The role of an X-ray technician is one of the most important jobs in a medical facility. The job of an X-ray technician is to take x-rays and help determine if there are any abnormalities or other issues with the body’s tissues.
Radiology technicians are highly trained experts who must undergo rigorous training at x-ray technician schools before they can be hired by most hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
In this article, we will explore all aspects of becoming an X-ray technician including things you need to know about their profession as well as where they work globally, how much they earn per month (on average), what types of degrees/certifications these professionals need in order to qualify for certain positions within hospitals/clinics.
If you have been searching for what x-ray technician schools are near you, then you should straddle in for this article.
Overview of the Radiology Profession
Radiology is a branch of medicine that uses x-rays and other imaging techniques to diagnose and treat medical conditions. These techniques include Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and Ultrasound.
The Radiology Technician (or X-Ray Technician) is a doctor who specializes in radiology, which includes all aspects of applying diagnostic imaging technology for use in clinical medicine.
The X-ray technician does not have an MD degree but he or she may perform an X-ray procedure that could be life-saving for patients with difficult-to-diagnose diseases like cancer or heart disease. The Radiographer also performs mammograms, fluoroscopy, and other procedures requiring specialized equipment not available at all hospitals.
Also Read: Best Online Radiology Schools
The Importance of Radiology Technicians in the Medical Field
Radiology technicians are one of the most important members of any medical team. They play a crucial role in providing images of the body to help doctors diagnose and treat patients. Radiologic technicians are responsible for taking X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs.
In addition to these duties, radiology technicians also help reduce the time it takes to get a diagnosis by using imaging technology instead of traditional methods like physical examinations or laboratory tests.
As medical technology advances so do the need for skilled radiologic technologists who possess expertise in using complex equipment such as digital X-ray machines.
A few years ago, these machines were only used by large hospitals; but now they are commonly found at smaller clinics and private practices as well especially because they can be adjusted in order to help examine certain parts of the body more easily than older models.
What Do Radiology Technicians Do?
- X-ray technicians are responsible for taking X-rays and imaging studies.
- They also take care of patients in the imaging department.
To become an X-ray technician, you will need to complete a program that is accredited by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). In this article, we will show you 70 of these top x-ray (radiology) technician schools in different countries that you can enroll in.
Salaries of Radiology Technicians in the World
The average radiology technician’s salary in the United States is $68,060 per year (source: Indeed).
In Canada, it is $62,203 per year (source: Talent). Australia’s average radiology technician’s salary is A$100,008 per year (about $68,400 USD – source: Talent).
In the United Kingdom, the radiology technician’s salary starts at £24,907 per year to as much as £51,668 for advanced professionals (source: Prospects). However, radiology technicians earn more in European countries like Switzerland and Germany.
In India and China, salaries are lower—around ₹ 3.5 Lakhs to ₹ 4.5 Lakhs and ¥ 193,332 (source: Salary Expert), respectively.
When you come down to nations in Africa, the radiology technician’s salary is estimated to be 299,000 Rs (South African Rand); expert professionals are reported to make significantly more than this – 330,000 Rs (source: Payscale.) While in Nigeria, radiology technicians earn as much as ₦150,000 NGN to ₦200,000 NGN (Nigerian Naira) per month.
Overall, what radiology technicians make is dependent on several factors including their experience level, previous work history, employer, and location. However, x-ray technicians are pretty decent earners.
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Where Do Radiology Technicians Work?
Radiology technicians work in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. They also work with patients, doctors, and other medical staff. Technicians will often have to interact with the patient’s families as well to keep them informed about the procedures being done on their loved ones.
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General Perspective on How to Become an X-Ray Technician
You can become an x-ray technician by completing an associate degree program. You may also need to complete a radiography program, which could require you to take classes in anatomy, as well as physics and clinical practice. Some programs allow you to earn your x-ray technician license while you’re still enrolled in school.
After you’ve completed college and obtained your degree, it’s time for certification tests. In order to be certified as a radiographer or x-ray technologist, applicants must pass national exams administered by organizations such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and other relevant organizations in other countries that they may want to practice.
