# Montana

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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](https://radiologyed.org/prospects/) of all types will continue to grow. With such demand, now is a great time to earn a degree for working in radiology.

([Leer esta información en español](https://radiologyed.org/es/montana/))

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.

## 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](https://www.arrt.org/) 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.

## Radiology Tech Programs in Montana: What You Need to Know in 2026

Montana has exactly one JRCERT-accredited radiography program in the entire state, making your decision simpler than in most states but also raising the stakes for that single program to be the right fit. With 850 radiologic technologists currently employed across Montana and a median wage of $77,070 (BLS May 2025 OEWS data), the career path is well-established here, even if the training pipeline is narrow. The state’s geography matters too: clinical placements span from Billings to rural sites like Hardin and Roundup, which reflects the reality of working in a state where driving 90 miles between facilities is routine practice.

## Accredited Radiography Program in Montana

JRCERT accreditation is the standard you should require from any program before enrolling. It confirms that the curriculum meets national education standards, that clinical training hours are properly supervised, and that graduates are eligible to sit for the ARRT certification exam. Montana currently has one program holding that credential.

### Montana State University Billings

[Montana State University Billings](https://www.msubillings.edu/citycollege/programs/ProgRadTech.htm) runs a 21-month radiography program through its City College division, located at 3803 Central Avenue in Billings. The program holds an 8-year JRCERT accreditation, which is the maximum term awarded and signals consistent performance during reviews.

- **Program length:** 21 months
- **Total capacity:** 28 students per cohort
- **Resident tuition:** $5,180
- **Non-resident tuition:** $11,110
- **Completion rate:** 100%
- **ARRT exam pass rate:** 88%
- **Job placement rate:** 98%
- **Award type:** [Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree](https://www.jrcert.org/programs/montana-state-university-billings/)

Clinical rotations are a defining feature of this program. Students train across five confirmed sites: Big Horn Hospital in Hardin, Billings Clinic in Billings, Roundup Memorial Healthcare in Roundup, SCL Health Medical Group-Broadwater (Intermountain) in Billings, and St. Vincent’s Healthcare in Billings. The inclusion of rural sites like Hardin and Roundup is deliberate and practical. Rural imaging positions in Montana are real job opportunities, and training in those settings gives graduates a competitive edge when applying outside major hospital systems.

## Program Comparison Table

With one accredited program in the state, the table below provides a quick reference for the key metrics.

| Institution | Length | Resident Tuition | Completion Rate | ARRT Pass Rate | Placement Rate | Accreditation | Evening/Weekend |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Montana State University Billings | 21 mo. | $5,180 | 100% | 88% | 98% | 8 Years | No |

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](https://radiologyed.org/schools/north-dakota/)and [South Dakota](https://radiologyed.org/schools/south-dakota/), there are schools in [Boise, Twin Falls, and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho](https://radiologyed.org/schools/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](https://www.benefis.org/)
 1101 26th Street
 Great Falls, MT 59405

[Community Medical Center](http://www.communitymed.org/)

2827 Fort Missoula Rd
 Missoula, MT 59804

[Billings Clinic](http://www.billingsclinic.com/)
 2800 10th Avenue North
 Billings, MT, 59107

[Providence Surgery Center](http://www.providencesurgery.com/)
 902 North Orange St.
 Missoula, MT 59802

[St. Patrick Hospital](http://montana.providence.org/hospitals/st-patrick)
 500 W. Broadway
 Missoula, MT 59802

[St. Peter’s Hospital](http://www.stpetes.org/)
 2475 Broadway
 Helena, MT 59601

[St. James Healthcare](http://www.stjameshealthcare.org/)
 400 S. Clark Street
 Butte, MT 59701

## Montana Radiologic Technologist Salaries and Career Progression

Montana wages for radiologic technologists sit noticeably below coastal states, but cost of living offsets much of that difference. Housing costs in Billings and smaller Montana cities run well below metro areas in Washington or California, which means the purchasing power of a $77,070 median salary stretches further than the raw number suggests.

According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, the full wage picture for radiologic technologists and technicians (SOC 29-2034) in Montana breaks down as follows:

- **10th percentile:** $55,750
- **25th percentile:** $65,850
- **Median (50th percentile):** $77,070
- **75th percentile:** $82,140
- **90th percentile:** $91,650
- **Mean wage:** $74,610
- **Total employed in Montana:** 850

Entry-level positions typically land in the $55,000 to $66,000 range. Techs with several years of experience and specialty certifications generally reach the $75,000 to $82,000 band. The gap between the median and 90th percentile is roughly $14,500, which reflects meaningful upward mobility for those who pursue additional credentials or move into supervisory roles.

