Radiology Education Options in Radiologic Technology in Maine
The number of jobs in the field of radiologic science in Maine is expected to grow 9 percent in the next decade. Salaries are also rising in response to the increased demand for radiologic science professionals. As a result, Maine is a strong choice for students or young professionals looking for a solid career.
(Leer esta información en español)
Although the number of schools with radiologic technology programs is relatively small, the programs that do exist are accredited and affordable.
Responsibilities of Radiologic Technologist
The main task of a radiologic technologist is to perform imaging tests and procedures using X-ray, ultrasound, CT (computed tomography), or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). This includes positioning the patient for the images, operating the equipment and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Radiologic technologists may also have additional duties such as preparing and administering contrast materials, perform radiographic procedures, taking patient histories and/or performing radiologic technologists examination.
Prerequisite Courses
Radiologic technologists should have a high school diploma or an equivalent. Prerequisite courses include mathematics, biology, computer science, physics, and chemistry. The schools in Maine may also require students to complete additional coursework or demonstrate proficiency in academic subjects such as human anatomy and physiology.
Licensure Requirements in Maine
Maine requires practicing radiology science professionals to be certified through the state or the appropriate national organization. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists oversees licensure for radiographers and radiation therapists, while the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board oversees licensure for nuclear medicine technicians. Limited license X-ray technicians must pass the state examination following completion of a state-approved course of study. These technicians are limited in their practice to no more than two parts of the human body. 24 hours of continuing education credits every two years are required for all fields of radiologic technology.
Radiologic Technology Schools in Maine
Four total schools in the state of Maine offer programs in radiologic technology. Three of the four are representatives of the Maine Community College System.
Maine College of Health Professions: The radiologic technology program at the Maine College of Health Professions offers an associate of applied science degree. The program takes 21 months and involves two days per week of classes in rotation with three days of clinical hours. This school was the first training program for radiologic technologists in Maine.
Kennebec Valley Community College: Kennebec Valley Community College offers a two-year Associate of Science in radiologic technology. Clinic hours are taken in rotation at 12 different medical centers and hospitals in the Augusta area. By completing the program, students are prepared to sit for the ARRT exam for licensure.
Other Colleges to Consider for Radiologic Technologists Programs
Eastern Maine Community College: Eastern Maine Community College offers both a two-year and a three-year program in medical radiography. Both programs end in an Associate of Science in Radiography and involve 6-8 week intensive clinical sessions during the summer semesters.
Southern Maine Community College: Southern Maine offers an Associate of Science (AS) degree in the field of radiologic science. This 23-month program involves a combination of general education and medical radiography classes, along with hands-on clinical experience in hospitals throughout southern Maine, as well as several orthopedic offices in Portland. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply to take the ARRT examination (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists).
Large Employers in Radiology
The various large hospitals and medical centers in Maine are the largest single employers of radiologic science professionals. Radiologic technologists actively seeking employment can consider working at Maine Medical Center, Eastern Maine Medical Center, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, and Mercy Hospital in Portland. Other employers include laboratories, radiology clinics, private physician offices, and medical imaging centers located throughout the state of Maine.
Having a career in radiologic technology can be very rewarding and offers many opportunities to grow and learn. With the right training and education, radiologic technologists can enjoy a long and satisfying career in Maine. Ultimately, it’s important to research licensure requirements for radiology professionals as well as potential employers to ensure you have the proper credentials for success.
Hospitals with significant radiology programs tend to be concentrated in the more densely populated areas of the state.
