Washington – Education Options for Tomorrow’s Medical Imaging Professionals

The forecast for jobs in radiologic technology, which means operating the equipment used for diagnostic medical imaging, such as x-rays machines or providing radiation therapy for cancer treatment, is very favorable. (Leer en español.)

Jobs in this field are expected to grow at a rate of 11 percent between now and 2024. This rate is two times as fast as for all jobs on average.

Now is a great time to get an education and to look for a job as a radiologic technologist. The upward trend holds true for all states including Washington.

Salaries in Radiology

Salaries for radiologic technologists are very competitive across the country.

On average, a worker in this field earns $58,520 per year, or $28.13 per hour. In the state of Washington, that average is even higher.

The average annual salary in the state is $67,420 and the average hourly wage is $32.41. The upper ends of these salaries in Washington can be as much as $90,000 per year or $43.00 per hour.

Those with more specializations and more experience in the field can earn these higher salaries. More information on Rad Tech salaries in Washington.

Radiology Requirements in Washington

Working as a radiologic technologist in Washington first requires an appropriate course of study at a college or university. The state then has different requirements for different areas of specialization. The state Department of Health issues licenses for each. All licenses, regardless of the specialization are for a two-year term. To be a radiologist assistant requires passing the examination set by the <ahref=”//www.arrt.org”>American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Other areas require passing a state set exam. Continuing education is required only for those working as a radiologist assistant.

Well-Known Schools for Radiology in Washington

Several schools in the state of Washington offer programs for students interested in radiologic technology, including four-year institutions and community colleges.

• Bellevue College, Bellevue. Conveniently located near Seattle, Bellevue College has several different options for students of radiologic technology. The first is an associate in arts degree in radiologic technology, which prepares students to work in a variety of positions. Additionally, students may earn a certificate in various areas of specialization like CT Imaging or MRI. The program in radiation therapy readies students to work in the field of cancer treatment. Finally, students may also earn a bachelor’s degree in radiation and imaging sciences with a choice of five different areas of concentration.
• Community Colleges of Spokane, Spokane. At this two-year institution, students can work towards an associate of applied science degree in radiology technology. Students completing this program are ready for licensing and to work as a radiologic technologist.
• Tacoma Community College, Tacoma. Another excellent program for a two-year associate degree can be found at Tacoma Community College. Students can earn a degree in radiologic science here and be prepared to work in the field.

Other Schools to Consider

A couple of other schools in Washington offer programs in radiologic technology and are worth considering.

• Bellingham Technical College, Bellingham. Students at Bellingham can earn an associate in applied science degree in radiologic technology. Graduates are prepared to take the exam for licensing and to work as a radiologic technologist in any setting.
• Pima Medical Institute, Seattle. With several locations across the country, this Seattle campus of Pima offers students a two-year radiography program. Students earn an associate degree and are well-prepared to become licensed and to find a job.

Large Employers in Radiology

There are many opportunities in the state of Washington to work as a radiologic technologist. Several big hospitals and medical centers in metropolitan areas always need good workers, as do those in more remote locations.

Professional Organizations

The leading professional organization for radiologic technologists working in Washington is the Washington Society of Radiologic Technologists. This is the state affiliate for the national organization the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists is the organization that provides the exam that must be passed for licensing. For further information about education and careers in this field, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, which accredits many educational programs, is a good source.

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Popular Programs

JRCERT Accredited Radiography Programs in Washington

Carrington College
10102 East Knox Road, Suite 200, Spokane WA 99206
Tel: (509) 462-3756
Program Name: Medical Radiography
Program Type: Associate in Occupational Studies
Duration: 24 months
Program Effectiveness:  Completion Rate: 92% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 86% Job Placement Rate: 77.2%
Tuition Fees: $24,838 Resident and Non-resident
http://carrington.edu/degrees/medical-radiography/

Clark College
1933 Fort Vancouver Way (TBG 121), Vancouver WA 98663
Tel: (360) 992-2938
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 24 months
Program Effectiveness:  Completion Rate: 95% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100% Job Placement Rate: 86%
Tuition Fees: $5,646 Resident, $6,172 Non-resident
http://www.clark.edu/academics/programs/heoc/radio

Pima Medical Institute-Seattle
9709 3rd Avenue NE, 4th Floor, Seattle WA 98115
Tel: (206) 322-6100
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 24 months
Program Effectiveness:  Completion Rate: 93% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 95% Job Placement Rate: 81%
Tuition Fees: $18,260 Resident and Non-resident
Description: Students learn the necessary skills to accurately position patients, ensuring that a quality diagnostic image is produced.
http://pmi.edu/Programs/Associate/Radiology

Spokane Community College
1810 North Greene Street; MS 2075, Spokane WA 99217-5399
Tel: (509) 533-8612
Program Name: Radiology Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 22 months
Program Effectiveness:  Completion Rate: 95% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 96.9% Job Placement Rate: 86%
Tuition Fees: $7,000 Resident, $8,500 Non-resident
http://www.scc.spokane.edu/HealthSciences/AlliedHealth/RadTech.aspx?page=PV6

Tacoma Community College
6501 South 19th Street, Bldg. 19, Tacoma WA 98466
Tel: (253) 566-5168
Program Name: Radiologic Sciences
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 24 months
Program Effectiveness:  Completion Rate: 74% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100% Job Placement Rate: 87%
Tuition Fees: $4,892 Resident, $12,953 Non-resident
http://www.tacomacc.edu/radiology

Bellevue College
3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E., Bellevue WA 98007-6484
Tel: (425) 564-3058
Program Name: Radiation Therapy
Program Type: Associate of Arts
Duration: 24 months
Program Effectiveness:  Completion Rate: 80% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $5,200 Resident and Non-resident
http://www.bellevuecollege.edu/radon/

Bellevue College
3000 Landerholm Circle S.E., Bellevue WA 98007-6484
Tel: (425) 564-3058
Program Name: Medical Dosimetry
Program Type: Bachelor of Science, Certificate
Duration: Bachelor of Science: 22 months, Certificate: 22 months
Program Effectiveness:  Completion Rate: 100% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 88% Job Placement Rate: 89%
Tuition Fees: $10,675 Resident, $12,840 Non-resident
http://www.bellevuecollege.edu/imaging/academic-options/specialized-concentrations/dosimetry/