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

How to Become a Licensed Radiologic Technologist in Washington State

Washington State requires radiologic technologists to hold a state license before practicing clinically. Licensure is regulated by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), Radiation Protection program. Both the state license and active ARRT certification are required — and they must be maintained concurrently throughout your career.

Washington's imaging market is anchored by the Greater Seattle area — one of the most competitive and highest-paying RT markets in the western United States — but the state also has substantial rural and frontier healthcare needs in Eastern Washington, where travel and per-diem demand is consistently strong.

Step 1: Complete a JRCERT-Accredited Program

Washington requires graduation from a JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program as the foundation for both ARRT certification and state licensure. Washington has strong in-state program options at Bellevue College, Spokane Community College, Tacoma Community College, and other institutions. Students in western Washington also benefit from proximity to Oregon programs.

Most Washington RTs enter the field with a two-year AAS in Radiologic Technology. BSRT programs offer advancement pathways and are increasingly preferred for supervisory and specialty roles at major health systems. Some Washington employers — particularly UW Medicine — may give preference to BSRT candidates for senior positions.

Step 2: Earn Your ARRT Certification

Washington's state license requires ARRT certification as a prerequisite. You must pass the ARRT Radiography examination and hold an active R.T.(R) credential before submitting your state license application.

The ARRT pathway:

• Complete a JRCERT-accredited program and receive your program director's verification
• Submit your ARRT application, complete the ethics review, and pay the exam fee
• Pass the ARRT Radiography examination

Specialty ARRT certifications are in high demand in Washington. CT (R.T.(CT)) and MRI (R.T.(MR)) are the highest-compensation specialties in the Seattle market. Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, and Radiation Therapy registrations are also available for those pursuing sub-specialization. ARRT requires 24 CE credits every two years to maintain any credential.

Step 3: Apply for Your Washington State License

With your ARRT credential confirmed, apply for your Washington State Radiologic Technologist License through the DOH online licensing portal (Secure Access Washington):

1. Create or log in to your Secure Access Washington (SAW) account
2. Complete the RT license application and upload required documentation including ARRT certification verification
3. Pay the application fee — typically in the range of $75 to $130 (verify current fee on the DOH website; fees are adjusted periodically)
4. Await DOH review and approval; processing time varies but is typically a few weeks for complete applications
5. Receive your Washington State Radiologic Technologist License number

Washington licenses renew on a two-year cycle. Renewal requires 24 CE credits completed during the renewal period and current active ARRT status. The DOH will not renew a state license if the underlying ARRT credential has lapsed.

Continuing Education Requirements

Washington State aligns its CE requirements with the ARRT biennial standard: 24 CE credits per two-year renewal period. At least 12 of those credits must be structured (category A) education. Acceptable CE providers include ASRT-approved courses, ARRT-accepted programs, accredited continuing education conferences, and manufacturer-sponsored clinical training with appropriate documentation.

Washington does not currently mandate specific mandatory CE topics at the state level for RT licensure (unlike Florida, which has specific topic requirements). However, individual health systems — particularly UW Medicine and Swedish — may require annual safety compliance training as a condition of employment.

Radiologic Technologist Specializations in Washington

Washington's imaging landscape is sophisticated, with strong demand for both general and specialty RTs:

• CT (R.T.(CT)): The most in-demand specialty in greater Seattle; trauma and emergency imaging volume is high at UW Harborview and Swedish
• MRI (R.T.(MR)): Premium pay in Seattle market; growing outpatient demand across the Eastside (Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland)
• Interventional Radiology (R.T.(VI)): Strong demand at UW Medicine and major regional centers
• Mammography (R.T.(M)): Consistent demand statewide; high volume at Swedish Cancer Institute and Providence programs
• Nuclear Medicine / PET: Niche but growing demand at academic and oncology-focused centers
• Travel RT (Eastern Washington): Rural and critical-access hospitals in Spokane, the Tri-Cities, Yakima, Walla Walla, and eastern farming communities create persistent travel and locum demand year-round

Washington Salary Ranges

Washington State — particularly the Seattle metro area — is one of the highest-paying RT markets in the US, driven by a high cost of living, strong union presence, and robust tech-sector-driven healthcare insurance coverage.

• General Radiographer (Seattle metro): $68,000 – $98,000/year
• CT/MRI Technologist (Seattle metro): $78,000 – $105,000+/year
• General Radiographer (Eastern WA / Spokane): $58,000 – $78,000/year
• CT/MRI Technologist (Spokane / Tri-Cities): $68,000 – $88,000/year
• Travel RT (Eastern WA rural assignments): $48 – $68/hour with housing stipends

Top Employers

• UW Medicine (Seattle) — Including Harborview Medical Center (Level I trauma), UW Medical Center, and Valley Medical Center; the academic flagship with the highest imaging complexity in the state
• Swedish Health Services (Seattle / Eastside) — Large multi-campus system with robust outpatient and specialty imaging programs
• MultiCare Health System (Tacoma / South Sound) — Major regional health system serving Pierce and surrounding counties
• Providence Health & Services (Statewide) — Significant presence in Seattle, Spokane, Walla Walla, and smaller communities
• PeaceHealth (Bellingham / SW Washington) — Key employer in Whatcom County and Clark County/Vancouver area
• Overlake Medical Center (Bellevue) — Major Eastside employer with premium pay reflecting Bellevue's cost of living
• Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (Seattle / Tacoma) — Broad network across western Washington
• Eastern Washington critical-access hospitals — Including Lincoln Hospital, Coulee Medical Center, and others; strong travel and per-diem market