Your Career in Radiologic Technology in Delaware Starts Here
Across the country, the field of radiologic technology is expected to grow 15 percent by 2030. In Delaware, the growth of this profession is expected to be slightly slower, at 9 percent. Even so, this is well above the projected rate of growth for similar professions and all professions in the US. (Leer esta información en español)
Thanks to these promising employment figures, as well as comparatively high salary figures, this is a great time to explore a career in the radiologic sciences in Delaware.
Responsibilities of Radiologic Technologists
Radiologic technologists in Delaware work with a variety of machines and technologies to create images of the body. This allows doctors to diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions. Radiology technologists are responsible for operating X-ray machines, CT scanners, MRI machines, and other imaging equipment. They also need to prepare patients for radiologic procedures, position them correctly, and explain the procedure to them. In addition, they must take special steps to protect patients from unnecessary radiation exposure. Patient care intervention may also be required in certain cases. Radiation therapy technologists are also responsible for administering radiation treatments to patients and monitoring their progress throughout the process.
Radiology Requirements in Delaware
Radiology science professionals in Delaware must be licensed. Radiologic technologists and radiation therapists must sit for the state exam or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam. The state exam or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) exam is required for nuclear medicine professionals. Those working in cardiovascular medicine must pass the state exam or the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) exam. Licensing exams from other states are acceptable when those states have equivalent requirements. Limited license X-ray technicians must pass the ARRT exam and attend an approved study program.
The prerequisite courses needed to become a radiologic technologist include algebra, anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, physics, radiation protection, and biology. Students may also wish to take additional classes in computer science or information technology. Additionally, many positions require certification in CPR and first aid.
Finding Radiologic Technology Programs in Delaware
Education Requirements for Radiologic Technology in Delaware
To pursue a career as a radiologic technologist in Delaware, you need to have an associate’s degree from an accredited program. In addition, most employers will require you to obtain a certification. Delaware has several accredited radiologic technology programs. Most radiologic technology schools in Delaware also provide students with clinical education experience at local medical facilities.
In the tiny state of Delaware, there are only two schools and three campuses that offer accredited programs in radiology science. Both schools offer associate degree programs that take approximately two years to complete.
Delaware Technical Community College
Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC) is the system of community colleges for the state, consisting of four campuses. Two of Delaware Technical Community College campuses – Wilmington and Georgetown – offer Associate of Science degrees in Radiologic Technology. The program’s accreditation is offered by the joint Review Committee On Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and prepares students to sit for the ARRT exam. This educational program is also a ‘connected program’ that prepares students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree for transfer to a four-year school.
Widener University
Widener University is a private Pennsylvania university, with a satellite campus in Wilmington, DE. The Widener school of extended learning offers an Associate of Science degree in Radiologic Technology. Students will gain clinical experience at Crozer–Keystone Health System, a regional level-2 trauma center located in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The radiologic technology program at Crozer–Chester Medical Center is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)Large
Financial Aid Options for Radiologic Technology Programs
Financial aid is available to those who qualify. The Delaware Higher Education Office provides grants and scholarship programs for eligible students in the state. Additional options may include loans, private scholarships, or employer reimbursement programs. Students should contact the Financial Aid office at their chosen institution for more information on these types of aid.
Registered Radiologic Technologist (RRT) Delaware Programs
Although there are no formal RRT programs offered in Delaware, many radiologic techs choose to pursue extra certifications and credentials. This is accomplished by taking additional coursework through a post-primary certificate program or completing education courses from accredited schools or universities.
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) provides a list of approved post-primary programs, continuing education courses, and additional certifications. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists also offers Recertification points to help technologists meet requirements for renewal and recertification of credentials every two years.
Large Employers in Radiology
Hospital radiology departments are the largest employers of radiologic science professionals in any state. There are relatively few hospitals in the tiny state of Delaware, but the major medical centers in the largest cities are the most promising choices for job seekers.
Registered radiologic technologists in Delaware can also look for jobs in outpatient imaging centers and offices, mobile X-ray services, and research facilities. For those interested in teaching and research fields, universities and colleges often offer positions to qualified individuals as well.
One hospital in Delaware, Christiana Care in Newark, has been nationally ranked by the US News & World Report.
Christiana Care Health System
4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road
Newark, DE 19718-0002
(302) 733-1000
Bayhealth – Kent General Hospital
640 South State Street
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 674-4700
Bayhealth – Milford Memorial
21 West Clarke Avenue
Milford,Delaware 19963
(302) 422-3311
Wilmington Veterans Affairs Medical Center
1601 Kirkwood Highway
Wilmington, DE 19805
(302) 994-2511 or (302) 994-2511
Saint Francis Healthcare
701 North Clayton Street
Wilmington, DE 19805
(302) 421-4100
Nanticoke Health Services
801 Middleford Road
Seaford, Delaware 19973
(302) 629-6611
Salaries for Radiologists
In Delaware, the average annual salary is $69,800, with the lowest 10% earning $51,000 or less and the highest 10% earning $97,180 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 these states 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 |
Delaware | $69,800 | $51,000 | $97,180 |
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 |
Delaware | $51,000 | $58,720 | $69,800 | $84,130 | $97,180 |
Radiologic technologist Trends in Delaware
In Delaware, there were 690 employees in 2020, projected to grow to 790 by 2030, representing a 15% increase, with 60 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Delaware | 2020 | 690 | 790 | 15% | 60 |
United States | 2022 | 222,800 | 235,000 | 6% | 13,100 |
Source of the data:
- Delaware: data for wages here and for employment trends here.
- U.S data: Bureau of Labour Statistics
Professional Organizations
The Delaware affiliate of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists is the Delaware Society of Radiologic Professionals (DSRP). The DSRP does not currently have a website, but it does provide information and networking opportunities via the social networking site Facebook.
JRCERT Accredited Radiography Programs in Delaware
Delaware Technical & Community College (George Campus) – Radiography
700 West Lea Blvd., Suite 101, Wilmington DE 19802
Tel: (302) 428-4571
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 44 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 80% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 98% Job Placement Rate: 94%
Tuition Fees: $4,527 Resident, $11,322 Non-resident
Delaware Technical & Community College (Jack F. Owens Campus) – Radiography
21179 College Drive, Georgetown DE 19947
Tel: (302) 259-6680
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 56 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 50% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $3,354 Resident, $8,388 Non-resident