Once you have obtained your license, there are many opportunities for employment within the medical field. X-Ray technologists work primarily in hospitals but may also find employment at nursing homes or clinics that offer medical imaging services on-site or nearby; however, most healthcare facilities prefer hiring licensed professionals because this provides assurance that these individuals meet minimum standards set forth by state laws governing appropriate workplace conduct.
Job Outlook for Radiology Technicians
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for radiographers is expected to grow by 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is about as fast as average for all occupations. Furthermore, there are expected to be about 17,000 job openings for the profession during this time; this means that there will be more opportunities for you as a radiographer in the future.
The growing demand for radiographers is due to several factors:
- The aging population needs more medical imaging services than ever before.
- Advances in technology have made it possible for people with no medical training or education to perform X-rays on themselves and others, which has caused an increase in self-imaging (known as consumerism).
Because of such trends and advancements, hospitals need qualified professionals who can properly interpret these scans so patients receive proper treatment—a task that only licensed X-ray technicians can handle effectively.
Skills and Personality Traits of an X-Ray Technician
Among many other things, x-ray technicians (or radiology technicians) are expected to be/have:
- Problem-solvers.
- Patient.
- Active listeners.
- Compassionate to their patients.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Attentive to detail.
List of the 11 Best X-Ray Technician Schools in the World
The following are the best x-ray technician schools in the world, according to our research:
Harvard University, Massachusetts (Boston-USA)
If you are looking for a top-notch medical education, Harvard University is the place to go. It is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The school was established in 1636 and is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and the first corporation to grant degrees (incorporated).
The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education places Harvard as one of three research universities with very high research activity.
Harvard Medical School’s radiology program has coursework for clinical practice including general diagnostic imaging, CT scanning, nuclear medicine, and ultrasound/echocardiography radiology.
There are several reasons why students choose this program. The strength of its faculty members is one reason why many students select this program over others: they have excellent teaching abilities, which gives them a reputation as being some of the best teachers around.
Another reason why students choose this school is that it has connections with other hospitals across Massachusetts so if students don’t get into their first choice then there are plenty more options available if need be. In terms of tuition, radiology costs a lot of money at Havard. At the time of this publication, the tuition fee is $67,610 per year.
Stanford University, Stanford (California-USA)
Stanford University is a private research university in Stanford, California. Although founded as a coeducational and nondenominational institution, by the time of admission to the state’s 18th college in 1885. The university eventually became fully coeducational and non-denominational when it admitted its first students in 1891.
Today, Stanford is known for its academic strength and wealth; proximity to Silicon Valley; ranking as one of the world’s top universities (the highest-ranked public university); and athletics programs (particularly in football).
Stanford’s Radiography program offers a residency platform where students are trained to become medical professionals in cancer imaging, MRI, etc.
The university prides itself on being both cutting edge technologically while also maintaining traditional values such as community service which have been practiced throughout its long history despite widespread changes occurring. However, the tuition fee at Stanford costs more than $70,000 per year (without aid) and is really expensive.
King’s College London, England (UK)
King’s College London is a public research university located in London, United Kingdom, and a founding constituent college of the federal University of London.
The Department of Biomedical Imaging Sciences at King’s College London offers undergraduate degrees that allow students to gain knowledge and skills across various aspects of radiography such as:
- diagnostic radiology (including CT and MRI),
- interventional radiology,
- nuclear medicine, and
- vascular ultrasound.
The program also offers postgraduate training opportunities with clinical placements within hospitals throughout England as well as internationally if needed.
The school has excellent equipment including state-of-the-art digital X-ray machines which were purchased recently. This allows students to have access to the latest technology available so they can learn how best the practice works in real-life situations like hospitals around England or abroad for those who want more international experience during their education.
The cost of tuition is £9,250 per annum (subject to change).
Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Radboud University Nijmegen is a public university in the Netherlands. It is the largest university in the Netherlands with more than 25,000 students.
The university has over 100 bachelor’s programs, 150 master’s programs, and over 200 research programs. Students come from over 120 countries to study at Radboud University Nijmegen.
Radboud is a top university in The Netherlands known for its reputation in medical research. Some of its groundbreaking research work include medical concepts like Alzheimer’s, nanomedicine, and urological cancers to mention a few.
