Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Michigan

The radiologic technologist and technician schools in Michigan provide a variety of options for earning a degree or certificate in radiologic technology so that you can start a rewarding career in this field. This overview of schools in Michigan offering radiologic technology programs will help you find information to make the right decision for your interests and career goals. Online schools can also be a suitable, potentially more flexible choice. Read about the difference between radiology technologists and radiology technicians. Read on to learn more about radiologic technologist and technician schools in Michigan and career paths for graduates in the state with our table of rad tech programs, employment and salary projections, and student reviews.

Quick Facts

• There are 24 not-for-profit colleges and universities with radiologic technology degree programs in Michigan.¹
• 10 schools offer a certificate program in radiologic science.¹
• 18 schools offer an associate’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• 6 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• No schools offer a master’s or advanced degree in radiologic science.¹
• 19 schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).²
• 8 schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).³
• 1 school has medical imaging programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT).⁴

Table of Contents

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

Michigan Medical Imaging Schools Comparison

We have designed the following table to allow you to easily compare all of the not-for-profit radiologic technology and medical imaging programs in Michigan on a variety of factors. You should check with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to ensure that the program you are considering will meet professional certification requirements.

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

Select Schools in Michigan with Radiology Technologist Degree Programs

Ferris State University

Ferris State University (Ferris State) offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiography through its Dental Hygiene and Medical Imaging department in the College of Health Professions. The radiography program guides students to become clinically competent practitioners who demonstrate professional communication and problem-solving skills. The two-year program includes coursework in Radiographic Procedures, Radiographic Pathology, Principles of Radiographic Imaging, Pharmacology for Radiographers, Radiology Protection and Biology, Digital Imaging, Public Speaking, and Radiology Management. The curriculum also includes three required clinical practica that provide hands-on experience in radiology departments. Throughout the program, students must maintain a grade of “C” or higher in all radiography courses. Graduates will emerge from the program with training in operating energized X-ray rooms, portable C-arms, Computed Tomography (CT), and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS).

Grand Rapids Community College

Students at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) can earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level positions in the radiology departments of medical and government facilities and careers in public health or education. The two-year curriculum consists of a required four semesters and two summer sessions of study and clinical practice. Students take courses such as Human Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Terminology, Radiographic Positioning, Radiographic Poisoning, Radiologic Leadership Skills, and Physics of X-Ray. Additionally, students are required to complete five clinical practica in radiologic technology at one of six hospitals affiliated with the radiologic technology program. The department also offers programs for students to qualify for professional credentials in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT). The benefits of the GRCC radiology program include competitive tuition, small classes, and personal advising.

Lansing Community College

Lansing Community College’s (LCC) radiologic technology program, which leads to an Associate of Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology, requires a full-time commitment from students. The program spans 21 months with successful applicants beginning their first courses in the fall semester. Students will spend time on campus and at affiliated hospitals and medical facilities each semester of the program. The summer semester requires students to complete a clinical rotation of 40 hours a week. Clinical rotations take place at one of 13 sites in such surrounding communities as Lansing, Charlotte, Hastings, St. Johns, and Howell. All students complete clinical rotations at two different facilities during the course of the program. The competitive program accepts a maximum of 28 students a year with applications due by May 1. Students may also choose to specialize in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) through LCC’s certificate programs.

Northern Michigan University

Students in the Radiography-Medical Imaging Sciences department at Northern Michigan University (NMU) can work toward an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiography. The program is accredited by JRCERT and is a limited enrollment program with only 20 spots available for each incoming cohort. Prior to applying to the program students must complete 35 general education credits, with at least 16 credits taken at NMU. Admitted students complete a 21-month program of study that includes both theory and clinical experience components. The theory aspect of the program includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, pathology, radiation physics, radiation biology, radiation protection, patient care, diagnostic imaging, radiographic procedures, human diversity, and medical ethics. In the first two semesters, students also participate in medical rotations before participating in clinical internships.

How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Michigan

While Michigan does not require licensure to work as a radiologic technologist, the state has published guidelines for prospective CT technologists and mammographers requiring professional education and credentialing. All prospective rad techs in Michigan should know that even if state licensure is not required, employers typically expect candidates for open positions to have at least an associate’s degree and professional credentialing through the ARRT or its equivalent. The process to professional certification is typically as follows:

1. Earn a diploma, associate degree, or equivalent credential in your desired practice area. The school you attend should be accredited to ensure that you meet the requirements for a professional credential.
2. Register for and pass the ARRT exam or its equivalent. Typically, radiologic technologists take the ARRT exams. Nuclear medicine technologists typically take the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) exam.
3. Apply for a professional credential. The ARRT requires candidates who pass the certification exam to formally apply for ARRT certification after receiving their results.
4. Complete continuing education, as required. ARRT-certified RTs must complete 24 clock hours of continuing education every two years.

