Radiologic Technology Education
Radiologic Technology Education
Massachusetts General Hospital is committed to educating upcoming healthcare professionals. As part of our commitment to education in the Department of Radiology, we host students from several diagnostic imaging training programs for their clinical rotations. Our dedicated staff of clinical instructors work to ensure these students receive the instruction and guidance they need in order to position themselves for a successful career in radiologic technology upon graduation.
Please read the following FAQs for more information.
Is there a Radiologic Technology Program at Mass General?
No. Massachusetts General Hospital does not have a Radiologic Technology Program. However, the Department of Radiology is a clinical training site for affiliated colleges, including:
- Bunker Hill Community College
Radiography Program
250 New Rutherford Avenue
Boston, MA 02129-2925
Program Director: Donna M. Misrati
Phone: 617-228-2197
Class Capacity: 36
Length: 22 months
Award/Degree: Associates in Science
- Regis College
Radiography Program, Lawrence Memorial Hospital
170 Governors Avenue
Medford, MA 02155
Program Director: Colin McGibbon
Phone: 781-306-6753
Class Capacity: 17
Length: 2 years
Award/Degree: Associates in Science - Roxbury Community College
Radiologic Technology Program (application [PDF])
Address: 1234 Columbus Ave
Boston, MA. 02120, Program Director: Gary L’Abbe
Phone: 857-701-1643
Class Capacity: 15
Length: 2 years
Award/Degree: Associates in Science
How long will it take to complete my training to become a radiologic technologist?
Most community colleges have two-year programs, which require full-time day attendance. Some colleges have three-year part-time evening programs. Also, there are four-year Bachelor of Science programs.
Two-year Associate of Science degree programs:
- Middlesex Community College, Bedford
- Bunker Hill Community College, Boston
- North Shore Community College, Danvers
- Regis College, Medford
- Holyoke Community College, Holyoke
- Massasoit Community College, Brockton
- Northern Essex Community College, Lawrence
- Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester
- Roxbury Community College, Boston
- MassBay Community College, Framingham
- Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield
What is the ARRT?
The American Registry of Radiological Technologists is the national organization that determines what competencies are required to become a registered technologist, radiographer RT(R). The ARRT administers a standardized, primary exam (ARRT Registry) for eligible students who must satisfactorily complete a Radiologic Technology Program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Students must pass the ARRT Registry exam in order to be employed as a radiologic technologist.
The ARRT administers secondary certification exams for additional imaging modalities: CT, MRI, vascular interventional radiography and mammography.
Are there any physical requirements for the job?
Yes. As a technologist, you are required to lift and slide patients of varying weights. In extreme cases, patients who need to be lifted could be comatose or morbidly obese. This is a physically active job where technologists are standing or walking most of the day and are responsible to move large pieces of radiography equipment.
Do I have to be a radiologic technologist to become a CT or MRI technologist?
Yes, you must be either a radiologic technologist or a nuclear medicine technologist to become a CT technologist. Only registered technologists, radiographers RT(R)s and nuclear medicine technologists (NM)s are eligible to take the ARRT CT post-certification exam.
Typically, eligible radiologic technologists take the ARRT MRI as a secondary certification exam to become an MRI technologist. However, the ARRT also offers a primary certification for MRI to include students who are not radiologic technologists. Please see the ARRT website for specific criteria.
Are scholarships available?
Yes. Scholarships are available through Mass General Brigham. Once you are enrolled in a Radiologic Technology Program, scholarships are also available through the Massachusetts Society of Radiologic Technologists (MSRT) and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).
What is the job availability for a radiologic technologist and what is the starting pay?
For detailed up-to-date information about job availability in your area, go to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook to learn about job availability and pay scale.
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