Radiographic Technology Career Assessment

What is a Radiographic Technologist?

A radiographic technologist (also called an X-ray technician or radiologic technologist) operates imaging equipment that uses radiation to create detailed pictures of what's inside the human body. These images help doctors diagnose broken bones, detect diseases, and guide treatment decisions.

The Main Responsibilities

• Operate X-ray machines and other imaging equipment
• Position patients safely and explain what to expect
• Set equipment controls to get clear, accurate images
• Use radiation safety procedures to protect patients and yourself
• Keep accurate records and document images
• Work with radiologists (doctors who specialize in imaging) to get the right pictures
• Maintain equipment and ensure it works properly
• Handle patient information confidentially

Why This Job Matters

Radiographic technologists are essential to patient care. Without clear X-ray images, doctors can't diagnose injuries and diseases accurately. A radiographer's skill in positioning and technique directly affects the quality of images and patient safety.

What Kind of Person Makes a Good Radiographer?

• Detail-oriented and precise about following procedures
• Good at working with people, especially nervous or injured patients
• Physically able to stand, lift, and position patients
• Able to follow safety rules and radiation protocols carefully
• Problem-solver who can troubleshoot equipment issues
• Organized and good at documentation
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced healthcare setting

What Does Your Day Look Like?

Here's what a typical day might look like for a radiographic technologist:

Morning (6:00 AM - 10:00 AM)

• Arrive and check all X-ray equipment is working properly
• Review patient schedule for the day
• Prepare exam rooms and ensure supplies are stocked
• Call first patient and explain the X-ray procedure
• Position patient correctly for their X-ray
• Set equipment controls (angle, distance, exposure time)
• Take X-ray images while protecting yourself and patient from excess radiation
• Check image quality on computer
• Document patient information and images
• Perform 5-10 patient exams (each takes 10-15 minutes)

Midday (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM)

• Continue X-ray exams for scheduled and walk-in patients
• Handle difficult positioning (elderly, injured, uncooperative patients)
• Communicate with radiologists about images that need retakes
• Clean and disinfect exam rooms between patients
• Restock supplies (X-ray film, protective equipment, patient drapes)
• Update patient records in computer system
• Work with other imaging departments (CT, MRI, ultrasound)

Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

• Finish remaining scheduled exams
• Perform specialty X-rays as needed (chest, extremities, spinal)
• Assist radiologists with complex procedures
• Perform equipment maintenance and quality checks
• File paperwork and ensure all images are properly labeled
• Update inventory and order supplies

The Physical Reality

• You'll be on your feet most of the day
• You'll help move and position patients who may be in pain or have disabilities
• You're working with radiation (small amounts, but safety is critical)
• Some positions require twisting, bending, and reaching
• You may work evening, night, or weekend shifts
• The work can be repetitive (same exam procedures many times)

Radiographic Technology Training in North Dakota

North Dakota DOES require a state license for radiographic technologists. To get one, you must pass the national ARRT exam and apply to the North Dakota Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board.

Training Options

• Hospital-based Programs: about 21-24 months, after about 2 years of college courses
• Community College Associate Degree: about 2 years (not offered in ND; the nearest is Northland Community & Technical College in East Grand Forks, MN)
• University Bachelor's Degree: 4 years (2 years on campus, then the hospital program)

What You'll Study

• Human anatomy and physiology (how the body works)
• Medical terminology (healthcare words and abbreviations)
• Radiation physics and radiation safety
• Patient positioning techniques
• Equipment operation and maintenance
• Image evaluation and quality control
• Patient care and communication skills
• Radiation protection laws and ethics
• Clinical practice with real patients under supervision

Training Programs in North Dakota

JRCERT-Accredited Hospital Programs (Recommended for entry):

Bachelor's Degree Options (for advancement or specialization):

Certification Exam & Requirements

In North Dakota, a state license IS required. You must hold national certification (ARRT) to get your license from the ND Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board.

National Certification: ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists)

• Exam Name: ARRT Radiography Examination
• What it covers: Anatomy, positioning, physics, patient care, radiation safety, image evaluation
• Exam length: 230 multiple-choice questions (200 count toward your score)
• Exam cost: $225 (ARRT application fee)
• Passing score: You need a scaled score of 75 or higher (this is not the same as 75 percent)

Requirements to Take the ARRT Exam

• Complete an accredited radiography program (JRCERT-approved or equivalent)
• Demonstrate clinical competency (supervised hands-on practice)
• Have an associate degree or higher, and meet ARRT ethics requirements
• Apply to ARRT with your program completion certificate

After You're Certified

• You can use the credential "R.T.(R)(ARRT)" after your name
• You can then apply for your North Dakota license, which you need to work in ND
• North Dakota and about 35 other states use ARRT exams for state licensing
• ARRT certification is recognized across the U.S., but each state has its own license rules

Maintaining Your Certification

• ARRT certification requires continuing education every 2 years
• Your North Dakota license renews every 2 years, and you must keep your ARRT continuing education up to date
• 24 continuing education credits every 2 years, plus a yearly ARRT renewal

Employer Expectations in North Dakota

Major healthcare employers in North Dakota—Sanford Health, CHI St. Alexius Health, Essentia Health, and regional hospitals—require or strongly prefer ARRT certification. In North Dakota, you also need ARRT certification to get your state license.

Salary & Pay

Radiographic technologists in North Dakota earn competitive pay for a healthcare position with good stability and benefits.

Factors That Affect Your Pay

• Extra certifications: Adding credentials such as CT, MRI, or mammography can open higher-paying jobs
• Education level: Bachelor's degree holders typically earn more
• Specialization: MRI and ultrasound usually pay more. In ND, the median is about $80,610 for MRI technologists and $84,340 for sonographers, compared with $67,790 for radiographers (BLS, May 2025).
• Location: Rural vs. urban areas pay differently
• Employer: Large hospitals pay more than clinics; major health systems pay more than small practices
• Shift: Evening, night, and weekend shifts usually pay extra
• Experience: Pay increases steadily with years on the job

Benefits

Most healthcare employers offer:

• Health insurance (often covers family members)
• Retirement plans (401k, pension)
• Paid time off (vacation, sick days, holidays)
• Continuing education assistance
• Tuition assistance for bachelor's degree or specialization training
• Shift differentials (extra pay for nights/weekends)
• Employee discounts

Job Growth & Stability

• Radiographic technologists are always in demand
• Job growth is steady (healthcare jobs are stable)
• About 670 radiologic technologists worked in North Dakota in 2024. ND expects about 9% growth by 2034, with about 40 openings a year.
• Top employers: Sanford Health, CHI St. Alexius, Essentia Health, Altru Hospital (Grand Forks)

Career Paths After Radiographic Technology

Starting as a radiographer doesn't mean you stay in that exact role forever. Radiographic technology is a great launching pad for many healthcare careers.

Path 1: Specialize in Medical Imaging

• CT (Computed Tomography): Specialized X-ray technology that creates detailed 3D images (higher pay, more training)
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Uses magnetic fields instead of radiation (no radiation exposure, specialized certifications)
• Ultrasound/Sonography: A strong option in ND. Some radiographers go back to school for sonography (for example, at Bismarck State College). ND sonographers earn a median of about $84,340 per year (BLS, May 2025).
• Nuclear Medicine: Work with radioactive tracers to diagnose disease
• Radiation Therapy: Use radiation to treat cancer (requires additional education)
• Mammography: Specialize in breast imaging (higher pay)

Path 2: Transition to Advanced Healthcare Roles

• Supervisor/Manager: Oversee radiography teams and labs (with experience and education)
• Clinical Instructor: Teach radiography at colleges or for hospitals
• Quality Control Specialist: Ensure imaging equipment and processes meet standards
• Nursing: Use your healthcare experience to transition to CNA, LPN, or RN roles

Path 3: Stay and Grow in Radiography

• Master your craft and become a highly skilled, sought-after radiographer
• Take on leadership roles (training new staff, quality control)
• Move to higher-paying positions or larger hospitals
• Earn about $39/hour or more as an experienced radiographer (top 25% in ND, BLS May 2025)
• Develop a reputation as an expert in difficult positioning or pediatric work

Why Radiographic Technology is a Good Starting Point

• Clear path: in ND, about 2 years of college plus about 22 months of hospital training (associate programs in nearby Minnesota take about 2 years)
• Hands-on clinical training with real patients is part of every program
• ND programs report strong job placement (Trinity Health reports 100% over 5 years)
• Gateway to higher-paying specializations (ultrasound, MRI, CT)
• Build healthcare experience for nursing or other roles
• Some employers offer tuition help for further education

Is Radiographic Technology Right For You?

Before you decide, think about these questions:

Questions to Ask Yourself

• Do you like working with people? You'll interact with patients all day, including injured, sick, or anxious people.
• Can you handle the physical demands? Standing 8 hours, lifting/positioning patients, repetitive arm movements.
• Are you detail-oriented? Precise positioning and following procedures exactly is critical—mistakes mean retakes and extra radiation exposure.
• Can you follow safety rules carefully? Radiation safety is serious. You need to protect yourself and patients by following protocols exactly.
• Are you good with technology? You'll work with computer systems, digital imaging, and equipment troubleshooting.
• Can you stay calm under pressure? Emergency patients, tight schedules, equipment issues—can you handle stress?
• Are you willing to get certified? ARRT certification is expected. Are you willing to study and pass the exam?
• Can you work variable shifts? Some facilities have early mornings, evenings, or weekend coverage requirements.

Red Flags - This Might NOT Be For You If...

• You're very uncomfortable with radiation (even though doses are safe and carefully controlled)
• You can't stand for long periods or have mobility limitations that haven't been accommodated
• You struggle with following procedures and rules exactly as written
• You get stressed easily by difficult patient interactions
• You're not willing to pursue ARRT certification
• You prefer working alone or with minimal patient contact

Green Lights - This Might Be Great For You If...

• You're genuinely interested in healthcare and patient care
• You like problem-solving with hands-on work (positioning, equipment, troubleshooting)
• You're naturally good at explaining things to nervous patients
• You're detail-oriented and follow procedures carefully
• You want a job with solid pay, good benefits, and job security
• You're interested in medical specializations like ultrasound or MRI
• You see this as a stepping stone or as a long-term career—both are valid!

Your Motivation for Radiographic Technology

Understanding WHY you want this career is important. There's no "wrong" answer here—we just want to understand your genuine motivation.

Your Readiness for Radiographic Technology

These questions help us understand whether you have the skills and characteristics that make successful radiographic technologists. Be honest!

Your Future Plans

Help us understand your longer-term goals so we can give you better recommendations.