Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Kansas

The following overview of radiologic technologist and technician schools in Kansas is designed to equip you with the information you need to make an educated choice on the school that is right for you. The rad tech programs in Kansas offer an array of options, including opportunities for specialization in areas like nuclear medicine and sonography. Online radiologic technologist and technician schools can also offer an array of options, with added benefits such as potentially increased scheduling flexibility. Read about the difference between radiology technologists and radiology technicians. Continue learning about radiologic technology schools in Kansas below, where you will find a table of rad tech programs, information on career paths and salary levels in Kansas, and more.

Quick Facts

• There are 9 not-for-profit colleges and universities with radiologic technology degree programs in Kansas.¹
• 5 schools offer a certificate program in radiologic science.¹
• 7 schools offer an associate’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• 4 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• 1 school offers a master’s or advanced degree in radiologic science.¹
• 6 schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).²
• 3 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

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

Kansas 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 Kansas on a variety of factors. You should check with the Kansas Board of Healing Arts (the Board) to ensure that the program you are considering will meet licensure requirements.

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

Select Schools in Kansas with Radiology Technologist Degree Programs

Cleveland University-Kansas City

Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology that can be completed in as little as two years with focused eight-week evening courses and on-site clinical training. After completing eight prerequisite courses, students divide their time between traditional classes and clinical environments at affiliated medical and imaging facilities. Classes are delivered in sequence, building on previous courses, and include Basic Procedures, Advanced Imaging, and Imaging Concepts. Clinical rotations may be scheduled during the daytime, evenings, or weekends. Admission to the program requires a satisfactory GPA, a passing score on the AAS entrance assessments, and the completion of all prerequisite coursework. Students must receive a “C” or better in all courses. Upon graduation, students are prepared to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Radiography Examination to become registered radiologic technologists (RRTs).

Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) offers an on-campus Associate of Science (AS) in Radiologic Technology as well as an online or on-campus Bachelor of Science (BS) in Medical Diagnostic Imaging (MDI) and an online Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Medical Imaging. The AS program is designed to prepare beginning radiologic technologists for professional imaging careers, including preparation for passing the ARRT certification exam. Admitted students complete 47 credit hours of courses in medical imaging, for a total of 80 credit hours including general education and cognate courses to earn the degree. The BS in MDI is designed to provide cross-training in modalities such as computed tomography, mammography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for certified RTs. This program requires an additional 30 credit hours of major courses beyond the associate’s curriculum and can be completed online. For the 30-credit hour MPS, students can choose an emphasis in either Administration or Education. To be eligible for admission to the MPS students must have completed a bachelor’s degree in Radiologic Science or a related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 across the most recent 60 credit hours and be professionally certified through an entity such as the ARRT. In addition to core and elective courses designed to promote leadership and business skills and abilities, all MPS students complete a culminating Medical Imaging Capstone.

Hutchinson Community College

Hutchinson Community College (HCC) awards an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) to students who successfully complete its two-year Radiologic Technology program. Applicants to the 75-credit hour program must complete three prerequisite courses and take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam. It is recommended, but not required, for applicants to complete six to eight hours of clinical observations. In addition to general college course requirements, students will take coursework covering radiographic exposure, radiologic physics, cranial imaging and the physical foundations of radiology. Students will be assigned to clinical rotations for hands-on experience at one of several affiliated medical facilities, including Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Health Ministries, Pratt Regional Medical Center, and McPherson Hospital, Inc. HCC requires all students to maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher to graduate. Graduates will meet the requirements to sit for the ARRT certification exam.

