- Individuals pursuing careers like radiologic technologists or X-ray technicians can enroll in radiology-related courses at several New Hampshire colleges.
- New Hampshire mandates a separate license for X-ray technicians and radiologic technologists. Moreover, employers typically employ ARRT-certified radiologic technologists(1).
- As of May 2022, X-ray technicians in New Hampshire have an estimated annual salary of $110,226(2). X-ray technicians with more than ten years of experience can make $109,940 each year.
List of X-Ray Schools in New Hampshire
Several community colleges in New Hampshire offer medical imaging degree programs to assist job seekers in finding work as X-ray technicians or radiologic technologists (rad techs) in radiology or imaging-related professions. The following are some of these colleges:
- NHTI – Concord’s Community College – Radiography
31 College Drive, Concord, NH 03301-7412
(603) 271-6484
- NHTI – Concord’s Community College – Radiation Therapy
31 College Drive, Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-6484
- River Valley Community College – Radiography
One College Place, Claremont, NH 03743
(603) 542-7744
The state of New Hampshire only has two colleges that offer radiologic technology certificates or degrees. However, there are alternative options for interested individuals.
For instance, nursing and other health care programs are available at various universities.
Anyone unsure about which branch of healthcare to pursue may start with a general health or nursing school(3). Saint Anselm College in Manchester and Southern New Hampshire University have such programs.
List of Programs
- NHTI – Concord’s Community College
Program: Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 80 months
Program Effectiveness Data:-
- Job Placement Rate: 100%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 92%
- Completion Rate: 87%
-
- NHTI – Concord’s Community College
Program: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiation Therapy
Duration: 15 months
Program Effectiveness Data:-
- Job Placement Rate: 100%
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 78%
- Completion Rate: 71%
-
- River Valley Community College
Program: AAS in Radiologic Technology
Duration: 40 months
Program Effectiveness Data:-
- Job Placement Rate: 100 %
- Credential Examination Pass Rate: 57.1 %
- Completion Rate: 84.6 %
-
X-Ray Technician Program vs. Radiology Technologist Program
Radiology programs may differ across schools. However, radiologic technologists and X-ray technicians often have similar curricula(4).
However, one notable difference is that radiologic technology programs often require two years to complete. This program includes hours of extensive fieldwork such as clinical rotations, patient care, and working in a healthcare setting that requires radiography procedures.
Meanwhile, X-ray technician degree programs may last nine months to two years, depending on the school.
Furthermore, a diagnostic imaging qualification may be necessary for entry-level work as a limited-scope X-ray technician.
What Is an X-Ray Technician?
X-ray technicians produce human body images using medical imaging devices. Doctors use these photos to treat specific illnesses and injuries.
Technicians can help people who are undergoing X-ray operations relax and get the best photos with the least amount of radiation possible.
“X-ray tech” and “X-ray technologist” are typically interchangeable(5).
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) considers medical X-ray imaging a radiologic technology specialization or major(6).
Because both titles commonly refer to the same job, colleges and organizations may interchange the phrases “radiologic technician” and “radiology technologist.”(7). Other phrases that are similar include:
- Radiologic tech
- Radiology tech
- Radiology technician
- Radiographer(8)
How to Become a Radiologic Technologist in New Hampshire
Many states in the United States may mandate individuals working in radiologic technology to pass licensure exams.
In New Hampshire, the Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy ensures standardized professional development of limited X-ray equipment operators, medical imaging specialists, and radiation therapists(9).
The Board regulates the following professionals:
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists
- Radiation Therapists
- Radiologist Assistants
- Radiographers
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialists
- Cardiovascular Invasive Specialists
- Computed Tomographists
- Limited X-Ray Machine Operators
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists
- Sonographers
Formal training may involve anatomy, patient positioning, examination and treatment methods, equipment procedures, radiation safety, radiation protection, and primary patient care to safeguard the lives and health of New Hampshire residents.
However, New Hampshire radiologic technologists need licensure when performing mammography, breast sonography, or bone density tests(10).
Applicants must indicate and earn the relevant certification in their expertise when applying for licensing. For example, radiographers must pass a certification program from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Radiologic techs may also get certification from the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES) or Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCVS).
Aspiring radiologic technicians must meet the following requirements:
- Obtain a diploma, certificate, or degree in the relevant field of study: Aspirants must choose appropriate programs for their future careers in radiologic technology.
- Apply for a license: In New Hampshire, all medical practitioners must register and obtain a license from the state.
