Radiography Programs in Tennessee
Radiography in Tennessee – How to Become a Radiography Technician in Tennessee
Radiography technicians can also be called radiologic technologists. These individuals use radiography for imaging to diagnose or monitor patients according to the instructions of a physician. They maintain and operate x-ray machines, computer tomography (CT) machines, and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) equipment. Radiologic technologists have to be able to follow instructions precisely to get the images doctors need. However, they also have to be able to assess the images taken, to see if any more are necessary. Radiation safety protocols are very important in this field, and radiography technicians must be able to protect themselves and their patients from excess exposure to radiation.
Mammography also comes under this field of expertise, and some radiography technicians specialize taking mammograms to assess breast health through low dose radiation imaging. Becoming a radiography technologist in Tennessee involves education, certification, and state licensing. According to the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners, radiologic technologists must have a bachelor’s degree from an American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) accredited educational program. There are sixteen ARRT-accredited radiography programs in Tennessee, including University of Tennessee Medical Center at Knoxville, Baptist Memorial College of Health Science, Columbia State Community College, East Tennessee State University, and more. There are accredited programs located in Memphis, Clarksville, Cookeville, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Columbia, Elizabethton, Jackson, Gallatin, and Oak Ridge.
After graduating from a program accredited by ARRT, students need to take the certifying exam and attain ARRT certification. The ARRT examination in Radiography covers skills and knowledge in five basic areas: imaging procedures (58 questions), radiation protection (45 questions), image acquisition and evaluation (45 questions), patient care (30 questions), and equipment operation and control (22 questions). On the ARRT website, there are more specific content and study guidelines for the certification exam. In addition to the education and exam components of certification, there is also an ethics consideration by the ARRT board.
After achieving ARRT certification, application must be made to the Tennessee Board of Health for an x-ray operator license. It is also time to take a cardiac life support certification class, if you have not already done so. Licensing for a radiologic technologist in Tennessee is granted by the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners. In addition to the attached certifications and credentials, the board will run a criminal background check on all applicants. Once licensed in Tennessee, radiologic technologists earn an average annual salary of $48,930, which less than the national average of $56,760.
Radiography Schools Near You & Online in Tennessee
Chattanooga State Technical Community College
- 4501 Amnicola Highway Chattanooga, TN 37406
Programs: ADN, CNA, EMT Paramedic, Health Information Management-Associate, LPN, Medical Assistant, Nuclear Medicine Tech, Phlebotomy, Radiation Therapy, Radiography, RN, Sonography
(423) 697-4404
Austin Peay State University
- 601 College Street Clarksville, TN 37044
Programs: BSN, Radiography, RN, RN to BSN
1(877)861-2778
Columbia State Community College
- 1665 Hampshire Pike Columbia, TN 38401
Programs: ADN, EMT Paramedic, Radiography, RN
(931) 540-2722
Fortis Institute
- 1025 Highway 111 Cookeville, TN 38501
Programs: Phlebotomy, Radiography
(931) 526-3660
East Tennessee State University
- 1000 Jason Witten Way Elizabethton, TN 37643
Programs: Radiography
(423) 547-4912
Volunteer State Community College
- 1480 Nashville Pike Gallatin, TN 37066
Programs: EMT Paramedic, Health Information Management-Associate, Radiography
(615) 230-3351
Jackson State Community College
- 2046 North Parkway Jackson, TN 38301
Programs: ADN, EMT Paramedic, Radiography, RN
(731) 424-3520
South College
- 3904 Lonas Drive Knoxville, TN 37909
Programs: BSN, Medical Assistant, Nuclear Medicine Tech, Physician Assistant, Radiography, RN
1(865)251-1800
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- 1331 Circle Park Drive Knoxville, TN 37996
Programs: Accelerated MSN, BSN, MSN, Nursing PhD, Radiography, RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
(865) 974-1000
Baptist College of Health Sciences
- 1003 Monroe Ave Memphis, TN 38104
Programs: BSN, LPN to BSN, Nuclear Medicine Tech, Radiation Therapy, Radiography, RN
(901) 572-2646
Methodist Hospital
- 1211 Union Avenue Memphis, TN 38104
Programs: Nuclear Medicine Tech, Radiography, RN
(901) 516-7000
Southwest Tennessee Community College
- 5983 Macon Cove Memphis, TN 38134
Programs: ADN, EMT Paramedic, Radiography, RN
(901) 333-5000
Fortis Institute
- 3354 Perimeter Hill Dr Ste 105 Nashville, TN 37211
Programs: Phlebotomy, Radiography
(615) 320-5917
Nashville General Hospital
- 1818 Albion St Nashville, TN 37208
Programs: Radiography
(615) 341-4440
Roane State Community College
- 701 Briarcliff Ave Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Programs: Radiography
(865) 481-2015