### MRI Technologist Earnings in Montana

Radiography is frequently a stepping stone into MRI technology. MRI technologists (SOC 29-2035) earn considerably more in Montana. BLS May 2025 OEWS data shows 150 MRI techs employed statewide, with these wage figures:

- **10th percentile:** $72,030
- **25th percentile:** $79,700
- **Median:** $86,950
- **75th percentile:** $99,580
- **90th percentile:** $101,020
- **Mean wage:** $86,900

The median MRI tech wage of $86,950 is roughly $9,880 above the radiologic tech median. For a grad who earns ARRT(R) certification first and then adds ARRT(MR) a few years later, that difference represents a clear financial payoff. The 75th percentile for MRI in Montana, at $99,580, is also meaningfully close to six figures, which puts that level of earning within reach for experienced techs in this state.

## Montana Licensing Requirements for Radiologic Technologists

Montana requires state licensure to perform x-rays. The [Montana Board of Radiologic Technologists](https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/radiologic-technologists/), operating under the Department of Labor and Industry, issues licenses to radiologic technologists and limited permit holders. To obtain a full radiologic technologist license, applicants must be at least 18 years of age and hold ARRT certification in radiography. In other words, earning ARRT(R) credentials is both the practical employment standard and a legal prerequisite for licensure in Montana.

The ARRT exam itself is a computer-based test covering radiation protection, equipment operation and quality control, image production, and radiographic procedures. MSUB Billings reports an 88% first-attempt pass rate, which is a reasonable benchmark. Candidates who do not pass on the first attempt may retake the exam following ARRT’s retake policy, which allows multiple attempts within a defined window.

If you plan to work in MRI or other advanced modalities after completing your radiography credential, each specialty requires its own ARRT certification exam. Those additional credentials are typically earned through post-primary pathway programs, which require documented clinical experience in the specialty area.

[VERIFY-STALE: 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.]

## What to Look for in a Montana Radiology Tech Program

Because there is only one JRCERT-accredited option in-state, prospective students face a practical choice: enroll at MSUB Billings, look at programs in neighboring states like Wyoming, Idaho, or North Dakota, or consider accredited online-hybrid programs that pair distance coursework with local clinical affiliates. Before making that call, here are the factors that carry the most weight in this specific state.

### Clinical Site Diversity

Montana’s healthcare system is heavily rural. A program that places students only in large Billings hospitals gives an incomplete picture of the actual job market. MSUB Billings addresses this by including rural affiliates in Hardin and Roundup. That exposure matters when you apply for positions at critical access hospitals, which make up a significant share of Montana’s imaging employer base.

### ARRT Exam Preparation

An 88% pass rate at MSUB Billings means the majority of graduates clear the ARRT on their first attempt, but roughly 12% do not. Ask any program you consider how they structure exam prep: do they use comprehensive review courses, timed practice exams, and content-area analysis to identify weak spots before test day? The answer tells you how seriously the program takes that metric.

### Program Length and Schedule

MSUB Billings runs 21 months. That timeline is typical for associate-level radiography programs nationally. If you are weighing an out-of-state program, confirm whether it is structured as a full-time daytime cohort or whether it has evening or hybrid options that could fit around existing work schedules. Most JRCERT programs require full-time clinical attendance during portions of the curriculum, so part-time arrangements are limited.

### Tuition and Return on Investment

At $5,180 for resident students, MSUB Billings is competitively priced. Non-residents pay $11,110, which is still below many private program options in other states. Against a median starting wage around $65,000 to $66,000 and a median career wage of $77,070, the resident tuition cost typically pays for itself within the first few months of employment. That math changes if you are paying out-of-state rates or taking on significant loans, so factor in your full cost of attendance, including fees, equipment, and living expenses during the 21-month program.

### Accreditation Status and Length

MSUB Billings holds an 8-year JRCERT accreditation, the maximum term. That signals consistent compliance across multiple review cycles. Programs on probation or with shorter accreditation terms are not necessarily disqualified, but they require closer scrutiny before you commit 21 months and your tuition dollars.

## Program Length, Clinical Hours, and ARRT Exam Prep: A Practical Overview

Radiography programs at the associate degree level typically require between 1,500 and 1,800 clinical hours in addition to classroom and lab instruction. MSUB Billings runs for 21 months and structures clinical rotations across five affiliate sites. According to the [MSUB Radiologic Technology Student Handbook (July 2025)](https://msubillings.edu/citycollege/programs/radtech/docs/Radiologic%20Technology%20Student%20Handbook_July2025.pdf), students in the program achieve more than 1,700 required clinical hours. JRCERT standards set the minimum floor for clinical competencies, so every accredited program graduates students who have demonstrated those skills under supervision before sitting for the ARRT exam.

ARRT exam prep is woven into the final semesters at most programs. Students typically complete mock board exams, review high-yield content areas, and work through simulated case studies. The ARRT exam covers four primary content areas: radiation protection, equipment operation and quality control, image production, and procedures. Programs that dedicate structured time to each area and track individual student performance by content domain generally produce better first-attempt pass rates.