An up-to-date photo, a notarized application, a completed background check, and payment of the necessary fee are all necessary for registration as a radiology tech. The Board’s website provides access to the initial licensure application.
- Retain ARRT certification: The ARRT or another licensing agency may be necessary to certify and register for several state licenses.
Individuals licensed in particular modalities must keep their ARRT registration current.
- Update license: The original license may expire on the last day of the applicant’s birth month of the following year. Practitioners must renew their license every two years.
Limited X-Ray machine operators (LXMOs) have their license category in New Hampshire (11).
LXMO candidates must finish a certified education program, apply to the Board for testing permission, and pass the ARRT Limited Scope of Practice in Radiography exam. After passing the ARRT exam, qualified applicants may obtain a license.
Moreover, radiologic technologists may participate in national organizations like the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)(12). These professionals may also sit for an American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination.
Another national association that can provide more data about careers in radiologic technology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
Individuals pursuing a career in radiologic technology must also meet the ARRT‘s requirements. Completing a certificate program or obtaining a degree (associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree) in a suitable program are some options to meet this condition.
Admission Requirements
The entrance requirements for each university and college are different. As a result, students interested in becoming an X-ray technician or another type of radiology specialist should check the program’s requirements before registering.
As an example, the River Valley Community College requires applicants for an associate’s degree in radiologic technology to(13):
- Complete the admissions application and provide two references
- Have an overall GPA of 2.5
- Be 18 years old or older by the start of the academic year
- Accomplished high school or College Chemistry (a pre-requisite for anatomy and physiology I)
- Work with an academic advisor to finish a math assessment
- Order a copy of transcripts, such as high school, general equivalency diploma (GED), high school equivalency test (HiSet), or college transcripts.
- Have a grade of “C” or above in biology with lab and physics during the last ten years with a “C” grade or higher for high school or college students
College-level anatomy and physiology (A and P) I and II with a grade of “C” or above may also be acceptable in place of college-level anatomy and physiology (A and P) I and II
Program Goals and Outcomes
Although most radiography program goals guarantee that graduates receive the necessary information and abilities for their careers, schools frequently communicate these goals in various ways.
For instance, the River Valley Community College’s Associate of Applied Science Degree in Radiologic Technology has the following program goals(14):
- Prepare students or graduates to display professional principles and ethical practices in the workplace.
- Equip learners to demonstrate competency in medical imaging‘s fundamental skills.
- Train students and graduates to communicate effectively and professionally in a medical setting.
- Enable graduates to think critically and solve problems during atypical and emergency scenarios.
- Prepare graduates to fulfill the expectations of entry-level employment opportunities.
Moreover, the program intends that graduates should be able to:
- Help patients without discrimination by taking into account and respecting their values.
- Maintain a professional demeanor.
- Demonstrate ethically sound behavior.
- Use radiation protection and radiation safety practices to keep patients and others safe from radiation.
- Conduct general diagnostic medical radiography in various clinical contexts.
- Take part in professional events and training.
- Demonstrate practical communication skills.
- Think critically to respond correctly in non-routine and emergency scenarios.
Accreditation Information
The JRCERT can accredit a radiologic technology program that provides students with the requisite education to operate effectively in their jobs in the radiology industry.
After completing an approved program, the student has the option of passing the ARRT-administered national registry tests.
Individuals who want to know if their selected program is accredited can go to the JRCERT office at 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182, or visit the www.jrcert.org webpage for more information.
Costs
Apart from the differences in program options that lead to careers such as radiologic technology or X-ray technician, tuition costs in New Hampshire schools also differ.
Each institution may charge extra fees to cover necessary expenses such as utilities and laboratory maintenance, and the program’s basic tuition.
As of May 11, 2022, the New Hampshire schools below have the following tuition estimations for various radiology programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)(15):
- NHTI – Concord’s Community College
Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology: $11,615 (resident); $24,211 (non-resident)
- NHTI – Concord’s Community College
AAS in Radiation Therapy: $10,000 (resident); $20,000 (non-resident)
- River Valley Community College
AAS in Radiologic Technology: $12,000 (resident); $27,300 (non-resident)
Career Opportunities
There are several rural locations in New Hampshire with smaller medical centers and hospitals.
Radiologic technologists are necessary for rural areas. However, most jobs are primarily available in larger cities like Manchester and Concord(16).
The following New Hampshire healthcare centers employ certified radiology professionals:
- Dartmouth-Hitchco*ck Concord
253 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH 03301 - Dartmouth-Hitchco*ck Manchester/Bedford
100 Hitchco*ck Way, Manchester, NH 03104 - Elliot Hospital
One Elliot Way, Manchester, NH 03103 - Hampstead Hospital
218 East Road, Hampstead, NH 03841 - Huggins Hospital
240 South Main Street, Wolfeboro, NH 03894 - St. Joseph Hospital
172 Kinsley Street, Nashua, NH 03061
Salary for X-Ray Techs
As of May 14, 2022, the estimated annual salary for an X-ray technician in New Hampshire is $109,940(17). This average salary is 69% above the national average.
X-ray techs with more than ten years of experience may earn up to $131,279 annually(18).
Is it Difficult to Become an X-Ray Technician?
The difficulty of becoming an X-ray technician depends on the academic institution’s program coursework and teaching approach.
The student’s capacity to absorb the material and apply it in a clinical context might also affect how quickly or slowly they learn to become good technicians.
FDA Recommendations
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), medical imaging specialists must follow two criteria for radiation protection for patients(19):
- Optimization: X-ray tests should use appropriate techniques to give the least amount of radiation possible while still creating a high-quality image for diagnosis or action.This goal may necessitate the application of the X-ray technicians’ mathematical and critical thinking skills.
- Justification: The imaging procedure should undergo evaluation frequently to ensure that it is more beneficial than dangerous. As a result, ionizing radiation tests are only required to diagnose a medical problem, treat a sickness, or guide treatment.
Radiation dosage optimization happens when specialists obtain images of appropriate quality for the clinical job with the least amount of radiation possible.
A facility’s quality assurance (QA) program can optimize radiation exposure for each type of X-ray imaging exam, operation, and medical imaging task.
Patient size is a crucial consideration in optimization(20). For instance, larger patients require a higher radiation dose to produce images of comparable quality to smaller patients.
Routine and systematic monitoring of radiation doses and implementation of follow-up actions are critical aspects of a QA program when doses are abnormally high or low.
Moreover, for interventional fluoroscopy exams (a type of X-ray medical imaging), diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) or simply reference levels are necessary(21). Professional groups and national, state, regional, or municipal governments formulate these standards.
DRLs are not thresholds or dosage limitations. Instead, these measurements serve as a guide to excellent practice without ensuring optimal results.
Radiation doses that are significantly lower than expected may lead to poor image quality or insufficient diagnostic information. The FDA fosters the creation of DRLs by developing national dosage registers.
Each country or region should develop its DRLs because imaging procedures and patient populations differ by country and location.
- A Guide to Radiologic Technology Training in New Hampshire
https://radiologyed.org/schools/new-hampshire/ - X-ray Technician salary in New Hampshire
https://www.indeed.com/career/x%20ray-technician/salaries/NH - A Guide to Radiologic Technology Training in New Hampshire
https://radiologyed.org/schools/new-hampshire/ - Differences Between Radiologic Technicians and X-Ray Techs
https://work.chron.com/differences-between-radiologic-technicians-xray-techs-25424.html - 5 Differences Between RT (Radiologic Technologist) and LMRT (Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist)
https://www.chcp.edu/blog/5-differences-between-rt-and-lmrt/ - What Radiologic and MRI Technologists Do
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm#tab-2 - What’s the Difference Between a Technician and Technologist in Radiology?
https://www.cambridgehealth.edu/blog/whats-the-difference-between-a-technician-and-technologist-in-radiology/ - What Radiologic and MRI Technologists Do
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm#tab-2 - Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy
https://www.oplc.nh.gov/board-medical-imaging-and-radiation-therapy - A Guide to Radiologic Technology Training in New Hampshire
https://radiologyed.org/schools/new-hampshire/ - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in New Hampshire
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/new-hampshire/ - A Guide to Radiologic Technology Training in New Hampshire
https://radiologyed.org/schools/new-hampshire/ - Radiologic Technology
https://www.rivervalley.edu/program/radiologic-technology/ - Program Goals & Outcomes
https://www.rivervalley.edu/program/radiologic-technology/ - A Guide to Radiologic Technology Training in New Hampshire
https://radiologyed.org/schools/new-hampshire/ - Ibid.
- X-ray Technician salary in New Hampshire
https://www.indeed.com/career/x%20ray-technician/salaries/NH - Ibid.
- Medical X-ray Imaging
https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/medical-imaging/medical-x-ray-imaging#principles - Ibid.
- Ibid.
