Indiana Radiology Tech Careers and Degrees
Receiving your Radiologic Technologist Training in Indiana
An individual interested in working as a radiologic technologist in Indiana must complete an accredited program in radiography. Radiology technologist programs are generally at least 24 months long. The minimum educational requirement to be a radiology tech as of January 1, 2015 will be completing no less than an associate degree program. Schools offering radiologic technologist training programs must have their programs approved by the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH). To be approved by the IDSH, the program must be approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or accredited by an agency recognized by the ARRT, such as the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JCERT).
Radiologist technician programs include courses in patient care, radiographic positioning, image production and pharmacology. Additionally, you must complete prerequisite courses such as anatomy and physiology, sociology or psychology, English composition and medical terminology. You will also complete clinical education to gain actual experience in performing radiologic procedures. Currently, Indiana has about 16 accredited radiology technician schools. You can choose from community colleges or universities. Successful graduates are prepared to take the ARRT certification exam. To be a student you must be at least 18 years old and have a CPR certification.
Radiology Technician Licensing in Indiana
Radiologist technicians must be licensed to work in Indiana. Licensing is regulated by the ISDH Medical Radiology Services Program. To be eligible to apply for a license, you must pass the ARRT certification exam. The ARRT requires applicants meet three requirements to be eligible for certification: education, ethics and certification examination. To meet the education requirement, you must have completed an approved radiologic technologic program, which must include both didactic courses and ARRT-required radiologic procedures.
To pass the radiologic procedure portion, you must perform six general care procedures; 31 required and 15 elective imaging procedures; one imaging procedure involving the head area; and two elective procedures from the fluoroscopy section. You must be of good moral character, as indicated by a criminal background check, to pass the ethics part. Lastly, you must pass the certification exam. Upon completion of all requirements, you will have earned the credential of R.T. (R) or Registered Technologist in Radiology. A minimum of 24 credit hours of continuing education must be completed every two years to maintain certification.
Indiana Radiologic Technology Association
Indiana Society of Radiologic Technologists
Career Outlook for Radiology Tech Jobs in Indiana
The Indiana Society of Radiologic Technologists (ISRT) reports that job opportunities for radiologic technologists are plentiful in Indiana and can be found in hospitals, clinics and emergency centers, as well in industry, research and public health. Employment of radiology techs continues to grow, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which states these medical professionals could expect an employment growth of up to 28% for the period of 2010-2020. Based on a BLS report, Indiana had about 4,380 radiologic technologists employed in 2012.
The ISRT reports that the radiology technician salary in Indiana averages about $17 to $22 per hour. Additionally, the BLS reported that radiologic technologists earned a mean annual wage of $56,450, as of May 2012. This nationwide figure is very close to the amount earned in Indiana, which was $51,410 for that same time. Radiologist technicians who wish to increase their earning potential can advance their education in several ways. They may pursue specific areas of radiology, such as computer tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or digital subtraction angiography (DSA), as well as obtaining certifications in these areas. Obtaining multiple certifications also enhance employment opportunities. Radiologic technologists with degrees may become diagnostic medical sonographers and receive training while on the job.