22 Bramhall Street
Portland, ME 04102-3175
(207) 662-0111
Thayer Center for Health
149 North Street
Waterville, ME 04901-4974
(207) 872-1000
Northern Light – Eastern Maine Medical Center
489 State Street
Bangor, ME 04401-6674
(207) 973-7000
Northern Light – Mercy Hospital
144 State Street
Portland, ME 04101-3795
(207) 879-3000
Ballard Center
6 East Chestnut Street
Augusta, ME 04330
(207) 872-1000
Togus Veterans Affairs Medical Center
1 VA Center
Augusta, ME 04330
(207) 623-8411
Salaries for Radiologists
The average annual wage in Maine is $68,610, which is below the national average of $73,410. Salaries in Maine range from $54,060 at the 10th percentile to $87,370 at the 90th percentile. Regional variations within the state highlight differences in wages across various areas, from Bangor to Portland-South Portland. Below are two tables comparing national and Maine salaries, as well as detailing salaries by region within Maine.
National vs. Maine Salaries
| Percentile | National Salary | Maine Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $50,020 | $54,060 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,690 | $63,340 |
| Median (50%) | $73,410 | $68,610 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,670 | $79,990 |
| 90th Percentile | $102,380 | $87,370 |
Salaries by Region in Maine
| Region | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME | $51,540 | $63,340 | $78,090 | $79,640 | $83,930 |
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME | $63,040 | $64,410 | $78,510 | $82,250 | $91,270 |
| Northeast Maine nonmetropolitan area | $53,190 | $60,050 | $65,540 | $77,900 | $80,650 |
| Portland-South Portland, ME | $55,850 | $65,130 | $68,610 | $85,320 | $87,370 |
| Portsmouth, NH-ME | $62,280 | $64,490 | $82,840 | $87,180 | $99,830 |
| Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area | $52,530 | $62,100 | $66,610 | $78,480 | $87,840 |
Radiologic technologist Trends in Maine
Maine employment trends for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians indicates that in 2020, there were 1,160 individuals employed in this occupation in Maine. By 2030, this number is projected to increase to 1,180, reflecting a 2% growth. Additionally, there are projected to be 80 annual job openings in Maine from 2020 to 2030. Nationally, employment is expected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, with 13,100 annual job openings.
Employment Trends
| Location | Year | Employment | Projected Employment | Projected Growth | Annual Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | 2020 | 1,160 | 1,180 | 2% | 80 |
| United States | 2022 | 222,800 | 235,000 | 6% | 13,100 |
Source of the data:
- Maine : data for wages here and for employment trends here.
- U.S data: Bureau of Labour Statistics
Professional Organizations
The state affiliate of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) is the Maine Society of Radiologic Technologists (MSRT). This society hosts professional meetings among its members, provides information about education and licensure in the state of Maine, and advocates for state and national health policy that protects the field of radiology. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is an accreditation organization that evaluates and oversees the education of radiographers. The JRCERT has accredited several programs throughout Maine, including those at Kennebec Valley Community College, Eastern Maine Community College, Southern Maine Community College, the University of Southern Maine, and the University of New England. The JRCERT is recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is a professional credentialing organization that certifies radiology professionals in several fields, including radiologic technology and medical physics. The ARRT requires applicants to pass an exam to receive their certification. It also provides continuing education opportunities for its members.
JRCERT Accredited Radiography Programs in Maine
Eastern Maine Community College – Radiography
354 Hogan Road, Bangor ME 04401
Tel: (207) 974-4659
Program Name: Medical Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 40 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 83% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 94% Job Placement Rate: 98%
Tuition Fees: $4,042 Resident, $8,084 Non-resident
Kennebec Valley Community College – Radiography
92 Western Avenue, Fairfield ME 04937
Tel: (207) 453-5143
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 38 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 81% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 73% Job Placement Rate: 98%
Tuition Fees: $3,680 Resident, $7,224 Non-resident
Maine College of Health Professions – Radiography
70 Middle Street, Lewiston ME 04240-0305
Tel: (207) 795-5974
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 48 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 86% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 87% Job Placement Rate: 94%
Tuition Fees: $8,825 Resident, $8,825 Non-resident
Southern Maine Community College – Radiography
2 Fort Road, South Portland ME 04106
Tel: (207) 741-5595
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 44 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 64% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 97% Job Placement Rate: 80%
Tuition Fees: $3,342 Resident, $6,684 Non-resident