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.

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