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How to Become a Radiology Technician in Iowa

By Athena KanUpdated
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Radiology technicians in Iowa earn an average of $66,730 per year, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This career path is ideal for those who want to work in healthcare without attending medical school. With a two-year degree and certification, you can begin a high-demand role that combines patient care with technical skill.

How to Get Certified

To become a certified radiologic technologist through ARRT:

  1. Graduate from a program approved by ARRT or JRCERT
  2. Register for the ARRT exam and pay the testing fee
  3. Prepare using study guides, practice exams, and review courses
  4. Pass the exam, which covers topics like patient care, image production, and safety
  5. Apply for Iowa state licensure
  6. Renew your certification every two years by completing continuing education units

How to Get a Job as a Radiology Technician in Iowa

Once you are certified, you can:

  • Search for jobs on MyNextMove and hospital websites
  • Use job boards that specialize in healthcare positions
  • Apply for entry-level roles in imaging departments and outpatient centers
  • Network with clinical contacts from your program
  • Highlight clinical experience and certifications in your resume and cover letter

Career Paths and Advancement

After becoming a radiology technician, you can grow your career by:

  • Specializing in CT, MRI, mammography, or interventional radiology
  • Pursuing advanced credentials like Registered Radiologist Assistant (RRA)
  • Becoming a lead technologist, supervisor, or imaging department manager
  • Teaching in radiologic technology programs
  • Transitioning into imaging informatics or PACS administration

Each of these paths offers the potential for higher pay and new responsibilities.

How Much Do Radiology Technicians Make in Iowa?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for radiologic technologists in Iowa is $66,730 per year as of May 2024.

  • Entry-level: $50,000 to $55,000
  • Mid-career: $65,000 to $75,000
  • Specialized roles: Up to $80,000 or more

Pay can vary by location, specialization, and experience level.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a radiology technician in Iowa offers a clear, practical path to a reliable healthcare career. With just two years of training, you can enter a high-demand field that combines patient care with diagnostic expertise. The role pays well, offers advancement opportunities, and is essential to modern healthcare.

Use Dreambound to compare accredited radiology technician programs in Iowa and take the first step toward certification.

If you're thinking of a new career path, Dreambound offers in-depth guides to understand various job choices:

Athena Kan
Written by
Athena Kan

Athena Kan is the CEO and co-founder of Dreambound, which makes people irreplaceable in a post-AI world by training people in healthcare, trades, and AI-powered knowledge work. Dreambound is backed by Union Square Ventures and Arrive, a Roc Nation company.

Before founding Dreambound, she was an investor at 8VC ($6B AUM), a software engineer on Uber's self-driving car team. She also founded Coding it Forward, a nonprofit that recruits top technical talent to modernize the federal government - work that earned her a medallion from the Chief Technology Officer of the U.S. She graduated from Harvard College and was recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree.

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How to Become a Radiology Technician in Iowa