Montana’s Radiologic Technologist Schools and Professional Resources
In order to become a radiology technologist in Montana, you will need to complete a 24-month course. Find accredited radiologic technologist schools offering radiology technology programs in Montana. Radiology technology programs typically have selective admission policies; requirements may go beyond those required for general college admission. The process may include an essay, interview, and/ or submission of references.
Radiologic Technologist Resources – Montana
You can expect to spend a good deal of your training time gaining experience in an actual health care setting. You may also want to join a professional organization while you’re still in school – students can join organizations like the Montana Society of Radiologic Technologists for a nominal cost.
Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing in Montana
As you prepare to enter the workforce, you will need to pursue certification through the ARRT or (at the least) pass an examination in diagnostic radiologic technology. The latter option is noted as being at the board’s discretion. You should be aware that employers often require current registration with the ARRT.
You will need to submit character references with your Montana licensing application. If you have ever been licensed in another municipality, you will need to submit license verification. You can expect to hear back on the status of your application within 15 work days. Actual processing time can be 30 days for routine applications, and up to 120 for non-routine ones.
Limited Permits
The requirements are lower for a limited permit. You must complete a board-approved course. The core must be at least 40 hours and cover the basics. The total training time will be significantly longer; the board has also set minimum training hours for individual radiologic procedures.
You will need to take at least one limited scope examination. The ARRT Limited Scope Exam includes modules on skull, spine, chest, and extremities. You will also need to take the Combined State Exam if you plan to do x-rays of the GI tract, abdomen, hip, or pelvis.
Limited permit holders are expected to meet similar general requirements: at least 18 years of age, addiction-free, and able to provide character references.
Radiologic Technologist Career Outlook in Montana
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Montana’s radiology technologists and technicians average $24.65 an hour or $51,270 a year. In the Billings area, the average salary is $52,650 — a bit higher than in most parts of the state.
There’s a wide range of salaries, though, even within a single metropolitan area. 10% of Montana’s workers make less than $36,960; another 10% have salaries above $71,530. Work setting influences salary. Nationwide, radiology technologists employed by colleges and universities make more than $10,000 more than those employed by doctors’ offices.
An experienced technologist is more likely to land a job at a premier hospital; specialty certifications can also help.
Hospitals and large medical centers employ the greatest number of radiologic technologists, though the BLS reports some shift toward outpatient centers. Nationwide, jobs tend to be concentrated in major metropolitan areas. In Montana, you’ll find the most jobs in the area around Billings — this holds true when you look at the data on a per-population basis as well as an absolute basis.
Workforce projections call for 15% growth statewide between 2008 and 2018.
See Health Care and Related degree programs in Montana for additional schools offering Radiology Technology degree programs.
Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Professional Organizations in Montana
- Professional Organization: Montana Society of Radiologic Technologists (MSRT)
Click Here to visit the website.
- Licensing Agency: Montana Board of Radiologic Technologists
Click Here to visit the website.