Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Washington
Washington’s colleges and universities offer a range of programs for earning a degree or certificate in radiologic technology. This guide to radiologic technologist and technician schools in Washington provides you with key information about your options so that you can compare schools to find the right match for your personal interests, skills, and career goals. Online radiology schools are another option to consider, which may provide greater flexibility and reduced travel time compared to traditional on-campus study. Read about the difference between radiology technologists and radiology technicians. Read on to continue learning about radiologic technology schools in Washington and potential career tracks for radiologic technologists in the state with our table of rad tech programs, employment and salary projections, and more.
Quick Facts
- There are 9 not-for-profit colleges and universities with radiologic technology degree programs in Washington.1
- 4 schools offer a certificate program in radiologic science.1
- 7 schools offer an associate’s degree in radiologic science.1
- 2 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science.1
- 1 school offers 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
- 4 schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).3
- 1 school has a medical imaging program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT).4
- Washington Medical Imaging Schools Comparison
- Select Schools in Washington with RT Programs
- How to Become an RT in Washington
- Washington RT Salary and Job Outlook
Table of Contents
Washington Medical Imaging Schools Comparison
We have designed the following table to allow you to easily compare all the not-for-profit radiologic technology and medical imaging programs in Washington on a variety of factors. You should check with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) to ensure that the program you are considering will meet licensure requirements.
| School Name | Associate’s Imaging Program | Bachelor’s Imaging Program | Graduate Imaging Program | National Accreditation | Completion Rate2 | Credential Exam Pass Rate2 | Job Placement Rate2 | Net Price1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellevue College | Yes | Yes | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP, JRCNMT | 100% | 94% | 100% | $11,404 |
| Bellingham Technical College | Yes | — | — | — | — | — | — | $6,804 |
| Columbia Basin College | Yes | — | — | — | — | — | — | $11,421 |
| Seattle University | — | Yes | — | CAAHEP | — | — | — | $35,412 |
| Spokane Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 95% | 90% | 100% | $6,295 |
| Tacoma Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 86% | 95% | 100% | $7,789 |
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | — | — | Yes | — | — | — | — | $10,603 |
| Wenatchee Valley College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 93% | 89% | 99% | $9,971 |
| Yakima Valley College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 87% | 92% | 96% | $10,036 |
- — indicates none.
- N.Av. indicates no data available.
Select Schools in Washington with Radiology Technologist Degree Programs
Bellingham Technical College
Bellingham Technical College’s (BTC) radiography program leads to the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology. Students begin clinical rotations in their second quarter in the program and complete a full range of radiologic technology coursework encompassing radiographic physics, radiographic positioning, radiation biology, and sectional anatomy. Clinical rotations require students to be flexible, as scheduled hours may take place during the day and include evening and night shifts. Typical shifts are between eight and 12 hours. All new students must attend an orientation day in the summer prior to starting the program. Prospective students must complete eight prerequisite courses before submitting an application.
Tacoma Community College
Tacoma Community College’s (TCC) Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Sciences program prepares students to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam. The two-year program combines clinical rotations at local hospitals and medical facilities with intensive coursework covering radiation physics, radiographic positioning, imaging pathology, and mammography. All prospective applicants must first attend a virtual information session, spend a minimum of eight hours job shadowing in a local radiology department, and complete all prerequisite coursework before submitting application materials by the April 1 deadline. The competitive program accepts between 20 and 24 new students each year.
How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Washington
The Washington State DOH requires all radiologic technologists and technicians to become certified before they can work in the state. The process may vary somewhat according to the modality you wish to practice, but the general process is as follows:
- Complete a degree or certificate in your chosen area of practice. Washington certification requires completing an accredited radiologic technology program. To take the ARRT exam, applicants must hold an associate degree and complete acceptable training in radiologic technology. These may be part of the same program, but don’t have to be.
- Complete seven clock hours of HIV/AIDS training. This state requirement may be part of your RT program or completed afterward.
- Pass the ARRT or other acceptable credentialing exam. RT applicants must pass a certifying exam from the ARRT, JRCNMT, Nuclear Medicine Technology Certifying Board (NMTCB), or an acceptable equivalent.
- Pursue ARRT certification, if desired. While it is not required in Washington, many RTs opt to become nationally certified by the ARRT. This is a separate process from passing the ARRT exam.
- Apply for and receive your license. Once all qualifications have been met, the application can be submitted online. Once all required documents are received and verified and the background check process is complete, a license will be issued.
- Meet ongoing renewal requirements. Radiologic techs must renew their certification every two years by their birthdate. The state does not require continuing education credits for renewal. However, renewal of ARRT certification requires radiology techs to complete 24 continuing education credits every two years.
The DOH also oversees licensing for X-Ray Technicians-Limited Scope. Limited scope technicians are permitted to x-ray designated areas of the body under supervision. This license requires that you complete an acceptable education program in radiography. You must then apply to the DOH for the X-Ray Technicians-Limited Scope credential. If your application is approved, you will be issued a license.
Washington Radiology Tech Salary and Job Outlook
Projected Job Growth
16.4%
Radiology Techs in Washington from 2020-20305
Estimates show a 16.4% increase in radiologic technologist and technician jobs in Washington between 2020 and 2030, which is much faster than the projected average growth of 8.6% for radiologic technologists and technicians nationwide through the same time period.5 An estimated average of 430 radiologic technologist and technician jobs (including replacements) are expected to open annually in Washington State through 2030.5 According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2022, there were 3,5500 rad techs working in Washington, with an annual average salary of $82,740.6 The BLS doesn’t track occupational data for limited scope x-ray technicians. However, limited scope technicians typically earn less than fully-licensed radiologic technicians due to the lower educational requirements and work responsibilities. PeaceHealth, Diagnostic Imaging Northwest, and Western Washington Medical Group are among the imaging centers and medical facilities that hire radiology technologists and technicians in Washington State. Rad techs can also seek employment in hospital systems, including Providence Health, MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital, University of Washington Medical Center, and Swedish Health Services.
Washington Radiologic Technologist Salary by Metro Area
| City | Number Employed7 | Average Annual Salary7 |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale | 70 | $80,190 |
| Olympia-Tumwater | 110 | $81,110 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | 1,980 | $88,400 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | 300 | $70,540 |
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