Best Radiology Programs in Oklahoma City

Radiology technology is a growing field that plays a vital role in the healthcare sector. As imaging studies like X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans become increasingly critical for diagnosis and treatment planning across medical specialties, there is a greater need for skilled radiology technicians and technologists to operate equipment, produce high-quality images, and assist radiologists.

According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for radiologic technologists is projected to grow 7% nationally from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average across all occupations. Opportunities in Oklahoma specifically are ample as healthcare networks invest in the latest imaging capabilities.

For those interested in launching an exciting and meaningful career in this field, a radiology technology program is the essential first step to gaining requisite knowledge and hands-on training.

To help prospective students research top options, we have compiled reviews and key information on the highest-ranking radiology programs available in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. Our rankings weigh factors like accreditation status, breadth of imaging modalities covered, opportunities for clinical experience, instructor quality, career support resources, and student outcomes.

Whether you’re looking to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, or build skills in sonography, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and beyond, one of these great local programs can put you on the path to imaging success.

Criteria for Ranking the Programs

In developing our list of the top 10 radiology technology training programs in OKC, we used the following criteria:

• Accreditation Status: Preference for programs approved by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

• Imaging Modalities Covered: Programs offering exposure to a wider range of imaging modalities like X-ray, CT, MRI, mammography, sonography ranked higher.

• Clinical Experience: Programs providing more hands-on clinical experience hours at external facilities ranked higher.

• Instructor Quality: Instructors with more years of real-world experience ranked higher.

• Career Assistance: Programs with dedicated career placement services ranked higher.

• Trainee Outcomes: Programs demonstrating better graduate employment rates and employer satisfaction considered superior.

• Student Resources: Programs with more tutoring services, scholarships, and other support services ranked higher.

Now let‘s explore the top radiology technology training programs in Oklahoma City in more detail:

1. Oklahoma City Community College

Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) offers an associate‘s degree program in radiography that equips students with essential skills across multiple imaging modalities.

Accreditation: JRCERT

Imaging Areas Covered: Radiography, CT, MRI, Mammography

Program Highlights:

• Strong focus on hands-on learning using latest imaging equipment
• Dedicated radiography lab spaces on campus
• 110+ hours of clinical experience across hospital settings
• 100% ARRT exam pass rate among 2021 graduates
• 92% job placement for past 5 years’ graduates
• Distinguished faculty with 8+ years average real-world experience
• Financial aid and scholarships available

Students get to learn in dedicated radiography lab spaces using equipment comparable to real healthcare workplace settings. This allows for more hands-on practice. Under expert instructor supervision, trainees even produce real X-rays images that are used by the college‘s nurse practitioner program for interpreting.

Extensive clinical experience is another highlight of OCCC‘s program. Students complete over 110 hours across several hospital affiliates, getting exposure to diverse patient cases. Developing clinical competency is critical before entering any radiology technology career.

Graduates praise the high-caliber teaching staff comprising seasoned technologists. With the average instructor having over 8 years of field experience, students benefit tremendously from their deep insider knowledge.

Career assistance is another strong suit of the program. The dedicated advising staff provide one-on-one guidance with resume preparation, interview skills and networking strategies. OCCC also regularly hosts career fairs where students can connect with potential employers.

With a 100% pass rate for the ARRT radiography exam among 2021 graduates and a 92% job placements for the past 5 years, OCCC demonstrates its ability to produce skilled and hirable radiology technologists fully equipped for the workplace.

For those seeking a comprehensive and affordable radiology education with robust onsite training and exceptional career outcomes, OCCC is an ideal choice.

Tuition Fees: $3,150 in-state; $7,170 out-of-state

Program Length: 5 semesters

More Info: www.occc.edu/radiography

2. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Radiologic Technology with extensive advanced modality training.

Accreditation: JRCERT

Imaging Areas Covered: Radiography, CT, MRI, Cardiovascular Interventional Radiography, Mammography

Program Highlights:

• One of only three bachelor‘s degree programs in Oklahoma
• Advanced certifications available in CT, MRI, CVIR
• 1000+ hours of clinical experience across modalities
• Cutting-edge simulation training with MRI and CT scanners
• 100% ARRT radiography exam pass rate since 2018
• Vast hospital network for externship placements
• Distinguished faculty with 12+ years average experience

This Bachelors program stands out for offering advanced certifications in specialties like CT, MRI and interventional radiography beyond foundational radiography training. Given strong demand for these skills, graduates gain a competitive edge entering the job market.

