Jumpstart a New Career in Medical Imaging in Iowa

Iowa is following a national trend toward a rapid expansion of healthcare 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.

Responsibilities of Radiologist Technologists

Radiology technologists in Iowa perform a variety of duties and responsibilities, depending on their specialty. They use sophisticated imaging equipment to take images of the body and diagnose diseases or abnormalities. This may include using X-rays, MRI, CT scans, mammograms, and sonography (ultrasound). Diagnostic medical sonography is particularly in demand, as it offers an important tool for diagnosis and treatment.

Radiology technologists must be able to comprehend and interpret the images they produce, documenting the results accurately. They must also have a working knowledge of radiation safety principles and remain vigilant of patient safety. Working with their colleagues to coordinate care plans, they often help Technologists also ensure that patients are prepared for exams correctly, maintain records, and assist radiologists in other ways.

State Licensure Requirements

Radiological technology professionals are required to have an official license to 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.

Radiologic Technology Schools in Iowa

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: The Radiography program at Allen College is a 2-year Associate’s degree program that includes clinical practice, lecture courses, and online study. It is accredited by the ARRT and prepares its students for state licensure.
• Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa: A 2-year program, Indian Hills offers an Associate’s degree in Radiologic Technology. The courses include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, radiation protection, patient care, and imaging procedures.
• Iowa Central Community College (Fort Dodge Center), Fort Dodge: The radiography program at Iowa Central Community College is a 2-year Associate’s degree program accredited by the ARRT. Students can apply for clinical training in their second year, and the program is designed to prepare graduates for state licensure.
• Mercy College of Health Sciences, Des Moines: The Mercy College of Health Sciences offers a 2-year Associate’s degree program in Radiologic Technology.
• Northeast Iowa Community College, Peosta: The Radiologic Technology program at Northeast Iowa Community College is a 2-year Associate’s degree program accredited by the ARRT. Clinical training can be completed in the second year, and the program is designed to prepare graduates for state licensure.
• Northwest Iowa Community College: The Radiologic Technology program at Northwest Iowa Community College is a 2-year Associate’s degree program accredited by the ARRT.
• Scott Community College, Bettendorf: The Scott Community College Radiologic Technology program is a 2-year Associate’s degree program accredited by the ARRT.
• St. Luke’s College, Sioux City: The Radiologic Technology program at St. Luke’s College is a 2-year Associate’s degree program accredited by the ARRT.
• University of Iowa, Iowa City: The University of Iowa offers both a 2-year Associate’s degree and a 4-year Bachelor’s degree in Radiologic Technology. Courses include radiation protection, imaging procedures, medical terminology, and patient care. The program is designed to prepare graduates for state licensure.

Some major hospitals in Iowa offer accredited radiography technology programs as well. All of these hospital programs currently only provide certificates to their graduates. However, many also partner with local college programs to offer dual credit and supervised clinical experience:

• Covenant Medical Center, Waterloo
• Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City
• Mercy/St. Luke’s Hospitals, Cedar Rapids

Other Colleges to Consider Radiologic Technology Programs

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

Other options out-of-state for future X-Ray technologists are Chicago, Illinois, Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska, Kansas City, MO and Minneapolis. Community colleges and public universities will charge higher tuition fees for non-resident students.

Allied Health Education Programs in Iowa

Common allied health professions in Iowa include medical assisting, surgical technology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, respiratory care and many more.

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:

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.

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. The joint review committee on education in radiologic technology (JRCERT) also provides other resources that would be beneficial for current and aspiring radiologic technologists.

JRCERT Accredited Radiography Programs in Iowa

Allen College – Radiography

1825 Logan Avenue, Waterloo IA 50703
Tel: (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 50702
Tel: (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 52501
Tel: (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 50501
Tel: (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 50309-1239
Tel: (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 50401
Tel: (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 52402
Tel: (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 52068
Tel: (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 52722-5649
Tel: (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 51104
Tel: (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 50309-1453
Tel: (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 52242
Tel: (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 52242
Tel: (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