Your Career in Radiologic Technology in Kentucky Starts Here

Radiologic technology is currently a promising field for young Kentucky professionals. There are a wealth of good educational programs offering a range of degrees in radiologic science, and salaries in the field are higher than the national average.

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This profession is expected to grow faster than the national job growth rate, affording good job opportunities to qualified individuals.

Prerequisite Courses for Radiologic Technology Programs

If you’re interested in a career in radiologic technology, there are some courses you’ll need to take before enrollment. These courses may include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, radiation protection, imaging procedures, writing, math, and more.

Most accredited programs will require that students complete all prerequisites before enrolling in their program.

Kentucky Licensure

Practicing Kentucky professionals in radiologic science must be certified by the state through the state exam or approval by the state health cabinet.

They must also be certified by passing the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam. Limited license X-ray technicians may practice in Kentucky, but may not be employed at any medical center than uses contrast media.

Radiologic technologists, nuclear medicine technicians, and radiation therapists must all fulfill at least 24 hours of continuing education every two years to remain licensed.

Limited license X-ray technicians must fulfill 12 hours, and radiologic assistants must fulfill 50 hours.

Radiologic Technology Schools in Kentucky

Northern Kentucky University: Northern Kentucky is a large public university that is in the larger metropolitan area of Cincinnati, OH.

The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology degree accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). This program provides extensive clinic hours in various Cincinnati areas hospitals, such as Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Dearborn County Hospital, and Mercy Hospital Anderson.

Southeast Kentucky Community: Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College offer an Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology degree program. The college focuses on providing students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on training needed to become entry-level radiologic technologists.

Students enrolled in this program will learn medical ethics, patient care, radiation safety practices, and more. Additionally, they will gain experience in clinical rotations with area hospitals.

Morehead State University: This public university in northeastern Kentucky offers a range of degrees and courses in diagnostic medical imaging.

Students at Morehead can pursue an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Radiologic Science. Morehead State’s Radiologic Science program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and has a selective admission process, limiting the number of students who can be admitted each year.

Students wishing to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree can choose from programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance, and Leadership in Medical Imaging (offered online).

Other Schools to Consider Radiologic Technology Programs

Jefferson Community & Technical College: Jefferson is an open-admission community college that offers a full-time 21-month Associate of Science in Radiography degree program that will prepare them for the ARRT exam. Clinical education takes place in numerous hospitals located in the dynamic Louisville metropolitan area.

Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College: This school, formerly Bowling Green Technical College, is another option for an affordable AAS degree in radiography from one of Kentucky’s 16 open-admission community colleges. This selective admission program requires four consecutive semesters and one summer commitment with an average weekly involvement of 30-40 hours. Bowling Green is also one of the larger cities in Kentucky, and a great location to seek employment.

There are alternatives to the northwest in Chicago and other parts of Illinois, to the north in Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Columbus, to the south in Nashville, Knoxville, and Charlotte, and to the east in Greensboro and Roanoke.

Radiology Program Accreditation

The Kentucky Society of Radiologic Technologists recognizes programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The JRCERT is the only agency recognized by both the United States Department of Education and the American National Standards Institute to accredit radiography, nuclear medicine technology, and radiation therapy programs.

Students should make sure that the program they choose is accredited by either the JRCERT or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Failing to attend an accredited program will exclude the student from taking any ARRT certification exams in their respective field.

Large Employers in Radiology

There are several large hospitals and medical centers in Kentucky, and these facilities are the largest single employers of radiologic science professionals in the state. Kentucky has one hospital that has been nationally ranked by the US News & World Report, and several others with high-performing specialties.

Salaries for Radiologists

Nationally, the median annual wage for this occupation is $73,410. In Kentucky, the average annual wage is $62,490. Regional variations within Kentucky highlight differences in salaries across various areas, from $47,410 at the 10th percentile to $80,730 at the 90th percentile. Below are two tables comparing national and Kentucky salaries, as well as detailing salaries by region within Kentucky.

National vs. Kentucky Salaries

Salaries by Region in Kentucky

Radiologic technologist Trends in Kentucky

Kentucky employment trends for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians indicates that in 2020, there were 3,780 individuals employed in this occupation in Kentucky. By 2030, this number is projected to increase to 4,080, reflecting an 8% growth. Additionally, there are projected to be 310 annual job openings in Kentucky from 2020 to 2030. Nationally, the employment for this occupation is expected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, with 13,100 annual job openings.

Employment Trends

Source of the data:

• Kentucky : data for wages here and for employment trends here.
• U.S data: Bureau of Labour Statistics

Professional Organizations

The leading professional organization for radiologic technologists in Kentucky is the Kentucky Society of Radiologic Technologists (KSRT). This is the state chapter of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. This society aims to provide professional growth, education, and employment resources to professionals in Kentucky, as well as advocate for health policy that promotes radiologic technology. Joint review committee accreditation is also provided through KSRT.

