How to Become a Radiology Nurse
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- Radiology Nurse Career Overview
- How to Become a Radiology Nurse
- Education Options
- Licensure and Certification
- Radiology Nurse Employment
Credit: NoSystem images / E+ / Getty ImagesRadiology nurses specialize in radiation therapy and diagnostic imaging. The demand for diagnostic images and radiology therapy continues to grow, creating a shortage of radiology specialists in healthcare, according to the American College of Radiology.
If you want to work in the growing field of radiology nursing, explore how to become a radiology nurse in our guide.
How Long to Become
2-4 Years
Degree Required
ADN or BSN
Certification
Certified Radiology Nurse
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What is a Radiology Nurse?
A radiology nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who cares for patients undergoing radiation therapy to treat cancer. Before procedures, they discuss concerns with patients and answer questions. Radiology nurses then monitor patients during and after procedures.
In addition to providing specialized radiation therapy care, radiology nurses also care for patients undergoing MRIs, X-rays, ultrasounds, and other diagnostic imaging procedures. In this role, radiology nurses operate medical equipment, administer contrast dyes through IV, and monitor patients during imaging procedures.
As part of the radiology team, radiology nurses follow protocols to ensure patient safety when working with medical imaging equipment. This position requires strong communication skills. In addition to interacting closely with patients and families, radiology nurses collaborate with radiologists and radiologic technologists.
Steps to Becoming a Radiology Nurse
Radiology nurses need an RN license and a combination of education and experience. Earning professional certification can also benefit radiology nurses.
- 1
Earn an ADN or BSN Degree From an Accredited Program.
Attending an accredited nursing school prepares graduates for licensure as an RN. Nurses can earn a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). Clinical training during nursing school strengthens patient care and nursing practice skills.
- 2
Pass the NCLEX Exam to Receive RN Licensure.
With a nursing degree, graduates meet the educational requirement for an RN license. Next, they must pass the NCLEX exam and apply for their RN license. Each state sets its own licensure requirements, so make sure to check the process in your state.
- 3
Gain Experience in Radiology Nursing.
After earning an RN license, nurses qualify for entry-level roles, including in hospital settings. Gaining hospital or acute care experience, in settings like med-surg, critical care, or the emergency department can help RNs who want to specialize in radiology nursing. With 1-2 years of work experience, RNs can move into radiology nursing.
- 4
Consider Becoming a Certified Radiology Nurse.
While you don’t need professional certification to work as a radiology nurse, certification showcases your expertise in the specialty to prospective employers. That can mean more job opportunities and a higher earning potential. The Radiologic Nursing Certification Board offers the certified radiology nurse (CRN) credential.
Radiology Nurse Education
Radiology nurses need an RN license, which requires a minimum of two years in nursing school. However, earning a BSN degree can benefit radiology nurses. As of 2022, 72% of employers strongly prefer to hire BSN-prepared nurses, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
ADN Degree
An ADN strengthens nursing knowledge and patient care skills. During an ADN, nursing students complete courses and supervised clinical requirements. An ADN is the fastest path to an RN license because it meets the eligibility requirements for the NCLEX exam and RN licensure in every state.
- Admission Requirements: High school diploma or the equivalent
- Program Curriculum: Nursing fundamentals, pathophysiology, health promotion, evidence-based practice, nursing pharmacology
- Time to Complete: 2 years
- Skills Learned: Patient care; health assessment; medication management; patient safety; communication
BSN Degree
A BSN strengthens clinical decision-making and patient care skills. In addition to ADN coursework, BSN students explore nursing theory and ethics, community health, research, leadership, and management. RNs with an ADN can enroll in an RN-to-BSN program to advance their education. Prospective nurses with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field can earn an accelerated BSN, also known as a second-degree BSN.
- Admission Requirements: High school diploma or the equivalent
- Program Curriculum: Population health, advanced health assessment, nursing theory, evidence-based practice, research, and nursing leadership.
- Time to Complete: 4 years
- Skills Learned: Health assessment; care planning; nursing leadership; critical thinking; communication
Radiology Nurse Licensure and Certification
To work as a radiology nurse, you’ll need an active, unencumbered registered nurse license. Once you’ve passed the NCLEX-RN and have your license, you’ll need to meet your state’s requirements for RN renewal. For example, RNs must complete mandated minimum continuing education hours for nurses to maintain their licenses. This may include online classes, live classes, webinars, conferences, or other educational courses.
Radiology nurses who pursue certification through the Radiologic Nursing Certification Board need an active RN license and at least 2,000 hours of radiology RN experience within the past three years. CNRs must complete 30 radiology nursing contact hours within two years of taking the CRN exam.
Working as a Radiology Nurse
Radiology nurses work in hospitals, ambulatory care centers, physicians’ practices, and other settings providing diagnostic imaging (e.g., X-rays, MRIs, etc.) and radiation therapy. Their typical job duties include administering sedation medication, barium enemas, and special contrast dyes for X-rays.
Depending on the setting, radiology nurses perform various types of care. In a diagnostic setting, they provide care before, during, and after procedures, such as biopsies and CT scans. Specialty diagnostics, such as ultrasounds for OB/GYN patients, may require the support of radiology nurses who help patients experiencing medical problems during pregnancy. Patient teaching is an important aspect of the job, regardless of the setting or type of diagnostics or procedure performed.
After completing an ADN or a BSN program, graduates can find a nursing job that involves assisting in radiology. Possibilities include hospitals or physician practices that frequently employ diagnostic imaging, like a sports medicine clinic. Radiology nurse salaries in the U.S. range from $46,000-$165,000 according to Payscale data, with an average hourly rate of $32.85 as of September 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Radiology Nurse
Radiology nurses who hold professional certification are called certified radiology nurses. In this nursing specialty, RNs care for patients undergoing radiation therapy or getting diagnostic images such as CT scans or MRIs.
