Vermont Radiology Tech Careers and Degrees
Receiving your Radiologic Technologist Training in Vermont
In the state of Vermont, interested individuals may choose from a handful of different radiology technician schools: University of Vermont or Champlain College in Burlington, College of St. Joseph in Rutland or Southern Vermont College in Bennington. Most of these educational institutions, including the University of Vermont, offer four-year bachelor’s degree programs in radiation therapy or nuclear medicine technology. However, Champlain College offers a two-year radiography program that results in an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree and meets the requirements for certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Graduation from the A.S. program requires the successful completion of 60 credit hours of coursework over five semesters, including 1,600 hours of clinical work and a 15-week summer internship. The University of Vermont Bachelor of Science (B.S.) programs include courses on communication, critical thinking, professionalism and clinical competence. Graduates of these programs are prepared for jobs as radiologic technicians above the standard entry-level positions. The programs at all of the radiology technician schools in Vermont are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
Radiology Technician Licensing in Vermont
To work in the state of Vermont, radiology techs must be licensed by the Board of Radiologic Technology, which is part of the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation. To qualify for a radiologic technologist license in Vermont, individuals must be at least 18 years of age and a graduate of a radiation therapy program that has been approved by the board. If the applicant is not credentialed by ARRT and has not successfully completed the national examination, then a state-specific examination, which is administered by ARRT, is required. A licensing fee of $100 must also be submitted with the application.
Although registration with ARRT is not required by the state, it is recommended and may be required by some employers. To register with ARRT, individuals must apply within three years of graduating from an accredited, degree-earning program in radiography, radiation therapy or nuclear medicine technology. Candidates must also demonstrate competency in didactic and classroom coursework by passing the national certification examination. In addition, all candidates must undergo an ethics review and pay a $200 certification fee.
Career Outlook for Radiology Tech Jobs in Vermont
Vermont is an excellent state for radiology technologists. Salaries are above average and the job outlook for the future is extremely favorable. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a division of the U.S. Department of Labor, the median radiology technician salary in the nation is just over $54,000 per year while the median salary for other health technologists is approximately $39,000 per year. A survey conducted over six months at the end of 2013 shows that the median radiologist technician salary in Vermont is $57,000 per year, which is $3,000 higher than the national median.
Employment opportunities for radiologic technologists are expected to increase in the ten-year period from 2010 to 2020 by 28 percent, which is 2 percent higher than other health technology jobs and 14 percent higher than the average of all occupations. Approximately 61 percent of radiology techs are hired by state, local and private hospitals. However, 21 percent are employed in private practices, and 14 percent work in medical laboratories, clinics or federal facilities.