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

How to Become a Licensed Radiologic Technologist in Illinois

Illinois requires radiologic technologists to hold a state license issued through the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), specifically the Radiation Safety Section. Unlike many states where licensing is handled by a medical board or department of health, Illinois places RT licensure under IEMA because the agency oversees radiation safety and control across the state. If you plan to practice as a radiologic technologist in Illinois, you must hold both ARRT certification and an active Illinois state license before performing radiologic procedures.

Illinois is home to one of the largest healthcare imaging markets in the United States. Chicago and its surrounding metro area hosts dozens of major hospital systems, academic medical centers, and outpatient imaging facilities. Understanding the state licensing process correctly is essential for a smooth entry into this market.

Step 1: Complete a JRCERT-Accredited Radiologic Technology Program

All Illinois-licensed radiologic technologists must graduate from a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). A two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology is the most common entry path. A Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT) is also available and increasingly preferred at Illinois academic medical centers including Northwestern Memorial and University of Chicago Medicine.

Illinois has a strong pipeline of JRCERT-accredited programs at community colleges and universities including Malcolm X College, Triton College, Illinois Central College, Elmhurst University, and Southern Illinois University Carbondale, among others. Your program must include documented clinical competencies across required procedure categories.

Step 2: Earn Your ARRT Certification

Illinois law requires ARRT certification as a prerequisite for state licensure. The primary credential is R.T.(R) — Registered Technologist in Radiography. After completing a JRCERT program and passing the ARRT exam (approximately $225 exam fee), you will hold the R.T.(R) credential.

Specialty certifications commonly pursued by Illinois technologists include 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. Each specialty requires additional clinical experience and a separate ARRT exam. All ARRT credentials require 24 continuing education credits per two-year cycle to maintain.

Step 3: Apply for Your Illinois IEMA License

Once you hold an ARRT credential, submit your Illinois license application to the IEMA Radiation Safety Section. The application requires proof of ARRT certification, documentation of your educational program, and payment of the state fee (approximately $50–$75 as of 2026). Processing time is typically four to eight weeks for new applications.

Illinois licenses must be renewed on a biennial cycle. Renewal requires demonstration of current ARRT certification and payment of the renewal fee. If your ARRT certification lapses, your Illinois license cannot be renewed. Practicing without a current Illinois license is a violation of the Illinois Radiation Protection Act and can result in fines and practice restrictions.

Continuing Education Requirements

ARRT mandates 24 CE credits every two years for all certified technologists, and Illinois state licensure renewal is tied directly to your ARRT renewal status. Maintaining your ARRT CE credits in good standing is the primary CE obligation for Illinois practitioners. IEMA does not impose separate CE requirements beyond what ARRT requires, but employers — particularly large health systems — may add annual facility-specific competency requirements.

Radiologic Technologist Specializations in Illinois

Illinois, especially Chicago, offers the full spectrum of imaging specializations. CT is the highest-volume specialty and consistently the most in-demand. MRI positions are well-compensated and competitive. Mammography positions are abundant given Illinois's large female population and strong screening program infrastructure.

Interventional radiology and fluoroscopy specialists command a significant salary premium. Nuclear medicine (R.T.(NM) or NMTCB) positions exist in abundance at Chicago academic medical centers. The density of outpatient imaging chains in suburban Chicago — including Radnet, Advocate Aurora Imaging, and independent radiology practices — creates a robust job market outside hospital settings.

Illinois Salary Ranges

General radiologic technologists in Illinois earn between $58,000 and $82,000 annually. Chicago metro salaries typically range $62,000–$88,000. CT and MRI specialists earn $68,000–$95,000. Mammography techs earn $60,000–$80,000.

Travel radiologic technologist assignments in Illinois pay $45–$65 per hour all-in. Chicago-area travel assignments are consistently available but competitive. Rural Illinois assignments — particularly in central and southern Illinois — offer high pay with lower competition.

Top Employers

Northwestern Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, University of Chicago Medicine, and Advocate Aurora Health are the prestige employers in the Chicago market. Cook County Health (Stroger Hospital) employs a large RT staff at its public health facilities. Loyola Medicine and AMITA Health round out the major Catholic health system employers.

Outside Chicago, OSF HealthCare (Peoria), Memorial Health (Springfield), and Southern Illinois Healthcare employ significant RT staff in downstate Illinois. The Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and Hines VA Hospital are major federal employers. Outpatient imaging at Radnet, Vein Clinics, and independent groups represents a significant share of total Illinois imaging employment.