Pennsylvania – How to Become a Radiologic Technologist
There are many reasons to consider pursuing a radiologic technologist career in the state of Pennsylvania.
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Like the rest of the US, this state’s overall population is aging, leading to increased demand for medical professionals to care for them, including those qualified in the field of radiology.
This national need for radiologic technologists is estimated to continue to grow, with new jobs increasing by as much as 6% in the ten years to 2031 – that’s about twice as fast as the average for other professions in the same timeframe.
In 2021, the state of Pennsylvania was home to around 10,170 employed radiological technology professionals, making it one of the top-hiring states in the nation, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Duties of a Radiologic Technologist
A radiologic technologist’s primary role is to use sophisticated imaging and radiographic equipment to take pictures of the inside of a patient’s body.
These images, known as radiographs or X-rays, are used to diagnose and treat various medical conditions.
Computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and mammography are other tests a radiologic technologist may be asked to administer.
In Pennsylvania, the most common settings for this profession are medical offices, hospitals, and imaging centers.
Radiology Requirements in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania radiologic technologists are required to carry a state license to practice in the field. To become certified and earn their license, working radiologic technologists may either pass the state certification exam or, like 36 other states, pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam. No license renewal is required to date, and continuing education is not mandatory in this state.
Radiologic Technology Schools in Pennsylvania
In the state of Pennsylvania, aspiring radiologic technologists have many education programs to choose from, including joint hospital certificate programs and 2- and 4-year colleges and universities. There are currently 38 institutions with radiography programs that have earned their accreditation status through the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiology Technology (JRCERT)
Other Schools to Consider Radiologic Technology Program
The institutions listed below offer radiography programs that are not yet accredited by JCERT, but many still offer quality and legitimate radiology education and are often accredited by other entities:
- Community College of Beaver County, Monaca: The community college of Beaver County provides an Associate of Science Degree program in radiography.
- Gwynedd Mercy College, Gwynedd Valley: The Gwynedd Mercy College offers an Associate of Science Degree in Radiologic Technology.
- La Roche College, Pittsburgh: La Roche College offers a Bachelor of Science Degree program in Radiologic Technology.
- Mount Aloysius College, Cresson: Mount Aloysius College provides an Associate of Science Degree in Radiologic Technology.
- Westmoreland County Community College, Youngwood: The Westmoreland County Community College provides an Associate of Science Degree in Radiologic Technology.
- Widener University, Chester: Widener University offers a Bachelor of Science Degree program in Radiologic Technology.
- Butler County Community College, Butler: The Butler County Community College offers an Associate of Science Degree in Radiologic Technology.Duquesne University, Pittsburgh: Duques
Diagnostic medical imaging program, Philadelphia: The Diagnostic Medical Imaging program offers a certificate program in radiography.
Pennsylvania State University, University Park: Pennsylvania State University provides
Clinical education and internships are typically required at all institutions to gain experience and become a licensed radiologic technologist. Ultimately, the path taken to become a radiologic technologist in Pennsylvania is up to the individual and their determination to succeed. With proper education, training, and licensing, a career in radiology can be an incredibly rewarding one.
Large Employers in Radiology
Rad techs can work in imaging centers, hospitals, physician offices, and other medical facilities.
There are dozens of major healthcare centers in the state of Pennsylvania, and all employ radiological technologists. Most of the state’s major hospitals are concentrated in and around cities such as Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, but many smaller institutions such as mobile clinics and family practices hire radiology professionals as well and are found in both urban and rural areas:
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh
200 Lothrop Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2585
(412) 647-2345
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
3400 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-4206
(215) 662-4000
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia
132 South 10th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107-5096
(215) 955-6000
Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, Pittsburgh
300 Halket Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3108
(412) 641-1000
Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown
1200 South Cedar Crest Boulevard
Allentown, PA 18105-6248
(610) 402-8000
Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh
320 East North Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15212-4756
(412) 359-3131
Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Philadelphia
51 North 39th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2699
(215) 662-8000
Salaries for Radiologists
In Pennsylvania, the average annual salary is $66,270, with the lowest 10% earning $49,380 or less and the highest 10% earning $92,630 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 Pennsylvania and the national average and provides further detail by region.
