PA X-Ray Certification Program Overviews with Course Info

Prospective x-ray technicians (also known as radiologic technologists) can choose to receive training from 12 schools in PA. Most schools offers associate's degree programs in radiography or radiologic technology to prepare students for certification with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Schools also offer bachelor's degree programs in this field, and students can also find some dual bachelor's/master's degree programs. Programs may be available online for students who already have a degree or experience in the field. X-ray technician students complete clinicals or practicums to help them gain practical experience. Additionally, there may be internship opportunities available.

Butler County Community College (BCCC)

BCCC serves a little over 4,000 students at four campus locations, including its main campus in Butler. The college offers a technical trades program in radiologic technology that culminates in an Associate in Applied Science degree. To gain admission, students must have already completed or be enrolled in a hospital-based certificate program in radiologic technology that's accredited by the JRCERT. The degree program is aimed at preparing students to take the ARRT's radiographer exam to secure entry-level employment.

Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC)

Located about 15 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, CCAC's Boyce Campus in Monroeville offers x-ray certification classes. The college also has other campuses in the area and is the largest educational service provider in Western Pennsylvania. Students can enroll in a radiologic technologist associate's degree program that focuses on x-rays technology. Training provided covers topics such as theory and application of radiologic imaging devices, protection and control using x-ray beams, and radiation and x-ray physics. Students also complete clinical coursework that involves supervised hands-on training.

Community College of Philadelphia

With a student body of nearly 20,000, this school is the largest public postsecondary institution in Philadelphia. The college also has four campus locations throughout the city. Through the Department of Allied Health, students can complete a diagnostic medical imaging program to prepare for positions as entry-level radiographers. In the 76-credit-hour program, students receive classroom and clinical lab training that focuses on diagnostic radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures. Topics covered in this program include advanced imaging and computer modalities, radiographic equipment and operation, radiographic osteology and radiation biology.

Drexel University

Located in Philadelphia, this private research university is known for its experimental learning in offering cooperative (co-op) programs. The university has three campuses in the city and is among the top 10 employers in the region. The College of Nursing and Health Professions offers an associate's degree program in radiologic technology to prepare students for employment in x-ray imaging. The program offers small class sizes where students can interact one-on-one with instructors. Classes are also taught as a cohort group where the same set of 30 students who enroll for that year take all their classes together. The program runs for 21 months and includes clinical training where students learn how to perform x-ray examinations. Classes are taught by licensed professionals - many of whom have over 20 years of experience in the field.

Gwynedd-Mercy College

This private college is based in Gwynedd Valley about 30 miles from Philadelphia. Students at this school can complete the first two years of coursework towards a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology. Upon completion of courses, students can transfer to Thomas Jefferson University's bachelor's program in radiography or to another JRCERT-accredited program. By completing a bachelor's program, students learn about advanced x-ray imaging modalities, such as bone densitometry, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) - Lancaster

HACC is the largest community college system in the state with several regional campuses, including its campus in Lancaster, PA. Although the radiologic technology associate's program is only available at the Lancaster site, students can take some mandatory coursework at other HACC locations. Applicants to this program initially enroll as pre-radiology technology students and must then consult with an academic advisor to apply for the clinical portion of the program. The program consists of 80 credit hours and includes training in image analysis, imaging equipment, radiology procedures and radiology protection. Students also complete four clinical rotations at area healthcare facilities that may include The Imaging Center of Lancaster, Lancaster Regional Medical Center and Hanover Hospital.

Montgomery County Community College (MCCC)

Located at the West Campus in Pottstown, MCCC offers an Associate in Applied Science in Radiography. The college has its main campus in Blue Bell and other centers throughout the region. The radiography program is JRCERT-accredited, and graduates are eligible to take the radiography certification exam. Students complete 70 credit hours of coursework in areas such as radiographic exposure, radiographic pathology and radiation protection.

Northampton Community College (NCC)

Based in the suburban town of Bethlehem, this 2-year college is one of few community colleges in the state that offers student housing. NCC also has another campus in Tannersville, PA, as well as four educational centers in the area. Through the Allied Health and Sciences Division, students can study to earn an associate's degree in radiography. The campus features a computed radiography and a digital radiologic lab where students can practice what they've learned. The 69-credit-hour program runs for 21 months, and upon completion of the first year, students spend 40 hours a week in clinical training during the fall, spring and summer breaks. Students interested in advanced training can complete an optional 6-week internship in a radiologic specialty, such as bone densitometry, interventional radiology or mammography.

Pennsylvania College of Technology

Part of Pennsylvania State University since 1989, this Williamsport college offers training for prospective x-ray technicians through its School of Health Sciences. Students can complete an Associate of Applied Science in Radiography to prepare for the ARRT radiographer certification exam. Courses offered include digital imaging acquisition and display, radiologic anatomy and positioning, radiographic exposure and radiation protection. The program also consists of several practicum experiences.

The college also offers an online bachelor's program in applied health studies with a concentration in radiography. To gain admission, students must be currently or in the process of becoming certified with the ARRT. The program is designed for students seeking positions in administration, education or management in the field.

Thomas Jefferson University (TJU)

Founded as the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia in 1824, this Philadelphia university has since graduated several renowned medical professionals. Through the College of Health Professions, students can complete a baccalaureate program in radiologic sciences with a focus in radiography. This program has several curriculum options depending on whether or not students have prior coursework or credential in radiography. For instance, high school students can apply for admission to TJU in their senior year, complete two years of prerequisite coursework at another institution and then finalize their studies at TJU. Students may also select a program that leads to a combined bachelor's degree in radiologic science and master's degree in radiologic and imaging sciences.

Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC)

Located in Youngwood, WCCC offers diploma, certificate and associate's degree programs to approximately 7,000 students. One such program is the Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology that's offered through the Division of Health Professions/Biology. The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level radiography positions and ARRT certification. Topics covered in this major include radiographic imaging capture and display, image analysis and radiation physics. Students also gain practical experience by completing five sessions of clinical hands-on training.

York College of Pennsylvania

Based in the historic area of York, this 4-year college is located about 45 minutes from Harrisburg and Lancaster, PA. The college's Department of Biological Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Radiography. Students complete two years of coursework at the college, then finish their last two years of clinical training at WellSpan Hospital System. Students need at least a 2.0 GPA, but are encouraged to attain a 3.0 GPA to gain admission into the clinical phase of the program. Overall, students need to complete 134 course credits at minimum to be eligible for graduation.