Labette Community College

Labette Community College’s (LCC) 23-month radiologic technology program leads to the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiography. Students will complete radiologic technology coursework, general college requirements, and clinical rotations. Radiologic technology coursework encompasses radiographic procedures, patient care, radiographic imaging, and imaging modalities. Students will complete clinical rotations at two of LCC’s affiliated medical facilities, such as Labette Health, Coffeyville Regional Medical Center, and Mercy Hospital. LCC considers proximity to a student’s residence, available clinical positions, and a student’s preference when making clinical assignments. Clinical rotations are also available at hospitals in Oklahoma and Missouri. Before applying to the program, prospective students must pass the TEAS admission test and observe a radiologic technologist at work in one of the school’s affiliate medical facilities. All applications must be submitted by the deadline, which is typically in March.

Newman University

Newman University offers a 22-month program in radiologic technology that leads to an Associate of Science in Health Science (ASHS) with a concentration in Radiologic Technology. Students learn practice, theory, and patient care skills in classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings. The curriculum includes courses such as Radiologic Positioning, Radiologic Pathology, Radiologic Physics, and Radiation Protection. Clinical experience runs parallel to coursework, with students practicing skills as they learn them. A majority of clinical shifts will occur during the day, but each student will need to perform at least 24 hours of evening rotations. Students must complete all prerequisite classes with a “C” or better with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 to be considered for the program. Admission to the program is awarded based on a point system that considers factors such as GPA, prerequisite grades, and an application essay. Graduation from the program is contingent on passing a comprehensive review in radiologic technology. Graduates are eligible to sit for the ARRT certification exam. Newman University also offers an optional concentration in Computed Tomography (CT).

Washburn University

Washburn University (WU) offers a two-year program leading to the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the ARRT certification exam and may complete additional study to earn a Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHS) in Medical Imaging. Students will complete a range of radiologic technology courses in addition to clinical rotations each semester of the program. The curriculum includes courses such as Human Disease, Foundations in Healthcare, and Radiographic Equipment Operation. Clinical rotations will take place during days, evenings, and weekends at affiliated medical facilities in Kansas and Missouri. Applicants must submit a completed application by February 1 of the year for which they are applying for admission. To be considered for the program, applicants must have a GPA of 2.8 or higher, at least 12 hours of college credit, completed the prerequisite coursework, and completed four hours of professional observation. The program accepts 25 students per cohort, who begin in the fall semester each year.

How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Kansas

Kansas grants the title of Licensed Radiologic Technologist (LRT) to radiologic technologists, nuclear medicine technologists, and radiation therapists who have been granted a license by the Board. Rad techs must be either an LRT or have a temporary license to work in the state. Candidates seeking a license must complete the steps below:

1. Complete a qualifying educational program. Candidates must complete a course of study in a radiologic technology discipline that is approved by either the Board or a credentialing organization such as the ARRT or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB).
2. Take and pass a certification exam. Candidates must apply for and pass a national certifying exam in their discipline. The Board uses the ARRT certification examinations, which must be passed with a score of 75 or higher.
3. Apply for a license. Once a candidate has passed the exam, they must submit an application along with all necessary fees and documentation to the Board. The Board usually takes four to eight weeks to process applications.
4. Maintain your license. LRTs must renew their license annually. During each 12-month renewal period, rad techs must complete 12 credit hours of continuing education (CE).

Kansas Radiology Tech Salary and Job Outlook

Estimates predict job growth of 6.1% for radiologic technologists and technicians in Kansas between 2020 and 2030, which is lower than the expected national average projected rate of growth of 8.6% over the same time period.⁵ As of 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported an estimated 2,190 radiologic techs employed in Kansas, with an average annual salary of $62,530.⁶ Kansas nonmetropolitan areas were home to 650 radiologic technologists in 2022, which was the highest employment level for rad techs in the nation’s nonmetropolitan areas.⁶ Although the BLS doesn’t provide employment data for limited-scope x-ray technicians, technicians typically earn less than radiologic technologists due to the lower educational requirements and scope of responsibility. Radiologic technologists and technicians may be able to secure employment at medical facilities, doctors’ offices, imaging facilities, and hospitals in Kansas, including Providence Medical Imaging Center, Mercy Regional Health Center, Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the University of Kansas Hospital.

Kansas 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