If you’re a radiologist in Idaho, you need to make sure you maintain your radiologic technologist license. Learn more here.
If you’re looking to start a new career in the medical field, radiology could be for you. With over 250,000 jobs in the United States, radiologic and MRI technologists are needed in Idaho and around the country.
You can have a successful career as a radiologic tech. You need the proper education, training, and radiologic technologist license. Keep reading to learn more.
How to Become a Radiologic Technologist: Education Requirements
If you’re considering studying to be a radiologic technologist, it’s important to know what’s ahead for your studies and the required degree.
Radiology programs typically offer concentrations that let students choose a career pathway. For example, two-year programs will focus more on procedures like MRIs, CAT scans, and X-rays. Bachelor’s programs can let students pursue specializations. There are also Master’s programs and Doctoral degrees.
If you’re looking to study radiology in Idaho, there are five schools you can seek a degree from, including:
- Boise State University
- College of Southern Idaho
- Idaho State University
- Lewis-Clark State College
- North Idaho College
Depending on the school and enrollment, courses are offered online and in person. The time it takes to complete your degree is different for everyone. Once you have your degree, you can look to earn your certification.
Jobs Requiring a Radiologic Technologist License
Radiology students can pursue several career paths. The most common are medical imaging, nuclear medicine and radiology leadership.
Radiologic technologists work in different places. Common ones include general medical and surgical hospitals and physician offices. Medical and diagnostic laboratories, outpatient care centers, and scientific research and development facilities are also options. The majority of employees in the field work full-time jobs.
In general, radiologic and MRI technologists perform diagnostic imaging tests on patients. Radiology jobs have duties that include maintaining imaging equipment and preparing patients for procedures. They also operate computerized equipment and keep detailed patient records.
How to Maintain your Radiologic Technologist License in Idaho
State licensure requirements for imaging professionals differ. No matter where you are, it will benefit you if your credentials are verified. It’s best to do this through The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists ®(ARRT®).
ARRT® offers credentials in 13 different radiology modalities, including the following:
- Bone Densitometry
- Breast Sonography
- Cardiac Interventional Radiology
- Computer Tomography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Mammography
- Nuclear Medicine Technology
- Radiation Therapy
- Radiography
- Registered Radiologist Assistant
- Sonography
- Vascular Interventional Radiography
- Vascular Sonography
Applicants looking to earn their ARRT® certification need to meet all the requirements. The requirements are in education, ethics, and examination. Education refers to a person’s degree. The examination is the test applicants must pass to get verified.
For ethics, the ARRT® focuses on protecting patients’ best interests. Safety is always a priority. Those looking to maintain their license should abide by the Code of Ethics and Rules of Ethics. Anyone who violates the code or rules can be sanctioned and removed.
Idaho does not require radiologic technologists and others in the field to be licensed by the state to practice. But employers can choose to seek out candidates who are certified.
If you’re looking to get certified by the ARRT® you need to take and pass the ARRT® exam and maintain your registration.
You need to renew your certification with ARRT® every year. You also need to complete at least 24 hours of continuing education every two years.
ARRT® offers two pathways. The Primary Eligibility Pathway is how most rad techs earn their first credentials. Pathways include magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapy, radiography, sonography, and vascular sonography.
The second pathway is for already established techs. The Postprimary Eligibility Pathway is for individuals who are already certified. They can pursue a career in other modalities. The ARRT® also offers a pathway to becoming a registered radiologist assistant.
Continuing Education
Continuing education ensures radiologic technologists update their knowledge and skills. This way, they are aware of new developments in medical imaging and radiation therapies.
Radiology continuing education courses are often taken online. Online testing centers make it easy for radiology techs to stay up-to-date with their studies. They can learn on their own time, when and where it’s most convenient.
Once a tech completes a continuing education course and passes their test, they can submit their results to the ARRT® to ensure their credentials remain valid.
Industry Outlooks for Radiologic Technologists
For those looking for jobs in radiology, projections are positive. The projected job growth through 2028 is nearly 21 percent.
There were approximately 1,050 radiologic technologists and technicians working in Idaho in 2019. The average annual salary for those workers was $63,480.
The hospitals and medical facilities looking to hire radiologic technologists in Idaho include:
- Idaho Medical Imaging
- Portneuf Medical Center
- Intermountain Healthcare
- Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center
- St. Luke’s Imaging Center
- St. Joseph Regional Medical Center
The top four cities in Idaho for rad techs include Boise City-Nampa, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, and Pocatello.
Jobs in radiology are in demand for the foreseeable future. If you currently practice as a radiologic technologist, it’s important to follow your licensing requirements.
Learn More From Scrubs Continuing Education ®
Now that you know what it takes to maintain a radiologic technologist license in Idaho, are you ready to start the next phase in your career?
When you’re ready to expand your knowledge, Scrubs Continuing Education® can help. To learn more about continuing education for your license, contact us today.
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