Michigan Radiology Tech Salary and Job Outlook

Estimates project a 6.9% increase in jobs for rad techs in Michigan in the decade ending 2030, compared to the projected national job growth rate of 8.6% for rad techs over the same time period.⁵ According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are approximately 6,710 radiologic technologists and technicians employed in Michigan, earning an average yearly salary of $65,020.⁶ Although the BLS does not 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. Michigan residents hoping to start careers as radiologic technologists or technicians can consider employment with nationally ranked hospital systems in the state such as University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers, Beaumont Health, Detroit Medical Center, and Spectrum Health. Individuals may also seek employment in dedicated imaging centers. Some options in Michigan include Advanced Radiology Services, Allegiance Diagnostic, Bronson Healthcare, and Henry Ford Medical Centers.

Michigan Radiologic Technologist Salary by Metro Area

Student Reviews

Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.

Baker College
1050 W Bristol Rd
Flint, MI 48507
(800) 964-4299
https://www.baker.edu/

Student Review: “I studied Radiography at Baker College in Michigan. The program was small, only accepting 22 people per class. The classroom was set up so that there was a lecture area and two mock x-ray rooms set up in the back of the class that students were trained with. The two x-ray rooms had functional x-ray machines. We would practice taking x-rays on dummies, but practice positioning patients and setting up the room with other students. The program was a 2-year course. The curriculum was broken down into a year of classroom teaching and a year out in the hospital with hands-on training.” – Student at Baker College

Jackson College
2111 Emmons Rd
Jackson, MI 49201
(517) 787-0800
https://www.jccmi.edu/

Student Review: “Jackson College’s radiology program has been a great experience for me. The program was designed specifically to prepare you for boards and entering the work field. We were placed in hospital settings and have remained there for two years along with taking classes. This has allowed me to basically receive on the job training from some amazing, experienced technologists. What really has made the program great is our professor Joe. Joe was just named educator of the year by the ARRT. This was a well-deserved honor. I have never had a professor care so much about his students, in both a school setting and personal. He makes sure that he does all he can to help you succeed.” – Student at Jackson College

Student Review: “Jackson College’s General Diagnostic Medical Sonography program was more than I could have ever asked for. The professors were very informative and made learning a fun experience. While it was a very challenging and demanding program, the tools they give you will help you to succeed. The program director may come off as unapproachable, he isn’t. He doesn’t want to hold your hand through, he wants you to learn the material and understand it vs him give you the answers. You won’t have him out in the real world, he is just preparing you for that. The didactic classes were the best part of the program, I could complete the classwork online in its entirety making it easier to complete this program as a Stay at home mom of 3 children. While this made the harder classes even harder, it made my graduation even more satisfying. This program really does prepare you for the real world for Sonography.” – Student at Jackson College

Lansing Community College
309 N Washington Square
Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: (517) 483-1957
https://www.lcc.edu/

Student Review: “I enjoyed learning through the MiRIS consortium program through Lansing Community College, Grand Rapids Community College, Kellogg Community College, Lake Michigan Community College, Mid Michigan Community College, and Grand Valley State University in Michigan. This program prepared me to pass my test to be registered as an MRI Technologist as well as prepared me for my career in radiology. The classwork combined with clinicals prepared me for what everyday work in radiology would be like. I loved being able to take all my classes online- I could work at my own pace and re-watch lectures as many times as I needed. The instructors were very helpful and informative. I never had any issues with downtime or navigating the website. Clinicals were 24 hours a week and close to home. In clinicals, I got to actively work on patients within a radiology department and learn my trade hands on. Overall the MiRIS consortium program more than prepared me for my registration testing and the career I have today.” – Student at Lansing Community College

Mid Michigan Community College
1375 S Clare Ave
Harrison, MI 48625
(989) 386-6622
https://www.midmich.edu/

Student Review: “Even though the school I attend is not considered to have as strong of a program for radiologic technicians as the other nearby school. I have found that it has done much to not only provide me with a wealth of knowledge I will need for the job but also prepared me with the life skills and connection I will need to secure a position in the field after graduation. There are few people in the program, and the professors are very willing to give personal attention to those who struggle with the work. It is a very in-depth and fast-paced program, but it has definitely given me the confidence I need to jump into the career when I graduate.” – Student at Mid Michigan Community College

Oakland Community College
2480 Opdyke Rd
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
(248) 341-2000
https://www.oaklandcc.edu

Student Review: “My experience in the Radiologic Technology program at Oakland Community College was great overall. Academically, the first year was very tough. We had to learn a lot about anatomy and physiology, radiation biology, and protection. It seemed quite overwhelming when the classes were combined with clinicals, but it got easier when we entered our second year of the program. The professors were great, very informative, respectful of all students, and were always willing to help in any way. Their teaching style accommodated any type of learning style that we had. The director of the program was very nice and always kept her door open for any student who needed anything. The program prepared me to become an amazing radiologic technologist who provides quality images to the radiologists for diagnostic purposes, as well as providing quality care to patients.” – Student at Oakland Community College

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