Arizona – Schools, Programs and Other Education Options in Radiology Technology
There is currently a nationwide shortage of professionals working in the field of radiologic technology. While the demand for x-ray technologists has remained steady or grown slightly in most parts of the country, the number of available practitioners has decreased.
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Although the number of technologists has declined at a slightly slower rate in Arizona than in the rest of the country, the state is still a great place to pursue this career. The shrinking field means that current graduates in radiology technology are more likely to find a well-paying job upon earning their degree.
Salaries for Radiologic Technologists
In Arizona, the average annual salary is $79,770, with the lowest 10% earning $54,320 or less and the highest 10% earning $102,160 or more. Nationally, the average salary is $73,410, with the lowest 10% earning $50,020 or less and the highest 10% earning $102,380 or more. This data highlights the differences in wages between Arizona and the national average, and it also breaks down salaries by percentiles for further detail.
National vs. Local Salaries
Location | Average Salary | 10% Earn Less Than | 10% Earn More Than |
---|---|---|---|
United States | $73,410 | $50,020 | $102,380 |
Arizona | $79,770 | $54,320 | $102,160 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region
Region | 10% Earn Less Than | 25% Earn Less Than | Median Salary | 75% Earn More Than | 10% Earn More Than |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
United States | $50,020 | $60,690 | $73,410 | $84,670 | $102,380 |
Arizona | $54,320 | $64,300 | $79,770 | $94,190 | $102,160 |
Arizona nonmetropolitan area | $51,900 | $60,190 | $78,330 | $87,460 | $97,810 |
Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | $54,130 | $62,400 | $65,430 | $80,800 | $93,960 |
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | $54,320 | $64,410 | $80,770 | $97,730 | $102,400 |
Prescott, AZ | $60,450 | $63,570 | $78,760 | $93,680 | $97,180 |
Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | $59,470 | $63,310 | $75,990 | $78,720 | $86,220 |
Tucson, AZ | $48,800 | $61,860 | $77,180 | $93,760 | $94,630 |
Yuma, AZ | $48,280 | $55,640 | $70,160 | $87,470 | $106,000 |
Radiologic technologist Trends in Arizona
In Arizona, there were 5,150 employees in 2020, projected to grow to 7,210 by 2030, representing a 40% increase, with 640 annual job openings. Nationally, there were 222,800 employees in 2022, projected to grow to 235,000 by 2032, a 6% increase, with 13,100 annual job openings.
Employment Trends
Location | Year | Employment | Projected Employment | Growth | Annual Job Openings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Arizona | 2020 | 5,150 | 7,210 | 40% | 640 |
United States | 2022 | 222,800 | 235,000 | 6% | 13,100 |
Source of the data:
- Alabama: data for wages here and for employment trends here.
- U.S data: Bureau of Labour Statistics
Radiology Requirements in Arizona
Arizona professionals in the field of radiology technology from limited license X-ray technicians to radiologist assistants must pass the appropriate American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam. Practitioners working in nuclear medicine must also pass the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMCTB) exam. Limited license X-ray technicians who want to practice in Arizona must complete a limited license program within the state of Arizona. Medical imaging equipment operators (MIOs) must be certified by the ARRT or have met the educational requirements set forth by their employer. Diagnostic medical imaging departments must also be granted certification by the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Radiologic Technology Schools in Arizona
Pima Medical Institute: Pima Medical Institute has an accredited educational program with multiple locations around the western United States, including Tucson, Phoenix, and Mesa. These locations offer an Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiography (Radiologic Technology) for new professionals, as well as an online advanced track radiologic technology program for students with some prior radiology technology training. Current radiologic technologists may also earn a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science completely online to be better qualified for advancement in their field. Continuing accreditation status is granted by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Other Schools to Consider
Several other schools around Arizona offer Associate of Science degrees in radiologic technology. These schools include Arizona Western College in Yuma, Central Arizona College in Coolidge between Phoenix and Tucson, and Pima Community College in Tucson. These educational programs and schools offer more of a traditional community college experience for radiologic technology students who are looking for more than just a fast track to a degree. Additionally, Arizona students can look outside the State (note that public universities and colleges will charge more for non-residents). There are good options in Southern California in general, and Los Angeles in particular, in Henderson and Las Vegas, NV to the north, and limited options in Albuquerque, NM, and in Salt Lake City, Utah. Further afield you can consider x-ray technician schools in Colorado and Texas.
