Your Career in Medical Imaging in Hawaii Starts Here

As the medical needs of our nation’s population increase, the demand increases for qualified professionals in many areas of the health industry. To fulfill the rising demand now is a better time than ever to start pursuing a career in radiology.

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In Hawaii, workers in this occupation are few but are starting to grow, following the national trend that expects the employment opportunities for radiologic technologists to increase by 9% in only 10 years.

Prerequisite Courses

To pursue a career in the field of medical imaging, there are certain prerequisite courses you must take before you can enroll in a program. These prerequisites include anatomy and physiology, physics, psychology, mathematics, computers, and communication skills.

Radiology Requirements in Hawaii

Radiologic technologists in the state of Hawaii must currently be licensed by the Hawai‘i Board of Radiologic Technology to perform work. Like 36 other US states, Hawaii uses the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examinations for its licensing requirements. Hawaii also states that working technologists in the radiology field must complete 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year term. Licensed radiologic technicians from other states with equivalent requirements are also licensed to work in Hawaii. Some specific radiology jobs, such as nuclear medicine technology and cardiovascular radiography, must hold additional licenses to practice.

Radiologic Technology Schools in Hawaii

University of Hawaii, Kapiolani Community College: Located in Honolulu on the island of Oahu, the University of Hawaii’s Kapiolani Community College (KCC) is currently the only accredited school in the state to offer a degree in radiologic technology. Graduates of the Radiologic Technology (RAD) program will receive a 2-year Associate of Science (AS) degree.

The RAD program involves classroom lectures, laboratory instruction, and supervised clinical experience. Upon completing the program, graduates are eligible for taking the ARRT national certification exam, which fulfills the state’s licensing requirements for this profession. KCC’s Radiologic Technology program boasts a strong examination record with a 99 percent first-attempt pass rate from 2012-2016, and a 100 percent first-attempt pass rate for 2017.

Other Radiologic Technology Programs

There are additional radiology programs available in Hawaii that do not offer a degree or diploma but can still provide good training for the profession. These include:

• Hawaii Radiologic Technician Training Program (HRTTP): Offered through the University of Hawaii’s Continuing Education program, this 12-week certificate course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills in medical imaging techniques.

• Hawaii Pacific Health Radiology Residency Program: This two-year program offered by Hawaii Pacific Health is designed for radiologic technologists who would like to specialize in a particular area of radiology such as Mammography or Nuclear Medicine.

• Kauai Radiology Technologist Program: This program is designed to prepare attendees to become entry-level radiologic technologists. The program consists of classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical education.

Large Employers in Radiology

Hawaii is home to several large healthcare centers, especially on Oahu and in populated areas of the other islands, which consistently employ radiologic technologists. While the largest numbers of radiologic technologists work for these larger facilities, small clinics and rural doctors’ offices hire technologists as well.

Salaries for Radiologists

In Hawaii, the average annual salary is $97,580, with the lowest 10% earning $67,910 or less and the highest 10% earning $112,010 or more. Nationally, the average salary is $73,410, with the lowest 10% earning $50,020 or less and the highest 10% earning $102,380 or more. This data highlights the differences in wages between Hawaii and the national average, and it also breaks down salaries by percentiles for further detail.

National vs. Local Salaries

Salaries and Percentiles by Region

Radiologic technologist Trends in Hawaii

In Hawaii, there were 650 employees in 2020, projected to grow to 710 by 2030, representing a 9% increase, with 50 annual job openings. Nationally, there were 222,800 employees in 2022, projected to grow to 235,000 by 2032, a 6% increase, with 13,100 annual job openings.

Employment Trends

Source of the data:

• Hawaii: data for wages here and for employment trends here.
• U.S data: Bureau of Labour Statistics

Professional Organizations

The Hawaii Society of Radiologic Technologists (HSRT) is a recognized affiliate of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) that fully supports the needs of the imaging community and professionals in the state of Hawaii. HSRT offers members networking and continuing education opportunities throughout the entire state. The review committee on education and accreditation in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (CERMERT) is a joint committee of the ASRT and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) that supports education programs for imaging and radiation therapy professionals in Hawaii.

The Hawaiʻi Alliance for Health, Education, and Research (HAHER), is an organization of radiologic technologists and radiation therapists that supports the development and advancement of their respective professions in Hawaii.

JRCERT Accredited Radiography Programs in Hawaii

University of Hawaii-Kapiolani Community College – Radiography

4303 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu HI 96816

Program Name: Radiologic Technology

Program Type: Associate of Science

Duration: 74 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 75%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 99%  Job Placement Rate: 93%

Tuition Fees: $4,545 Resident, $21,960 Non-resident