Key Points

• What is a Radiology Technician? A Radiology Technician (officially known as a Radiologic Technologist) is a licensed professional who uses X-ray and other imaging equipment to create diagnostic images of the human body.
• How to become a Radiology Technician in Washington? To work in Washington, you must complete a JRCERT-accredited degree program, pass the national ARRT exam, and obtain a state license from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).
• Length of training for a Radiology Technician: An associate degree program typically takes 21 to 24 months to complete.
• Average Radiology Technician salary in Washington: The median annual salary for a Radiologic Technologist in Washington is approximately $79,760 ($38.35/hour).
• Number of employment of Radiology Technicians in Washington: As of May 2023, there were approximately 3,660 Radiologic Technologists employed in Washington.

What is a Radiology Technician?

A Radiologic Technologist is a licensed healthcare professional who uses specialized imaging equipment, such as X-ray, CT, and MRI machines, to create diagnostic images of the human body.

Their primary responsibilities include:

• Positioning patients and operating complex imaging equipment
• Ensuring the quality and accuracy of the images produced
• Maintaining and troubleshooting imaging equipment
• Providing patient care and education during the imaging process

Technologists work in diverse settings, from hospital emergency rooms and surgical suites to outpatient clinics and mobile imaging units.

Where Does a Radiology Technician Work?

Radiology technicians have the opportunity to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:

• Hospitals: Emergency rooms, surgical suites, and specialized departments.
• Diagnostic Imaging Centers: Centers solely dedicated to imaging procedures.
• Clinics: Outpatient centers for routine or specialized patient care.
• Mobile Imaging Units: Travel to different locations to provide imaging services.

Requirements to Become a Radiology Technician in Washington

To become a radiology technician in Washington, you must meet the following requirements:

• Education: Complete an accredited radiology technician program, which usually takes about 2 years and leads to an associate’s degree in radiologic technology.
• Certification: Pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam, demonstrating your knowledge and skills in radiography.
• Licensure: Obtain a radiology technician license from the Washington State Department of Health, which is mandatory to practice in the state.

How to Become a Radiology Technician in Washington?

The path to becoming a licensed Radiologic Technologist in Washington is a structured journey that blends classroom learning with hands-on hospital experience.

1. Meet the Foundational Requirements

Before applying to a radiography program, you will need a high school diploma or GED. Most colleges also require prerequisite courses in Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Terminology, and Math. High grades in these subjects are crucial for acceptance into competitive programs.

2. Enroll in a JRCERT-Accredited Program

You must enroll in a formal education program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). In Washington, these are typically Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree programs that take 21 to 24 months to complete. Washington has four JRCERT-accredited radiography programs at Pima Medical Institute, Spokane Community College, Tacoma Community College, and Yakima Valley Community College. The curriculum covers radiation physics, patient care, and image production.

3. Complete Clinical Rotations

You cannot learn radiography just from a book. Accredited programs require you to complete extensive clinical rotations in real hospitals and clinics. Under the supervision of licensed technologists, you will perform hundreds of exams on actual patients to build your competency.