The school is viewed as a top school worldwide; it offers a Radiology program for students who want to pursue the medical profession. Unlike its American colleagues on this list, Radboud is considered less expensive as it only costs €2,209 per year – which is nowhere near what you’ll pay for tuition at Harvard to study the same thing.
So, if you are not exactly looking for a prestigious Ivy League school to study radiology, then Radboud is an interesting place to be.
University College London, England (UK)
University College London is a public research university located in London, United Kingdom, and a constituent college of the federal University of London. It is the largest postgraduate institution in the world by enrollment, with over 50,000 students.
The medical imaging program at University College London has been ranked as one of the best in the world for several years running by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings. This ranking system uses factors like academic reputation and research impact to calculate its results; these factors also help explain why this program ranks so highly on our list of top schools for X-Ray Technician careers.
The school’s core focus on research allows it to offer an education that prepares its students well for their future careers as medical imaging professionals.
Pros:
- Proven track record of producing high-quality graduates who excel in their chosen field;
- excellent facilities for training;
- strong support services available to students including financial aid assistance if needed;
- flexible course schedules are available so that you can work part-time while studying full-time if necessary or desired.
The tuition fee costs £9,250.
John Hopkins University, Baltimore (Maryland-USA)
Johns Hopkins University is a private, nonsectarian, research university located in Baltimore, Maryland. The school has a total undergraduate enrollment of 10,821. Johns Hopkins University offers several undergraduate degrees including Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Arts (BA), Master of Science (MS), and Doctorate degrees.
Johns Hopkins University also offers various programs including a Master’s program in Biomedical Physics/Radiology/Radiation Oncology; a Master’s program in Biomedical Engineering; Post-Master Certificate Program for Physicians; Post-Doctoral Residency Program for Physician Specialists; Certificate Program for Radiologists; Advanced Certificate Program for Medical Laboratory Scientists; Advanced Certificate Program for Nursing Specialists; Graduate Diploma Programs (DIP).
JHU’s School of Medical Imaging offers a radiography program that prepares its graduates to pursue a career in radiography (x-ray technology). The cost of tuition at JHU is $59,700.
The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine accepts applicants who have completed their bachelor’s degrees or master’s degrees from accredited colleges or universities as long as they have completed at least two years of study at their institutions.
Heidelberg University (Germany)
Heidelberg University is a public research university located in Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Founded on the ruins of the four-year-old Eberhard Karls University of Heidelberg, the University of Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university and one of Europe’s most distinguished educational institutions.
The university is another top choice for students looking for elite x-ray technician schools to study. Even better, the cost of tuition at this school is $32,900 (converted to US Dollars) – which is considerably less expensive than some other top 1% x-ray technician schools in the world.
Imperial College London, England (UK)
Imperial College London is a public research university located in London, United Kingdom. Imperial College London has 18,700 students and 8,000 staff members. The university is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the European University Association, and the Russell Group.
The radiology program at Imperial College London offers four years of study leading to an MSc (with specialization) degree or a Ph.D. degree in Radiology Physics. The curriculum includes courses on X-ray physics; image formation; radiation biology; radiation protection; imaging physics; imaging informatics; medical image processing; data management for diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine (DMDR), medical physics applied to medical imaging & diagnostics (MPDI), advanced courses on specific disciplines such as breast cancer screening techniques or cardiac CT angiography techniques, etc.
The University of London, England (UK)
The University of London is a public research university located in London. It was founded in 1836, and since then has grown to become one of the top universities worldwide. The University currently has over 100,000 students and 5,000 academic staff members.
The radiology program at this school offers courses such as:
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Molecular Imaging & Therapeutics Lab
• Radiography & Visualization Lab.
The cost of tuition at this school is £10,250 per year.
University of California-San Francisco (USA)
The University of California-San Francisco is a private institution in the United States. The school is located in San Francisco, California, US.
The radiology program at the University of California-San Francisco has been rated 4 out of 5 stars by students who have attended it. It offers 15 courses and requires approximately 3 years to complete the coursework for this degree.
Students have cited their favorite part of the program as being its clinical exposure and opportunities to practice their skills in real-world settings while they were still in school, which left them with more confidence when they entered their careers as x-ray technicians after graduating from this program.
The Technical University of Munich, Munich (Germany)
Established and currently located in Munich, Germany, The Technical University of Munich (TUM) has a large campus with seven institutes and numerous research facilities. TUM offers a very good student-to-faculty ratio. In fact, there are more than 40 professors per department at this university.
With its strong reputation for medical research, The Technical University of Munich also offers one of the top radiology programs in the world, according to U.S. News & Reports.
Here are some pros of TUM that we found:
- A wide variety of courses are available through its Faculty of Medicine as well as other departments like chemistry and physics.
- Students can choose between studying full-time or part-time depending on their schedule needs; some even opt for online learning options which makes it easier if they need flexibility while working towards completing their degree program requirements.
More Top-Rated X-Ray Technician Schools By Region
If you dream of becoming an x-ray technician someday, you will require formal education in Radiology/Radiography. And if you have been searching the internet frantically for “x-ray technician schools near me,” then we have compiled even more schools for you from across different continents.
Mind you, there are more than 200 schools in the world offering Radiography programs. However, we have selected over 60 more schools that are top choices (aside from the 11 elite schools above), and some of these x-ray technician schools are less expensive.
Let’s dive in.
Africa
Africa is a continent with diverse cultures, languages, and ethnic groups. The continent has been a destination for international students for generations as it boasts some of the most prestigious universities in the world.
Also take note that, there are only 7 known x-ray technician schools in Nigeria if you have been looking for information on that.
Here are universities from Africa that offer top-notch X-ray technician training programs:
| Some top African Universities Offering Radiography | Estimated Tuition Fees |
| University of Pretoria (South Africa) | Rs 48,000 – Rs 55,000 |
| University of Johannesburg (South Africa) | Rs 47,253 (South African Rand) |
| University of Cape Town (South Africa) | Tuition is course-based |
| University of Stellenbosch (South Africa) | N/A |
| University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) | Around Rs 46,500 |
| University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa) | N/A |
| University of Maiduguri (Nigeria) | 33,000 NGN (Nigerian Naira) for new students; 18,000 NGN for returning students |
| Bayero University, Kano (Nigeria) | 46,500 NGN for fresh students; 43,500 NGN for returning students; 600,000 NGN for non-Nigerian students |
| University of Nigeria, Nsukka (Nigeria) | 77,700 NGN |
| Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Nigeria) | 61,340 NGN for new students |
| University of Lagos (Nigeria) | 55,500 NGN – 60,000 NGN for new students |
| University of Calabar (Nigeria) | 35,250 NGN |
| Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (Nigeria) | 53,300 NGN |
Read More: A Guide on Navigating All 190 Universities in Nigeria
Asia
Radiologic technologists in Asia earn an average of $24,000 per year. The top employers for radiologic technologists in Asia are:
- Hospitals (52%)
- Clinics (27%)
- Private practices (18%)
Radiologic technologists in Asia work in a variety of locations including urban areas, suburbs, and rural areas.
Here is the list of 6 top x-ray technician schools on the Asian continent:
| X-Ray Technician Schools in Asia | Estimated Tuition Fees |
| Chinese University of Hong Kong (China) | HK$1,45,000 per annum (non-local students) |
| Hong Kong Polytechnic University (China) | HK$140,000 (Hong Kong Dollars) per year |
| Universiti Malaysia Perlis (Malaysia) | N/A |
| Universiti Selangor (Malaysia) | N/A |
| Singapore Institute of Technology (Singapore) | SG$70,800 (Singaporean Dollars) for local students (subsidized rate); SG$96,300 for international students (subsidized) |
| Parkway College of Nursing & Allied Health (Singapore) | N/A |
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Australasia
The region of “Australasia” comprises Australia, New Zealand, and the islands of the Pacific ocean. If you are planning to study in this region, there are equally 6 known x-ray technician schools in this area. They are listed below:
- The University of Queensland, Australia (best) – AU$ 4,350 per unit (Australian Dollars)
- Monash University (Australia) – AU$ 49,200
- The University of Sydney (Australia) – AU$ 57,000 (current fee); AU$ 58,500 (2023 change in tuition fee).
- The University of Auckland (New Zealand) -US$ 31,678 (American Dollars)
- University of Newcastle (Australia) – AU$ 36,625
- Charles Stuart University (Australia) – N/A.
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Europe
Europe is a continent rich in culture, history, and some of the world’s most beautiful cities. The best X-ray technician schools in Europe will help you study abroad while learning how to operate medical imaging equipment like CT scanners and MRI machines.
Experiencing another culture can be very valuable to your development as a person, not to mention that it will make you more marketable in an increasingly global economy. The cost of studying radiography in Europe should hover around 10,000 Euros in some countries to as much as 30,000 Euros in top schools.
The following x-ray technician schools are located throughout Europe:
- The University of Paris Diderot – France
- Technical University Munich – Germany
- University of Rome Tor Vergata – Italy
- University of Barcelona – Spain
Study in the UK & Ireland
- University of Cambridge (UK)
- University of Exeter (UK)
- Trinity College, University of Dublin (Ireland)
- University of Liverpool (UK)
- Cardiff University (Wales, UK)
- University of Leicester (UK)
- University of Plymouth (UK)
- City, University of London (UK)
- University College Dublin (Ireland)
- University College Cork (Ireland)
- St. George’s, University of London (UK)
- Keele University (UK)
- Bangor University (Wales, UK)
- University of Bradford (UK)
- Coventry University (UK)
- Glasgow Caledonian University (Scotland, UK)
- Sheffield Hallam University (UK)
- The National University of Ireland, Galway (Ireland)
- University of Brighton (UK)
- University of Derby (UK)
- Ulster University, Belfast (Northern Ireland, UK)
- University of Cumbria (UK)
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North America
In North America, Canada and the United States of America rank as the two most preferred study destinations for international students. If you have plans to study at top x-ray technician schools in this region, we have named 20 schools for you. The cost is around $30,000 on average to study radiography. But some community colleges in the U.S. offer cheaper tuition options for diplomas and associate degrees. Do more research and find the schools that appeal to you.
Here is our list:
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (USA)
- MCPHS University (USA)
- McMaster University (Canada)
- University of Alberta (Canada)
- University of Missouri (USA)
- University of New Brunswick (Canada)
- Georgia Southern University (USA)
- Hillsborough Community College (USA)
- Virginia Commonwealth University (USA)
- Valencia College, West Campus (USA)
- Alamo College District (USA)
- Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (Canada)
- Portland Community College (USA)
- Northwest Missouri State University (USA)
- University of Prince Edward Island (Canada)
- Santa Barbara City College (USA)
- Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metro Campus (USA)
- Sacred Heart University (USA)
- Heartland Community College (USA)
- Houston Community College (USA)
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Our Thoughts on the Radiology Profession
The profession is in high demand and provides a wide range of career opportunities. In fact, many people who choose to become an X-ray technicians are looking for the benefits of working in this field. Here’s why:
- Radiologists are highly trained and make a good salary. They spend years studying biology and other related fields before entering medical school (usually after completing undergraduate studies).
After graduating from medical school and completing a residency program specializing in radiology or another specialty area such as emergency medicine or internal medicine (or both), they must pass an exam administered by recognized professional bodies before being certified as radiologists by their state licensing board.
- Radiologists have excellent job prospects for their career path due to the increasing demand for advanced imaging services due to an aging population that may require more frequent hospital visits due to chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus type 2, for example.
This has resulted in increased demand for radiologists who can interpret these images correctly so patients receive proper treatment quickly enough before long-term effects occur which could be life-threatening if left untreated for too long.
How much does it cost to attend an X-Ray technician school?
The average tuition for an X-Ray Technician School is $30,000. However, that’s not the only expense. Students will also need to pay for books, lab fees, and other course materials that can add up quickly.
Some schools may cover some costs with scholarships or grants but you should always check into each school’s financial aid policies before committing yourself to one specific program. Also, some x-ray technician schools may be cheaper than our quoted fee.
Wrapping It Up
With so many X-ray technician schools in the world, you can always find one that fits your needs.
As an aspiring radiology technician, it is important to keep up with current trends and stay updated on topics such as medical imaging technology or new equipment that are being used in hospitals today.
The best way to achieve this goal is by reading articles online and subscribing to relevant industry newsletters.