Radiology Technologist Schools in Missouri
There are many options for attending radiologic technologist and technician schools in Missouri. This guide to radiologic technologist and technician schools in Missouri will provide you with information to compare schools and programs so that you can make an informed decision. You may also be interested in learning more about online radiologic technologist and technician schools. Some students find that online degree and certificate programs offer enhanced flexibility and greater opportunities for specialized independent study than their traditional on-campus counterparts. Read about the difference between radiology technologists and radiology technicians. Discover more information about radiologic technologist and technician schools in Missouri, including a a table of top-rated rad tech programs, a list of nationally accredited radiologic technology programs, career projections for graduates, and possible career paths by continuing below.
Radiologic Technology Program Stats
- There are 19 colleges and universities with radiologic technology degree programs in Missouri.1
- 4 schools offer a certificate program in radiologic science.1
- 13 colleges and universities offer an associate’s degree in radiologic science.1
- 6 colleges and universities offer a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science.1
- 1 school offers a master’s or advanced degree in radiologic science.1
Institution-Wide Facts
- Highest graduation rate*: Saint Louis University 74%.1
- Highest transfer-out rate*: Cox College 67%.1
- Highest net price per year*: Saint Louis University $33,222.1
- Lowest net price per year*: State Fair Community College $4,538.1
- 13 radiologic technology programs are accredited by JRCERT (see below).*
*For not-for-profit schools with radiologic technology programs.
Credentialing Exam Pass Rate and Accreditation Information for Medical Imaging Schools in Missouri
We designed the following table to allow you to easily compare top-rated, not-for-profit radiologic technology and medical imaging programs in Missouri on a variety of factors. You can sort the table by clicking on the arrows in the top row. Since many state licensing boards and organizations that offer credentialing exams such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) require that aspiring radiologic technologists complete a recognized program, accreditation is an important factor in evaluating schools. Additionally, if you are considering transferring from an associate’s degree to a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the imaging sciences, or are interested in pursuing a specialized certificate in the future, be aware that many programs consider accreditation for previously completed programs in their admissions decisions. Finally, you should always check with your state’s licensing board to ensure that the program you are considering will meet licensure requirements.
| School Name | Associate’s Imaging Program | Bachelor’s Imaging Program | Graduate Imaging Program | National Accreditation | Completion Rate2* | Credential Exam Pass Rate2* | Job Placement Rate2* | Net Price**1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avila University | No | Yes | No | JRCERT | 87% | 86% | 100% | $19,871 |
| Cox College | Yes | No | No | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 93% | — | — | $20,148 |
| Drury University | Yes | No | No | — | — | — | — | $22,181 |
| East Central College | Yes | No | No | — | — | — | — | $7,873 |
| Jefferson College | Yes | No | No | JRCERT | 71% | — | — | $5,363 |
| Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley | Yes | No | No | JRCERT | 82% | 98% | 97% | $7,248 |
| Mineral Area College | Yes | No | No | JRCERT | 76% | 78% | 94% | $8,139 |
| Missouri Southern State University | Yes | No | No | JRCERT | 80% | 100% | 100% | $9,203 |
| Missouri State University-Springfield | No | Yes | No | — | — | — | — | $14,862 |
| North Central Missouri College | Yes | No | No | — | — | — | — | $9,016 |
| Northwest Missouri State University | No | Yes | No | — | — | — | — | $11,262 |
| Saint Louis Community College | Yes | No | No | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 71% | 94% | 85% | $7,329 |
| Saint Louis University | No | Yes | Yes | JRCERT, JRCNMT | 92% | 93% | 91% | $33,222 |
| Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences | Yes | No | No | JRCERT | 90% | 87% | 93% | — |
| Southwest Baptist University | Yes | No | No | JRCERT | 100% | — | — | $16,782 |
| State Fair Community College | Yes | No | No | JRCERT | 85% | 87% | 97% | $4,538 |
| State Technical College of Missouri | Yes | No | No | JRCERT | 69% | 86% | 93% | $7,918 |
| University of Central Missouri | No | Yes | No | — | — | — | — | $13,567 |
| University of Missouri-Columbia | No | Yes | No | JRCERT, CAAHEP, JRCNMT | 100% | 100% | 100% | $16,317 |
*Completion Rate, Credential Exam Pass Rate, and Job Placement Rate data are from Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology Program Effectiveness Data for JRCERT-accredited programs.
**Net price is the annual cost per year for undergraduate tuition as reported to the National Center for Education Statistics based on the cost of tuition, books, room and board, and related expenses for students who qualify for in-state tuition and fees, after deducting the average financial aid award.
Accredited Medical Imaging Programs
JRCERT Accredited Radiography Programs
- Avila University (Kansas City)
- Cox College (Springfield)
- Jefferson College (Hillsboro)
- Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley (Kansas City)
- Mineral Area College (Park Hills)
- Missouri Southern State University (Joplin)
- Saint Louis Community College (St. Louis)
- Saint Louis University (St. Louis)
- Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences (Cape Girardeau)
- Southwest Baptist University (Springfield)
- State Fair Community College (Sedalia)
- State Technical College of Missouri (Linn)
- University of Missouri-Columbia (Columbia)
CAAHEP Accredited Sonography Programs
- Cox College (Springfield)
- Saint Louis Community College (St. Louis)
- University of Missouri-Columbia (Columbia)
JRCNMT Accredited Nuclear Medicine Technology Programs
- Saint Louis Community College (St. Louis)
- University of Missouri-Columbia (Columbia)
Missouri Radiology Technologist Degree Programs
Avila University
Avila University is one of only around forty programs in the country to offer a baccalaureate program in radiologic science. Students in the program choose from one of three emphasis areas: advanced clinical practicum, education, and management. After taking a series of prerequisites and general education requirements, students complete a core curriculum including Radiographic Procedures, Radiologic Science, Radiation Protection & Biology, Radiologic Pathology, Image Evaluation, Clinical Education, Cross-Sectional Anatomy, and Radiography Review. All students are also required to complete a capstone course in radiologic science in their senior year of study. The program lists four essential goals for student learning over the course of the program: students will be clinically competent; students will attain critical thinking; students will demonstrate professionalism; and finally, students will master effective communication skills. The radiologic science program at Avila also strives to meet the needs of students and the community by preparing students to pass the ARRT exam and training radiologic technologists who are desirable for employment in the radiology field.
