A Radiology Schools Guide for North Dakotans
The field of radiologic technology is growing rapidly throughout the United States.
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Sparsely populated states like North Dakota can be great choices for new professionals in this field because the competition for jobs is less intense.
North Dakota also has a lower-than-average cost of housing and overall cost of living, along with an average starting salary for radiologic technologists that is slightly above the nationwide average.
Responsibilities of Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic technologists are responsible for preparing patients for radiologic procedures, taking images as instructed by a physician, and analyzing the images. They must also be knowledgeable about regulations governing radiation safety, use of imaging equipment and diagnostic medical sonography.
Diagnostic imaging is used to detect, diagnose, and treat medical conditions. Radiologic technologists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, physician offices, clinics, nursing homes, imaging centers, and research facilities.
Radiology Requirements in North Dakota
Radiographers in North Dakota must pass the state certification exam or the national exam overseen by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Limited license X-ray technicians may practice as long as they receive a passing grade in an approved course – they do not need to take the ARRT exam.
There are no mandatory continuing education requirements in North Dakota to retain a license, although individual employers may require a certain number of credits every few years.
Radiologic Technology Schools in North Dakota
There are only four schools in the state of North Dakota that offer coursework in radiologic science.
North Dakota State University: North Dakota State offers a roughly four-year Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences degree through its Allied Sciences department. The program involves between two and three years of academic requirements followed by a two-year internship in radiography at a partner hospital.
University of Mary: This private Catholic university in the city of Bismarck has a four-year Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology program. Following the completion of two years of academic coursework, students must apply for admittance to a 24-month internship program at an accredited hospital school. Any accredited hospital school is appropriate, and need not be affiliated with the University of Mary.
Other Schools to Consider Radiologic Technology Programs
Jamestown College: Jamestown is a small four-year post-secondary school in the town of Jamestown. This school has a Radiological Technology program that spends two years preparing students for placement in an affiliated hands-on internship program. For the past few years, 100 percent of Jamestown graduates have been successfully placed in accredited internships.
Minot State University: Although Minot University does not offer an on-site degree in radiologic technology, it does offer a two-semester pre-radiologic technology program to prepare students for admission to an accredited degree program at another school.
Continuing education credits may be available through professional organizations like the North Dakota Society of Radiologic Technologists, as well as through local hospitals and clinics.
Registered Radiologic Technologist
(R.T.) certification is required in the state of North Dakota and may be obtained by passing the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam.
Overall, North Dakota is a great option for radiologic technologists who are looking to work in a less competitive market with average wages that are slightly above the national average
Large Employers in Radiology
Major hospitals and medical centers in North Dakota are the leading employers of radiologic technologists. Radiologic technologists can work in medical and diagnostic laboratories, private imaging centers, nursing homes, and research facilities.
In this sparsely populated state, these centers tend to be located in the major town centers.
Sanford Health-MeritCare Hospital
801 Broadway North
Fargo, ND 58122
(701) 234-2000
St. Alexius Medical Center
900 East Broadway
Bismarck, ND 58501-4586
(701) 530-7000
Altru Hospital
1200 South Columbia Road
Grand Forks, ND 58201-4032
(701) 780-5000
Essentia Health
3000 32nd Avenue South
Fargo, ND 58103
(701) 364-8000
Heart of America Medical Center
800 S Main Avenue
Rugby, ND 58368
(701) 776-5261
St. Alexius Health Williston
1301 15th Avenue W
Williston, ND 58801
(701) 774-7400
Sanford Medical Center
300 North 7th Street
Bismarck, ND 58506
(701) 323-6000
Jamestown Hospital
419 5th Street NE
Jamestown, ND 58401
(701) 952-1050
St. Alexius Health Dickinson
2500 Fairway Street
Dickinson, ND 58601
(701) 456-4000
Salaries in Radiology
In North Dakota, the average annual salary is $65,810, with the lowest 10% earning $54,900 or less and the highest 10% earning $84,000 or more. Nationally, the average salary is $73,410, with the lowest 10% earning $50,020 or less and the highest 10% earning $102,380 or more. This data highlights the differences in wages between North Dakota and the national average, and it also breaks down salaries by percentiles for further detail.
