How to Get Your Minnesota Radiologic Technologist License in 2026

How to Become a Licensed Radiologic Technologist in Minnesota

Minnesota requires radiologic technologists to hold a state license issued through the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Radiation Protection Section, before practicing independently. Earning that license involves completing an accredited educational program, passing the ARRT examination, and submitting a state application. This guide walks through every step so you can start your imaging career in Minnesota with confidence.

Step 1: Complete a JRCERT-Accredited Program

The foundation of your radiologic technology career is a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Minnesota offers two common degree pathways:

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology — typically a two-year program available at community colleges and technical schools across the state. Programs at institutions such as Lake Superior College, Saint Paul College, and Anoka-Ramsey Community College prepare students with clinical rotations at local hospitals.
• Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT) — a four-year degree that opens doors to management roles, education, and advanced specialty tracks. Some RTs pursue a BS completion program after earning their AAS.

Verify your program's JRCERT accreditation status at jrcert.org before enrolling. MDH will not accept applicants from non-accredited programs.

Step 2: Earn Your ARRT Certification

After completing your accredited program, you must pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination to earn the R.T.(R) credential. Key details:

• Exam fee: approximately $225 for the primary certification examination.
• Eligibility: you must apply to ARRT, pass an ethics review, and document clinical competencies completed during your training program.
• Continuing education: ARRT requires 24 continuing education credits every two years to maintain certification. Minnesota's state renewal cycle aligns with this standard.
• Specialty certifications: after earning R.T.(R), you can pursue additional ARRT credentials such as CT (R.T.(CT)), MRI (R.T.(MR)), mammography (R.T.(M)), cardiac-interventional (R.T.(CI)), and others — all of which command higher pay in the Minnesota market.

Step 3: Apply for Your Minnesota State License

Minnesota's Radiation Protection Section, housed within the Minnesota Department of Health, administers radiologic technologist licensure under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 144B. Steps to apply:

1. Complete the MDH radiologic technologist license application form (available on the MDH website).
2. Provide proof of ARRT certification — submit an official ARRT verification or your wallet card number so MDH can confirm primary certification status.
3. Pay the licensure fee. Current fees fall in the $100–$130 range for an initial license; check the MDH fee schedule for the exact current amount before applying.
4. Submit any required background documentation. MDH may request disclosure of past disciplinary actions or criminal history.
5. Licenses are typically renewed biennially (every two years), aligned with ARRT CE cycles.

Processing times vary; apply at least 4–6 weeks before your anticipated start date. Minnesota does not issue temporary practice permits, so you must hold an active license before performing radiologic procedures independently.

Continuing Education Requirements

Minnesota radiologic technologists must complete 24 continuing education (CE) credits per two-year renewal cycle. Approved CE activities include:

• ARRT-recognized CE courses (online modules, conferences, journal-based CE)
• Employer-sponsored in-service training that meets ARRT CE standards
• Academic coursework in radiologic sciences or a related clinical field

Because the Minnesota CE requirement mirrors ARRT's own standard, maintaining your ARRT continuing qualification simultaneously satisfies your state renewal obligation. Keep documentation of all CE activities for at least three years in case of an audit.

Radiologic Technologist Specializations in Minnesota

Minnesota's healthcare market supports a wide range of imaging specializations. The most in-demand credentials in the state include:

• CT (R.T.(CT)): High-volume trauma and emergency imaging across major metro health systems.
• MRI (R.T.(MR)): Particularly strong demand at research and academic medical centers.
• Mammography (R.T.(M)): Breast imaging centers and women's health clinics throughout the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
• Interventional Radiography: Vascular and cardiac labs at Level I trauma centers.
• Nuclear Medicine (R.T.(N) or NMTCB): Oncology and cardiology departments at major medical campuses.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester operates one of the world's premier imaging programs and maintains a dedicated radiologic technology training pipeline. Techs with subspecialty credentials and research exposure are especially competitive for Mayo positions.

Minnesota Salary Ranges

Radiologic technologists in Minnesota earn competitive wages, boosted by the presence of nationally recognized health systems:

• General radiography (R.T.(R)): $55,000–$80,000 per year depending on facility type, experience level, and shift differential.
• CT and MRI specialists: $70,000–$90,000+, with senior techs at academic centers reaching the upper end.
• Travel radiologic technologists: $45–$65 per hour (13-week contracts), with the Twin Cities metro and Greater Minnesota rural hospitals both actively recruiting travel staff.
• Lead/supervisory roles: $85,000–$100,000+ at large health systems.

The Twin Cities (Minneapolis–Saint Paul) metro offers the densest concentration of high-paying imaging positions, while rural Minnesota facilities often add housing stipends or loan repayment incentives to attract permanent staff.

Top Employers

Minnesota's healthcare landscape is anchored by several major systems that collectively hire hundreds of imaging professionals each year:

• Mayo Clinic (Rochester) — globally recognized, with a large radiology department and strong internal advancement pathways.
• M Health Fairview (Minneapolis/Twin Cities region) — academic medical partner with the University of Minnesota.
• Allina Health — 12+ hospitals and dozens of clinics across the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
• Fairview Health Services — community and specialty hospitals spanning urban and suburban markets.
• Essentia Health (Duluth and northern Minnesota) — serves a large geographic footprint with rural and critical-access facilities.
• CentraCare (Saint Cloud) — regional health system with strong imaging department growth.