How to Get Your Radiologic Technologist License in Idaho (2026)

How to Become a Licensed Radiologic Technologist in Idaho

Idaho is one of a small number of states that does not require radiologic technologists to hold a mandatory state-issued license. There is no Idaho state board that issues RT licenses, and no state fee or state renewal cycle for radiologic technologists practicing in general radiography. Instead, practice is governed entirely by ARRT certification and individual employer credentialing standards. If you hold a current ARRT R.T.(R) credential and meet your employer's requirements, you are legally authorized to practice as a radiologic technologist in Idaho.

This does not mean the path is unstructured. ARRT certification requirements are rigorous, and every major Idaho health system verifies credentials before you can practice. Here is exactly how the pathway works in 2026.

Step 1: Complete a JRCERT-Accredited Radiologic Technology Program

Your first step is graduating from a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Most entry-level radiologic technologists earn a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology. A Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT) is also available and is increasingly preferred at academic medical centers and for leadership roles.

Idaho programs include the College of Southern Idaho and North Idaho College. Out-of-state JRCERT-accredited programs are equally valid. Your program must include clinical rotations covering a minimum number of documented radiographic procedures across required categories. This clinical log is a prerequisite for the ARRT exam.

Step 2: Earn Your ARRT Certification

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) credential is the national standard and the primary credential required by Idaho employers. The entry-level radiography certification is the R.T.(R), Registered Technologist in Radiography.

To sit for the ARRT exam you must: graduate from a JRCERT-accredited program, document the required clinical competencies, pass an ethics review, and pay the exam fee (approximately $225 as of 2026). The computer-based exam is offered at Prometric testing centers and covers radiation protection, equipment operation, image production, procedures, and patient care.

After earning R.T.(R), many Idaho technologists pursue specialty certifications including R.T.(CT) for computed tomography, R.T.(MR) for magnetic resonance imaging, R.T.(M) for mammography, and R.T.(NM) for nuclear medicine. Specialty certs require additional education, clinical experience, and a separate exam. ARRT certification must be maintained with 24 continuing education credits every two years.

Step 3: Apply for Your Idaho Position, ARRT-Only Pathway

Because Idaho has no state licensing board for radiologic technologists, there is no state application, no state fee, and no state renewal to manage. Your pathway to practice is: hold a current ARRT credential, meet employer credentialing requirements, and maintain your ARRT certification in good standing.

When you apply for a position, Idaho health systems will verify your ARRT status through the ARRT online registry. Some employers, particularly St. Luke's Health System and St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, also require facility-specific orientation and competency validation before you are cleared for independent practice. Maintain your ARRT status and you remain eligible to practice anywhere in Idaho.

Continuing Education Requirements

With no state license, Idaho radiologic technologists follow ARRT's continuing education schedule exclusively. ARRT requires 24 CE credits per two-year renewal cycle. At least 12 of those credits must be in structured education (courses, webinars, or workshops) rather than self-study. Credits must include content relevant to your primary practice area.

Specialty credential holders must also complete CE requirements specific to each credential they hold. Many Idaho employers supplement ARRT requirements with mandatory annual competencies in radiation safety, contrast media protocols, and patient handling.

Radiologic Technologist Specializations in Idaho

Idaho's imaging market includes the full range of modalities found in any mid-size state. Computed tomography (CT) is the most in-demand specialty, with every major hospital and many outpatient imaging centers requiring dedicated CT coverage. MRI technologists are well-compensated and short in supply, particularly at smaller regional hospitals that cannot always attract full-time MRI staff.

Mammography (R.T.(M)) is growing in Idaho as rural screening programs expand. Interventional radiology and fluoroscopy experience commands a premium at larger facilities. Nuclear medicine (R.T.(NM)) positions exist primarily at St. Luke's Boise Medical Center and Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC).

Idaho Salary Ranges

General radiologic technologists in Idaho earn between $55,000 and $75,000 annually depending on experience, modality, and location. Boise metro positions typically pay at the higher end of this range. CT and MRI specialists earn a $5,000-$12,000 premium over general radiography rates.

Travel radiologic technologist assignments in Idaho pay $45-$65 per hour all-in (taxable base plus stipends), with rural facilities in eastern and northern Idaho consistently posting high-demand travel assignments year-round. Travel demand is especially strong in Pocatello, Twin Falls, and the Magic Valley corridor where permanent RT staffing is chronically tight.

Top Employers

St. Luke's Health System is Idaho's largest health system, operating hospitals in Boise, Meridian, Twin Falls, Magic Valley, Wood River, and Jerome. St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center (Trinity Health) anchors the Treasure Valley market. Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC/HCA Healthcare) is the major employer in Idaho Falls and serves the eastern Idaho region.

Outpatient imaging chains including Radnet and independent radiology groups fill a significant share of Idaho positions. The Boise VA Medical Center employs federal-pay-scale RT staff. Mobile imaging companies serving rural hospitals and long-term care facilities represent a growing niche employer category.