Frequently Asked Questions
What does an x-ray tech/radiographer do?
Radiologic technologists make up the third-largest group of healthcare professionals—surpassed in number only by physicians and nurses.
Radiographers are front-line patient care providers. We utilize imaging equipment and precisely position patients to obtain high-quality diagnostic radiographs.
Can I work part-time while in the program?
Many students have somewhat flexible part-time jobs while attending school. However, the program cannot work around your schedule. Class and clinical times are set for all students.
When should I apply?
Completed applications must be submitted between August 1st and October 31st. The School of Radiologic Technology Admissions Committee conducts interviews during November and makes its selections by Thanksgiving. The program begins in early January of each year.
Do I have to have completed all the prerequisites to apply?
No. You can apply while in progress on your final prerequisite courses, so long as they are completed with a “C” or better by the program start date in January.
Do I have to go to FSCJ for classes?
No. The articulation with FSCJ is specifically for students who do not yet hold at least an associate degree. If you already have at least an associate degree, which does not need to be in imaging science, you can take your prerequisites or comparable courses at an accredited college or university. Please contact the Program Director to review course descriptions and ensure they meet that prerequisite.
Do I get a degree from UF when I finish the program?
No. UF Health Jacksonville is part of the University of Florida health system. However, we are not a degree-awarding program. Upon program completion, you will earn a Certificate of Completion from our JRCERT Accredited School of Radiologic Technology.
Describe the typical radiography student.
We have seen all kinds of people become great radiographers. There is no typical student. You don’t have to have healthcare experience first. You just have to want it and be willing to do the hard work. The typical class will include recent high-school graduates and traditional college students, single parents, individuals opting for a career change, retired military personnel, and older adults reentering the workforce. Students from all walks of life and with a wide range of background experiences have become exceptional radiographers.
What about transportation requirements?
The program does not provide transportation. The student must provide reliable transportation.
What benefits accompany the program?
Each student is offered medical and dental insurance at no charge. A $10,000 life insurance policy is also offered at no charge. The student is provided a meal card worth $35 per week meal allowance. A secure parking lot is also provided.
Will I receive a refund if I do not complete the program in its entirety?
If a student voluntarily withdraws or is dismissed during the first 30 days of school, fifty percent (50%) of the tuition paid will be refunded. There is no refund after 30 days.
Does the school accept FAFSA for tuition?
No. The program does not currently accept federal financial aid. Furthermore, students likely cannot place previously existing federal financial aid loans on deferment while in the program.
Tuition must be paid “out-of-pocket” by the learner.
The program does accept the GI Bill from Veterans Affairs.
What do current students and graduates say is important to know?
This is an intensive 40-hour-per-week program with rotational weekends throughout and evening shifts in the second year. Managing your school/work/life balance is often the most challenging part of school. However, this is the only program in our area that trains at a Level 1 Trauma Center. Our students have access to every patient population (neonatal, pediatric, geriatric, traumatic injury, and everything in between) and every imaging environment (inpatient, outpatient, ER, OR, fluoroscopy, imaging centers, etc.). Because of this, our graduates are solid, well-rounded, and capable technologists prepared to work in any imaging environment in the country.
Do you offer job placement for graduates?
No. There is no guarantee of employment upon graduation. However, our hospital radiology department routinely hires graduates who shine brightly in the program. Furthermore, there is a high demand for radiographers in our area and nationally, which is expected to grow. We track graduates' employment and report that annually on our Program Effectiveness Measures. For the last five years, 100% of graduates have found work in the field within 12 months of graduation.
Does this program set me up to work in Florida? What about other states?
Yes. Completing our JRCERT Accredited Program and holding at least an associate degree, which does not need to be in the imaging sciences, makes you eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) Credentialing Exam. Passing that exam makes you eligible for licensure in Florida and most states nationwide. Our program has a 100% exam pass rate in 2023 and 2024.
To obtain licensure, you typically must register with the state's Department of Health, provide your ARRT Registration, and pay a fee. Please check with the specific licensing agency in each state for details.