How to Get Your Mississippi Radiologic Technologist License in 2026

How to Become a Licensed Radiologic Technologist in Mississippi

Mississippi requires radiologic technologists to obtain a state license through the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), Office of Radiologic Technology, before performing ionizing radiation procedures on patients. The licensing process combines an accredited education, the national ARRT examination, and a state application. Here is everything you need to know to earn and maintain your Mississippi RT license in 2026.

Step 1: Complete a JRCERT-Accredited Program

Mississippi law requires applicants to graduate from a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or an equivalent body recognized by MSDH. Your options:

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology — the most common entry pathway, available at several Mississippi community colleges. Programs at Hinds Community College, Jones College, and Itawamba Community College are well-established and feed graduates into the Mississippi healthcare market.
• Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT) — available through university partnerships or online degree-completion programs for AAS-holding RTs seeking advancement.

Confirm accreditation status on the JRCERT website before you enroll. Graduating from a non-accredited program will disqualify you from state licensure.

Step 2: Earn Your ARRT Certification

ARRT certification is a prerequisite for Mississippi state licensure. The standard pathway:

• Primary credential: R.T.(R) — Radiographer. Exam fee is approximately $225.
• Ethics review: ARRT requires disclosure of any criminal history or prior disciplinary actions; minor offenses do not automatically bar certification.
• Clinical competencies: documented during your accredited program and submitted with your ARRT application.
• Continuing education: 24 CE credits every two years to maintain the ARRT credential. Mississippi's state cycle mirrors this standard.
• Specialty credentials: After earning R.T.(R), pursue additional ARRT certifications (CT, MRI, mammography, fluoroscopy) to increase earning power in Mississippi's market.

Step 3: Apply for Your Mississippi State License

The MSDH Office of Radiologic Technology oversees licensure under Mississippi Code Annotated § 45-23 (Radiologic Technologist Licensure Law). Application steps:

1. Download the current application packet from the MSDH Office of Radiologic Technology webpage.
2. Submit proof of ARRT certification — typically an official ARRT verification letter or your ARRT ID number for online verification.
3. Pay the initial licensure fee. Current fees are in the $50–$75 range; confirm the exact amount on the MSDH fee schedule at time of application.
4. Provide a copy of your official transcripts or program completion documentation if requested.
5. Renew your license biennially (every two years), submitting documentation of 24 completed CE credits.

Mississippi does offer a limited temporary permit in some circumstances while a full application is under review — check with MSDH directly to confirm current policy. Plan to apply 4–6 weeks before your expected start date.

Continuing Education Requirements

Mississippi radiologic technologists must complete 24 CE credits per two-year renewal period. Acceptable CE activities include:

• Online CE modules approved by ARRT or ASRT (American Society of Radiologic Technologists)
• Regional and national imaging conferences (RSNA, ASRT Annual Conference)
• Facility-based in-service education that meets state CE criteria
• Academic coursework in radiologic sciences

Mississippi's CE standard aligns with ARRT's biennial requirement, so maintaining your ARRT continuing qualification also satisfies state renewal. Retain CE certificates for a minimum of three years.

Radiologic Technologist Specializations in Mississippi

Mississippi's healthcare market — though smaller than neighboring states — has meaningful demand for specialty-credentialed imaging techs:

• CT (R.T.(CT)): Trauma and emergency imaging at regional medical centers and Level II trauma hospitals.
• MRI (R.T.(MR)): Academic and tertiary referral hospitals in Jackson.
• Mammography (R.T.(M)): Women's health screening programs and breast centers.
• Radiologist Assistant (R.R.A.): A growing advanced practice pathway for experienced RTs seeking expanded roles.
• Travel Radiography: Mississippi has rural shortage areas across its 82 counties. Travel RTs are in consistent demand at critical-access hospitals, often earning premium per-diem rates.

Mississippi Salary Ranges

Radiologic technologist salaries in Mississippi are below the national median but competitive relative to the state's cost of living:

• General radiography (R.T.(R)): $45,000–$65,000 per year. Entry-level positions in rural facilities may start lower; large urban systems in Jackson offer stronger base pay.
• CT and MRI specialists: $60,000–$80,000, with academic center positions at the upper end.
• Travel radiologic technologists: $45–$65 per hour on 13-week contracts. Rural Mississippi shortage areas add housing stipends that effectively push total compensation higher.
• Lead/supervisory roles: $70,000–$85,000 at larger facilities.

Top Employers

Major healthcare employers hiring radiologic technologists in Mississippi include:

• University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) (Jackson) — the state's only academic medical center and Level I trauma center, with a large radiology department.
• Baptist Health Systems (Jackson) — multiple hospitals and imaging centers across central Mississippi.
• Merit Health — multi-facility health system with hospitals in Jackson, Natchez, Biloxi, and other markets.
• Singing River Health System (Pascagoula) — Gulf Coast regional system with active imaging programs.
• North Mississippi Health Services (Tupelo) — the largest regional health system in north Mississippi.
• Critical-access and rural hospitals across Delta and hill-country communities routinely seek permanent and travel RTs.