Served Graduated Average JP Wages

62 30 $18.89

Summary of Career: Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as x rays, on patients.

Projected Growth: In the Upper Rio Grande region, employment of radiologic and MRI technologists is projected to grow 28% from 2012 to 2022. As the population grows older, there will be an increase in medical conditions that require imaging as a tool for making diagnoses. The Projected Annual Job Openings shown below refers to the average annual job openings due to growth and net replacement.

SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

Note: The data for the Local and State Employment Trends and the National Employment Trends are not directly comparable. The projections period for local and state data is 2012-2022, while the projections period for national data is 2014-2024.

Education: An associate’s degree is the most common educational requirement for radiologic technologists. Education programs typically include both classroom study and clinical work. Coursework includes anatomy, pathology, patient care, radiation physics and protection, and image evaluation. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredits programs in radiography. Completing an accredited program is required for licensure in some states.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations: Radiologic technologists must be licensed or certified in most states. To become licensed, technologists must usually graduate from an accredited program, and pass a certification exam from the state or obtain a certification from a certifying body. Certifications for radiologic technologists are available from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Employers typically require or prefer prospective technologists to be certified even if the state does not require it.