classroom and clinical study building on the previous semesters. Students will complete clinical rotations at affiliated healthcare facilities during the regular semesters and during winter and summer breaks. Classroom courses include Ethics and Law in the Radiographic Sciences; Radiation Protection in Radiologic Technology; and Digital Image Acquisition and Display. Applicants to the program must complete all prerequisite courses with a grade of 75 or higher and a GPA of at least 2.7. Retention in the Radiography program requires a “C” or above in all courses. GCC also offers programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Electroneurodiagnostic Technology, Nuclear Medicine Technology, and Radiation Therapy.

University of Hartford

The University of Hartford (UHart) features a four-year program that leads to a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Radiologic Technology. Students take prerequisite courses during freshman year before continuing to the professional curriculum during the next two years. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required to continue into the professional program. At the end of the junior year, students will have completed their radiologic technology courses, making them eligible for an Associate of Science (AS) degree, to sit for the ARRT certification exam, and begin working in the field. During senior year, students will complete the BS coursework and may pursue certifications in additional disciplines. The undergraduate program consists of general education and radiologic technology coursework that includes hands-on experience in a fully-functioning lab on campus. Clinical rotations are held at affiliated medical facilities, including Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Manchester Memorial Hospital, and Open MRI of Connecticut. UHart also offers certificate programs in Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Connecticut

Radiologic technologists in Connecticut must be licensed as radiographers through the Connecticut Department of Health (DPH). ARRT certification is not required, but applicants must pass the ARRT exam to be eligible for the license. Those seeking licensure must:

1. Complete an education program in a recognized area of radiologic technology. Candidates for licensure must complete an educational program accredited by the JRCERT or recognized as equivalent by the ARRT and an associate’s degree or higher. The associate degree may be completed as part of, or in addition to, the radiologic technology program.
2. Pass the ARRT radiography exam. The Connecticut DPH uses the ARRT radiography exam as the state’s licensing exam. Candidates must pass the ARRT exam with a score of 75 or better.
3. Apply for a license. The Connecticut DPH website has instructions for submitting an application for initial licensure and any associated documents and fees. The application must be submitted online.
4. Apply for ARRT certification if desired. Rad techs who took the ARRT state test may also apply for certification and registration by the ARRT. Connecticut does not require this certification, but many rad techs find it valuable.
5. Maintain your license. Licenses must be renewed annually. Candidates seeking renewal must provide evidence of 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years. Current registration with the ARRT is accepted as proof of CE.

Connecticut Radiology Tech Salary and Job Outlook

Radiologic technologist and technician positions in Connecticut are projected to grow by 4.5%, or 100 jobs, between 2020 and 2030.⁵ Nationally, job growth of 8.6% is expected for rad techs over the same time period.⁵ According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2022, the average annual salary for the 2,570 radiologic techs working in Connecticut was $76,180.⁶ Although the BLS does not track occupational data for x-ray technicians, technicians typically earn less than RTs due to the lower educational requirements and work responsibilities. Radiologic technologists and technicians work in a variety of settings, including doctors’ offices, imaging centers, medical centers, and hospitals. Major employers that hire radiologic technologists and technicians in Connecticut include Jefferson Radiology, Midstate Radiology Associates, Advanced Medical Imaging (AMI) Connecticut, Yale New Haven Health System , and Stamford Health.

Connecticut Radiologic Technologist Salary by Metro Area

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology Program Effectiveness Data: https://www.jrcert.org/program-effectiveness-data/
3. Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs: https://www.caahep.org/students/find-an-accredited-program
4. Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology: https://www.jrcnmt.org/programs/
5. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
6. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, Radiologic Technologists and Technicians: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292034.htm
7. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm