As of 2010, trained radiology technicians are in demand in the state of Kansas. Although most positions in this field require an associate's degree, employment prospects may be best for technicians who have a bachelor's degree and have specialized training in an area such as mammography or ultrasound. Wages for this occupation are also quite good, with entry-level pay in Kansas typically starting at more than $16 an hour.
Hutchinson Community College
Hutchinson Community College offers an associate's degree in radiologic technology. Admission to the program is competitive, and students who wish to apply must have passed courses in English and anatomy/physiology in addition to receiving satisfactory scores on a math placement exam and the program's own assessment test. The program takes two full years to complete, including summer sessions, and includes radiology courses and supporting coursework in fields such as psychology and communications. During the second year, students participate in fieldwork at sites throughout the Hutchinson area. Upon successful completion of the program, students can sit for the national licensing exam or continue their education at a university. For example, they students can transfer to Friends University in nearby Wichita with the first two years of a bachelor's degree in radiation technology already completed. For students who are already licensed radiologists, Hutchinson also offers a nine-month training program in magnetic resonance imaging.
Hutchinson Community College
1300 N. Plum
Hutchinson, KS 67501
620-665-3500
cms.hutchcc.edu
Labette Community College
Labette Community College offers a 22-month program leading to an associate's degree in radiologic technology. Admission is competitive, and students are required to sit for an interview with faculty and submit letters of recommendation and a personal statement as part of the application process. In addition, students must complete prerequisite courses in English, math, psychology, computers, and anatomy/physiology before they may begin their radiology courses. Clinical training starts in the second semester, and most students will be able to complete clinical hours at two sites during their time in the program. Clinical sites are in Kansas as well as nearby Missouri and Oklahoma, and every attempt is made to place students at sites near their home. For local high school students who have an interest in radiologic technology, prerequisite courses such as anatomy and CPR training are available to them both online and at the high schools. These credits transfer directly to Labette and allow students to get a head start on their college career.
Labette Community College
200 S. 14th St.
Parsons, KS 67357
620-421-6700
labette.edu
Fort Hays State University (FHSU)
Fort Hays State University offers a variety of radiology programs both online and at the main campus in the city of Hays. Students working toward the associate's degree in radiologic technology spend six semesters in the program, including three semesters of clinical experience at a designated hospital in Kansas or Colorado. For those who already have an associate's degree and want to further their education, Fort Hays offers bachelor's degrees in the field. The general bachelor's in medical diagnostic Imaging is available on campus or online and includes training in specialized fields such as mammography or magnetic resonance imaging.
Another bachelor's degree, with an emphasis on ultrasound technology, is offered on campus only. This program requires 21 months of full-time study, including a year of clinical training in an ultrasound facility, and prepares students to sit for the national sonography licensing exams. Lastly, practicing radiology technicians can earn online certificates in women's imaging, cardiovascular technology or computerized tomography. Credits earned for these certificates can also count toward a bachelor's degree at FHSU.
Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601
785-628-3478
fhsu.edu
Tags: Community College, associate degree, bachelor degree, Fort Hays, radiologic technology, associate degree radiologic, degree radiologic