National vs. Local Salaries
| Location | Average Salary | 10% Earn Less Than | 10% Earn More Than |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $73,410 | $50,020 | $102,380 |
| Pennsylvania | $66,270 | $49,380 | $92,630 |
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 |
| Pennsylvania | $49,380 | $59,380 | $66,270 | $80,420 | $92,630 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $48,670 | $60,920 | $65,270 | $78,580 | $90,770 |
| Altoona, PA | $42,930 | $51,590 | $65,100 | $75,050 | $81,850 |
| Chambersburg-Waynesboro, PA | $52,700 | $63,070 | $74,290 | $82,830 | $94,730 |
| Erie, PA | $44,960 | $51,320 | $56,960 | $62,780 | $77,480 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $50,020 | $57,250 | $63,290 | $78,920 | $81,140 |
| Lancaster, PA | $48,030 | $58,100 | $63,300 | $80,000 | $80,450 |
| Lebanon, PA | $50,350 | $58,450 | $69,220 | $79,540 | $107,060 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $60,680 | $78,830 | $88,930 | $101,620 | $111,060 |
| Northern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area | $48,710 | $53,220 | $63,880 | $69,510 | $80,370 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $56,780 | $64,580 | $78,380 | $84,100 | $97,550 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $47,460 | $55,060 | $64,750 | $77,010 | $83,920 |
| Reading, PA | $47,580 | $52,840 | $63,310 | $80,420 | $99,030 |
| Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton, PA | $48,840 | $57,940 | $63,810 | $74,360 | $87,530 |
| Southern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area | $49,810 | $54,660 | $62,470 | $72,860 | $79,940 |
| State College, PA | $49,160 | $55,950 | $65,060 | $70,610 | $80,540 |
| Western Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area | $49,010 | $51,680 | $61,690 | $64,780 | $70,260 |
| Williamsport, PA | $58,910 | $63,770 | $65,200 | $77,630 | $88,710 |
| York-Hanover, PA | $45,160 | $50,690 | $62,710 | $76,910 | $79,770 |
| Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA | $45,900 | $57,590 | $61,580 | $72,630 | $75,390 |
Radiologic technologist Trends in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the employment for Radiologic Technologists is projected to grow by 7% from 2020 to 2030, increasing from 10,170 to 10,890 jobs. The projected annual job openings during this period are 810. Nationally, employment for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians is expected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, with employment rising from 222,800 to 235,000 and 13,100 annual job openings.
Employment Trends
| Location | Employment (2020) | Projected Employment (2030) | Projected Growth (2020-2030) | Projected Annual Job Openings (2020-2030) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 10,170 | 10,890 | 7% | 810 |
| Location | Employment (2022) | Projected Employment (2032) | Projected Growth (2022-2032) | Projected Annual Job Openings (2022-2032) |
| United States | 222,800 | 235,000 | 6% | 13,100 |
Source of the data:
- Pennsylvania : data for wages here and for employment trends here.
- U.S data: Bureau of Labour Statistics
Professional Organizations
Working radiologic technology professionals in Pennsylvania are encouraged to join a local organization such as the Pennsylvania Society of Radiologic Technologists (PSRT), which offers its members exclusive job listings, network opportunities, and career support.
The joint review committee on education in radiologic technology (JRCERT) is the sole agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit formal educational programs in Radiography, Radiation Therapy, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Medical Dosimetry. JRCERT also provides other resources such as a comprehensive database of accredited schools and program statistics on each school.
The American Registry of radiology technologists (ARRT) is the largest credentialing organization in the world. ARRT certification and registration are voluntary, but they are widely sought after by employers as an indication of a qualified, professional radiologic technologist.
