Healthcare jobs are in demand and that won’t change soon. Especially if you live in the Sunshine State!
For an opportunity in the great state of Florida that will stand the test of time, you should seriously consider a career as a limited license radiologic tech.
In the U.S., there are currently 187,778 Radiologic Technologists employed and the average age for these technologists is 43 years old. From the decade 2020 to 2030, they expect the employment of both radiologic and MRI technologists to increase by 9 percent.
In Florida, the future career prospects are even higher! This state anticipates that this position will grow by 20% by the year 2026.
A radiologic technologist in Florida also expects a higher-than-average annual salary. Depending on many factors, including certifications, the average salary range falls between $54,101 and $65,501.
If this sounds good and you want to know more, like how to become licensed as a radiologic technologist, keep reading. This article will take a deeper dive and get into the details right now!
What Does a Radiologic Technologist Do?
A radiologic technologist plays a key role in the diagnostic and treatment of the medical conditions of the patients they serve. They work with a team of both doctors and nurses to perform diagnostic image procedures for patients. This includes x-rays.
Radiologic technologists advise and support patients, positioning the patients for their diagnostic imaging exam. They shield patients from unnecessary exposure to radiation.
After taking images, they evaluate the captured images for clarity and accuracy. Radiologic techs keep records. They maintain the diagnostic imaging equipment and other job-related materials.
How to Become a Limited License Radiologic Tech in Florida
A radiology tech in Florida is required to become certified by the Department of Health’s (Florida Health) Council on Radiation Protection. This is the only way to work as a radiology technologist in the state of Florida.
If you want to be a Certified Radiologic Technologist, Florida Health offers licensure and the steps may vary. However, the following sequence is the usual basic process.
1. Achieve a Diploma, Certificate, or Degree
You will need education, which can include:
- Diploma
- Certificate
- Degree in radiography, radiation therapy
- Another modality
You will need to choose your modality when you apply for a Certified Radiologic Technologist license. Also, for that modality, you need to possess educational qualifications.
2. Pass the ARRT Exam or the JRCNMT Exam
Florida Health recognizes the ARRT exam for certification in many modalities, which is administered by the ARRT. The ARRT will score the state licensing exam, and then send the results to the state of Florida.
Florida Health will review your exam score and determine if you pass or fail. The ARRT does not determine if you pass your exam.
Likewise, to be an NMT or nuclear medicine technologist, you’ll need to pass the nuclear medicine exam administered by the NMTCB or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board.
3. Application Submittal
Next, you’ll need to submit your application. Florida Health highly recommends using the online licensing portal. Paper copies are available, too, on their website.
4. Get Your License
If you sent all the required documentation with your online application, it usually takes 13 business days to process. If you choose to apply with a hard copy form, it can take longer to get your license.
5. Apply for ARRT Certification
Pursuing an ARRT certification is a process that is separate from the licensure exam. It’s a good thing to do, as it adds to your credentials professionally.
6. Continuing Education Required
One requirement to maintain your license in Florida is to complete a radiology continuing education. This usually means that you will need 12 hours of general professional education. You will need one hour of HIV/AIDs education for each renewal period, as well.
We highly recommend this course for continuing education, entitled “Radiography Essentials for Limited Practice.” It’s great for both radiologic technologists and limited practice. This course provides a comprehensive summary that includes physical principles, x-ray exposure, equipment, and the steps in the process of capturing quality images.
Radiology Tech School
There is no minimum education requirement in the state of Florida to sit for the Basic X-Ray Machine Operator exam, where you can become a limited licensed radiologic tech.
However, if you have more of an interest in the highest-paid roles for radiologic science professionals in Florida, you would look at a diagnostic radiology supervisory career. These types of roles typically require a Bachelor of Science degree and/or many years of experience.
If you want to raise your goals for the future and your salary expectations, consider attaining more education under your belt.
Online Radiology Tech Courses
You may be concerned that you don’t have the time to complete the continuing education needed to be a successful radiologic technologist. Don’t worry. There are a variety of options, even for busy people who are working and/or have a family.
A more flexible, convenient way to juggle radiology continuing education and life is by taking the classes online.
Remember that part of the requirement in Florida is continuing education. As you grow your radiologic tech career, online education is a great way to keep you on track without disrupting your weekly routine.
Stay Compliant with Scrubs Continuing Education
We value continuing education for radiologic technologists and imaging professionals. That is why Scrubs Continuing Education provides high-quality, low-cost home study courses online for an aspirational limited license radiologic tech.
With any of your purchases, you get free online testing with instant certification, or you can fax or mail your answer sheet. Click here and check out our radiology tech programs today!
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