Radiography Programs in Tennessee

Radiography in Tennessee – How to Become a Radiography Technician in Tennessee

Radiography technicians can also be called radiologic technologists. These individuals use radiography for imaging to diagnose or monitor patients according to the instructions of a physician. They maintain and operate x-ray machines, computer tomography (CT) machines, and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) equipment. Radiologic technologists have to be able to follow instructions precisely to get the images doctors need. However, they also have to be able to assess the images taken, to see if any more are necessary. Radiation safety protocols are very important in this field, and radiography technicians must be able to protect themselves and their patients from excess exposure to radiation.

Mammography also comes under this field of expertise, and some radiography technicians specialize taking mammograms to assess breast health through low dose radiation imaging. Becoming a radiography technologist in Tennessee involves education, certification, and state licensing. According to the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners, radiologic technologists must have a bachelor’s degree from an American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) accredited educational program. There are sixteen ARRT-accredited radiography programs in Tennessee, including University of Tennessee Medical Center at Knoxville, Baptist Memorial College of Health Science, Columbia State Community College, East Tennessee State University, and more. There are accredited programs located in Memphis, Clarksville, Cookeville, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Columbia, Elizabethton, Jackson, Gallatin, and Oak Ridge.

After graduating from a program accredited by ARRT, students need to take the certifying exam and attain ARRT certification. The ARRT examination in Radiography covers skills and knowledge in five basic areas: imaging procedures (58 questions), radiation protection (45 questions), image acquisition and evaluation (45 questions), patient care (30 questions), and equipment operation and control (22 questions). On the ARRT website, there are more specific content and study guidelines for the certification exam. In addition to the education and exam components of certification, there is also an ethics consideration by the ARRT board.

After achieving ARRT certification, application must be made to the Tennessee Board of Health for an x-ray operator license. It is also time to take a cardiac life support certification class, if you have not already done so. Licensing for a radiologic technologist in Tennessee is granted by the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners. In addition to the attached certifications and credentials, the board will run a criminal background check on all applicants. Once licensed in Tennessee, radiologic technologists earn an average annual salary of $48,930, which less than the national average of $56,760.