Your Career in Montana Starts Here

Careers for radiology technicians and technologists are increasing every year. As the population of the U.S. grows and ages, the demand for healthcare professionals of all types will continue to grow. With such demand, now is a great time to earn a degree for working in radiology.

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Although Montana is sparsely populated, several major medical centers require good radiology technicians. The lower population in the state can mean that qualified radiology workers may have an easier time finding a position.

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Prerequisite Courses for Radiologic Technology Degree Programs

Before beginning your career, you’ll need to get some basic educational requirements completed. You might start with taking prerequisite classes that cover anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, mathematics, chemistry, and physics. Most programs will require these classes before they will allow you to enroll in the program of your choice.

Responsibilities of Radiologic Technologists

Your primary responsibility as a radiologic technologist is to perform diagnostic imaging exams. Examples of these are X-rays, mammograms, and CT scans. You may also be responsible for taking patient histories and administering medications. In addition to performing radiology procedures, you will need to accurately record the results in medical records. Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is also a common procedure you may be asked to perform.

Radiology Requirements in Montana

To work as a radiologic technologist in the state of Montana requires a 24-month course of study in radiologic technology.

A high school diploma is also required as a general hospital practice in radiologic technology. You will need to have completed an approved program of didactic, laboratory, and clinical instruction that is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

This program must be approved by the Montana Board of Radiologic Technologists (MBRT). Practitioners must also pass the examination of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and then apply for and get a license. The MBRT also grants permits for limited X-ray procedures, which require less coursework. Those applying for the full license may receive a temporary permit after the completion of coursework and before the test is passed.

 

Radiologic Technology Schools in Montana

Montana’s two largest state schools, the University of Montana and Montana State University, both offer associate of applied science degrees in radiologic technology.

  • Missoula College. This college within the University of Montana provides students with several degree and certificate options in a variety of fields including radiologic technology. To get into this program, students must first enroll in the associate of arts program and complete general coursework. From there, students may apply for the radiology program.
  • MSU Billings. Montana State University’s Billings campus also offers an associate of applied science degree in radiologic technology. There are general education requirements that must be completed first. Students can then be accepted into the radiology program to earn the degree.

Other Schools to Consider Radiologic Technology Programs

Two other smaller schools in Montana also offer degree options for radiologic technology.

  • Montana Tech, located in Butte, is a technology-focused school that offers an associate degree in radiologic technology. The program includes 72 credit hours of general education courses and radiology courses.
  • Flathead Valley Community College: Flathead Valley Community College is located in Libby, Montana. Students interested in the field of radiology can earn an associate of applied science degree in radiologic technology. The program has a few general education prerequisites and then consists of two years of radiology coursework.

With few radiologic technology program options in the state of Montana, students may wish to look further afield. While there are few options in North and South Dakota, there are schools in Boise, Twin Falls, and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Registered Radiologic Technologist

After all of the coursework and testing is completed, graduates are eligible to become Registered Radiologic Technologist (RRT). The RRT credential is awarded by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). This certification demonstrates comprehensive knowledge in the field and shows that practitioners have met the highest standards for practice.

Large Employers in Radiology

The population of Montana is mostly concentrated in a few areas like Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls. There are some smaller medical centers in more remote areas. Large or small, these facilities need to hire radiologic technologists.

Benefis Health System
1101 26th Street
Great Falls, MT 59405

Community Medical Center

2827 Fort Missoula Rd
Missoula, MT 59804

Billings Clinic
2800 10th Avenue North
Billings, MT, 59107

Providence Surgery Center
902 North Orange St.
Missoula, MT 59802

St. Patrick Hospital
500 W. Broadway
Missoula, MT 59802

St. Peter’s Hospital
2475 Broadway
Helena, MT 59601

St. James Healthcare
400 S. Clark Street
Butte, MT 59701

Salaries in Radiology

The average annual wage in Montana is $68,460, which is slightly lower than the national average of $73,410. Salaries in Montana range from $51,210 at the 10th percentile to $85,030 at the 90th percentile. There are regional variations within the state, with different wages reported across areas such as Billings, Great Falls, and Missoula.

National vs. Montana Salaries

Percentile National Salary Montana Salary
10th Percentile $50,020 $51,210
25th Percentile $60,690 $61,090
Median (50%) $73,410 $68,460
75th Percentile $84,670 $77,790
90th Percentile $102,380 $85,030

Salaries by Region in Montana

Region 10th Percentile 25th Percentile Median 75th Percentile 90th Percentile
Billings, MT $47,990 $60,970 $67,950 $80,850 $80,850
East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area $47,130 $61,360 $70,470 $75,890 $81,070
Great Falls, MT $54,020 $57,950 $70,880 $73,730 $86,810
Missoula, MT $48,120 $60,050 $66,660 $77,790 $87,710
Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area $58,470 $62,170 $73,330 $78,900 $89,970
West Montana nonmetropolitan area $53,090 $57,050 $66,540 $76,660 $79,770

Radiologic technologist Trends in Montana

Montana employment trends for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians indicates that in 2020, there were 780 individuals employed in this occupation in Montana. By 2030, this number is projected to increase to 820, reflecting a 5% growth. Additionally, there are expected to be 50 annual job openings in Montana from 2020 to 2030. Nationally, employment for this occupation is projected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, with 13,100 annual job openings.

Employment Trends

Location Year Employment Projected Employment Projected Growth Annual Job Openings
Montana 2020 780 820 5% 50
United States 2022 222,800 235,000 6% 13,100

Source of the data:

Professional Organizations

For radiologic technicians in Montana, the leading professional organization is the Montana Board of Radiologic Technologists. This is the board that is responsible for licensing in the state. Workers in Montana also must pass the test provided by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Another organization to which Montana radiologic technicians may belong is the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.

American registry of radiologic technologists provides various continuing education classes, as well as certifications for radiologic technologists. The Montana Board of radiology requires all radiologic technicians to attend and complete at least 8 hours of continuing education each year to maintain their licensure.

The joint review committee on education in radiologic technology (jrcert) is a certifying body that also provides resources and information to radiologic technologists. They provide certification, accreditation, and other resources to help technicians throughout their careers.

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists is another professional organization for radiology technologists that offers continuing education courses, certifications, and other resources to help enhance their careers.

By joining these organizations and keeping up with their continuing education requirements, radiologic technologists in Montana can ensure they stay informed of the latest advancements in the radiology field and stay ahead of the competition.

To get more information about becoming a radiology technician and about schools that offer programs, prospective students may contact the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

What’s going on in healthcare in Montana?

Here’s what’s happening: