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

How to Become a Licensed Radiologic Technologist in Kansas

Kansas requires radiologic technologists to hold a state license issued through the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts (KSBHA), which administers the radiologic technology section alongside other allied health and medical professions. Both ARRT certification and a valid KSBHA license are required before you can legally perform radiologic procedures in Kansas. You must maintain both credentials — a lapse in either prevents lawful practice.

Kansas's healthcare market centers on Wichita and Kansas City (the Kansas side of the metro), with a secondary market in Topeka. The state also has a significant rural footprint of critical access hospitals and regional medical centers that create consistent demand for imaging professionals across all experience levels.

Step 1: Complete a JRCERT-Accredited Radiologic Technology Program

Kansas requires graduation from a JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program as a prerequisite for state licensure. The standard pathway is a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology. A BSRT is also available for candidates seeking academic or advanced clinical positions.

Kansas JRCERT-accredited programs include Washburn University (Topeka), Wichita State University, and Hutchinson Community College, among others. Out-of-state JRCERT programs are equally accepted. Your program's documented clinical competency log is required when you apply for the ARRT exam.

Step 2: Earn Your ARRT Certification

KSBHA requires current ARRT certification as a condition of state licensure. The primary credential is R.T.(R) — Registered Technologist in Radiography. The ARRT exam fee is approximately $225. After passing the exam you receive your R.T.(R) credential, which must be maintained with 24 CE credits per two-year cycle.

Kansas technologists frequently pursue specialty certifications including R.T.(CT), R.T.(MR), R.T.(M), and R.T.(NM). CT and MRI certifications carry the strongest salary premium in the Kansas market. Each specialty requires additional clinical experience and a separate ARRT exam.

Step 3: Apply for Your Kansas State License

After earning ARRT certification, apply for licensure through the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts. The application requires proof of ARRT certification, educational documentation, and the state fee (approximately $50–$75 as of 2026). New applications typically process in four to six weeks.

Kansas licenses are renewed biennially. Renewal requires demonstration of current ARRT certification and payment of the KSBHA renewal fee. Practice without a current Kansas license violates state law regardless of your ARRT status. Monitor both renewal cycles proactively — KSBHA does not automatically receive ARRT renewal confirmations.

Continuing Education Requirements

ARRT's 24 CE credits per two-year cycle is the controlling continuing education requirement for Kansas radiologic technologists. KSBHA renewal is tied to ARRT certification status. Employers — particularly University of Kansas Health System and Stormont-Vail — typically require annual facility-specific competency validations in addition to ARRT CE requirements.

Radiologic Technologist Specializations in Kansas

CT is the highest-demand specialty across Kansas, present at every hospital and large outpatient imaging facility. MRI is in strong demand statewide, with particular shortages at smaller regional hospitals in Dodge City, Liberal, Garden City, and other western Kansas communities. Mammography positions are consistent across Kansas women's health and imaging centers.

Interventional radiology and vascular imaging positions concentrate at the University of Kansas Health System (Kansas City) and Stormont-Vail (Topeka). Nuclear medicine positions exist primarily at KU Medical Center and Via Christi Health in Wichita. Cardiac imaging at Via Christi and Ascension Via Christi is a growth niche in the Wichita market.

Kansas Salary Ranges

General radiologic technologists in Kansas earn $52,000–$72,000 annually. Kansas City metro (Kansas side) positions typically pay at the higher end due to competition with Missouri-side employers. Wichita salaries range $54,000–$73,000. CT and MRI specialists earn $62,000–$85,000.

Travel radiologic technologist assignments in Kansas pay $44–$60 per hour all-in. Western Kansas — particularly Garden City, Dodge City, Colby, and Liberal — generates persistent travel demand due to chronic rural staffing shortages. Travel agencies consistently list Kansas assignments throughout the year.

Top Employers

University of Kansas Health System (Kansas City, KS) is the state's premier academic medical center employer. Stormont-Vail Health (Topeka) is the major regional employer in northeast Kansas. Via Christi Health (Ascension) is the dominant Wichita employer, operating St. Francis and St. Joseph campuses. Ascension Via Christi also has a strong outpatient imaging network.

Wesley Medical Center (HCA Healthcare, Wichita) is a major competing Wichita employer. Advent Health (formerly Shawnee Mission) anchors the suburban Kansas City market. The Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center (Leavenworth) and VA Eastern Kansas are federal employers. Critical access hospitals across western Kansas are among the most active travel RT employers in the plains region.