Best Master’s in Radiologic Technology Programs

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Whether you’re a licensed healthcare professional looking to advance your career or a recent graduate considering a profession in medical imaging, a master’s in radiologic technology can be a valuable investment in your future.

This advanced degree offers a combination of theoretical training and practical skills to prepare you for leadership roles in the field, as well as increased earning potential.

However, with the variety of programs available, it’s important to do your research to find the best fit for your career goals. We’ll highlight the top master’s programs in radiologic technology and the benefits of pursuing this degree.

If you want a healthcare career, a radiologic technology degree brings many benefits. Here are the three key perks:

Master’s programs in radiologic technology provide a robust education that melds theoretical learning with practical experience via field work. You’ll be trained in clinical practices, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

You’ll also learn about patient positioning, radiation safety measures, non-standard procedures, and assessing and scrutinizing radiographs. All in all, the program should take you about two years to complete, assuming you’re studying full time.

A master’s degree in radiologic technology includes higher-level courses that enhance your basic understanding of healthcare procedures and build upon hands-on practice. These courses usually cover:

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition at a graduate degree program is $20,513 in the U.S. Make sure to budget for additional expenses, such as books, materials, and living costs.

Make sure to submit your FAFSA and check your school’s financial aid office to see if scholarships are available to help you pay for your degree. You can also apply for federal and private student loans.

To apply to a radiologic technology master’s degree program, you’ll usually need a bachelor’s degree in a related field, active certification, and relevant work experience. Most schools have a minimum GPA requirement.

Additional requirements can include letters of recommendation, a personal statement, GRE scores, and a professional resume. Check with the specific program for exact details since these requirements can vary.

As a radiologic technologist, you collaborate closely with radiologists and other medical personnel to create top-quality diagnostic images for disease and injury diagnosis. You can become a radiologic technologist with just a master’s degree, but completing a master’s program can boost your chances of securing leadership or educational roles within the field.

Earning a master’s degree also paves the way for you to explore advanced roles, like becoming a specialist in sonography, computed tomography, mammography, or nuclear medicine. This degree is also ideal for those already working in healthcare looking for a career change.

If you’re aiming to become a radiologic technologist, you’ll typically need licensure from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). To get your license, you’ll need to complete an associate degree and an ARRT-approved educational program. You’ll then need to pass an exam.

ARRT provides 15 credentialing options for aspiring radiologic technologists, and the educational requirements may differ for each one. Radiologic technologists must maintain their credentials each year by completing continuing education requirements.

You should get a master’s in radiologic technology if you’re already working as a licensed radiologic technologist and looking for advanced roles or if you’re working in another healthcare role and looking to change careers.

A master’s in radiologic technology can be a great investment for working healthcare professionals with licensure in the field. The BLS projects that jobs for radiologic and MRI technologists will grow by 9% between 2020 and 2030. And, according to Payscale, professionals with a master’s in radiology earn an average annual salary of $94,000.