## Frequently Asked Questions: Radiology Tech Programs in Montana

### How long does it take to become a radiology tech in Montana?

The JRCERT-accredited program at [Montana State University Billings](https://www.msubillings.edu/citycollege/programs/ProgRadTech.htm) takes 21 months to complete. After finishing the program, you apply to take the ARRT certification exam, which is a separate step. Most graduates who sit for the exam do so within weeks of program completion, so you can realistically enter the workforce roughly 22 to 24 months after starting the program.

### Does Montana require a state license to work as a radiology tech?

Montana requires state licensure to perform x-rays for diagnostic purposes. The [Montana Board of Radiologic Technologists](https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/radiologic-technologists/) issues licenses to qualified applicants who hold ARRT certification in radiography and are at least 18 years of age. ARRT certification is therefore both the practical employment standard and a legal requirement for full licensure in the state.

### What is the average salary for a radiology tech in Montana?

According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, the median annual wage for radiologic technologists and technicians in Montana is $77,070. Entry-level positions typically fall in the $55,750 to $65,850 range, while experienced techs at the 75th percentile earn around $82,140.

### Can I earn more as an MRI tech than as a radiologic tech in Montana?

Yes. BLS May 2025 OEWS data shows MRI technologists in Montana earn a median of $86,950, compared to $77,070 for radiologic technologists. The 75th percentile for MRI techs reaches $99,580. Most MRI techs start by earning ARRT(R) credentials in radiography and then add the ARRT(MR) certification through post-primary pathway training.

### Is the MSUB Billings radiology program competitive to get into?

The program accepts 28 students per cohort (total capacity), but according to the [MSUB program page](https://www.msubillings.edu/citycollege/programs/ProgRadTech.htm), only 12 to 14 students per year are selected to continue into the clinical portion due to limited clinical and laboratory space. Applicants must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 and a grade of “C” or better in all prerequisite courses. The competitive selection process includes a point-based Phase One screening and a Phase Two personal interview, and also requires a documented job-shadowing site visit at a radiology department. Applications are due in May, with interviews in June and a fall semester start. Preparing strong prerequisite science coursework and applying early in the cycle generally improves your chances.

### Are there online radiology tech programs that serve Montana students?

Some accredited programs in other states offer hybrid formats that combine online didactic coursework with in-person clinical placements arranged near the student’s home. If you are not located near Billings or cannot relocate, this is worth researching. Confirm that any program you consider holds JRCERT accreditation and that clinical hours can be completed at an approved facility in your area of Montana before enrolling.

### What can I do after becoming a certified radiology tech in Montana?

ARRT(R) certification opens doors to additional specialty credentials in areas like MRI, computed tomography (CT), mammography, and interventional radiology. Each specialty requires additional training and a separate certification exam. MRI and CT specialties tend to carry higher salaries and are in demand at larger facilities in Billings and at regional medical centers across the state.

### What clinical settings will I train in at MSUB Billings?

Students rotate through five affiliate sites: Big Horn Hospital in Hardin, Billings Clinic in Billings, Roundup Memorial Healthcare in Roundup, SCL Health Medical Group-Broadwater (Intermountain) in Billings, and St. Vincent’s Healthcare in Billings. This mix of urban and rural settings gives graduates direct experience in both large hospital imaging departments and smaller critical access facilities.

## Take the Next Step

Montana’s single accredited radiography program means your path is clear: contact [Montana State University Billings](https://www.msubillings.edu/citycollege/programs/ProgRadTech.htm) directly to request current admissions dates, prerequisite requirements, and information on the next cohort start. If the Billings location does not work for your situation, review the program listings on this site for accredited programs in neighboring states that may accept Montana students or offer hybrid clinical arrangements. The sooner you confirm eligibility and application deadlines, the better positioned you will be to start training without a full-year delay between cohorts.

## Professional Organizations

For radiologic technicians in Montana, the leading professional organization is the [Montana Board of Radiologic Technologists](https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/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](https://www.arrt.org/). Another organization to which Montana radiologic technicians may belong is the [American Society of Radiologic Technologists](https://www.asrt.org/).

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists provides various continuing education classes, as well as certifications for radiologic technologists.

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](https://www.jrcert.org/).

## What’s going on in healthcare in Montana?

Here’s what’s happening:

## Sources

- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) — wage and employment figures. https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook — job outlook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) — accredited programme directory (720 programmes). https://www.jrcert.org/programs/
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) — certification requirements. https://www.arrt.org/
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists — https://www.arrt.org/
- Montana State University Billings — https://www.msubillings.edu/citycollege/programs/ProgRadTech.htm
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree — https://www.jrcert.org/programs/montana-state-university-billings/
- Benefis Health System — https://www.benefis.org/
- Community Medical Center — http://www.communitymed.org/
- St. Patrick Hospital — http://montana.providence.org/hospitals/st-patrick
- St. Peter’s Hospital — http://www.stpetes.org/
- St. James Healthcare — http://www.stjameshealthcare.org/
- Montana Board of Radiologic Technologists — https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/radiologic-technologists/
- American Society of Radiologic Technologists — https://www.asrt.org/

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Last checked: 2026-08-19