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, and employment and salary projections.

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

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

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://data.bls.gov/oes/#/area/2600000
7. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm