Become a Radiographer in Idaho

Our nation’s population is aging, and there is an ever-growing demand for medical professionals, including those in the field of radiologic technology. Employment opportunities for radiologic technologists (RTs) are expected to increase by 6% nationally in the next decade, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, long-term forecast to 2031), making now a better time than ever to consider training for this profession.

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In Idaho, like in many low-populous states, the number of registered technologists is low 1,030 in 2020, according to the BLS), but it is expanding rapidly as employers seek out more of these professionals to fill a growing need.

Requirements in Idaho

The state of Idaho does not currently have any license or registration requirements for workers in the radiology field, except mammography technologists, who must meet the training and certification requirements for the federal Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA). However, aspiring radiological technologists should still pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam, as many hospitals and other employers require it. In addition, certified professionals in the radiology field are more likely to experience increased job security and more competitive salaries as the health sector grows.

Radiologic Technology Schools in Idaho

There are three school programs for radiography in the state of Idaho that is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiology Technology (JRCERT):

Boise State University: Located in Boise, this public university offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Diagnostic Radiography through its Radiography program. The program takes 38 months to complete, after which graduates are qualified to sit the AART exam and receive their certification. Certificate programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Computed Tomography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are also offered through the school’s Radiography department. The school’s Online Imaging Sciences Degree is designed for credentialed imaging practitioners who wish to advance their career potential by completing a bachelor’s degree.

College of Southern Idaho: This school is based out of Twin Falls and offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Radiographic Technology through its Radiography program, which takes 22 months to complete. Graduates of this program are eligible to receive certification after passing the AART exam.

North Idaho College: Students in this small college, located in Coeur d’Alene, may earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Radiography Technology through its program in Radiography, which takes 19 months to complete. Graduates of this program are eligible to take the AART exam and receive certification.

Other Schools to Consider Radiology Technology Program

Idaho State University: This 4-year public university offers a Bachelor of Science degree through its Radiographic Science program, in which all classes are held in a laboratory setting, with a period of supervised clinical experience. Upon completion of the program, each student will have completed over 1,500 hours of training in the clinical setting and will be prepared to take the national ARRT Radiography certification exam to receive the title of Radiologic Technologist RT(R).

Lewis-Clark State College: Students of this college, located in Lewiston, offer both an Associate of Science degree through its 3-year Radiographic Science program and a Bachelor of Science, which can be earned with one additional year of study. This program is fully accredited by Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

Looking outside the State, while Montana, Wyoming and Oregon provide few options, future students should examine the alternatives available in the states of Washington, Oklahoma, and Nevada.

Large Employers in Radiology

Several large hospitals in Idaho employ radiologic technologists, with most concentrated in Boise, Nampa, and other cities. While the majority of these professionals work for these larger facilities in urban areas, many others are employed by smaller healthcare clinics and doctors’ offices in more rural areas of the state.

Salaries for Radiologic technologists

The BLS reports the average annual salary for radiologic technologists in the state of Idaho is $60,570, with an average hourly wage of $29.12.

This is slightly below the national average annual salary of $61,370, and Idaho residents enjoy a lower average cost of living than in many other states.

Salaries may vary widely in the radiology field, depending on an employee’s education level, amount of experience, certification status, specific job title, and area. More information on Rad Tech salaries in Idaho.

Professional Organizations

For support, networking, and continuing education opportunities, radiologic technologists in Idaho should contact the Idaho Society of Radiologic Technologists (ISRT), which is the state affiliate of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). For information on schools, prospective students can visit the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), which accredits radiology programs. For additional information on registration and licensing, radiologic technologist students and professionals should also visit the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

JRCERT Accredited Radiography Programs in Idaho

Boise State University – Radiography

1910 University Drive, Boise ID 83725-1845

Tel: (208) 426-5045

Program Name: Radiologic Sciences

Program Type: Bachelor of Science

Duration: 66 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 96%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%  Job Placement Rate: 97.1%

Tuition Fees: $6,876

College of Southern Idaho – Radiography

315 Falls Avenue, Twin Falls ID 83303-1238

Tel: (208) 732-6719

Program Name: Radiologic Technology

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science

Duration: 29 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 88.5%  Job Placement Rate: 100%

Tuition Fees: $1,320 Resident, $3,360 Non-resident

Idaho State University – Radiography

Campus Box 8002, Pocatello ID 83209-8002

Tel: (208) 282-2871

Program Name: Radiographic Science

Program Type: Bachelor of Radiologic Science

Duration: 44 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 94%  Job Placement Rate: 98%

Tuition Fees: $6,566 Resident, $17,870 Non-resident

Lewis-Clark State College – Radiography

500 8th Avenue, Lewiston ID 83501-2698

Tel: (208) 792-2157

Program Name: Radiographic Science

Program Type: Associate in Radiologic Sciences

Duration: 44 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 83.3%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 97.1%  Job Placement Rate: 100%

Tuition Fees: $6,000

North Idaho College – Radiography

1000 West Garden Avenue, Coeur d’Alene ID 83814

Tel: (208) 676-7133

Program Name: Radiography Technology

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science

Duration: 10 months

Program Effectiveness:   Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%  Job Placement Rate: 100%

Tuition Fees: $4,913 Resident, $6,150 Non-resident