How to Get Your Missouri Radiologic Technologist License in 2026

How to Become a Licensed Radiologic Technologist in Missouri

Missouri regulates radiologic technologists through the Missouri Division of Professional Registration, which houses the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts and oversees RT licensure. Practicing as a radiologic technologist in Missouri without a current state license is a violation of Missouri law. This guide covers every step — from choosing an accredited program through maintaining your license year after year.

Step 1: Complete a JRCERT-Accredited Program

Missouri requires graduation from a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Two common entry-level paths:

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology — a two-year program offered at Missouri community colleges and technical schools. Institutions such as Ozarks Technical Community College (Springfield), Jefferson College (Hillsboro), and Metropolitan Community College (Kansas City) have strong JRCERT-accredited programs with hospital-based clinical rotations.
• Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT) — available at four-year institutions and through degree-completion programs for working AAS-holding techs. A BSRT is increasingly valued for supervisory and education roles at large Missouri health systems.

Always verify accreditation on the JRCERT website prior to enrollment. Applications for licensure in Missouri referencing a non-accredited program will be denied.

Step 2: Earn Your ARRT Certification

ARRT certification is required before applying for a Missouri state license. The standard pathway:

• Primary credential: R.T.(R) — Radiographer. Current ARRT exam fee is approximately $225.
• Ethics and conduct review: ARRT evaluates any criminal background history during the application process.
• Clinical competencies: Documented during your training program and submitted to ARRT.
• Continuing education: ARRT requires 24 CE credits per two-year cycle. Missouri's renewal timeline aligns with ARRT's CE standard.
• Specialty credentials to consider: CT (R.T.(CT)), MRI (R.T.(MR)), mammography (R.T.(M)), vascular-interventional (R.T.(VI)). Missouri's large health systems have strong CT and MRI departments with consistent demand for specialty-certified techs.

Step 3: Apply for Your Missouri State License

After passing the ARRT examination, submit your Missouri state license application to the Division of Professional Registration. Steps:

1. Access the current application through the Missouri Division of Professional Registration online portal or by requesting a paper application packet.
2. Submit documented proof of current ARRT certification — the Division typically verifies directly with ARRT using your ARRT ID.
3. Pay the licensure fee. Initial license fees in Missouri currently run $40–$75; renewal fees are similarly modest. Confirm the exact fee on the Division website before submitting payment.
4. Provide educational documentation if requested (official transcripts from your JRCERT-accredited program).
5. Renew biennially (every two years), documenting completion of 24 CE credits.

Missouri's Division of Professional Registration processes most complete applications within 4–6 weeks. Apply before your planned employment start date to avoid working without a valid license.

Continuing Education Requirements

Missouri radiologic technologists must complete 24 CE credits per two-year renewal cycle. Qualifying activities include:

• Online CE courses from ARRT-recognized providers (ASRT, manufacturer-sponsored CE, academic CE)
• Regional imaging association conferences
• Hospital-based in-service programs that meet state CE criteria
• University coursework in radiologic sciences or related clinical disciplines

Missouri's CE requirement is identical to ARRT's continuing qualification standard, so a single set of CE activities satisfies both obligations simultaneously. Document all CE completions and retain certificates for at least three years.

Radiologic Technologist Specializations in Missouri

Missouri's two major metros — St. Louis and Kansas City — support a broad range of imaging specializations, while regional health systems across the state create demand in smaller markets:

• CT (R.T.(CT)): High-volume trauma, oncology, and emergency imaging across Level I and II trauma centers in both metros.
• MRI (R.T.(MR)): Academic and research hospitals drive consistent demand. Washington University's Barnes-Jewish partnership is one of the nation's premier MRI programs.
• Mammography (R.T.(M)): Dedicated breast imaging centers and health system outpatient campuses.
• Interventional Radiography / Vascular (R.T.(VI)): Cardiac cath labs and vascular surgery programs at major St. Louis and Kansas City hospitals.
• Radiation Therapy (R.T.(T)): Cancer centers affiliated with major Missouri health systems.

Missouri Salary Ranges

Missouri RT salaries reflect the state's moderate cost of living combined with a competitive healthcare labor market:

• General radiography (R.T.(R)): $50,000–$72,000 per year. St. Louis and Kansas City positions typically pay 8–12% above mid-state markets.
• CT and MRI specialists: $65,000–$88,000. Academic medical center positions and those with evening/night differentials push compensation toward the upper range.
• Travel radiologic technologists: $45–$65 per hour on 13-week contracts. Missouri's mid-sized regional hospitals and rural critical-access facilities recruit travel staff regularly.
• Lead/supervisory roles: $80,000–$95,000 at major health systems.

Top Employers

Missouri's healthcare market is anchored by several dominant health systems with large imaging departments:

• BJC HealthCare (St. Louis) — one of the largest non-profit health systems in the US; partners with Washington University School of Medicine. Barnes-Jewish Hospital is a flagship employer for specialty imaging.
• Mercy Health System — extensive regional network across St. Louis, Springfield, Joplin, and Kansas City markets.
• SSM Health — multi-state Catholic health system with a strong Missouri footprint including St. Louis, Jefferson City, and O'Fallon campuses.
• CoxHealth (Springfield) — major regional system serving southwest Missouri with busy imaging departments.
• University of Missouri Health Care (Columbia) — academic medical center with advanced imaging research programs.
• Saint Luke's Health System (Kansas City) — leading Kansas City employer for cardiac and advanced imaging techs.