Radiation Tech AMA Accredited Schools

The American Medical Association does not directly accredit radiation technologist training programs. However, the AMA specifies the accrediting organization for these programs, which is the Joint Review Committee on Education. This committee lists approved third-level programs for each state. A student enrolls in these programs after he has passed certain undergraduate radiologic-related courses. These prerequisite courses are specified by the admission requirements of each program. Radiation technologists, also known as radiologic technologists or technicians, perform medical imaging tests, such as X-rays or sonograms.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital, in Chicago, IL, offers a 21-month certificate qualification in radiography. As of January 2011, the program begins in September and admits only 10 students a year. The certificate course can also make up part of a bachelor's degree program from the University of St Francis. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or above. Applicants must also have college credits for human anatomy and physiology, statistics or algebra, written communication and oral communication. An interview, essay and references are also part of the application process.

Grady Health System in Atlanta, Georgia, provides a 24-month certificate course in radiologic technology and an 18-month medical sonography certificate program. The programs include both clinical and academic coursework, and students spend at least 21 hours in clinics during the course week. As of January 2011, 35 students are admitted to the radiologic technology program and 10 students to the medical sonography program. Applicants need a third-level associate's degree or a two-year health qualification based on patient care. Applicants should also have taken algebra, communications, medical terminology, statistics, human anatomy and physiology, physics, information technology and psychology courses in third-level.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center provides courses in radiography, diagnostic medical sonography and Computed Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CT/MRI). The programs last 21 months for the radiography program and 12 months for the sonography or tomography programs. Students get a bachelor's degree in their specialty upon completion of the program. Applicants should have 35 to 50 hours of specified college coursework completed with a minimum "C" grade.

Indiana University Northwest offers both a bachelor's degree in radiologic sciences and an associate's degree in radiography. The associate's degree prepares students for careers as radiographers. The bachelor's degree can be tailored so students can specialize in diagnostic medical sonography, radiation therapy or study advanced clinical health management for radiography. Programs last two years or less, and a "C" minimum grade in certain radiologic-related prerequisite college courses (but not all) is necessary for admission, along with an acceptable college GPA specified by each program.