Radiologist Assistant: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Radiologist Assistant programs equip qualified professionals to support radiologists in delivering advanced diagnostic imaging services. These programs emphasize clinical precision, patient-centered care, and technical expertise within a supervised medical environment.
- Cross-sectional anatomy: In-depth study of anatomical structures as viewed in axial, sagittal, and coronal planes, essential for interpreting advanced imaging modalities.
- Pharmacology: Comprehensive understanding of medications used in imaging procedures, including contrast agents, their mechanisms, indications, and potential adverse reactions.
- Pathophysiology: Exploration of disease processes and their impact on organ systems, enabling accurate clinical correlation during imaging evaluations.
- Radiation biology: Scientific examination of how ionizing radiation affects biological tissues, including principles of dose management and radiation protection.
- Imaging procedures and techniques: Training in the operation and application of advanced imaging systems such as CT, MRI, and fluoroscopy, including protocol development and image optimization.
- Patient assessment and care management: Development of skills to conduct pre-procedural evaluations, manage patient needs, and ensure safety and comfort throughout diagnostic imaging processes.
Radiologist Assistant Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Radiologist Assistant Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Radiologist Assistant degrees, including Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other and Healthcare Support Workers, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 277,710 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other 29-2099 | $48,790 | $37,290 - $81,290 | 174,060 | $23.46 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other 31-9099 | $46,050 | $32,450 - $68,180 | 103,650 | $22.14 |
Radiologist Assistant Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $35,330 in Louisiana to $62,860 in District of Columbia—a 78% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Delaware, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 277,710 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Radiologist Assistant by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 9 institutions offering Radiologist Assistant programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Radiologist Assistant is found at Hillsborough Community College (HCC) (1,429 graduates), Northcentral Technical College (NTC) (23 graduates), Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) (19 graduates), Lakeshore Technical College (LTC) (11 graduates), and Southeastern College, West Palm Beach (11 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,513 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough Community College (HCC) |
Other Award
|
1,429 | Tampa, Florida | Public | hccfl.edu |
| Northcentral Technical College (NTC) |
Associate's
|
23 | Wausau, Wisconsin | Public | ntc.edu |
| Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) |
Associate's
|
19 | Eau Claire, Wisconsin | Public | cvtc.edu |
| Lakeshore Technical College (LTC) |
Associate's
|
11 | Cleveland, Wisconsin | Public | gotoltc.edu |
| Southeastern College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
11 | West Palm Beach, Florida | Private | sec.edu |
| Midwestern State University (MSU Texas) |
Master's
|
8 | Wichita Falls, Texas | Public | msutexas.edu |
| Meridian Technology Center (Meridian Tech) |
Other Award
|
7 | Stillwater, Oklahoma | Public | meridiantech.edu |
| Loma Linda University (LLU) |
Master's
|
3 | Loma Linda, California | Private | llu.edu |
| Quinnipiac University (QU) |
Master's
|
2 | Hamden, Connecticut | Private | qu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Radiologist Assistant programs
How much can I earn with a Radiologist Assistant degree?
Salaries for Radiologist Assistant graduates vary by role and location. Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other earn a median of $48,790 annually, while Healthcare Support Workers, All Other earn around $46,050. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $62,860 compared to $35,330 in Louisiana. Approximately 277,710 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Radiologist Assistant programs?
Currently 9 accredited institutions offer Radiologist Assistant degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Hillsborough Community College (HCC) (1,429 graduates), Northcentral Technical College (NTC) (23 graduates), and Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) (19 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Radiologist Assistant growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 43 in 2010 to 1,513 in 2023-24. This represents a 3,419% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Radiologist Assistant degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other, Healthcare Support Workers, All Other, . Related occupations employ approximately 277,710 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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