Become a Radiology Professional in West Virginia
Radiologic technologists are specially trained healthcare workers who assist physicians with such aspects of medical care as diagnostic imaging, cancer treatment, and sonograms.
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that jobs in this field are on the rise and are expected to grow by 12 percent over the next decade. This is faster than the average for all jobs in the U.S., and West Virginia is no exception.
Now is a great time to get appropriate education and seek employment in the state as a radiologic technologist.
Radiology Requirements in West Virginia
To gain employment as a radiologic technologist in West Virginia requires licensing through the state. Radiologist assistants are licensed by the West Virginia Board of Medicine and other types of technologists by the West Virginia Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology Board of Examiners. The former is licensed for two years and the latter for just one year. Those seeking a license must first finish a course of study approved by the licensing boards and then pass either a state exam or the exam set by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Radiologic Technology Schools in West Virginia
There are several locations in the state of West Virginia for receiving an education in radiologic technology including four-year institutions.
- West Virginia University Hospitals. This hospital system has its educational program with courses of study in radiography, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, ultrasound, echocardiography, and magnetic resonance imaging.
- The University of Charleston. This school offers a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science, which prepares students for licensing and employment in the field with both academic and clinical work. Students here also have the option of earning an associate degree in radiologic technology. Having this degree qualifies students to sit for the licensing exam.
- Bluefield State College, Bluefield. The School of Nursing and Allied Health offers an associate’s degree program in radiologic technology and a bachelor’s degree in imaging science.
Other Schools to Consider Radiologic Technology Program
There are also some technical and community colleges in West Virginia with radiologic technology programs.
- Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College. The Mount Gay campus of this technical college offers a degree in radiologic technology, which can be completed in two or three years.
- Northern Community College. This community college offers students an Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology, which prepares students to be entry-level workers in the field.
- Mountwest Community and Technical College. At Mountwest, students may earn a degree in radiologic technology in coordination with the Collins Career Center.
Large Employers in Radiology
There are many choices for graduates of radiologic technology programs seeking employment in West Virginia. In addition to large hospital systems, there are smaller hospitals and medical centers.
Bluefield Regional Medical Center
500 Cherry Street
Bluefield, WV 24701
Broaddus Hospital
119 Mansfield Hill
Philippi, WV 26416
St. Francis Hospital
333 Laidley Street
Charleston, WV 25322
Wheeling Hospital
1 Medical Park
Wheeling, WV 26003
West Virginia University Children’s Hospital
1 Medical Center Drive
Morgantown, WV 26506
Hershel Woody Williams VA Medical Center
1540 Spring Valley Drive
Huntington, WV 25704
Salaries in Radiology
Radiologic Technologists in West Virginia earn an average annual salary of $62,490, which is below the national average of $73,410. The lowest 10% in West Virginia earn $49,030 or less, while the highest 10% earn $81,900 or more. Salaries vary across different regions within West Virginia.
National vs Local Salaries
Location | Average Annual Salary | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
United States | $73,410 | $50,020 | $60,690 | $73,410 | $84,670 | $102,380 |
West Virginia | $62,490 | $49,030 | $53,810 | $62,490 | $75,710 | $81,900 |
Salaries by Region
Region | Average Annual Salary | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Beckley, WV | $64,110 | $47,290 | $57,730 | $64,110 | $64,730 | $74,300 |
Charleston, WV | $66,330 | $51,640 | $61,520 | $66,330 | $81,760 | $83,090 |
Cumberland, MD-WV | $60,600 | $47,210 | $55,970 | $60,600 | $62,380 | $86,710 |
Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | $60,750 | $40,130 | $43,310 | $60,750 | $77,540 | $93,240 |
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $66,430 | $52,530 | $58,450 | $66,430 | $81,530 | $81,830 |
Morgantown, WV | $63,460 | $51,010 | $51,900 | $63,460 | $78,200 | $81,900 |
Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area | $60,950 | $47,100 | $50,040 | $60,950 | $71,280 | $75,490 |
Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | $55,820 | $49,470 | $49,470 | $55,820 | $63,660 | $78,600 |
Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area | $61,020 | $40,570 | $49,530 | $61,020 | $62,310 | $75,790 |
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $84,030 | $64,830 | $75,630 | $84,030 | $95,430 | $103,930 |
Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $61,350 | $48,760 | $49,360 | $61,350 | $62,650 | $73,940 |
Wheeling, WV-OH | $62,490 | $42,710 | $51,680 | $62,490 | $62,490 | $81,100 |
Winchester, VA-WV | $60,910 | $50,060 | $57,480 | $60,910 | $76,790 | $77,810 |
Radiologic technologist Trends in West Virginia
In West Virginia, employment for Radiologic Technologists is projected to grow by 14% from 2020 to 2030, increasing from 1,730 to 1,970 jobs, with 150 projected annual job openings. Nationally, employment for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians is expected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, from 222,800 to 235,000 jobs, with 13,100 projected annual job openings.
