How to Get Your Radiologic Technologist License in North Dakota (2026)

How to Become a Licensed Radiologic Technologist in North Dakota

North Dakota requires all practicing radiologic technologists to hold a state license issued by the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDOH), Radiologic Technology program. Whether you are a new graduate or relocating from another state, understanding this licensure process is essential before you begin practicing. This guide walks you through every step for 2026.

Step 1: Complete a JRCERT-Accredited Program

Your path to licensure begins with graduating from a radiologic technology program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). In North Dakota, programs at institutions such as Sanford Medical Center's imaging training pipeline and regional community colleges offer JRCERT-accredited associate and bachelor's degree tracks. These programs typically run 20-24 months and cover radiographic positioning, radiation physics, patient care, and clinical rotations in real healthcare settings. Completing a JRCERT-accredited program is a prerequisite for sitting for the ARRT examination, so do not substitute unaccredited coursework.

Step 2: Earn Your ARRT Certification

After graduating, you must pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination in Radiography (R). The exam is computer-adaptive, 200 questions, and administered at Pearson VUE testing centers. To be eligible you must meet ARRT's ethics requirements and document your clinical competencies from your accredited program. Most graduates sit for the exam within 60-90 days of program completion. Once you pass, ARRT issues your national credential. This is the foundation required before the NDDOH will grant your North Dakota license.

Step 3: Apply for Your North Dakota License

With your ARRT credential in hand, submit a licensure application to the North Dakota Department of Health, Division of Radiologic Technology. The application requires proof of ARRT certification, official transcripts from your accredited program, a completed application form, and the state licensing fee of approximately $50-$75. Out-of-state applicants may apply by endorsement if they hold a current, unrestricted license from another state with equivalent standards. North Dakota does not issue temporary practice permits in most cases, so plan your start date to allow 2-4 weeks for application processing. Licenses must be renewed biennially.

Continuing Education Requirements

North Dakota radiologic technologists must complete 24 continuing education (CE) credits per two-year renewal cycle. This aligns with ARRT's mandatory CE framework, so credits earned to maintain your national credential typically satisfy the state requirement as well. Acceptable CE formats include online modules, professional conferences, in-service training, and formal coursework. The ARRT and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) both maintain large CE libraries. Keep documentation of completed CE; the NDDOH may audit compliance during renewal. Failure to meet CE requirements before your license expiration can result in a lapse requiring reinstatement fees.

Radiologic Technologist Specializations in North Dakota

After earning your R credential, you can pursue advanced ARRT certifications that are in demand across North Dakota's healthcare system. Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are the highest-demand specializations, particularly in Fargo and Bismarck. Fluoroscopy, vascular-interventional radiography, and mammography are also sought after. North Dakota's rural and frontier geography creates strong demand for travel radiologic technologists who rotate across Critical Access Hospitals in western and central parts of the state, where permanent staff are harder to recruit. Dual-modality technologists credentialed in both CT and MRI command premium rates in the ND market.

North Dakota Salary Ranges

Radiologic technologists in North Dakota earn between $52,000 and $74,000 annually, with median compensation around $60,000-$63,000 according to recent BLS and ASRT salary survey data. Fargo and Bismarck offer the highest base salaries, while rural Critical Access Hospital positions often supplement lower base pay with housing allowances, loan repayment programs, or sign-on bonuses to attract candidates. Experienced CT and MRI technologists in Fargo routinely clear $70,000+. Per-diem and travel RT assignments in the state frequently offer $45-$65/hour, making North Dakota an attractive destination for traveling technologists given its lower cost of living relative to coastal markets.

Top Employers

The dominant healthcare employers for radiologic technologists in North Dakota include:

• Sanford Health, The largest health system in the Dakotas and one of the largest rural health systems in the US, with flagship hospitals in Fargo and Bismarck and dozens of regional clinics.
• Essentia Health, A major integrated health system headquartered in Duluth with significant North Dakota presence including Fargo campuses.
• CHI St. Alexius Health, A leading Bismarck-based system serving south-central and western North Dakota with a full suite of imaging services.
• Altru Health System, Grand Forks-based regional system serving northeastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota.
• Critical Access Hospitals, Numerous rural CAHs across the state regularly recruit RT staff and travel technologists to maintain imaging services in underserved communities.