Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Pennsylvania

There are numerous radiology schools in Pennsylvania that offer programs in radiologic technology, radiography, and specialty practice areas such as nuclear medicine and fluoroscopy. Online radiologic technologist and technician schools also offer a variety of programs and can be a suitable option with scheduling flexibility. Read about the difference between radiology technologists and radiology technicians. Read on to continue learning about radiologic technologist and technician schools in Pennsylvania with our table of rad tech programs and information about career opportunities for RTs in the state.

Quick Facts

• There are 38 colleges and universities with radiologic technology degree programs in Pennsylvania.¹
• 8 schools offer a certificate program in radiologic science.¹
• 28 schools offer an associate’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• 15 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• 1 school offers a master’s or advanced degree in radiologic science.¹
• 20 schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).²
• 9 schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).³
• 3 schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT).⁴

For not-for-profit schools with radiologic technology programs.

Table of Contents

Pennsylvania Medical Imaging Schools Comparison

Select Schools in Pennsylvania with RT Programs

How to Become an RT in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania RT Salary and Job Outlook

Pennsylvania RT Career Interviews

Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania on a variety of factors. While Pennsylvania does not require licensure for radiologic technologists, it is a good idea to 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 Pennsylvania with Radiology Technologist Degree Programs

Bucks County Community College

Bucks County Community College (BCCC) offers a 23-month Certificate in Medical Imaging across six consecutive semesters, with classes beginning each May. Students learn radiography through a mix of in-class, laboratory, and clinical activities that emphasize patient care, radiation protection, and technical skills. The curriculum includes classes such as Radiation Physics, Anatomy and Physiology, Radiographic Pathology, Image Production and Evaluation, and Contrast Media Procedures. All classes take place on the Lower Bucks campus, while clinical experiences take place at Pennsylvania clinics and hospitals. Graduates of the Medical Imaging Program who have an associate degree are eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam, and the program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). BCCC also offers online certificates in Advanced Medical Imaging for professionals who have experience in medical imaging.

Community College of Philadelphia

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Diagnostic Medical Imaging program at the Community College of Philadelphia is a 76-credit academic experience designed for completion within 24 months including summer sessions. Students in the program participate in seven clinical education experiences at affiliated hospitals. Under the supervision of department faculty members and clinical staff, students gain professional experience in various hospital departments including the emergency room, the operating room, the CT department, and the interventional radiology department. Students also learn how to do portable x-ray examinations. Students must successfully pass a criminal background check before admission to the program. In the classroom setting, students complete a specialized curriculum including the following courses: Image Production and Evaluation, Intro to Radiologic Physics, Patient Care and Procedures, Radiographic Osteology and Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, Radiographic Equipment and Operation, Advanced Imaging/Computer Modalities, Radiation Biology and Protection, and Angiographic/Interventional Procedures.

Gannon University

Located in Erie, Gannon University is a private Catholic university with around 4,200 students. The Associate of Science (AS) in Radiologic Science program at Gannon is a 24-month curriculum that is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The first year of the program is considered an introductory year. Students fulfill general education requirements including Gannon University’s Liberal Studies Core, a required academic curriculum that reflects the university’s commitment to Catholic values. First-year students also take a series of introductory radiology courses and also participate in a clinical rotation to learn about different departments in hospitals that require radiology technologists. The last 15 months of the program are tailored toward professional development, during which students focus on clinical competency by continuing clinical rotations in conjunction with advanced radiology coursework. Graduates of the program are prepared to pass the ARRT exam and begin careers in radiologic technology. The program also provides a strong foundation for advanced study in radiologic specialties such as magnetic resonance imaging, sonography, computed tomography, radiation therapy, and radiology education.

Johnson College

Located in Scranton, Johnson College offers an Associate in Science (AS) in Radiologic Technology which takes 73 credit hours to complete. Graduates of the program are prepared to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) national certification exam and begin entry-level careers in radiologic technology. Major courses in the program include Radiologic Positioning, Radiologic Nursing Procedures, Advanced Medical Imaging, and Radiologic Pathology. Students additionally complete 1,320 hours of clinical practicum under the supervision of faculty and licensed practitioners. Admission to the program is competitive and is based on completion of course prerequisites, test scores, and cumulative GPA. Over the past five years, program graduates have reported competitive pass rates on the ARRT radiography exam and high job placement rates. The Radiologic Technology program at Johnson College is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University offers radiologic technology programs at several of its campuses including Penn State-Hershey, Penn State-Schuylkill, and Penn State-New Kensington. The Penn State-New Kensington program begins in the fall semester and consists of 24 months of consecutive study, including summer sessions. Upon graduation, students receive an Associate of Science (AS) in Radiological Sciences and are qualified to take the ARRT professional certification exam. The program is a full-time experience with generally alternating days of clinical internship and academic study. Students take classes such as Patient Care, Biology & Protections, Procedures, Exposure, Radiology Pathology, Radiographic Physics, Introduction to Ethics, Pharmacy and Drug Administration, and Registry Prep. Program participants fulfill their clinical requirements at Allegheny medical centers, Butler Memorial Hospital, or West Penn Hospital. In order to gain a more holistic academic foundation, students in the radiological sciences program at Penn State-New Kensington balance their radiology education with general education requirements in humanities, arts and sciences, and communication skills.

How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Pennsylvania

As of 2020, radiologic technologists were not required to be licensed in order to practice in the state of Pennsylvania. However, employers in the state typically look for candidates who have achieved certification through a nationally recognized body, such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The process to become certified by the ARRT typically involves the following:

1. Complete a diploma, certificate, or associate’s degree in your chosen modality. The ARRT requires that candidates for certification have an associate’s degree in any subject plus an appropriate education in at least one recognized modality.
2. Take and pass the ARRT exam. The ARRT offers content exams in all of the modalities in which it offers certification. A candidate must pass the exam in order to become certified.
3. Maintain your registration. After receiving an initial credential, registered technologists (RTs) must complete an annual renewal process. RTs must also complete 24 hours of continuing education for every two-year period of registration.

Pennsylvania Radiology Tech Salary and Job Outlook

Radiology tech employment in Pennsylvania is projected to grow 6.8% through the decade ending in 2028, compared to a national projection of 9% growth during the same time period.⁵ Pennsylvania offers ample opportunities for recent radiology program graduates. The average salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in the state is $53,860 per year.⁶ With an estimated 10,150 rad techs working in the state as of 2018, Pennsylvania also has the fifth-highest employment level for radiologic technologists in the US.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. Radiology technologists and technicians can consider employment opportunities at Pennsylvania’s many imaging centers. Some options include Adams Diagnostic Imaging in Gettysburg, Image Radiology Group in Pittsburgh, Cedar Crest Imaging in Allentown, Hamot Imaging Center in Erie, Lebanon Diagnostic Imaging in Colebrook, and Medical Imaging Associates LP in Philadelphia. Radiology techs will also find career opportunities in the 253 hospitals in the state, including Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania, and Mercy Health System.

Pennsylvania Radiologic Technologist Salary by Metro Area

Pennsylvania Radiologic Technologist Career Interview

• Sharon Miller, Past President, Pennsylvania 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/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: 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