Hawaii’s Radiologic Technologist Schools

Are you considering becoming a radiology technologist in Hawaii? The pay can be high, and the licensing standards definitely are. Hawaii does not issue — or recognize — limited x-ray licenses. The State of Hawaii Radiologic Technology Board licenses radiologic technologists in three related disciplines: radiography, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine. Radiographers perform x-rays and related procedures like computed tomography and mammography.

If you are interested in becoming a radiographer, you will need to enroll in an educational program that has been regionally or nationally accredited or one that has been approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in order to be eligible for certification by the ARRT. Find accredited radiologic technologist schools offering radiography related programs. The ARRT is the organization that you will first apply to for credentialing.

There is one in-state program radiography program, at Kapiolani Community College. KCC has partnerships with a number of health care facilities. Admission is selective. You will need to complete prerequisite courses in subjects like composition and anatomy and physiology. You will also need to achieve qualifying scores on the admission exam and attend an information session. Since you will be working under supervision to provide care in actual health care facilities, you will need to get clinical clearance.

Your program will incorporate lab work, lecture, and externship. You must complete all ARRT-mandated procedures. Credentialing is a multi-step process. Before you apply to the Hawaii board, you will apply to the appropriate third-party organization and pass a certification exam. If you are a general radiographer, applying for certification through the ARRT, you may begin the process up to three months before program completion. You will need to get some paperwork from your program director.

Radiologic Technologist/Radiographer Certification in Hawaii

You will also need to answer professional fitness questions. Once your certification eligibility has been confirmed by the ARRT, you will be assigned a testing window. You will contact Pearson VUE and schedule an exam at your convenience. You must register with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists — unless you have training in nuclear medicine technology, in which case you can choose between the ARRT and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB).

When it comes time to apply for Hawaii licensing, you’ll send a copy of your registration card. You’ll also need a recent photo — and a notary seal on your application.

Radiologic Technologist Career Outlook in Hawaii

Hawaii is the fourth highest paying state for radiology technologists and technicians. The average wage is $32.17 an hour, or $66,910 a year. Most workers make between $49,860 and $87,060, though 10% make more, and another 10%, less.

Workers in the Honolulu area average just a little more than those in less metropolitan areas. This may reflect, in part, the presence of premier medical facilities. Work setting influences earnings across the nation. Doctor’s offices tend to pay less than the mean while universities and specialty hospitals pay more.

Experience can increase your options; so can specialty certifications. You can pursue additional certifications in a number of areas. The ARRT reports that Hawaii has 214 technologists who are certified in mammography and another 160 who are certified in CT.

Occupation trends has predicted 10% growth between 2008 and 2018.

Radiologic Technologist Professional Organizations and Licensing Boards in HI

  • Licensing Agency: Hawaii State Department of Health Indoor and Radiological Health Branch

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  • Professional Organization: Hawaii Society of Radiologic Technologists (HSRT)