Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Montana

The colleges and universities in Montana offer several radiologic technology programs, including programs that teach specialized diagnostic imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT). This overview of radiologic technologist and technician schools in Montana will help you find the best school for you. Online radiologic technologist programs are another option to consider and may offer greater opportunities for self-directed study and scheduling flexibility. Read about the difference between radiology technologists and radiology technicians. Continue reading this page to learn more about radiologic technologist schools in Montana with our table of rad tech programs, profiles of select programs, and information about careers in radiologic technology in the state.

Quick Facts

• There are 4 not-for-profit colleges and universities with radiologic technology degree programs in Montana.¹
• 2 schools offer a certificate program in radiologic science.¹
• 4 schools offer an associate’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• 1 school offers a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• No schools offer a master’s or advanced degree in radiologic science.¹
• 1 school has a medical imaging program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).²
• No schools have medical imaging programs 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

• Montana Medical Imaging Schools Comparison
• Select Schools in Montana with RT Programs
• How to Become an RT in Montana
• Montana RT Salary and Job Outlook

Montana 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 Montana on a variety of factors. You should check with the Montana Board of Radiologic Technologists (the Board) to ensure that the program you are considering will meet licensure requirements.

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

Select Schools in Montana with Radiology Technologist Degree Programs

Flathead Valley Community College

Located in Kalispell, Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC) offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program in Radiologic Technology designed to prepare students for entry-level positions as radiologic technologists. Students receive training in procedures such as diagnostic x-rays, fluoroscopy, and digital radiography. The program requires clinical experiences every semester and includes the following coursework: Radiographic Procedures, Radiographic Principles, Patient Care in Radiology, and Radiographic Registry Review. Upon completion of the radiologic technology program, graduates will be eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam. Prospective students must complete the prerequisite coursework with a grade of “C” or higher by the end of the spring semester before applying to the program. Selection for the program is based on criteria such as grades in the prerequisite courses, completion of clinical observations, and previous healthcare experience. Applicants must also provide three admission recommendation forms: one from a previous or current instructor, one from a previous or current employer, and one other professional reference.

Montana Technical University

Highlands College at Montana Technical University (Montana Tech) offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Radiologic Technology that meets the educational requirements to sit for the ARRT certification exam. The program offers coursework through a variety of formats, including online learning and evening classes. Students study topics such as patient care, medical ethics, radiation safety, and radiologic sciences. The clinical elements of the program require four semesters of clinical rotations in cities including Butte, Bozeman, Dillon, and Helena. Admission into the 72-credit program requires students to complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Prospective students must also complete a job shadowing experience, demonstrate proof of up-to-date vaccinations, and pass a background check, among other requirements.

Montana State University Billings

Students in the Radiologic Technology program at Montana State University Billings (MSUB) can earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) after completing all degree requirements. The selective program admits 12 to 14 students a year due to clinical and laboratory space restraints. Students may only apply once they have already completed a series of prerequisite classes. The curriculum consists of a sequence of required coursework including Patient Care in Radiology, Radiology Positioning Lab, Radiological Technology, and a Radiobiology/Radiation Practicum. Students are also expected to complete several clinical internships at local medical centers. Clinical rotations are scheduled between 6 AM and 10 PM and may include weekends. To complete the AAS degree, students must receive a grade of a “C” or better in all coursework. Failure to meet this standard could result in dismissal from the program. Graduates may be interested in continuing their education by pursuing MSUB’s Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) with a Thematic Concentration in Radiologic Technology Management.

University of Montana

Students at the University of Montana (UM) may work toward an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Radiologic Technology through the Department of Health Professions at Missoula College, the two-year professional college within the university. Students interested in the 16-month program must complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA of 2.75 and a clinical shadowing experience before applying for admission. The radiologic technology program is competitive and requires a separate application after admittance to the college. The degree program consists of five semesters of classroom and clinical instruction. Clinical rotations begin in the first semester and may be held at sites outside the Missoula area in towns such as Hamilton, Plains, and Polson. Students also participate in a 12-week clinical rotation between the first and second years. The 74-credit curriculum includes classes such as Radiographic Methods, Patient Care in Radiology, and Radiographic Methods. Rad tech courses must be passed with a grade of “B” or higher. After graduation, students may be interested in pursuing additional education in UM’s Post Graduate Certificate program in Computerized Tomography (CT).

How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Montana

Montana requires radiologic technologists in the state to obtain a license from the Board. Rad techs must be certified by the ARRT before applying for a license. Rad techs seeking licensure in Montana must complete the steps listed below to receive and maintain their license.

1. Complete an education program in a radiologic technology discipline. The Board requires candidates for licensure to complete a 24-month education program in radiologic technology. To meet ARRT requirements, candidates must complete an associate’s degree or higher either in addition to or as part of the rad tech program.
2. Apply for and pass the ARRT certification exam. Candidates must apply for and pass the ARRT radiography exam. The exam requires a score of 75 or better to pass.
3. Apply for a license. Certified radiologic technologists must submit an application for licensure to the Board along with proof of certification and any applicable fees or documents.
4. Complete continuing education and renew your license. Montana requires rad techs to renew their licenses annually and complete 12 hours of continuing education (CE) every year. The Board will accept proof of current ARRT registration as evidence of completed CE, as the ARRT requires 24 hours of continuing education for each two-year registration renewal period.

The Board also issues a Limited Permit X-Ray (LMXO) license. The LMXO is for limited scope x-ray operators, who may only x-ray designated parts of the body while under direct supervision. Prospective LXMOs must complete at least 104 hours in an approved radiography education program and pass the ARRT Limited Scope of Practice in Radiography exam in order to qualify for a license. Qualified candidates must submit an LXMO application to the Board to take the ARRT exam. Once the exam has been passed, approved applicants will be issued a license.

Montana Radiology Tech Salary and Job Outlook

Radiologic technology jobs in Montana have a projected growth rate of 5.1% through 2030, which is below the projected national job growth rate of 8.6% for rad techs over the same period.⁵ As of 2022, about 770 radiologic technologists and technicians were employed in Montana, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).⁶ As of 2022, rad techs in Montana earned an average annual salary of $63,390.⁶ 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. Montana residents wishing to start careers in radiologic technology can seek employment opportunities at various hospitals and medical clinics including Billings Clinic, Benefis Health System, Providence St. Patrick Hospital, and Logan Health.

Montana Radiologic Technologist Salary by Metro Area

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