The program provides over 1000 hours of immersive clinical experience with rotations across leading OKC hospitals and clinics. Trainees thus get familiarity with diverse patient conditions and protocols. Critical thinking, patient care and communication competencies are sharpened through comprehensive hands-on work.

A highlight is the dedicated radiology simulation lab housing a functioning MRI and CT scanner. Supplementing clinical hours with simulation-based learning helps accelerate skill development in a zero-risk setting. Students gain confidence operating advanced equipment before encountering real patients.

With a 100% ARRT exam pass record since 2018 and proven graduate success securing hospital roles across Oklahoma, the program demonstrates its ability to comprehensively prepare students for radiology careers.

Ideal for those seeking in-depth Bachelor‘s level radiologic technology training augmented by cutting-edge simulation learning and specialization options.

Tuition Fees: $9,063 in-state; $20,235 out-of-state

Program Length: 9 semesters

More Info: medicine.ouhsc.edu/prospective-students/programs/radiologic-technology-bs

3. Oklahoma State University OKC

The AAS Radiologic Technology program at OSU OKC offers full-spectrum medical imaging education across modalities like CT, MRI and sonography.

Accreditation: JRCERT

Imaging Areas Covered: Radiography, CT, MRI, Mammography, Sonography

Program Highlights:

• Hands-on training across 5 imaging modalities
• 80+ hours of clinical experience
• Dedicated radiography lab on campus
• ARRT exam pass rate consistently above 85%
• Job placement rate exceeding 90%
• Faculty averaging 10+ years of professional experience
• New simulation lab under development

A key advantage of this program is the well-rounded education it imparts across the most in-demand imaging modalities – CT, MRI, mammography and sonography in addition to foundational radiography. This equips graduates to cater to varied workflow needs in healthcare facilities.

Through over 80 hours of clinical rotations across partner hospital sites, students gain valuable real-world experience producing quality images for physicians. This sets them up for smooth transition to full-time roles post-graduation.

OSU OKC further enhances learning with an on-campus radiography lab housing X-ray equipment, contrast injectors, image receptors and more to hone essential skills. A cutting-edge simulation lab is also under development that will drastically elevate hands-on education.

With ARRT exam pass rates and graduate job placements consistently over 85% and 90% respectively, the program has a strong reputation among employers for producing competent imaging professionals.

Ideal for students seeking well-rounded radiologic technology training with a strong mix of didactic and immersive clinical learning.

Tuition Fees: $3,840 in-state; $9,780 out-of-state

Program Length: 5 semesters full-time

More Info: www.osuokc.edu/radiology

Comparative Overview of Top Radiology Programs in OKC

Program	Degree	Tuition	Modalities Covered	Clinical Hours	Instructor Experience	Exam Pass Rate	Job Placement Rate
Oklahoma City CC	Associate‘s	$3,150/$7,170^	Radio, CT, MRI, Mammo	110+ hours	8+ years	100%	92%
Univ. of Oklahoma HSC	Bachelor‘s	$9,063/$20,235^	Radio, CT, MRI, CVIR, Mammo	1000+ hours	12+ years	100%*	90%*
OSU OKC	Associate‘s	$3,840/$9,780^	Radio, CT, MRI, Mammo, Sono	80+ hours	10+ years	85%+	90%+

^ In-state / Out-of-state tuition fees

* Records since 2018

Beyond the programs listed above, other reputable radiology technology training options in the OKC metro area include:

• Metro Technology Centers – Offers a 20-month radiography associate‘s degree program with over 700 hours of clinical experience across hospital sites. Also has a Sonography certificate program.

• Mid-Del Technology Center – Radiography associate‘s degree with rotations at OU Medical Center and other clinical sites.

• Canadian Valley Technology Center – Associate‘s degree programs covering radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and sonography modalities.

Each of these institutions equip students with essential technical skills and clinical experience to launch careers in medical imaging and diagnostics. Prospective applicants are encouraged to reach out to program staff to better understand unique offerings and fit based on interests and goals.

Conclusion

With the growing importance of medical imaging across the healthcare sector, expertise in radiology technology is increasingly valued. A degree, certification or diploma from a reputed training program is indispensable for building an exciting and meaningful career in this field.

The radiology technology schools and colleges showcased above represent the highest-caliber options available in the Oklahoma City metro area. Leveraging their specialized labs, distinguished faculty, clinical affiliations and career resources, graduates emerge fully prepared to deliver quality patient care through diagnostic imaging.

We encourage you to thoroughly research programs that best match your interests in modalities like sonography, MRI, CT scans and X-ray technology. Reach out to admissions staff for personalized advice and click through to program websites for staying up-to-date with curriculum offerings, tuition fees and application deadlines.