University of Missouri – Columbia
Operated by the University of Missouri education system, the School of Health Professions in Columbia seeks to provide a quality education for aspiring health professionals. Founded in 1960, the radiologic science program at SHP is well-established and boasts a high historical pass rate on national certifying examinations in radiology. Many graduates of the program go on to continue their education with clinical externships in computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Students work with faculty advisors to develop academic plans that meet all course requirements of the four-year program. In addition to general education and radiography courses, students round out their education with classes in health care organization and management, cardiology, radiation safety, radiation biology, and health research. Students complete their clinical practicums with medical affiliates of the university such as the University of Missouri Hospital Center, Harry S Truman Veteran’s Administration Hospital, Boone Hospital Center, and Women’s and Children’s Hospital. They earn a bachelor of science degree upon successful completion of their studies.
Missouri State University
Missouri State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Radiography through the Department of Kinesiology at the College of Health and Human Services. The degree program is run in affiliation with CoxHealth and the St. John’s Regional Health Center School of Radiologic Technology. It is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and consists of a 24-month sequence of professional courses combined with five semesters of university coursework. Students learn all content areas necessary to gain clinical competency in radiology, including human structure and function, medical terminology, radiation biology and protection, radiographic evaluation, patient care, and medical ethics. To successfully complete the degree, radiology students must fulfill 43 to 54 credits of general education requirements for the university and 28 to 32 hours of radiologic science major requirements. The radiography major includes a focus area in science, education, or management. All majors are required to participate in clinical practicums.
St. Louis Community College at Forest Park
Students in the radiologic technology program at St. Louis Community College earn an Associate in Applied Science degree at the Forest Park campus. Accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), the degree is a full-time program with both didactic and clinical components. Students learn to use x-ray and imaging equipment and to evaluate imaging results. The program consists of a total of 75 credits and includes the following courses: Radiographic Procedures I-III, Principles of Radiographic Exposure I & II, Radiologic Physics I & II, Radiographic Image Evaluation I & II, Radiologic Pathology, Advanced Imaging Modalities, Radiobiology, Radiologic Technology Review, and Professional Development in Radiography. Individuals interested in the program must be comfortable working with people of diverse backgrounds and be capable of meeting the academic and physical demands of the program. Students are also highly encouraged to complete a series of prerequisites in anatomy and physiology before enrolling in the program.
How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Missouri
The state of Missouri does not license or register radiologic technology personnel. However, Missouri employers typically expect radiologic technologists to have completed an education or training program appropriate to the type(s) of radiologic imaging that will be performed and to hold relevant certification, such as that from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). To maintain ARRT registration, radiologic professionals must complete continuing education on a biennial basis and meet the continuing qualification guidelines set by the organization. Operators of mammography equipment are required by the Missouri Division of Health Standards and Licensure to have certification by the ARRT, the American Registry of Clinical Radiographic Technologists (ARCRT), or equivalent certification, as well as either at least 40 hours of formal instruction in mammography plus at least 15 hours of continuing education in mammography every three years or an ARRT Certificate of Advanced Qualification in Mammography or its equivalent.
Career Opportunities for Radiology Techs in Missouri
Projected Job Growth
5.9%
Radiology Techs in Missouri from 2014-20243
Radiologic technologist and technician employment in Missouri is projected to grow 5.38% in the decade ending in 2024.3 This is lower than the projected national average job growth rate of 9% for radiologic techs during the same time period.4 According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 4,080 radiologic technologists and technicians work in Missouri, earning an average of $53,340 a year.5 Individuals seeking careers in radiology technology in Missouri can consider employment opportunities in one of many of Missouri’s top hospitals, including Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University, University of Missouri Health Care, Missouri Baptist Medical Center, Cox Health Hospital, Freeman Hospital, North Kansas City Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, St. Louis University Hospital, and Des Peres Hospital. Radiology technologists and technicians may also find job opportunities at radiologic imaging centers in Missouri such as Advanced Radiology of Columbia, Big Bend Imaging, Bluff Radiology Group, Bridgeton MRI and Imaging, Diagnostic Imaging Centers, Kansas City Cancer Center, Midwest Open Imaging, North County Radiology, River City Imaging LLC, or Watson Imaging Center.
Missouri Radiologic Technologist Salary and Jobs
| City | Number Employed | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia | 180 | $51,170 |
| Jefferson City | 50 | $51,870 |
| Springfield | 340 | $45,490 |
| St. Louis | 1,790 | $53,800 |
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2016.6
Missouri Radiologic Technologist Career Interview
- Kelley McDonald, President, Missouri Society of Radiologic Technologists
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/resources/program-effectiveness-data/
3. Missouri Economic Research and Information Center: https://www.missourieconomy.org/
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, Radiologic and MRI Technologists: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm
5. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2016 Occupational Employment and Wages, Radiologic Technologists: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292034.htm
6. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2016 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm