Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Idaho

There are a variety of colleges and universities in Idaho that offer programs in radiologic technology. These programs include options for earning a degree or certificate in radiography as well as options for pursuing specialty practice areas like computed tomography (CT). This overview of radiologic technologist and technician schools in Idaho provides information to help you compare your options. Read about the difference between radiology technologists and radiology technicians. Online radiologic technologist programs may offer a more flexible alternative to traditional on-campus programs. Discover more about radiologic technologist and technician schools in Idaho with a table of rad tech programs, profiles of select programs, student reviews, and in-depth information about careers in this field by reading below.

Quick Facts

• There are 5 not-for-profit colleges and universities with radiologic technology degree programs in Idaho.¹
• 2 schools offer a certificate program in radiologic science.¹
• 3 schools offer an associate’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• 3 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• No schools offer a master’s or advanced degree in radiologic science.¹
• 5 schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).²
• 1 school has a medical imaging program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).³
• No schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT).⁴

Table of Contents

• Idaho Medical Imaging Schools Comparison
• Select Schools in Idaho with RT Programs
• How to Become an RT in Idaho
• Idaho RT Salary and Job Outlook
• Idaho RT Career Interview
• Student Reviews

Idaho Medical Imaging Schools Comparison

We have designed the following table to allow you to easily compare the not-for-profit radiologic technology and medical imaging programs in Idaho on a variety of factors. You should check with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to ensure that the program you are considering will meet certification requirements since the State of Idaho does not license rad techs.

• — indicates none.
• N.Av. indicates no data available.

Select Schools in Idaho with Radiology Technologist Degree Programs

Boise State University

Boise State University (BSU) prepares students for careers in radiologic technology with its Bachelor of Science (BS) in Radiologic Science program. Students can choose from emphases in Diagnostic Radiology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Computed Tomography (CT), or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Classroom coursework is complemented by time in the on-campus lab and clinical rotations at local hospitals and medical facilities. Students complete a well-rounded curriculum that includes courses such as Pathophysiology, Patient Assessment, and Radiographic Quality Assurance. The program, which requires students to take at least 27 credits of prerequisite courses prior to applying at the end of freshman year, is competitive, with a maximum of 24 students accepted each year. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and a GPA of at least 2.6 in prerequisite courses. BSU also offers an Imaging Sciences online bachelor’s degree completion program with specialties including Interventional Radiology (IR), Interventional Cardiology (IC), and MRI.

College of Southern Idaho

The College of Southern Idaho (CSI) offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology that can be completed in 22 months. The five-semester program, which includes a summer session between the first and second academic years, requires students to complete coursework in general education and radiologic technology. Students gain professional experience through clinical rotations, working a total of 1,170 hours over the course of the program. All students will perform a clinical rotation at St. Luke’s Magic Valley Regional Medical Center plus rotations at two other clinical sites, some of which may be in distant or rural communities. On-campus coursework covers topics in radiographic procedures; image analysis; imaging and processing; and radiation protection. Additional hands-on training is provided in the first two semesters through the CSI campus lab. Admission to the selective program is based on a point system, with points awarded for GPA, healthcare experience, and military experience, among other factors. The program accepts 24 students each year. Applications for the program are due June 1.

Idaho State University

Idaho State University (ISU) allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Radiographic Science which prepares students for managerial positions and ARRT certification. Students are accepted into the selective four-year program based on a point system that rates students on criteria such as general education courses completed, grades received in completed courses, overall GPA, and Idaho residency. Upon acceptance into the program, students are assigned a clinical rotation facility and will work at that facility throughout their studies. Students will also complete at least one clinical rotation at a smaller satellite facility. Clinical rotations are combined with classroom and lab work in courses such as Pediatric Radiography, Radiologic Pathology, and Advanced Radiographic Methods. ISU offers specialized study in modalities such as Computed Tomography (CT), Mammography, and Interventional Radiology (IR) with postbaccalaureate certification programs.

Lewis-Clark State College

Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC) offers a three-year Associate of Science (AS) in Radiographic Science that prepares students for the ARRT certification exam and careers in diagnostic imaging. The 98-credit degree includes courses in Patient Care in Radiography, Radiographic Methods, Special Procedures, and Radiobiology. During the first two semesters, students take classes on campus. During the final two semesters, they divide their time between on-campus classes and clinical training at assigned clinical sites. Clinical shifts usually last between eight and 12 hours and may take place during the day, evening, or night. The summer semester between years one and two is devoted entirely to a clinical rotation. Graduation from the five-semester program requires that students maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Applicants to the program must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, complete the prerequisite courses, and complete the Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) Health Professions Admission Assessment. Applications are due in the spring semester. LCSC also offers a Bachelor of Science in Radiology Technology (RSBS) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computed Tomography (CT).

North Idaho College

Graduates of North Idaho College’s (NIC) Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiography Technology program will be prepared for entry-level positions as radiologic technologists and will be eligible to sit for the ARRT certification exam. In addition to general education requirements and radiologic technology courses, the two-year program requires students to complete four semesters of clinical rotations at affiliated institutions such as Bonner General Hospital, Kootenai Health, and Northwest Specialty Hospital. Students will be required to work some evening and weekend shifts, which are typically less than 25% of the clinical experience. The 79-credit hour curriculum includes classes such as Radiographic Procedures; Radiologic Physics and Equipment; and Radiologic Technology Review, a certification exam review course. The radiology tech program is competitive, accepting only 10 students every year. Applicants must complete all prerequisite coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.0 in each course; however, application points will only be awarded for courses completed with a B- (2.7) or higher. Admitted students begin the program in the fall semester.

How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Idaho

Idaho does not require radiologic technologists to be licensed or certified to practice in the state. However, employers in Idaho may still seek out candidates who hold professional credentials by organizations such as the ARRT. Certification by the ARRT requires the following steps:

1. Complete a diploma, certificate, or associate’s degree in your chosen modality. Candidates for certification by the ARRT must complete an educational program in their chosen modality and an associate degree. These may be the same program, but it is not required.
2. Take and pass the ARRT exam. The ARRT offers certification exams in a variety of modalities. Candidates must receive a score of 75 or higher to pass any ARRT certification exam.
3. Maintain your registration. The ARRT requires certified rad techs to renew their registration annually and complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years.

Idaho Radiology Tech Salary and Job Outlook

Projections estimate 22.3% jobs growth for radiologic technologists and technicians in Idaho between 2020 and 2030, much faster than the projected national average job growth rate for rad techs of 8.6% during the same time period.⁵ According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2022, approximately 1,330 radiologic technologists and technicians worked in Idaho, earning an average annual salary of $66,780.⁶ Although the BLS does not provide employment data for limited-scope x-ray technicians, technicians typically earn less than radiologic technologists due to the lower educational requirements and scope of responsibility. Portneuf Medical Center, Intermountain Healthcare, Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, St. Luke’s Imaging Center, and St. Joseph Regional Medical Center are among the hospitals, imaging centers, physicians’ offices, and medical facilities that hire radiologic technologists and technicians in Idaho.

Idaho Radiologic Technologist Salary by Metro Area

Idaho Radiologic Technologist Career Interview

• Candice Moore, Past President, Idaho Society of Radiologic Technologists

Student Reviews

Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.

Boise State University
1910 W University Dr
Boise, ID 83725
(208) 426-1000
https://www.boisestate.edu/

Student Review: “Boise State University Radiology Technology program was the best in the west. The program was highly respected of other universities because of the nature of the program. The first year was a hard one. It was literally to weed out the weak links. Our program wanted the best and that’s what they got. It was highly competitive to get into. Each semester we had to learn a variety of different things and one particular teacher is the reason I learned the most. She was hard but there was a reason, to make it when you take your boards you pass. All the professors and faculty were extremely knowledgeable and helpful. The program had the reputation to show employers that you are a good hire.” – Student at Boise State University

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology Program Effectiveness Data: https://www.jrcert.org/program-effectiveness-data/
3. Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs: https://www.caahep.org/students/find-an-accredited-program
4. Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology: https://www.jrcnmt.org/programs/
5. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
6. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, Radiologic Technologists and Technicians: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292034.htm
7. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm