Radiology Tech Schools in Idaho
Receiving Your Radiologic Technologist Training in Idaho
Idaho has four radiologic technologist programs: Boise State University (BSU), Idaho State University (ISU) , Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC), and College of Southern Idaho (CSI). These accredited programs teach the skills necessary to perform a variety of x-ray procedures and prepare the student for the registry exam.
Courses such as cross-sectional anatomy, pathophysiology, and health delivery systems help prepare the student for a lifetime career in radiology. Graduates with academic degrees are more likely to move into managerial positions and have more options to further their education.
Most programs require three semesters of hands on experience in a real radiology clinic. As a student you will usually be rotated into the hospital setting. Some programs will give you additional real-life experience in other settings, such as outpatient imaging and private practice clinics, externships or internships.
Radiology Technician Licensing in Idaho
The state of Idaho does not require an individual to have a license to practice radiographic imaging. However, most employers require the individual to be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). In order to sit for the registry exam the ARRT requires that all applicants complete an accredited program in the last three years and pass an ethics review that evaluates criminal history.
Beginning in January 2015 all applicants must hold at least an associate’s degree from an accredited school. Once certified the ARRT requires all licensed radiologic technologists to complete 24 hours of continuing education credits every two years and continue to pass the ethics review. CE credits are made readily available through regional and national professional societies, medical vendors, and through local and online educational seminars.
Career Outlook for Radiology Tech Jobs in Idaho
The career outlook for radiology technologists is gradually improving in the U.S. As the baby boomer generation ages the demand for medical care increases, and the demand for radiologic technologists is expected to increase by more than 17%. In addition, to cut costs in a tough economy, Idaho medical facilities are increasingly relying on technologists that can be cross-trained into other modalities. Radiographic technologists are valuable to most employers in Idaho because they already have the knowledge to learn other modalities.
Because Idaho is a rural state salaries may vary widely across the state. Radiologic technologists employed 200 miles apart may have as much as a $7,000 annual salary difference. The median annual wage for a radiologic technologist in Idaho is $54,620, according to the BLS. Working as a federal employee gives the highest salary, with outpatient care centers offering the next best wage.
New radiology technologists have plenty of opportunity for growth. Graduates may cross train to specialize in CT, MRI, special procedures, radiation therapy, or nuclear medicine. Graduates may also choose to specialize by practice and work in pediatrics, cardiovascular labs, orthopedics, neurology, and many others. Those graduates who carry an academic degree may eventually move into a leadership position or choose to further their education and become a medical physicist or physician assistant, among others.