Students who are interested in radiography can find undergraduate degree and certificate programs at teaching hospitals, technical schools, community colleges or universities. Those who earn bachelor's degrees are qualified to apply to medical school in the future.
Top 10 Medical Schools with Radiology Programs
According to U.S. News and World Report, these are the top ten medical schools in the country as of 2016, and each has a radiology department:
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Undergraduate Tuition (2018-2019)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington | Seattle, WA | 4-year, public | $11,207 in-state, $36,588 out-of-state |
| University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | 4-year, public | $8,987 in-state, $35,170 out-of-state |
| University of California - San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 4-year, public | $11,442 in-state, $26,544 out-of-state |
| University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | 4-year, public | $15,262 in-state, $49,350 out-of-state |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center | Omaha, NE | 4-year, public | $10,740 in-state, $28,890 out-of-state |
| Oregon Health and Science University | Portland, OR | 4-year, public | $13,932 in-state, $25,524 out-of-state |
| University of California - Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | 4-year, public | $13,226 in-state, $42,218 out-of-state |
| Duke University | Durham, NC | 4-year, private | $55,695 |
| Baylor College of Medicine | Houston, TX | 4-year, private | $21,558 |
| University of Minnesota | Minneapolis, MN | 4-year, public | $14,760 in-state, $30,438 out-of-state |
Source: U.S. National Center for Education Statistics
School Selection Criteria
Consider the following before choosing a program:
- Applicants may look for schools that prepare students for certification and registration through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
- Students are encouraged to consider the technology and facilities available, as familiarity with x-ray, CT and MRI machines is typically important for employment.
- Students who want to specialize their training may look for schools that provide concentration options, which give students the chance to work with mammography technology or in a neurosurgery or organ transplant setting.
- Students may want to find out if the school is affiliated with area hospitals because it typically allows for more clinical experience opportunities.
Certificate in Radiography
Certificate programs in radiography can typically be completed in approximately 24 months and qualify students to become certified by the ARRT as well as to seek entry-level employment. Clinical experiences are commonly required and extensive.
Associate Degree in Radiography
Associate degree programs in radiography are designed to be completed as 2-year programs and also to qualify students for certification and employment. General education courses are typically required, along with clinical experiences.
Bachelor's Degree in Radiography
Bachelor's degrees can typically be completed as 4-year programs and could lead to employment, certification and graduate-level radiography studies. Clinical experiences, including an internship, may be required. Besides general education courses, curricula may include coursework in radiation biology and safety.
Students who are interested in radiography can find accredited institutions that prepare for entry-level jobs through both general and specialized studies. In the future, students who are interested in this subject may pursue a higher level degree, such as an M.D.