For additional information on the radiological technology profession, prospective students should reference the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
JRCERT Accredited Radiography Programs in Pennsylvania
Albert Einstein Medical Center/Einstein Healthcare Network – Radiography
5501 Old York Road, Philadelphia PA 19141
Tel: (215) 456-6398
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 40 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 89% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $9,250
Armstrong County Memorial Hospital – Radiography
One Nolte Drive, Kittanning PA 16201
Tel: (724) 543-8206
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 10 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 57% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 97% Job Placement Rate: 92%
Tuition Fees: $5,000 Resident, $5,000 Non-resident
Bradford Regional Medical Center/Upper Allegheny Health System – Radiography
116 Interstate Parkway, Bradford PA 16701
Tel: (814) 362-8292
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 34 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 64% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $6,500 Resident, $6,500 Non-resident
Bucks County Community College – Radiography
1304 Veterans Highway, Bristol PA 19007
Tel: (267) 685-4821
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 46 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 82% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 87% Job Placement Rate: 96%
Tuition Fees: $5,040 Resident, $10,080 Non-resident
California University of Pennsylvania – Radiography
250 University Avenue, California PA 15419
Tel: (724) 769-1155
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 30 months
Tuition Fees: $10,000
Community College of Allegheny County (Allegheny Campus) – Radiation Therapy
808 Ridge Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15212-6097
Tel: (412) 237-2752
Program Name: Radiation Therapy Technology
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 49 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 84% Job Placement Rate: 79%
Tuition Fees: $4,100 Resident, $8,200 Non-resident
Community College of Allegheny County (Boyce Campus) – Radiography
595 Beatty Road, Monroeville PA 15146-1395
Tel: (724) 325-6754
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 148 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 80% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 75% Job Placement Rate: 81%
Tuition Fees: $2,850 Resident, $4,298 Non-resident
Community College of Philadelphia – Radiography
1700 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia PA 19130-3991
Tel: (215) 751-8424
Program Name: Radiologic Physics
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 55 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 84.6% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100% Job Placement Rate: 95%
Tuition Fees: $11,628 Resident, $23,256 Non-resident
DLP Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, LLC – Radiography
1086 Franklin Street, Johnstown PA 15905-4398
Tel: (814) 534-9582
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 40 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 74% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 71% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $9,280 Resident, $9,280 Non-resident
Gannon University – Radiography
109 University Square, Erie PA 16541-0001
Tel: (814) 871-5636
Program Name: Radiologic Sciences
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 36 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 77% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $28,630 Resident, $28,630 Non-resident
Geisinger Medical Center – Radiography
100 North Academy Avenue, Danville PA 17822-2007
Tel: (570) 214-9253
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 24 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 98% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $8,524 Resident, $21,310 Non-resident
Gwynedd Mercy University – Radiation Therapy
1325 Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd Valley PA 19437-0901
Tel: (267) 448-1429
Program Name: Radiation Therapy
Program Type: Bachelor of Science
Duration: 52 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 86% Job Placement Rate: 83%
Tuition Fees: $41,385 Resident, $30,350 Non-resident
Harcum College – Radiography
750 Montgomery Avenue, Bryn Mawr PA 19010
Tel: (610) 526-6127
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 15 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 77% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 73% Job Placement Rate: 80%
Tuition Fees: $19,500 Resident, $19,500 Non-resident
Harrisburg Area Community College (Lancaster Campus) – Radiography
1641 Old Philadelphia Pike, Lancaster PA 17602-2690
Tel: (717) 358-2870
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 60 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 83% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 94% Job Placement Rate: 98%
Tuition Fees: $8,040 Resident, $12,060 Non-resident
Holy Family University – Radiography
Grant & Frankford Avenues, Philadelphia PA 19114
Tel: (267) 341-3295
Program Name: Radiologic Science
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 52 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 71% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 95% Job Placement Rate: 96%
Tuition Fees: $28,198 Resident, $28,198 Non-resident
Jameson Hospital – North Campus/UPMC Jameson – Radiography
1211 Wilmington Avenue, New Castle PA 16105
Tel: (724) 656-6016
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 18 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 57% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100% Job Placement Rate: 96%
Tuition Fees: $4,500 Resident, $4,500 Non-resident
Johnson College – Radiography
3427 North Main Avenue, Scranton PA 18508-1495
Tel: (570) 702-8939
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 44 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 63% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 80% Job Placement Rate: 93%
Tuition Fees: $16,284
Mansfield University – Radiography
1 Guthrie Square, Sayre PA 18840
Tel: (570) 887-4007
Program Name: Radiology Technology
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 20 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 95% Job Placement Rate: 94%
Tuition Fees: $9,376 Resident, $21,000 Non-resident
Misericordia University – Radiography
301 Lake Street, Dallas PA 18612
Tel: (570) 674-6303
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Bachelor of Science