National vs. Local Salaries
| Location | Average Salary | 10% Earn Less Than | 10% Earn More Than |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $73,410 | $50,020 | $102,380 |
| North Dakota | $65,810 | $54,900 | $84,000 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region
| Region | 10% Earn Less Than | 25% Earn Less Than | Median Salary | 75% Earn More Than | 10% Earn More Than |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $50,020 | $60,690 | $73,410 | $84,670 | $102,380 |
| North Dakota | $54,900 | $59,610 | $65,810 | $75,340 | $84,000 |
| Bismarck, ND | $54,900 | $54,900 | $67,120 | $75,750 | $82,650 |
| East North Dakota nonmetropolitan area | $53,730 | $57,870 | $64,760 | $78,520 | $86,670 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | $58,900 | $59,610 | $66,980 | $74,480 | $88,380 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $58,240 | $60,540 | $60,780 | $75,020 | $83,230 |
| West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area | $56,150 | $61,020 | $65,810 | $78,960 | $88,760 |
Radiologic technologist Trends in North Dakota
In North Dakota, there were 900 employees in 2020, projected to grow to 1,030 by 2030, representing a 14% increase, with 80 annual job openings. Nationally, there were 222,800 employees in 2022, projected to grow to 235,000 by 2032, a 6% increase, with 13,100 annual job openings.
Employment Trends
| Location | Year | Employment | Projected Employment | Growth | Annual Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 2020 | 900 | 1,030 | 14% | 80 |
| United States | 2022 | 222,800 | 235,000 | 6% | 13,100 |
Source of the data:
- North Dakota: data for wages here and for employment trends here.
- U.S data: Bureau of Labour Statistics
Professional Organizations
The leading professional organization for radiologic technologists in North Dakota is the North Dakota Society of Radiologic Technologists (NDSRT). This organization is the state affiliate of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). The NDSRT organizes annual state conferences and assists members who want to attend national ASRT conferences. It also provides information about education and licensing, as well as resources for job seekers. Any hospital school of radiologic technology seeking accreditation must obtain approval from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The JRCERT is responsible for evaluating and approving schools that offer medical imaging programs, including radiography. Any student who wants to enroll in a program recognized by the JRCERT should make sure that the school is accredited by this organization.
Programas Acreditados por JRCERT en North Dakota
Sanford Bismarck Medical Center – Radiography
300 North 7th Street, Bismarck ND 58501
Tlf: (701) 323-5470
Nombre del Programa: Radiography
Tipo de Programa: Certificate
Duració: 17 meses
Efectividad del Programa: Tasa de Finalización: 75% Tasa de Aprobación del examen de credencial: 95% Tasa de Colocación: 100%
Sanford Medical Center/Sanford Health – Radiography
801 N. Broadway Rt. 2751, Fargo ND 58122
Tlf: (701) 234-4949
Nombre del Programa: Radiography
Tipo de Programa: Certificate
Duració: 16 meses
Efectividad del Programa: Tasa de Finalización: 100% Tasa de Aprobación del examen de credencial: 100% Tasa de Colocación: 100%
Gastos de Matrícula: $750
Trinity Hospital/Trinity Health – Radiography
420 3rd Street, SE P.O. Box 5020, Minot ND 58702-5020
Tlf: (701) 857-5620
Nombre del Programa: Radiologic Technology
Tipo de Programa: Certificate
Duració: 12 meses
Efectividad del Programa: Tasa de Finalización: 80% Tasa de Aprobación del examen de credencial: 95% Tasa de Colocación: 100%
Gastos de Matrícula: $3,500 Residente, $3,500 No Residente