JRCERT Accredited Radiography Programs in Kentucky

Bellarmine University – Radiation Therapy

2001 Newburg Road, Louisville KY 40205

Program Name: Radiation Therapy

Program Type: Bachelor of Health Science in Radiation Therapy

Duration: 18 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 80%

Tuition Fees: $39,350

Bluegrass Community and Technical College – Radiography

470 Cooper Drive, Lexington KY 40506-0235

Tel: (859) 246-6238

Program Name: Radiography

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science

Duration: 80 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 80%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 92%  Job Placement Rate: 93%

Tuition Fees: $10,512 Resident, $36,792 Non-resident

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College – Radiography

610 College Street Road, Elizabethtown KY 42701

Tel: (270) 706-8649

Program Name: Radiography

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science

Duration: 34 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 79%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 94%  Job Placement Rate: 94%

Tuition Fees: $5,184 Resident, $18,144 Non-resident

Hazard Community & Tech. College/Southeast Kentucky Comm & Tech College – Radiography

One Community College Drive, Hazard KY 41701

Tel: (606) 436-5721

Program Name: Radiography

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science

Duration: 48 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 56%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 82%  Job Placement Rate: 100%

Tuition Fees: $5,256 Resident, $18,654 Non-resident

Jefferson Community & Technical College – Radiography

109 East Broadway, Louisville KY 40202

Tel: (502) 213-2322

Program Name: Radiography

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science

Duration: 48 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 85%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 75%  Job Placement Rate: 85%

Tuition Fees: $3,010 Resident, $10,535 Non-resident

Madisonville Community College – Radiography

750 North Laffoon Street, Madisonville KY 42431

Tel: (270) 824-1739

Program Name: Radiography

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science

Duration: 36 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 86%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 80%  Job Placement Rate: 96%

Tuition Fees: $3,096 Resident, $6,192 Non-resident

Morehead State University – Magnetic Resonance

316 West Second Street, Morehead KY 40351

Tel: (606) 783-5489

Program Name: Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance

Program Type: Bachelor of Science

Duration: 23 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%  Job Placement Rate: 98%

Tuition Fees: $7,866 Resident, $18,216 Non-resident

Morehead State University – Radiography

316 West Second Street, CHER 210H, Morehead KY 40351

Tel: (606) 783-9522

Program Name: Radiologic Science

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science

Duration: 93 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 83%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 97.9%  Job Placement Rate: 91.9%

Tuition Fees: $7,284 Resident, $18,216 Non-resident

Northern Kentucky University – Radiography

Albright Health Center Room 246, Highland Heights KY 41099

Tel: (859) 572-5477

Program Name: Radiologic Science

Program Type: Bachelor of Science

Duration: 43 months

Program Effectiveness:   Credential Examination Pass Rate: 97%  Job Placement Rate: 89%

Tuition Fees: $4,044 Resident, $16,196 Non-resident

Owensboro Community and Technical College – Radiography

1901 Southeastern Parkway, Owensboro KY 42303

Tel: (270) 686-4633

Program Name: Radiography

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science

Duration: 43 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 69%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 98%  Job Placement Rate: 100%

Tuition Fees: $2,800 Resident, $9,800 Non-resident

Somerset Community College – Radiography

808 Monticello Street, Somerset KY 42501

Tel: (606) 451-6774

Program Name: Radiography

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science

Duration: 26 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 73%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 96%  Job Placement Rate: 96%

Tuition Fees: $5,040 Resident, $17,640 Non-resident

Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College – Radiography

1845 Loop Drive, Bowling Green KY 42101

Tel: (270) 901-1081

Program Name: Radiography

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science

Duration: 46 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 88.89%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 92.85%  Job Placement Rate: 95.78%

Tuition Fees: $3,096 Resident, $10,836 Non-resident

Sullivan University – Dupont Circle – Radiography

4000 Dupont Circle, Louisville KY 40207

Tel: (502) 449-7846

Program Name: Radiologic Technology

Program Type: Associate of Science

Duration: 136 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 69%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 97%  Job Placement Rate: 96%

Tuition Fees: $13,500 Resident, $13,500 Non-resident

Sullivan University – Lexington – Radiography

2355 Harrodsburg Road, Lexington KY 40504

Tel: (859) 977-5412

Program Name: Radiologic Technology

Program Type: Associate of Science

Duration: 50 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 60%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 95%  Job Placement Rate: 98%

Tuition Fees: $13,500 Resident, $13,500 Non-resident

West Kentucky Community and Technical College – Radiography

4810 Alben Barkley Drive, Paducah KY 42002

Tel: (270) 534-3431

Program Name: Radiography

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science

Duration: 46 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 92%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 86%  Job Placement Rate: 87%

Tuition Fees: $5,320 Resident, $10,640 Non-resident