Key Points

• What is a Radiology Technician? A Radiology Technician, or Radiologic Technologist, is a licensed medical professional who uses imaging equipment like X-ray and CT scanners to create diagnostic images for physicians.
• How to become a Radiology Technician in Indiana? To work in Indiana, you must graduate from an accredited associate's degree program, pass the national ARRT certification exam, and obtain a state license from the Indiana Department of Health.
• Length of training for a Radiology Technician: An associate's degree program in radiologic technology typically takes 24 months to complete.
• Average Radiology Technician salary in Indiana: The average annual salary for a Radiologic Technologist in Indiana is approximately $73,280 as of May 2024.
• Number of Radiology Technicians in Indiana: As of May 2024, there were 5,270 Radiologic Technologists employed in Indiana.

What is a Radiology Technician?

A radiology technician (or radiologic technologist) is a trained medical professional who performs imaging exams. In simple terms, they use machines to take pictures of the inside of the body. Doctors use these pictures (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, etc.) to find injuries or illnesses. Radiology techs know how to operate the equipment safely and make sure the images come out clear. They also work with patients—explaining procedures, positioning them correctly, and making them feel comfortable. Radiology technicians are important members of the healthcare team, helping doctors "see inside" patients without surgery.

What Does a Radiology Technician Do?

Radiology technicians handle a variety of important tasks each day. Their duties typically include:

• Operating Imaging Equipment: They run X-ray machines, CT scanners, MRI machines, or other imaging tools to capture pictures of bones and organs. They must follow safety rules to protect patients and themselves from radiation.
• Patient Preparation: A radiology tech helps patients get ready for the scan. This may involve explaining the procedure in simple terms, helping them onto the exam table, and positioning them correctly. For example, they might help a patient lie still for an MRI or wear a protective apron for an X-ray.
• Ensuring Clear Images: Radiology techs make sure the images are good quality. They adjust machine settings and positioning to get the best view. If an image is blurry or misses the target area, they may need to take it again.
• Working with the Medical Team: They work closely with radiologists (doctors who interpret the images) and other healthcare professionals. After capturing images, they might assist the doctor by providing the images and noting any observations. They do basic record-keeping and may input notes into patient records.
• Maintenance and Safety: Radiology technicians also take care of the equipment. They follow safety protocols to ensure the machines are working properly. They wear badges that measure radiation exposure and make sure everyone is safe during procedures.

How to Become a Radiology Technician in Indiana?

Following a structured, step-by-step process is the most efficient way to launch your career as a Radiologic Technologist in Indiana.

1. Meet Foundational Requirements and Find a Program

Before enrolling in a program, you must have a high school diploma or GED. Strong grades in science and math are highly recommended. You will also need to pass a background check and drug screening to be eligible for the required clinical training in hospitals and clinics.

Your first major decision is choosing the right training program. Dreambound is a powerful tool for this step, allowing you to search and compare schools across Indiana.

2. Enroll in a JRCERT-Accredited Program

Your most important step is to enroll in an associate's degree program in radiologic technology that is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). This accreditation is mandatory for both national certification and state licensure in Indiana. These two-year programs provide a deep dive into anatomy, patient positioning, imaging principles, and radiation safety, along with extensive hands-on clinical experience. Indiana's radiography programs have a strong record of maintaining their JRCERT accreditation.

3. Earn Your National Certification and State License

After graduating, you must earn your national credentials and then your state license before you can legally work.

First, you must apply for and pass the certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). In 2024, graduates of Indiana programs had a first-time pass rate of 86.5% on this exam. Once you pass and earn your R.T.(R)(ARRT) credential, you can apply for your state license.

You must submit your ARRT credentials, application, and a $60 fee to the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH), which is the state's sole licensing authority for radiologic professionals.

4. Apply for Radiology Technician Jobs

Once you are licensed, you are ready to start your career. Create a professional resume that prominently features your Indiana license number and ARRT credentials. Detail your clinical rotation experience and any specialized modalities you trained on. Search for positions at major Indiana health systems like IU Health, Community Health Network, and Franciscan Health, as well as at outpatient imaging centers across the state.

5. Pursue Advanced Education

Your initial radiography license is a launching pad. To increase your salary and career options, you can pursue advanced certifications in specialized areas like MRI, CT, Mammography, or Interventional Radiology. Many of these require just a few months of additional training and can lead to roles in high-demand fields.

Radiology Technician Salary and Job Outlook in Indiana

The job outlook for radiologic technologists in Indiana is stable and promising. As of May 2024, the state employed 5,270 technologists. Nationally, the field is projected to grow by 4% between 2024 and 2034, driven by an aging population and the increasing use of diagnostic imaging in medicine. The average radiology technician salary in Indiana is $73,280 per year ($35.23 per hour) as of May 2024.