The Arizona Workforce Informer estimates that the demand for radiologic technologists in the state will increase by approximately 28 percent from 2006 through 2016. To gain the licensure necessary to work in the field, students must first graduate from a radiologic technology training program. A small number of schools in the Phoenix, Arizona, area offer such courses of study, preparing students to administer diagnostic medical imaging tests such as X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs).
Carrington College, Phoenix
Founded in 1976 as Apollo College, Carrington College is a private, for-profit institution with branches throughout the western United States. The college offers an associate degree program in medical radiography for would-be radiologic technologists. The program carries the approval of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists' Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technologists (JRCERT), the national accrediting agency for radiology technician programs. The program lasts for two years and requires students to have a high school diploma or GED to enroll. Prior to graduation, all students in the medical radiography program complete a clinical externship at a Phoenix-area medical facility. The school participates in federal loan and grant financial aid and veteran's benefit programs and also offers a limited number of work-study placements and institutional scholarships.
Carrington College, Phoenix
2701 West Bethany Home Road
Phoenix, AZ 85017
(877) 206-2106
www.carrington.edu
GateWay Community College
A public, two-year institution, GateWay Community College opened in Phoenix in 1968. Among the more than 130 programs available to students at the college is an ARRT-approved Associate of Applied Science degree program for medical radiography. To enroll in the program, students must complete prerequisite course work in biology, English, reading, mathematics and communications. Once admitted, students spend approximately two years completing the course requirements. The mandatory classes include radiation safety, image evaluation, contrast media, pharmacology and quality improvements. All students complete five internships as a part of the curriculum. The college also offers an accelerated associate degree program for individuals who already have associate degrees in another field and for licensed radiologic technologists who have a diploma or certificate rather than a degree. Eligible students can benefit from federal and state loans and grants, veteran's benefits, work-study and institutional scholarships while studying at GateWay. Arizona residents receive discounts on tuition, and those from Maricopa County enjoy an additional discount on top of what is given for state residency. Job placement assistance is available.
GateWay Community College
108 N. 40th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85034
(602) 286-8000
www.blend.gatewaycc.edu
Pima Medical Institute
Located in Mesa, Pima Medical Institute is a private, for-profit institution located 17 miles east of Phoenix (approximately 22 minutes by automobile). The college offers three radiography programs that carry the approval of the ARRT. The first is a traditional, classroom-based associate degree program that lasts for two years and includes four clinical rotations. A high school diploma or GED is necessary for admission. Also available are two online programs for licensed radiologic technologists: an associate degree program for those with certificates or diplomas in the field and a bachelor's degree program for those with associate degrees. The school participates in government financial aid and private lending financial aid programs and also offers institutional scholarships. Job placement assistance is available.
Pima Medical Institute
957 South Dobson Road
Mesa, AZ 85202
(888) 993-4141
www.centralaz.edu
Tags: degree program, associate degree, associate degree program, also offers, Carrington College, Community College
