Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Oklahoma

There are many colleges and universities in Oklahoma offering radiologic technology programs to support your future career. This overview of radiologic technologist and technician programs in Oklahoma will assist you in understanding your options so that you can make an informed decision. You might also consider online radiologic technologist and technician schools, which may offer courses in a more flexible format than traditional on-campus programs. Read about the difference between radiology technologists and radiology technicians. Continue learning about radiologic technologist schools in Oklahoma and where your career in radiologic technology can take you by reading below, where you will find a table of rad tech programs, salary and employment data for rad techs in Oklahoma, and more.

Quick Facts

• There are 7 not-for-profit colleges and universities with radiologic technology degree programs in Oklahoma.¹
• No schools offer a certificate program in radiologic science.¹
• 6 schools offer an associate’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• 1 school offers a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• No schools offer a master’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• 5 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

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

Oklahoma Medical Imaging Schools Comparison

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

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

Select Schools in Oklahoma with Radiology Technologist Degree Programs

Bacone College

Bacone College confers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Radiography to students who complete its sequenced 19-month program. Applicants to the program must first complete the ACT, eight hours of clinical shadowing, a pre-entrance exam, and the required prerequisite courses. A minimum GPA of 2.6 is required in all prerequisite coursework with no grades lower than a “C” in any course. Students will be required to meet the physical standards necessary to perform clinical duties. The curriculum requires 19 credit hours of general education courses and 53 credit hours of radiography courses. Students begin the program in the fall. Courses include Radiation Protection, Radiation Physics, Digital Imaging, and Image Evaluation & Acquisition. Graduation from the Radiography program requires a “C” or better in all coursework, completion of all clinical requirements, and satisfactory scores on all exams. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam.

Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City

Students at the Oklahoma City campus of Oklahoma State University (OSU-OKC) with an interest in radiologic science can apply to the university’s Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology. The five-semester program provides students with technical skills in medical imaging and meets the educational requirements to sit for the ARRT examination. The 68-credit program includes 25 credits of general education and 43 credits of radiologic technology courses, including Principles of Imaging; Digital Image Acquisition and Display; Patient Care in Radiologic Sciences; Advanced Modalities; and Radiation Biology and Protection. Students also participate in four radiologic clinical rotations at affiliated medical facilities. OSU-OKC admits no more than 20 students to the Radiologic Technology program every year. Admission is based on a point system that takes into account GPA, general education coursework, and scores on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 to be considered for the program.

Tulsa Community College

Tulsa Community College (TCC) offers a six-semester program leading to an Associate in Applied Sciences (AAS) in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS). Students are selected for admission on the basis of their previous college or high school GPA, ACT score, and the completion of prerequisite coursework. Once admitted to the program, students begin taking classes in the fall semester. The program combines both clinical and classroom learning starting in the first semester of study. Radiography coursework includes Acoustical Physics and Instrumentation; Neurosonography and Small Parts Ultrasound; and Ultrasound Seminar. A grade of “C” or higher is required in all program courses. TCC also offers an AAS in Radiography and an AAS in Cardiovascular Technology.

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

The College of Allied Health at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) offers students interested in pursuing careers as radiologic technologists or x-ray operators a four-year Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences (BSMIRS) in Radiography. The program starts with general education prerequisites followed by a professional phase, which begins in the summer and consists of 68 credit hours that include a combination of clinical experiences and sequential didactic courses. Students take advanced courses in a range of radiographic topics. Sample course titles include Medical Ethics and Law; Pathology; Radiographic Imaging; Patient Care and Management; Radiologic Physics & Radiation Protection; and Healthcare Management & Law. Students also participate in an interdisciplinary capstone course in their final semester. Admission into the program’s two-year professional phase requires the completion of 64 credits of prerequisite and elective courses with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Students may also wish to review other medical imaging degrees offered through OUHSC: a degree completion BSMIRS in Radiation Sciences (offered online), a BSMIRS in Nuclear Medicine, a BSMIRS in Radiation Therapy, and a BSMIRS in Sonography.

How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Oklahoma

Oklahoma does not require radiologic technologists (RTs) to be licensed. However, radiologist assistants (RAs) are required to be licensed by the Ohio Medical Board (OMB), which requires ARRT certification as a Registered Radiologic Assistant (RRA). While certification is not required by the state for other medical imaging positions, employers often prefer ARRT certification. RAs will need to complete the following steps to become licensed in Oklahoma. RTs seeking ARRT certification but not RA status will not need to complete all steps.

1. Complete a certificate, diploma, or associate’s degree in your chosen modality. The ARRT requires all candidates to have an associate degree or higher and have completed an education program in their practice area. These may be the same program but do not have to be.
2. Complete a bachelor’s degree and RA program. Candidates for ARRT certification as RRAs must also earn a bachelor’s degree and complete an ARRT-recognized RA program. As with the previous step, these may be the same program but do not have to be.
3. Complete the ARRT exam to become certified in radiography. Candidates must apply to take the ARRT exam in their chosen modality to become certified in radiography. Once the exam is passed, candidates will be certified as RTs by the ARRT.
4. Complete at least one year of patient-related clinical work. The ARRT requires RRA candidates to complete at least one year of professional clinical experience, which is not part of the educational program.
5. Apply for ARRT RRA certification and pass the exam. Once candidates have completed the education and work requirements, they may apply for ARRT certification and schedule their exam. Passing the exam requires a score of 75 or higher.
6. Apply to the OMB for an RA license. Applicants must submit proof of completion of an ARRT-accredited radiologist assistant program, ARRT certification as an RRA, and the necessary fees and an application to the OMB. When qualifications have been verified, candidates will become licensed as Oklahoma RAs.
7. Maintain certification and licensure. Licenses are renewed biannually. The OMB requires RAs to submit a renewal form, associated fees, and proof of current ARRT registration to maintain their license. The ARRT requires RAs to renew every year and complete 50 hours of continuing education every two years.

Oklahoma Radiology Tech Salary and Job Outlook

Radiologic tech employment in Oklahoma is projected to increase by 11.5% through 2030.⁵ The national job outlook for radiologic technologists and technicians is less strong, with an average job growth rate of 8.6% projected during the same time period.⁵ According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for the 3,160 rad techs working in Oklahoma is $62,580, which is below the national average of $70,240.⁶ 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 in Oklahoma can consider working at one of the many hospitals in the state, which include the University of Oklahoma Medical Center, Saint Francis Hospital, Ascension St. John Medical Center, and St. Anthony Hospital. Radiology techs who prefer to work in smaller clinical environments may find job opportunities at imaging centers such as Touchstone Medical Imaging and OU Health.

Oklahoma 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-a-Program.aspx
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