Jumpstart a New Career in Medical Imaging in Iowa
Iowa is following a national trend toward a rapid expansion of health care jobs as its population grows older. With a rising medical need, the demand for health technologists is expanding, making the next few years a prime time to pursue a career in radiological technology. (Leer esta información en español) In the next decade alone, these jobs are predicted to increase by 13%, and the state of Iowa, like the rest of the nation, is expected to have more job opportunities with competitive pay to qualified professionals.Salaries for Radiologists
According to the US Bureau of Labor, the mean annual salary for a radiologic technologist in the state of Iowa is currently about $51,780, with a mean hourly wage of $24.90. While this is significantly lower than the current national mean annual salary, which is about $60,320, Iowa’s lower-than-average cost of living, especially in its rural areas, helps keep expenses down. Like in other states, salaries of qualified technologists can vary, with current low ranges around $38,180 and high ranges around $67,900. Influences on salaries include factors such as job title, employer and level of experience. More information on Rad Tech salaries in Iowa.State Licensure Requirements
Radiological technology professionals are required to have an official license in order work. Each license covers a 1-year term and includes mandatory continuing education classes, which vary from 6 hours in 24 months to 12 hours every 12 months, depending on the type of radiological practice. To fulfill state licensing requirements, Iowa joins 37 other US states in using the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exams.Well-Known Colleges and Universities
The state of Iowa is currently home to 13 radiography programs that are accredited by the ARRT. These radiology programs may offer a Certificate, an Associate’s, a Bachelor’s in Radiology Technology, or a combination of the three.-
- Allen College, Waterloo
- Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa
- Iowa Central Community College (Fort Dodge Center), Fort Dodge
- Mercy College of Health Sciences, Des Moines
- Northeast Iowa Community College, Peosta
- Scott Community College, Bettendorf
- St. Luke’s College, Sioux City
- University of Iowa, Iowa City
Other Colleges to Consider
Iowa is also home to the programs listed below, which are not currently accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiology Technology (JRCERT). Instead, most are accredited by other entities or have not yet received JRCERT-accredited status. These schools do, however, offer quality instruction in their programs:- Briar Cliff University, Sioux City
Large Employers in Radiology
There are about 120 hospitals in the state of Iowa, and all need to employ professional technologists. Many small healthcare facilities, such as clinics and urgent care centers, employ Rad Techs as well. Many of Iowa’s major hospitals are listed below:University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City
200 Hawkins Drive
Iowa City, IA 52242-1009
(319) 356-1616
St. Luke’s Hospital, Cedar Rapids
1026 ‘A’ Avenue NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-3026
(319) 369-7211
Mercy Medical Center, Des Moines
1111 6th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50314-2611
(515) 247-3121
CHI Health Mercy, Council Bluffs
800 Mercy Drive
Council Bluffs, IA 51503-3128
(712) 328-5000
Genesis Medical Center, Davenport, Bettendorf
1227 East Rusholme Street
Davenport, IA 52803-2498
(563) 421-1000
Allen Hospital, Waterloo
1825 Logan Avenue
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 235-3629
Blank Children’s Hospital, Des Moines
1200 Pleasant Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 241-5437
Professional Organizations
For additional information, resources and networking, both professional radiologic technologists and students alike should consider joining the Iowa Society of Radiologic Technologists (ISRT). The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) provides additional information on education in the radiology field.JRCERT Accredited Radiography Programs in Iowa
Allen College – Radiography
1825 Logan Avenue, Waterloo IA 50703Tel: (319) 226-2031
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 34 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 95% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $16,732 Resident, $16,732 Non-resident
Covenant Medical Center – Radiography
3421 West Ninth Street, Waterloo IA 50702Tel: (319) 272-7419
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 24 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 91% Job Placement Rate: 95%
Tuition Fees: $3,600 Resident, $3,600 Non-resident
Indian Hills Community College – Radiography
525 Grandview Ave., Ottumwa IA 52501Tel: (641) 683-5316
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 90 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 37% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 96% Job Placement Rate: 97%
Tuition Fees: $8,633 Resident, $11,538 Non-resident
Iowa Central Community College (Fort Dodge Center) – Radiography
One Triton Circle, Fort Dodge IA 50501Tel: (515) 574-1302
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 68 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 80% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 75% Job Placement Rate: 75%
Tuition Fees: $5,670 Resident, $7,950 Non-resident
Mercy College of Health Sciences – Radiography
928 6th Avenue, Des Moines IA 50309-1239Tel: (515) 643-6616
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 38 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 71% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 93% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $21,690 Resident, $21,690 Non-resident
Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa – Radiography
1000 4th Street, S.W., Mason City IA 50401Tel: (641) 428-6079
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 24 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 86% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $3,000 Resident, $3,000 Non-resident
Mercy/St. Luke’s Hospitals – Radiography
1026 A Avenue, N.E., Cedar Rapids IA 52402Tel: (319) 369-7077
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 46 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 83.3% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 98% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $3,750 Resident, $3,750 Non-resident
Northeast Iowa Community College (Peosta Campus) – Radiography
8342 NICC Drive, Peosta IA 52068Tel: (563) 556-5110
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 40 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 82% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 87% Job Placement Rate: 97%
Tuition Fees: $6,077 Resident, $6,077 Non-resident
Scott Community College – Radiography
500 Belmont Road, Bettendorf IA 52722-5649Tel: (563) 441-4265
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 36 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 88% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 98% Job Placement Rate: 96%
Tuition Fees: $5,600 Resident, $8,280 Non-resident
St. Luke’s College – Radiography
2800 Pierce Street, Sioux City IA 51104Tel: (712) 279-3734
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 38 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 83% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 95% Job Placement Rate: 90%
Tuition Fees: $13,500 Resident, $13,500 Non-resident
UnityPoint Health-Des Moines – Radiography
1200 Pleasant Street, Des Moines IA 50309-1453Tel: (515) 241-6880
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 28 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 78% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 98% Job Placement Rate: 97%
Tuition Fees: $3,900 Resident, $3,900 Non-resident
University of Iowa – Radiography
101 Jessup Hall, Iowa City IA 52242Tel: (319) 356-4332
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Bachelor of Science
Duration: 50 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $28,000
University of Iowa – Radiation Therapy
101 Jessup Hall, Iowa City IA 52242Tel: (319) 356-8286
Program Name: Radiation Therapy
Program Type: Bachelor of Science
Duration: 14 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $3,950 Resident, $13,615 Non-resident