Employment Trends
Location | Employment (2020/2022) | Projected Employment (2030/2032) | Projected Growth | Projected Annual Job Openings |
---|---|---|---|---|
West Virginia | 1,730 | 1,970 | 14% | 150 |
United States | 222,800 | 235,000 | 6% | 13,100 |
Source of the data:
- West Virginia: data for wages here and for employment trends here.
- U.S data: Bureau of Labour Statistics
Professional Organizations
The leading professional organization in the U.S. for radiologic technicians and technologists is the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. In West Virginia, workers in this field may join the organization’s state affiliate, the West Virginia Society of Radiologic Technologists. Additional organizations at the national level include the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. This is the group that sets the exam that many graduates will take before earning a license. Another national group, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology accredits many educational programs and is a good source of information about schools and careers.
JRCERT Accredited Radiography Programs in West Virginia
Bluefield State College – Radiography
219 Rock Street, Bluefield WV 24701
Tel: (304) 327-4145
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 46 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 53% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 81% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $7,050 Resident, $14,016 Non-resident
Ohio Valley Medical Center, Inc. – Radiography
2000 Eoff Street, Wheeling WV 26003
Tel: (304) 234-8781
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 20 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 90% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $4,000 Resident, $4,000 Non-resident
Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College – Radiography
Box 2900 Dempsey Branch Road, Mount Gay WV 25637
Tel: (304) 896-7335
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 58 months
Program Effectiveness: Credential Examination Pass Rate: 83.3% Job Placement Rate: 93.3%
Tuition Fees: $2,904 Resident, $4,344 Non-resident
St. Mary’s Medical Center School for Medical Imaging – Radiography
2900 First Avenue, Huntington WV 25702
Tel: (304) 526-1259
Program Name: Medical Imaging
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 56 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 83% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 89% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $7,560 Residents, $7,560 for Non-residents
United Hospital Center – Radiography
327 Medical Park Drive, Bridgeport WV 26330
Tel: (681) 342-1871
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 30 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 75% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 98% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $3,000 Resident, $3,000 Non-resident
University of Charleston – Radiography
2300 MacCorkle Avenue, S.E., Charleston WV 25304
Tel: (304) 357-4923
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Bachelor of Science
Duration: 60 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 83.3% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 98% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $23,000 Resident, $23,000 Non-resident
University of Charleston-Beckley – Radiography
158 Dye Drive, Beckley WV 25801
Tel: (304) 352-0066
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 50 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 84.6%
Tuition Fees: $13,650
West Virginia Northern Community College – Radiography
1704 Market Street, Wheeling WV 26003
Tel: (304) 214-8899
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 40 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 95%
Tuition Fees: $3,750 Resident, $3,750 Non-resident
West Virginia University Hospitals – Radiography
Medical Center Drive Box 8062, Morgantown WV 26506
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 36 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 80% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 95% Job Placement Rate: 96%
Tuition Fees: $3,000 Resident, $3,000 Non-resident
West Virginia University Hospitals – Radiation Therapy
Medical Center Drive Box 8150, Morgantown WV 26506
Tel: (304) 598-4715
Program Name: Radiation Therapy
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 4 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $3,000
West Virginia University Hospitals – Magnetic Resonance
Medical Center Drive Box 8062, Morgantown WV 26506
Tel: (304) 293-8802
Program Name: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 4 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $4,000 Resident, $4,000 Non-resident