Utah Radiologic Technologist Schools
Utah licenses radiology technologists at three levels: radiology practical technician, radiologic technologist, and radiology assistant. The lowest level is radiology practical technician. If you have licensing at this level, you can perform basic x-rays of chest, spine, extremities, skull and sinuses, and/or podiatry. Before you can be licensed, you will need to take an exam that consists of a core and one or more additional modules. The exam is administered on at least a monthly basis. Bone densitometry is a separate exam, but the process you will go through is similar.
Radiologic Technologist Resources – Utah
Radiologic technologist is the next higher level. This is the level of practice people are usually referring to when they use the term radiology technology. If you want general licensing, you will need to enroll in an accredited program. Most programs are offered at the associate’s level. Utah has two ARRT-approved programs, at Dixie State College and Salt Lake Community College. Both schools have partnerships with multiple health care centers. This makes it easier for you to fulfill your clinical requirements. Salt Lake City Community College notes that students sometimes seek technician licensing after two semesters of coursework so that they can bring in some income on the side.
The next step is credentialing. You will need to become certified by the ARRT or, at the least, pass the ARRT exam. Employers often want you to maintain registration.
Radiology Advanced Licensing and Certifications – Utah
The educational process doesn’t necessarily end when you get your first credential — you can continue to climb the career ladder. One option is to become a radiology assistant in Utah. As a radiology assistant, you will have an expanded scope of practice. You can use more of your own judgment when you’re interacting with the patient and when you’re looking over the final images.
If you want to be a radiology assistant, you will need to complete a baccalaureate degree. There is one in-state program, at Weber State University. At the end of your program, you will take an additional certification exam through the ARRT. (Currently licensed radiology assistants have until May 31, 2013 to complete their bachelor’s degrees if they have not done so already.)
Another option is to pursue a specialty. You can do the training as part of a BS completion program. There are many options, including cardiovascular interventional technology, magnetic resonance imaging, mammography, and nuclear medicine. The in-state programs correspond with national specialty certifications.
While a bachelor’s is not an ARRT requirement for specialty certification, it can be a good way of meeting the additional discipline-specific requirements. Specialty certifications are desired by some employers; ultimately, they can help you get a better paying position.
Radiology Career Outlook in Utah
Radiology technology is a rapidly growing field. 33% occupational growth has been projected for the years 2008 to 2018. Currently, Utah has a lower than average percentage of its workforce working in the field. Surprisingly, the highest concentration of workers is in a non metropolitan area: the West Central Utah non metropolitan region.
The mean wage for radiology technologists and technicians in Utah is $24.07 an hour or $50,060 a year. Average wages are highest in the Logan area; here they top $55,000.
Nuclear medicine technologists have higher salaries than general radiographers. The Utah average is $66,140.
Utah Radiology Technology Licensing and Professional Organizations Contact Information
- Licensing Agency: Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing: Radiologic Technology
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- Professional Organization: Utah Society of Radiologic Technologists
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