Certified Radiologic Technologist
(CRT) and Registered Radiologic Technologist (RRT) Credentials
Once they have completed the appropriate educational program, new radiology technology practitioners can apply for either the Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT) credential or the Registered Radiologic Technologist (RRT) credential. Although both certifications are available from the ARRT, the RRT certification offers a higher level of credibility and allows practitioners to practice in more specialized fields. To be eligible to work as an RRT, students must complete an accredited radiology technology program and pass the ARRT exam. The certification exam administered by the ARRT is one of the most comprehensive and rigorous tests available in the field.
Professional Organizations
Radiology science professionals in Arizona are well advised to use the resources available to them through their professional organizations. Societies such as the Arizona State Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASSRT) can help technologists make professional contacts and stay abreast of any changes in state regulations. The ASSRT is the Arizona affiliate of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT.) Technologists in Arizona should also be familiar with the Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency (ARRA), which oversees licensing for the state.
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is a national organization responsible for certifying and registering qualified professionals in the field of radiography. To become certified by the ARRT, an individual must pass both a written and clinical certification exam. The certification exam covers all areas of radiological technology, including anatomy and physiology, patient care and radiation protection, imaging procedures, radiobiology, and radiation physics. Certification is valid for two years and must be renewed to maintain the certification status.
Large Employers in Radiology
Large hospitals and medical centers are by far the largest employers of radiologic technologists. These large institutions are also generally able to offer the most competitive wages. Here are some of the most significant employers in Arizona in the field of radiology science.
Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, Phoenix
1111 East McDowell Road
Phoenix, AZ 85006-2666
(602) 239-2000
Mayo Clinic, Phoenix
5777 East Mayo Boulevard
Phoenix, AZ 85054-4502
(480) 515-6296
Banner – University of Arizona Medical Center, Tucson
1501 North Campbell Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85724-5128
(520) 694-0111
St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix
350 West Thomas Road
Phoenix, AZ 85013-4496
(602) 406-3000
Honor Health – Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center, Scottsdale
9003 East Shea Boulevard
Scottsdale, AZ 85260-6771
(480) 323-3000
Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, Glendale
5555 West Thunderbird Road
Glendale, AZ 85306-4696
(602) 865-5555
JRCERT Accredited Radiography Programs in Arizona
Arizona Western College – Radiography
2020 S. Avenue 8E, Yuma AZ 85365-8834
Tel: (928) 314-9574
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 40 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 65% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 85% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $3,034 Resident, $3,444 Non-resident
Central Arizona College – Radiography
Superstition Mountain Campus, Apache Junction AZ 85119-5231
Tel: (480) 677-7746
Program Name: Radiologic
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 41 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 98% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $2,310 Resident, $4,620 Non-resident
GateWay Community College-Washington Campus – Radiography
108 North 40th Street, Phoenix AZ 85034
Tel: (602) 286-8502
Program Name: Medical Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 132 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 85% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 88% Job Placement Rate: 93%
Tuition Fees: $4,536 Resident, $10,360 Non-resident
Mohave Community College – Radiography
3400 Highway 95, Building 1100, Bullhead City AZ 86442
Tel: (928) 704-4391
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 28 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 91.7%
Tuition Fees: $2,784 Resident, $9,400 Non-resident
Pima Community College – Radiography
2202 West Anklam Road, Tucson AZ 85709-0080
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 60 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 91.3% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 99% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $2,754 Resident, $10,650 Non-resident
Pima Medical Institute-Mesa – Radiography
957 South Dobson Road, Mesa AZ 85202
Tel: (480) 844-5550
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 106 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 89% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 86% Job Placement Rate: 84%
Tuition Fees: $15,687 Resident, $15,687 Non-resident
Pima Medical Institute-Online – Radiography
40 North Swan Road, Suite 100, Tucson AZ 85711
Tel: (520) 909-0111
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 210 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 68% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 54% Job Placement Rate: 83%
Tuition Fees: $20,633
Pima Medical Institute-Tucson – Radiography
3350 East Grant Road, Tucson AZ 85716
Tel: (520) 881-1284
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 75 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 79% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 88% Job Placement Rate: 95%
Tuition Fees: $16,158 Resident, $16,158 Non-resident
Yavapai College – Radiography
1100 East Sheldon Street, Prescott AZ 86301
Tel: (928) 771-4866
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 24 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 98% Job Placement Rate: 98%
Tuition Fees: $3,485 Resident, $16,605 Non-resident