Radiologic Technologist 

Job Description:

• Assessing, evaluating, and testing patients. 

• Preparing and positioning patients for imaging. 

• Attending patient needs during imaging procedures. 

• Applying and maintaining knowledge that is up-to-date for radiation protection and safety practices.

• Be able to independently perform or assist a licensed practitioner when performing procedures such as mammograms, X-ray exams, MRI’s or administering radiation to cancer patients.  

• Prepare, administer and document activities related to medications in accordance with the state and federal regulations and institutional policy.

Earnings:

• The average starting salary is an hourly wage of $19.87 an hour. With $39,740 a year approximately.

• The average salary in idaho in Boise specifically in $61,010.

Soft Skills

• Active Listener 

• Take responsibility and initiative 

• Show compassion 

• Ability to constantly adapt

• Attention to detail

• Organized

My Personal Traits are:

• Organized

• Attention to detail

• Show compassion

• Active listener

Traits to Improve on: 

• Take responsibility and initiative

• Ability to constantly adapt

Hard Skills:

• Radiology

• Patient Safety 

• Basic Life Support (BLS)

• Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS)

• Hospitals

• Medical Imaging 

• X-Ray

• Fluoroscopy

Employment Outlook:

• Both nationally and in Idaho the employment is projected to grow 6%, which is about as fast as average, from the years 2021 to 2031.

Cost of Education:

• Estimated cost for just the program expenses at The College of Southern Idaho is $1,954. Plus the $990 attendance cost. Which is $5,443 for two years. 

ROI:

• My ROI after 1 year would be 730% 

• My ROI after 10 years would be 11208% 

• My ROI after 40 years would be 44835%

Name of Interviewee: Morgan Holt 

Job Title: Radiologist Technician 

Question #1: What would you suggest I do in high school to prepare for this career?

My suggestion would be to take as many duel credit classes that you can through your high school.  Things like allied health, medical terminology, and if you’re up for a challenge, the anatomy and physiology courses. Any core classes that you can complete will get you one step closer to applying to the program of your choice.

Question #2: What education or training do you need to have for this job?

You must complete the core classes that are required for the radiology program.  Every program is different so you will need to review those classes depending on the college.  Most programs want you to have either your EMT or CNA certification before applying.  Then during the program, which is usually about 2 years, you will take all the classes that you need and clinicals to complete the program.  You will then sit down and take a registry to obtain your license.

Question #3: How much do most people spend on education and training for this career? Do you have any suggestions for how I can pay for that?

At each college the price per credit varies.  At a smaller community college like CSI you would be expecting to pay around $9,000-$10,000.  This would include supplies, fees, and credits.  At a bigger university you could be looking at double the cost or more.  

Question #4: What licenses or certifications are required for this job and how often do they have to be renewed? What does that process look like?

Once you have graduated and taken your registry through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) your credentials will be valid through one year from your birth month and then will need to be renewed every year to work at your facility.  You will also be required to complete 24 education credits every 2 years.  You can do that through certain websites like ASRT or ERadimaging.  You can also get credits from going to seminars or completing certain types of training through your job.  This must be done in order to keep your license valid.