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.
Quick Facts:
- 19 colleges and universities offer a degree program in radiologic technology/science.
- 4 schools offer a certificate program in radiologic technology/science.
- 10 schools offer an associate’s degree program in radiologic technology/science.
- 6 schools offer a bachelor’s degree program in radiologic technology/science.
- Highest graduation rate: Hillyard Technical Center, 89% and Nichols Career Center, 89%.1
- Highest transfer out rate: Avila University, 38%.1
- Highest net price per year: Saint Louis University-Main Campus, $33,572.1
- Lowest net price per year: Rolla Technical Institute, $5,994.1
- Highest student population: University of Missouri-Columbia, 33,762.1
- Lowest student population: Mercy Hospital Springfield-School of Radiologic Technology, 31.1
- Annual tuition range for radiologic technologist and technician programs at community colleges and career schools in Missouri: $5,370-$16,437.2
Discover more information about radiologic technologist and technician schools in Missouri, career projections for graduates, and possible career paths by continuing below.
JRCERT Accredited Radiography Programs
The following programs are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on
Education in Radiologic Technology for radiography as of 2014.
Avila University (Kansas City)
Cox College (Springfield)
Hillyard Technical Center (St. Joseph)
Linn State Technical College (Linn)
Mercy Hospital Springfield (Springfield)
Mercy Hospital St. Louis (St. Louis)
Metropolitan Community College – Penn Valley (Kansas City)
Mineral Area College (Park Hills)
Missouri Southern State University (Joplin)
Research Medical Center (Kansas City)
Rolla Technical Center (Rolla)
Sanford-Brown College – Fenton Campus (Fenton)
Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences (Cape Girardeau)
St. Louis Community College at Forest Park (St. Louis)
St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City (Kansas City)
State Fair Community College (Sedalia)
University of Missouri – Columbia Campus (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 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: (1) students will be clinically competent, (2) students will attain critical thinking, (3) students will demonstrate professionalism, and (4) students will master effective communication skills. The radiologic science program at Avila also strives to meet the needs of students and the community by helping students to successfully complete their studies, preparing students to pass the ARRT exam, and training radiology technologists who are desirable for employment in the radiology field.
University of Missouri – Columbia
Operated by the University of Missouri education system, the MU 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 100% 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 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. 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 5 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 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, 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 have obtained relevant certification, such as 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 (a) at least 40 hours of formal instruction in mammography and at least 15 hours of continuing education in mammography every three years or (b) to hold an ARRT Certificate of Advanced Qualification in Mammography or its equivalent.
Career Opportunities for Radiology Techs in Missouri
Projected Job Growth
20.6%
Radiology Techs in Missouri from 2010-20204
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 4,780 radiologic technologists and technicians work in Missouri, earning an average of $50,080 a year.3 Radiology technologist and technician employment in Missouri is projected to grow 20.6% in the decade ending in 2020.4 Individuals seeking careers in radiology technology in Missouri should consider employment opportunities at one of the ten best hospitals in Missouri according to US News: 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, Barnes-Jewish West County 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 | $51,680 |
| Jefferson City | 130 | $50,740 |
| Springfield | 460 | $44,200 |
| St. Louis | 2,240 | $49,430 |
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2012.
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. Niche College Search: https://www.niche.com/colleges/?state=MO&sort=best
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mo.htm
4. Missouri Economic Research and Information Center: https://www.missourieconomy.org/
5. Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm