Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Missouri
There are many options for attending radiologic technologist and technician schools in Missouri. This guide to rad tech 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 technology schools. Some students find that online degree and certificate programs offer enhanced flexibility. Read about the difference between radiology technologists and radiology technicians. Discover more information about radiologic technologist and technician schools in Missouri, including a table of rad tech programs, student reviews, career and salary projections for graduates, and possible career paths by continuing below.
Quick Facts
- There are 20 not-for-profit colleges and universities with radiologic technology degree programs in Missouri.1
- 4 schools offer a certificate program in radiologic science.1
- 14 colleges and universities offer an associate’s degree in radiologic science.1
- 8 colleges and universities offer a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science.1
- 2 schools offer a master’s degree in radiologic science.1
- 13 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
- 2 schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT).4
- Missouri Medical Imaging Schools Comparison
- Select Schools in Missouri with RT Programs
- How to Become an RT in Missouri
- Missouri RT Salary and Job Outlook
- Missouri RT Interviews
- Student Reviews
Table of Contents
Missouri 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 Missouri on a variety of factors. While radiologic technologists are not currently required to be licensed in Missouri, you should check with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to ensure that the program you are considering will meet professional certification 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 Price1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avila University | — | Yes | — | JRCERT | 91% | 90% | 100% | $17,210 |
| Cox College | Yes | Yes | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 100% | 98% | 100% | N.Av. |
| Drury University | Yes | — | — | — | — | — | — | $14,766 |
| East Central College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 91% | 95% | 100% | $7,447 |
| Jefferson College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 100% | 96% | 99% | $6,085 |
| Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 95% | 91% | 100% | $7,009 |
| Mineral Area College | Yes | — | — | — | — | — | — | $9,919 |
| Missouri Baptist University | Yes | — | — | — | — | — | — | $25,590 |
| Missouri Southern State University | Yes | Yes | — | JRCERT | 80% | 100% | 100% | $10,061 |
| Missouri State University | — | Yes | Yes | — | — | — | — | $17,677 |
| North Central Missouri College | Yes | — | — | — | — | — | — | $9,084 |
| Northwest Missouri State University | — | Yes | — | — | — | — | — | $14,197 |
| St. Louis Community College at Forest Park | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 73% | 96% | 100% | $7,635 |
| Saint Louis University | — | Yes | — | JRCERT, JRCNMT | 100% | 84% | 98% | $29,651 |
| Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 78% | 91% | 100% | $14,354 |
| Southwest Baptist University | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 100% | 88% | 97% | $18,926 |
| State Fair Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 93% | 94% | 98% | $6,675 |
| State Technical College of Missouri | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 90% | 93% | 100% | $7,364 |
| University of Central Missouri | — | Yes | — | — | — | — | — | $15,117 |
| University of Missouri-Columbia | — | Yes | Yes | JRCERT, CAAHEP, JRCNMT | 100% | 98% | 100% | $19,889 |
- — indicates none.
- N.Av. indicates no data available.
Select Schools in Missouri with Radiology Technologist Degree Programs
Avila University
Avila University’s School of Imaging Science is one of the few colleges that offer a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Radiologic Science in Missouri. Students in the program choose from one of three emphasis areas: Advanced Clinical Practicum; Education; or Management. After taking a series of prerequisites and general education requirements, students complete a core curriculum that includes courses such as Radiographic Procedures, Radiologic Pathology, 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, attain critical thinking skills, demonstrate professionalism, and 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.
Missouri State University
Missouri State University offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Radiography through its 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 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 radiologic technology, including human structure and function, medical terminology, radiation biology and protection, radiographic evaluation, patient care, and medical ethics. To successfully complete the degree, radiologic technology 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 the option of choosing 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 at St. Louis Community College (STLCC) can earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology at the Forest Park campus. Accredited by JRCERT, the degree is a full-time program with both didactic and clinical components. Students learn to use x-ray and imaging equipment and evaluate imaging results. The program consists of a total of 75 credits and includes the following courses: Radiographic Procedures I-III, 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.
