Massachusetts Radiology Tech Careers and Degrees
Receiving Your Radiologic Technologist Training in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has tons radiology technology programs to chose from. All of the schools offer the classes required to pass the registry exam. Most of these curriculums take two years to complete. There are a few schools that offers an accelerated Bachelor of Science program that takes anywhere from 20 to 32 months to finish. Most programs require three semesters of hands on experience in local hospitals and radiology clinics. Sometimes there is a program that offers a Master of Science which prepares you for positions in healthcare, biomedical industries, academia, and research. It can also qualify you to sit for CT, PET, SPECT, MRI, and ultrasound registry exams and takes one to two years to complete. There are only two schools in Maryland that offer post-baccalaureate radiology degrees to those who already hold science or socio-behavioral degrees.
Radiology Technician Licensing in Massachusetts
Massachusetts state licenses are regulated through the Radiation Control Program (RCP) and must be obtained by any person who works as a radiographer. Applicants must complete the state application and pass the ARRT exam or the state exam. The state exam is administered by the ARRT. The fee for obtaining a state license is $25, and 20 continuing education credits must be maintained for the two-year term of the license.
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is the accrediting agency for any radiologic technology profession. In order to qualify to take the registry exam, applicants must complete an accredited program in the last three years and pass a criminal history review. As of January 2015, an Associate’s degree from an accredited school must be held by all applicants. All certified technologists must complete 24 hours of continuing education credits and pass an ethics review on a biannual basis. Regional and national professional societies, medical vendors, and online educational seminars offer continuing education credits that make it easy to fulfill this requirement.
Massachusetts Radiologic Technology Association
Massachusetts Society of Radiologic Technologists
Career Outlook for Radiology Tech Jobs in Massachusetts
Due to the large population of baby boomers now requiring medical services, the demand for radiologic technologists is higher than it has ever been. In fact, the radiology tech’s job is currently ranked in the top 30 in the country by the US News and World Report. In order to receive this ranking, jobs must offer plenty of employment opportunity, a good salary, job security, and a good work-life balance.
Radiologic technologists in Massachusetts are the highest paid in the entire nation, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics! Radiographers in this state make an average annual wage of $82,080 and a median hourly wage of $33.51. Outpatient imaging centers and federal facilities always offer the highest wages no matter where the technologist is employed.
Opportunity for growth is one of the highlights of becoming a radiologic technician. Because graduates have a wide-range understanding of radiologic imaging and radiation safety, specializing in CT, MRI, ultrasound, special procedures, radiation therapy, or nuclear medicine is always an option. With some experience radiographers may also specialize by practice and go into cardiovascular imaging, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, and many others. Graduates with an academic degree may also choose to move into management or advance their education and hold positions such as a physician assistant or a medical physicist.