Duration: 126 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 71% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 94% Job Placement Rate: 93%
Tuition Fees: $29,150 Resident, $29,150 Non-resident
Montgomery County Community College – Radiography
340 Dekalb Pike – Health Science Center, Blue Bell PA 19422
Tel: (610) 718-1813
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 33 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 92.3% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 95.8% Job Placement Rate: 95%
Tuition Fees: $5,355 Resident, $10,080 Non-resident
Northampton Community College – Radiography
3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem PA 18020
Tel: (610) 861-5387
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 68 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 92.8% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 96.6% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $3,990
Ohio Valley Hospital – Radiography
25 Heckel Road, Kennedy Township, McKees Rock PA 15136
Tel: (412) 777-6210
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 18 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 44% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 89% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $12,503 Resident, $12,503 Non-resident
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences – Radiography
850 Greenfield Road, Lancaster PA 17601
Tel: (717) 947-6158
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 62 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 89% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 86% Job Placement Rate: 98%
Tuition Fees: $19,440 Resident, $19,440 Non-resident
Pennsylvania College of Technology – Radiography
One College Avenue, Williamsport PA 17701-5799
Tel: (570) 320-2400
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 60 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 66% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 89% Job Placement Rate: 93%
Tuition Fees: $18,561 Resident, $23,250 Non-resident
Pennsylvania State University – New Kensington Campus – Radiography
3550 Seventh Street Road, New Kensington PA 15068
Tel: (724) 334-6738
Program Name: Radiological Sciences
Program Type: Associate in Radiologic Sciences
Duration: 72 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 70% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 92% Job Placement Rate: 90%
Tuition Fees: $14,412 Resident, $24,468 Non-resident
Pennsylvania State University – Schuylkill Haven Campus – Radiography
200 University Drive, Schuylkill Haven PA 17972-2208
Tel: (570) 385-6108
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate in Radiologic Sciences
Duration: 81 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 56% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 95.8% Job Placement Rate: 92%
Tuition Fees: $18,986 Resident, $28,917 Non-resident
Prospect CCMC, LLC – Radiography
One Medical Center Boulevard, Upland PA 19013
Tel: (610) 447-2578
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 50 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 64.28% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 91.76% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $15,750 Resident, $15,750 Non-resident
Sharon Regional Medical Center – Radiography
740 East State Street, Sharon PA 16146-3395
Tel: (724) 983-5645
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 12 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 96% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $5,000 Resident, $5,000 Non-resident
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children – Radiography
160 East Erie Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19134-1095
Tel: (215) 427-6751
Program Name: Radiology
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 48 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 89% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 70% Job Placement Rate: 77%
Tuition Fees: $8,800 Resident, $8,800 Non-resident
Thomas Jefferson University – Magnetic Resonance
901 Walnut Street, Suite 716, Philadelphia PA 19107
Tel: (215) 503-0059
Program Name: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Program Type: Bachelor of Science
Duration: 31 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 92% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 96% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $31,447 Resident, $31,447 Non-resident
Thomas Jefferson University – Medical Dosimetry
901 Walnut Street, Suite 709, Philadelphia PA 19107-5233
Tel: (215) 503-1352
Program Name: Medical Dosimetry
Program Type: Bachelor of Radiologic Science
Duration: 15 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 89% Job Placement Rate: 98%
Tuition Fees: $30,830 Resident, $30,830 Non-resident
Thomas Jefferson University – Radiation Therapy
901 Walnut Street, Suite 712, Philadelphia PA 19107
Tel: (215) 503-1434
Program Name: Radiation Therapy
Program Type: Bachelor of Science
Duration: 17 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 92% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 93% Job Placement Rate: 97%
Tuition Fees: $29,337 Resident, $29,337 Non-resident
Thomas Jefferson University – Radiography
901 Walnut Street, Suite 708, Philadelphia PA 19107-5233
Tel: (215) 503-9191
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Bachelor of Science
Duration: 25 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 69% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 92.5% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $29,337 Resident, $29,337 Non-resident
Tower Health/Reading Hospital – Radiography
1025 Old Wyomissing Road, Reading PA 19612
Tel: (484) 628-0227
Program Name: Medical Imaging
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 40 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 74% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 93% Job Placement Rate: 97%
Tuition Fees: $12,700 Resident, $12,700 Non-resident
UPMC Northwest – Radiography
100 Fairfield Drive, Seneca PA 16346
Tel: (814) 677-1434
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 16 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $5,000 Resident, $5,000 Non-resident
York Hospital/WellSpan Health – Radiography
37 Monument Road, Suite 101, York PA 17403
Tel: (717) 851-4438
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 26 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 85% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100% Job Placement Rate: 97%
Tuition Fees: $10,500 Resident, $10,500 Non-resident