State Technical College of Missouri
State Technical College of Missouri (State Tech) offers a JRCERT-accredited Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Medical Radiologic Technology that prepares graduates to perform diagnostic x-ray exams. Coursework focuses on subjects such as medical terminology, radiation exposures, clinical education, human anatomy, and radiographic procedures. Students learn how to operate imaging equipment, properly prepare patients for procedures, use and administer radiation protection, and treat patients and their confidential medical information. State Tech prepares students with hands-on engagement through labwork and clinical education. Additional general education coursework in English, algebra, and history is also required; a total of 78 credit hours are needed to obtain the degree. Graduates of State Tech are prepared to take the ARRT exam to become registered radiologic technologists. Students are required to be up-to-date on their immunizations by July 1 of the student’s admitted year.
University of Missouri-Columbia
The University of Missouri (Mizzou) School of Health Sciences in Columbia seeks to provide quality education for aspiring health professionals. Founded in 1960, the Bachelor of Health Science in Clinical & Diagnostic Sciences with an emphasis in Radiology program at Mizzou is well-established and boasts a high historical pass rate on national certifying examinations in radiologic technology. Many graduates of the program go on to continue their education with clinical externships in computerized tomography (CT) 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 healthcare 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.
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 ARRT. The process for receiving an ARRT credential typically includes the following:
- Complete an ARRT-approved education program. To become ARRT-certified you must have an associate’s degree in any subject plus at least a certificate or diploma in radiologic technology.
- Take and pass the ARRT exam. The exam that you take will be specific to the area you wish to practice, such as radiologic technology, limited scope x-ray, or mammography.
- Apply for ARRT certification. ARRT certification is not automatic after earning a passing score on the exam, so be sure to complete an application after receiving your exam scores.
- Maintain your registration. As an RRT, you must renew your certification every year, as well as report your continuing education every two years and complete ARRT’s Continuing Qualifications Requirements (CQR) every 10 years.
Missouri Radiology Tech Salary and Job Outlook
Projected Job Growth
5.6%
Radiology Techs in Missouri from 2020-20305
Radiologic technologist and technician employment in Missouri is projected to grow 5.6% in the decade ending in 2030.5 This is lower than the projected national average job growth rate of 8.6% for radiologic techs from 2020 to 2030.6 According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2022, approximately 4,210 radiologic technologists and technicians worked in Missouri, earning an average of $62,390 a year.7 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. 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, CoxHealth, St. Louis University Hospital, and St. Luke’s 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, or Watson Imaging Center, among others. Estimates are based on national data, not school-specific information; data accessed in September 2023.
Missouri Radiologic Technologist Salary by Metro Area
| City | Number Employed8 | Average Annual Salary8 |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia | 200 | $60,310 |
| Kansas City MO-KS | 1,660 | $66,210 |
| St. Louis MO-IL | 1,730 | $65,270 |
| Springfield | 420 | $55,990 |
Missouri Radiologic Technologist Career Interview
- Kelley McDonald, Past President, Missouri Society of Radiologic Technologists
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.
University of Missouri-St.Louis
1 University Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63121
(314) 516-5000
https://www.umsl.edu/
Student Review: “UMSL’S Radiologic Technologist program provided me with the skills I needed to succeed. The class load was a little heavy and the practicals were time-consuming, as would be expected. Initially, I had chosen the ultrasound tech program at another school, but I soon found my interest leaning more towards radiology, so I chose to transfer to UMSL’s school of radiology because the program offered there fit my schedule, and they were flexible with any needs I had as a working mother of three. I was able to find full-time work right after my externship and I have been working in the field for over 10 years.” – Student at the University of Missouri-St.Louis
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, 2022 Occupational Employment and Wages, Radiologic Technologists and Technicians: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292034.htm
7. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Radiologic and MRI Technologists: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm
8. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm