Radiologic Technologist Schools and License Information for Delaware
Interested in the growing field of radiologic technology? Delaware issues licenses at two levels. Those at the higher level — technologists — have completed formal education programs and gone through a national certification process. Technicians, meanwhile, have taken a state certification exam. The process is shorter, but the scope of practice is limited.
Radiologic Technologist Resources – Delaware
Radiologic/Radiation Technologist Requirements in Delaware
If you are going for technologist status, you’ll begin the process by enrolling in an accredited program. Programs are generally offered at the associate’s level. They include, in addition to classroom instruction, significant practice out in the field. Before you can become certified, you will need to perform a number of specific procedures – you can see a list on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) site. Your program director will verify to the ARRT that you have successfully completed them. Find radiologic technologist programs and related programs offered in Delaware.
You will also need to take a national certification exam through the ARRT. This is a written exam, administered via computer; you can schedule it at a Pearson VUE testing center once you’ve been approved. You may turn in your application when you reach the final 90 days of your program.
You may work under a temporary license for up to 90 days while you are waiting to take the exam and receive your score report. In order to get your temporary license, you must provide evidence of your status report/ exam registration to the Delaware board. After you pass the exam, you will submit another application. You will include a copy of your credential. You should be aware that the typical processing time is about three weeks — and that it can go longer.
Delaware requires licensees to make a report to the board if they have reason to believe some other medical practitioner has a drug abuse problem or is otherwise incompetent to practice. As part of the application process, you’ll attest that you understand your duty to report; you must also attest that you understand that you are a mandatory reporter in cases of child abuse or neglect.
Radiology/Radiation Technician Requirements in Delaware
Delaware issues multiple radiology technician licenses. You may apply to take a certifying exam as a Limited Scope Medical Technician or a Bone Densitometry Technician. State exams are also administered by the ARRT; the registration process, however, is different. You will apply first to the Delaware board for permission to take the exam — you can download an application from the board site.
Radiology technician and Technologist Career Outlook in Delaware
The average hourly wage for a radiology technician/ technologist in Delaware was $30.18 in 2011, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This translates to $62,780 a year. There is quite a range — 10% made less than $45,810 while another 10% made more than $80,230.
Technologists can be expected to make more than technicians. The BLS reports that nationwide, technologists who have multiple certifications have better job prospects. As with other careers, a person generally makes less their first few years on the job.
Some bright news? The occupation is growing at an above average rate. Delaware’s workforce site projected 22% growth between 2008 and 2018.
Contact Information for Professional Organizations and Licensing
- Licensing Agency: Office of Radiation Control
Click Here to visit their website.
- Professional Organization: Delaware Society of Radiologic Technologists (no website)