Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Minnesota

The colleges and universities in Minnesota offer a variety of options for earning a certificate or degree in radiologic technology. This guide to radiologic technologist and technician schools in Minnesota can help you make an informed decision on the program that is right for you. You may wish to consider online radiologic technologist schools, which can offer reduced commuting time and greater scheduling flexibility. Read about the difference between radiology technologists and radiology technicians. Or, continue reading more about radiologic technologist programs in Minnesota and career projections for rad technicians below, where you will find a table of rad tech programs, school profiles, and more.

Quick Facts

• There are 16 not-for-profit colleges and universities with radiologic technology degree programs in Minnesota.¹
• 3 schools offer a certificate program in radiologic science.¹
• 14 schools offer an associate’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• 4 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• No schools offer a master’s or advanced degree in radiologic science.¹
• 11 schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).²
• 4 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

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

Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota with Radiology Technologist Degree Programs

Dunwoody College of Technology

An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Radiologic Technology is offered at Dunwoody College of Technology. The program takes two years to complete, with classes held on campus during daytime hours. The JRCERT-accredited program prepares students to work in the healthcare industry as entry-level professionals by teaching students to use imaging technologies such as digital x-rays and CT scans. Clinical experiences take place at 10 partner hospitals and clinics in the Twin Cities area, allowing students to work with patients and physicians to practice creating images of bones, organs, and tissues that can be used to help diagnose medical issues. All students complete one rotation at North Memorial Hospital to learn about fluorescent imaging and special procedures for the emergency room. Coursework includes subjects such as radiologic exposure, radiologic procedures, patient care, and ethics in healthcare.

Lake Superior College

Lake Superior College (LSC) seeks to train entry-level radiology technologists with its Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology. Students in the program learn medical image processing skills, clinical competence, critical thinking skills, and communication skills. The 78-credit program can be completed in as little as 22 months. Students complete a core curriculum of 22 courses including Patient Care in Medical Imaging; Concepts of Image Production; Radiographic Pathology; Radiation Biology & Protection; and Advanced Medical Imaging. In addition to coursework, students complete clinical placements at medical facilities in the Duluth region, beginning in the ninth week of the curriculum. To be considered for admission, students must have a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential.

St. Catherine University

Nicknamed St. Kate’s, St. Catherine University is a private Catholic liberal arts institution that offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiography. The program can be completed in two years. With cohorts of only 16 to 18, students benefit from close-knit experiences with peers and faculty and individualized attention in classes. Traditional classroom instruction is complemented by hands-on clinical experiences two to three times per week throughout the program that take place in the Twin Cities metro area. Students participate in clinical rotations scheduled two to three times per week in eight-hour shifts. They also participate in coursework such as Radiographic Procedures; Radiation Physics; Exposure; Radiation Biology; and Healthcare Ethics. Graduates are prepared to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam and also have a strong foundation for continuing education in specialties such as radiation therapy and nuclear medicine.

St. Cloud State University

Students at St. Cloud State University can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Radiologic Technology. The degree comprises 120 credit hours and can be completed in four years. Upon completion, students will be qualified to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam. During the first two years of the program, students take science courses and general education requirements at the university. There is also a job shadowing requirement during the first year of the program. In the last two years of the program, students take clinical radiologic courses such as Radiation Physics; Applied Medical Terminology; Ethics and Law in the Radiologic Sciences; Applied Human Structure and Function; and Computers in Radiologic Sciences. Students must also complete a clinical internship at an affiliated hospital. Graduates are prepared to pursue specialties in modalities such as bone densitometry, interventional radiography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). St. Cloud State also offers a BS in Nuclear Medicine Technology that qualifies graduates to take the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) exam.

How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Minnesota

The state of Minnesota does not require state licensure for practicing radiologic technologists and technicians (RTs), though it does require registration for limited scope x-ray operators. While licensing is not required for RTs, it is suggested by the state that radiology techs complete the ARRT exam and become certified. The steps to becoming certified with the ARRT are:

1. Earn a diploma, certificate, or degree in your desired area of practice. Candidates must complete an approved educational program in their specific modality plus a minimum of an associate degree in any subject. These may be the same program, but are not required to be.
2. Take and pass the ARRT exam. Visit the ARRT website to determine which modalities you are qualified to test in for certification. You must pass each exam with a 75 or higher to become certified.
3. Maintain your registration. You must complete an annual renewal process through the ARRT. This includes completing 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years.

Minnesota Department of Health Limited Scope X-ray Operator license category allows licensees to take x-rays of certain areas of the body under direct supervision. To qualify for this license, candidates must complete a recognized x-ray training program and then apply to sit for the ARRT Limited Scope of Practice in Radiography exam through the Minnesota Department of Health (MNDH). Approved applicants will be sent instructions for registering for and taking the exam. Once the exam has been passed, candidates may submit an application for licensure.

Minnesota Radiology Tech Salary and Job Outlook

Radiologic technologist and technician employment in Minnesota is projected to grow 7% in the decade ending in 2030.⁵ This is slightly below the national projected job growth rate of 8.6% for rad techs.⁵ According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2022, there were 4,130 radiologic technologists and technicians working in Minnesota earning an average of $73,570 per year.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. Hospitals in the state where rad techs can find work include the Mayo Clinic, University of Minnesota Medical Center, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, CentraCare, Allina Health United Hospital of St. Paul, Mercy Hospital, and North Memorial Health Hospital. Radiologic technologists and technicians in Minnesota may also find job opportunities at diagnostic or imaging centers such as RAYUS Radiology, Allina Medical Clinics, Aspen Medical Group, and the Center for Diagnostic Imaging.

Minnesota 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