Occupations: Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Overview of the profession:
Radiologic Technicians and Technologists play a crucial role in healthcare by providing essential imaging services that aid in diagnosing and treating medical conditions. They operate radiographic equipment that takes images of a patient's internal structures to help physicians assess injuries, illnesses, and abnormalities. Radiologic Technicians and Technologists are not required to be licensed to work in Michigan. However, employers often require individuals to hold certification and registration through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to be eligible for employment. To earn certification and registration, individuals must complete an associate or bachelor-level radiologic technology program approved by ARRT and then pass the radiography or other certification examinations offered by ARRT. Individuals who pass the certification exam become registered through ARRT. Once certified, Radiologic Technicians and Technologists primarily work in hospitals. However, they also find employment in medical diagnostic labs or imaging centers. The training and expertise of Radiologic Technicians and Technologists make them crucial to helping ensure patients receive accurate diagnoses and remain comfortable and safe during imaging.
Policy Highlights
Includes recent proposed legislation.
Current Workforce Data
We've provided the latest data from Lightcast below. Click on the images to enlarge them and review them in further detail.
2024 Hourly Wages
10th Percent | 25th Percent | Median | 75th Percent | 90th Percent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$24.85 | $29.42 | $31.69 | $37.65 | $39.49 |
Top Posted Job Titles
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Travel Interventional Radiology Technologists
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Travel Radiology Technicians
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Radiologic Technologists
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Radiology Technologists
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Mammography Technologists
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X-Ray Technicians
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Radiographers
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Mammography Technicians
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Travel X-Ray Techs
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CT/Radiologic Technologists
Index Ranking
Ranked 13th (out of 36) "healthiest" profession according to the 2024 Michigan Healthcare Workforce Index.
Learn more here.
2024 Employment: 7,038
Projected 2034 Employment: 6,935 (-1%)
Highlighted Workforce Initiatives
Name: School of Radiologic Technology at Henry Ford St. John Hospital
Prosperity Region: 10
Description: The School of Radiologic Technology offers a diverse and stimulating two-year (24-month) program of instruction. The program that meets the curriculum standards established by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and is accredited. It is recommended to students who wish to receive their education at a progressive and active hospital. Henry Ford St. John Hospital is a designated trauma center offering a wide variety of educational experiences. Students receive didactic instruction and clinical education in all phases of the Department of Radiology. During the two-year program approximately 40% is spent in academic preparation and 60% in developing clinical competencies.
Name: Bridge to Healthcare Degree Program
Prosperity Region: 10
Description: The Bridge to Healthcare Degree program is a partnership between DESC Michigan Works! and Henry Ford College. The program's goal is to increase the number of Detroit residents who are trained and can earn a degree in healthcare. Participants in the 30-week (2 semester) program take classes both virtually and in-person at Henry Ford College's Dearborn campus to earn college credits toward an associate degree for PT assistant, radiographer, RN, respiratory therapist and surgical tech.
Name: Early Middle College
Prosperity Region: Statewide
Description: Early Middle College (EMC) is a five-year program of study that allows a pupil to earn a high-school diploma and an associate degree or certificate with an additional year of high school. It is approved through the Michigan Department of Education and is available statewide. Throughout the five years, EMC students are gradually introduced to college courses and also have the opportunity to participate in a registered apprenticeship. EMC students can earn their associate degree or certificate in healthcare-related occupations but EMC is not solely a healthcare education initiative. The purposes of Early Middle College programs are to increase the number of high school & college enrollees and prepare students to go into high-demand careers.
Career Pathway
What's required to work as a Radiologic Technician or Technologist in Michigan?
Radiologic Technicians or Technologists are not required to be licensed in Michigan. However, many employers require prospective employees to hold certification and registration through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). To earn a certificate and registration through ARRT, individuals must complete an approved radiologic technology program at an associate or bachelor's level and then
pass a radiography or other certification examination through ARRT. In addition to holding certification and registration, many employers may require individuals to maintain a current Basic Life Support certification.
Earning an associate's or bachelor's degree in radiologic technology.
While the title of "technician" is typically reserved for entry-level positions, employers in Michigan use "Radiologic Technician" and "Radiologic Technologist" titles interchangeably and often use ARRT certification instead of a degree level as the hiring standard. Because an associate degree in radiologic technology is the minimum requirement to hold a certification through ARRT and is the most commonly offered program in Michigan, most Radiologic Technicians and Technologists are associate-trained. However, individuals who pursue a bachelor's degree may have the potential for higher salaries and management/leadership positions once hired.
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