Top Radiologic Technology Schools in Massachusetts

Navigating through the numerous radiologic technology schools in Massachusetts to find the right fit for your career can be daunting. Our overview cuts through the noise, detailing accredited programs, from associate to bachelor’s degrees, and what they offer for your future in medical imaging.

Top Radiologic Technology Programs in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, aspiring radiologic technologists have a range of educational opportunities, from radiologic technology associate degrees to Bachelor of Science programs. Each of these programs has unique strengths and offerings, with critical factors such as national accreditation status, and the pass rate of graduates on credentialing exams guiding the choice.

Let’s dive deeper into some of the top programs and their program faculty.

Bunker Hill Community College

The Medical Radiography Program at BHCC offers both full-time (21 months) and part-time (35 months) options, designed to prepare students to become competent radiologic technologists. The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).. What makes this program stand out is:

  • Their mission is to produce competent radiologic technologists
  • Their learning environment focused on community engagement
  • Their emphasis on multicultural interaction
  • Their strong faculty-student relationships

Imagine yourself at BHCC, learning from dedicated faculty and contributing to a diverse, vibrant healthcare community.

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

  • The Bachelor of Science in Radiography (BS) Accelerated program at MCPHS (Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences) is designed to prepare students to become skilled radiologic technologists. The program focuses on using ionizing radiation to create two-dimensional X-rays for diagnosing diseases. It is an intensive, year-round program that takes 32 consecutive months to complete on the Boston campus.

Curriculum and Structure:

  • The program is divided into three phases:
    • First-Year Experience: Focus on foundational courses in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and radiographic principles, including patient care and medical terminology.
    • Second-Year Experience: In-depth study of radiographic procedures, healthcare ethics, and interpersonal communication, alongside internships.
    • Third-Year Experience: Advanced training in radiographic procedures, radiation protection, and problem-solving, with additional internships.
  • Students participate in clinical rotations in prestigious Boston-area medical facilities.

Clinical Training:

  • Hands-on training begins in the first semesters, where students use state-of-the-art technology under the guidance of expert faculty. The program emphasizes mastering the technologies essential for accurate diagnosis.

Certification and Outcomes:

  • Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam, qualifying them to work as radiologic technologists.

Licensing Requirements for Radiologic Technologists in Massachusetts

After completing a radiologic technology program, graduates must navigate the licensing process. In Massachusetts, radiographers must hold a Radiologic Technologist license issued by the Massachusetts Radiation Control Program. This licensure process includes passing an examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or an equivalent examination recognized by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Once licensed, radiologic technologists are required to continue their education, obtaining a minimum of 24 continuing education units (CEUs) during their two-year licensing cycle, with specific requirements depending on their disciplines and areas such as radiation safety.

Education and Accreditation

The road to licensure begins with a quality education, and that’s where JRCERT accreditation comes in. To practice as a radiologic technologist in Massachusetts, individuals are required to complete a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). This accreditation signifies a standard of excellence for educational training in radiologic technology.

Graduates of such accredited programs, like the one at Springfield Technical Community College, are well-prepared for the ARRT certification exam, a crucial step towards professional practice.

Examination and Certification

The next step after education is certification. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) sets the education, ethics, and examination requirements for certification in radiologic technology. After completing an ARRT-approved educational program, graduates are qualified to take the ARRT certification exam in radiography.

This exam evaluates candidates’ understanding and ability to perform entry-level radiographic procedures, with successful candidates receiving the R.T. (R) credential.

Job Outlook and Salary Information for Radiologic Technologists in Massachusetts

Once you’ve obtained your education and licensure, the world of radiologic technology opens up with promising job prospects and attractive salary packages. In Massachusetts, the projected growth rate for radiologic technologist employment through 2030 is quite promising at 6 per cent.

On the salary front, radiologic technologists in the state are among the highest paid in the United States, with an annual mean wage of $85,800.

Statewide Projections

Statewide projections for the field of radiologic technology in Massachusetts indicate healthy growth. This growth trend suggests that aspiring radiologic technologists can look forward to a robust job market in the coming years.

A 6 percent growth rate through 2030 is indeed a promising outlook for those planning to embark on this career path.

Salary by Metro Area

In terms of salary, the Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH metropolitan area leads with an average annual wage of $86,100 for radiologic technologists. However, attractive salary packages are not limited to this area. For instance, radiologic technologists in Worcester, MA can expect an average salary of $70,201, with a typical range between $63,901 and $77,401. These wages reflect the high demand and value placed on skilled radiologic technologists in the state.

Clinical Rotations and Hands-on Experience

One of the key aspects of any radiologic technology program is the opportunity for clinical rotations and hands-on experience. Programs such as those offered by MCPHS University incorporate extensive laboratory classes that simulate real-world situations, providing critical hands-on experience.

These experiences, combined with supervised field experience, allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, preparing them for their professional roles in medical imaging.

Clinical Site Selection

The selection of clinical sites for rotations is a thoughtful process, considering the need for students to experience a variety of imaging modalities and patient demographics. Also, the locations chosen are usually within a reasonable distance from the campus to ensure accessibility for students. Notably, students have the opportunity to complete rotations at prestigious institutions like the Massachusetts General Hospital, under the guidance of experienced clinical instructors.

Skills Development

During clinical rotations, students not only observe professionals in action but also get a chance to develop their skills and competencies. They learn how to:

  • Prepare and correctly position patients to achieve the best imaging results while ensuring the patients’ comfort
  • Practice radiation protection to keep both themselves and the patients safe
  • Provide patient care and support during imaging procedures
  • Think critically and make decisions based on the imaging results and patient history

Developing critical thinking skills and positioning skills is essential for a successful career in medical imaging, as these skills enable professionals to analyze and interpret complex data with precision, including the ability to evaluate diagnostic images and other imaging modalities effectively.

Continuing Education and Career Advancement Opportunities

Even after obtaining their licensure, radiologic technologists have numerous opportunities for continuing education and career advancement. The Massachusetts Society of Radiologic Technologists, for instance, provides resources for continuing education and hosts an annual conference to facilitate ongoing learning and professional development.

Specialization and Certification

Beyond the basic radiography certification, radiologic technologists can pursue additional certifications in specialized areas including:

  • Nuclear medicine
  • Radiation therapy
  • Mammography
  • Computed tomography (CT)
  • Radiologist assistant
  • Positron emission tomography (PET)

These advanced certifications, offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), can open up new avenues and possibilities for career growth.

Application Process and Admission Requirements

Before you can embark on your journey to become a radiologic technologist, you need to navigate the application process and meet the admission requirements. These typically include:

  • Prerequisites like high school courses in biology and chemistry or equivalent college-level courses
  • Anatomy and physiology courses are often required prerequisites
  • The admission process is competitive, requiring a minimum cumulative GPA, commonly around 2.5 or higher
  • Depending on faculty and clinical space availability

Prerequisites 

Prerequisite courses for medical programs often include:

  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Medical terminology
  • Math
  • Physics

Additional prerequisites may include college-level math, English, and computer literacy. Application deadlines commonly fall in spring, around March or April, for programs beginning in the fall semester. However, deadlines can vary, and some institutions recommend early application due to space constraints.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities

While the journey to becoming a radiologic technologist is rewarding, it can also be financially challenging. Fortunately, there are numerous financial aid and scholarship opportunities available for students.

The Massachusetts Society of Radiologic Technologists (MSRT) offers annual scholarships to students and technologists in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine, and Radiation Therapy.

Summary

Throughout this guide, we’ve explored the exciting career of a radiologic technologist, delved into the top educational programs in Massachusetts, discussed licensing requirements, and examined the promising job outlook and attractive salary packages. We’ve also highlighted the importance of clinical rotations and hands-on experience, explored continuing education and career advancement opportunities, and outlined the application process and financial aid options. 

Explore Radiologic Technology Training in Neighboring States to Massachusetts

Situated in the New England region, Massachusetts is bordered by states offering excellent opportunities for radiologic technology training. From New York and Rhode Island to Vermont, Connecticut, and New Hampshire, these neighboring states provide diverse and accessible pathways to build a successful career in medical imaging.

Highlighted States to Consider:

Explore state-specific guides to uncover training programs, certification requirements, and job opportunities tailored to radiologic technologists. These resources are designed to help you thrive in this essential and rewarding healthcare field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do radiologic technologists in Massachusetts participate in academic research?

Massachusetts has academic medical centers that employ technologists in research roles, assisting with clinical studies and new imaging technology development, particularly in Boston.

What are the major employers of radiologic technologists in Boston?

Hospitals like Massachusetts General and Brigham and Women’s are major employers, offering extensive opportunities across imaging modalities and advanced technology.

What are the common specializations among technologists in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, technologists often specialize in MRI, CT, and nuclear medicine, with access to advanced training at renowned medical institutions throughout the state.