Becoming a Radiologic Technologist in Washington State
In Washington, the Office of Radiation Protection issues licenses and permits at several levels. Each has its own scope of practice. The lowest level of credential is X-Ray Technician. At this level, formal education in radiology technology is not required.
If you are interested in general radiography, though, you will need to enroll in a program that has been accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology or recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. You can do a program search on either site.
Radiologic Technologist Resources – Washington
Washington’s programs are offered by community colleges and technical schools. There will be some selectivity in the admission process, though requirements vary. You may be expected to put in hours in a medical setting before turning in an application. If you meet the basic requirements, you may be scheduled for an interview.
In the beginning, you’ll spend much of your time in an academic setting. During your second year, you typically spend a lot of the time at clinical sites performing procedures under supervision.
At the end of the program, you will be eligible to pursue certification through the ARRT. Your program director will need to sign that you have completed the requirements. You will then be allowed to take the computer-based test.
You must have HIV/ AIDS training before you can be licensed in Washington. You will also need to have a criminal background check performed.
Radiographer License – Alternate Pathways in WA
If you are a health care worker and have four years of experience doing radiography, you may have an alternate pathway to licensing as a radiographer. You will not need as much structured education. The same holds true if you are licensed in a radiology technology discipline other than radiography; in this instance, you’ll only need three years of experience. If you meet the alternate requirements, you will take the state licensing exam.
You may be granted a reciprocal license if you have held a credential in any other state, you’ll need to have a copy sent. If you’re a spouse or domestic partner of an armed services member who has been transferred to Washington, you can get your new license on an expedited time frame.
You can join a List Serv for information about radiology technology or technician licensing in Washington. You’ll find information on the board site.
Radiography Career Advancement
You can advance by pursuing specialty certifications or becoming a radiology assistant. To become a radiology assistant, or CRA, you will need to complete an approved radiology assistant program. Programs are at the baccalaureate level.
Career Outlook for Radiologic Technologist in Washington
If you meet the stringent requirements, you may have a bright career ahead of you. 25% occupational growth has been projected for the 2008 to 2018 decade. The state’s radiology technologists enjoy an average salary of $65,520.
In many states, it’s the big metropolitan areas that have the highest concentration of radiology technologists. Not so in Washington. The Eastern Washington non metropolitan area tops the state; this region has a greater percentage of jobs in radiology technology than any other non metropolitan region in the nation. Salaries are good, too. The mean is $68,350, a bit above the state average — and fourth highest of all the non-metropolitan areas in the country. The highest salaries in the state, though, are in the Anacortes-Mount Vernon area.
Washington Radiology Technology Licensing and Professional Organizations Contact Information
- Licensing Agency: Division of Environmental Health Office of Radiation Protection
Click Here to visit their website.
- Professional Organization: Washington Society of Radiologic Technologists
Click Here to visit the website