Education Options for Tomorrow’s Radiologic Technicians in Oregon

For residents of Oregon, like residents of many other US states, there are multiple reasons to consider pursuing a career in radiology, especially within the next several years. (Leer esta información en español) A large percentage of the nation’s population – the Boomer generation – is growing older, and the radiology profession is following the healthcare sector’s upward trend to meet rising medical needs. The radiological technology profession is growing at a rate that’s twice as fast as the national average for other professions. Currently, the radiology field in Oregon is going strong, with about 2,170 radiological technologists currently employed, and that number is rising.

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Responsibilities of Radiologic Technologist

Radiologic technologists in Oregon and throughout the US are responsible for using imaging equipment to capture images of the body’s interior structures. This can include everything from x-rays to MRIs, CT scans, and more. These images are then used by physicians to diagnose various medical conditions, as well as to monitor the progress of existing treatments.

Prerequisite Courses and Training

To become a radiologic technologist in Oregon, you must have completed a two-year associate’s degree program or a four-year bachelor’s degree program in radiological technology. These programs typically include courses such as anatomy and physiology, medical ethics, pharmacology, patient care, and radiation safety. In addition to classroom instruction, students must also complete clinical training and internships.

Radiology Requirements in Oregon

Radiologic technologists in the state of Oregon are required to carry a state license, which must be renewed at the end of every 2-year term. Continuing education requirements must also be met, and include a mandatory 24 hours of coursework every two years. Once you’ve completed your education requirements, you will need to be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or The Oregon Society of Radiologic Technicians (OSRT). Certification is necessary to work as a radiologic technologist.

 

Radiologic Technology Schools in Oregon

In the state of Oregon, there is currently only one school program for radiography that is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiology Technology (JRCERT): Portland Community College: Located in the metropolis city of Portland, this public 2-year community college offers an Associate of Applied Science degree through its Radiography program. This program’s graduates have performed well, with a 99.9% pass rate for the American Regis­try of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the past 5 years. The Portland Community College’s Radiology Program requires a special admissions process, and only accepts 36 students per term, so the application process can be competitive. The program takes 27 consecutive months to complete, and involves both traditional classes and supervised clinical experience. In addition, for licensed professionals, the Radiology Program also offers continuing education classes. Certified radiographic technologists may also receive specialized training through the school’s MRI Technologist and Computed Tomography programs.

Other Schools to Consider Radiologic Technology Programs

The radiography programs listed below do not currently have accreditation by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiology Technology (JRCERT); however, many of these programs are accredited through another organization and are still a good option for quality radiological technology education: Linn-Benton Community College, Albany Oregon Health & Science University, Portland Oregon Institute of Technology, Klamath Falls Treasure Valley Community College, Ontario

Allied Health Education Programs

In addition to traditional degree programs, some schools in Oregon also offer shorter-term certificate and diploma programs. Although not comprehensive, here is a list of allied health education programs available in the state: Portland Community College – Certificate Program in Radiologic Technology; Certificate Program in Ultrasound/Vascular Technology; Diploma Program in Radiation Therapy; Certificate Program in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Oregon Institute of Technology – Certificate Program in Radiography; Certificate Program in Nuclear Medicine Imaging and Therapy.

Large Employers in Radiology

Radiologic technologists in Oregon can expect a good job outlook, with an above-average growth rate projected through the year 2026.

Oregon is home to many large healthcare facilities that employ radiologic technologists, with the majority concentrated in and around Portland and other urban areas. While most employment opportunities for radiologic technologists are provided by the major hospitals, smaller medical centers, and doctor’s offices also provide employment, especially in the state’s more rural areas.

Oregon Health and Science University, Portland

3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road
Portland, OR 97201-3098
(503) 494-8311

Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital and Health Center, Portland

1015 NW 22nd Avenue
Portland, OR 97210-3099
(503) 413-7711

Providence Portland Medical Center, Portland

4805 NE Glisan Street
Portland, OR 97213-2967
(503) 215-5526

St. Charles Health System

2500 NE Neff Road
Bend, OR 97701-6015
(541) 382-4321

Peace Health, RiverBend

3333 Riverbend Drive
Springfield, OR 97477-8800
(541) 222-7300

Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center, Clackamas

10180 SE Sunnyside Road
Clackamas, OR 97015-9303
(503) 652-2880

Legacy Emanuel Hospital and Health Center, Portland

2801 North Gantenbein Avenue

Portland, OR 97227-1674

(503) 413-2200

Salaries for Radiologists

In Oregon, the average annual salary is $94,380, with the lowest 10% earning $65,810 or less and the highest 10% earning $109,820 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 Oregon and the national average and breaks down salaries by region 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
Oregon $94,380 $65,810 $109,820

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
Oregon $65,810 $79,040 $94,380 $101,190 $109,820
Bend-Redmond, OR $63,320 $68,890 $82,130 $90,180 $103,430
Central Oregon nonmetropolitan area $63,910 $70,920 $87,080 $101,240 $109,820
Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area $57,370 $71,290 $91,250 $102,920 $109,160
Corvallis, OR $67,680 $70,690 $79,780 $109,450 $109,450
Eugene, OR $61,740 $77,090 $79,960 $98,080 $102,710
Medford, OR $69,660 $78,860 $84,250 $95,710 $103,130
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $67,170 $82,270 $98,760 $101,200 $110,640
Salem, OR $65,940 $78,410 $85,360 $112,120 $112,120

Radiologic technologist Trends in Oregon

In Oregon, there were 2,300 employees in 2020, projected to grow to 2,560 by 2030, representing an 11% increase, with 140 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
Oregon 2020 2,300 2,560 11% 140
United States 2022 222,800 235,000 6% 13,100

Source of the data:

Professional Organizations

For valuable career resources, networking, and support, both working radiological technologists and students alike should look into joining a professional organization such as the Oregon Society of Radiologic Technologists (OSRT), which provides member benefits such as exclusive job openings, continuing education opportunities, and conferences. The OSRT is a state member of the national American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) organization.

JRCERT Accredited Radiography Programs in Oregon

Oregon Health & Science University – Radiation Therapy

3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road, GH124, Portland OR 97239-3098

Tel: (503) 494-6708

Program Name: Radiation Therapy

Program Type: Bachelor of Science

Duration: 32 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 95%  Job Placement Rate: 88%

Tuition Fees: $21,064 for Resident, $25,344 Non-resident

Pioneer Pacific College – Radiography

3800 Sports Way, Springfield OR 97477

Tel: (541) 684-4644

Program Name: Radiologic Technology

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science

Duration: 28 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 87.5%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 71%  Job Placement Rate: 80%

Tuition Fees: $21,353 Resident, $21,353 for Non-resident

Portland Community College – Radiography

12000 SW 49th Ave. SY HT 306, Portland OR 97219

Tel: (971) 722-4907

Program Name: Radiography

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science

Duration: 104 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 90%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%  Job Placement Rate: 93%

Tuition Fees: $4,950 Resident, $10,500 Non-resident