How to Become a Radiology Nurse

Radiology nurses specialize in radiation therapy and diagnostic imaging. The demand for diagnostic images and radiology therapy continues to grow, creating a shortage of radiology specialists in healthcare, according to the American College of Radiology.

If you want to work in the growing field of radiology nursing, explore how to become a radiology nurse in our guide.

A radiology nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who cares for patients undergoing radiation therapy to treat cancer. Before procedures, they discuss concerns with patients and answer questions. Radiology nurses then monitor patients during and after procedures.

In addition to providing specialized radiation therapy care, radiology nurses also care for patients undergoing MRIs, X-rays, ultrasounds, and other diagnostic imaging procedures. In this role, radiology nurses operate medical equipment, administer contrast dyes through IV, and monitor patients during imaging procedures.

As part of the radiology team, radiology nurses follow protocols to ensure patient safety when working with medical imaging equipment. This position requires strong communication skills. In addition to interacting closely with patients and families, radiology nurses collaborate with radiologists and radiologic technologists.

Radiology nurses need an RN license and a combination of education and experience. Earning professional certification can also benefit radiology nurses.

Radiology nurses need an RN license, which requires a minimum of two years in nursing school. However, earning a BSN degree can benefit radiology nurses. As of 2022, 72% of employers strongly prefer to hire BSN-prepared nurses, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

To work as a radiology nurse, you’ll need an active, unencumbered registered nurse license. Once you’ve passed the NCLEX-RN and have your license, you’ll need to meet your state’s requirements for RN renewal. For example, RNs must complete mandated minimum continuing education hours for nurses to maintain their licenses. This may include online classes, live classes, webinars, conferences, or other educational courses.

Radiology nurses who pursue certification through the Radiologic Nursing Certification Board need an active RN license and at least 2,000 hours of radiology RN experience within the past three years. CNRs must complete 30 radiology nursing contact hours within two years of taking the CRN exam.

Radiology nurses work in hospitals, ambulatory care centers, physicians’ practices, and other settings providing diagnostic imaging (e.g., X-rays, MRIs, etc.) and radiation therapy. Their typical job duties include administering sedation medication, barium enemas, and special contrast dyes for X-rays.

Depending on the setting, radiology nurses perform various types of care. In a diagnostic setting, they provide care before, during, and after procedures, such as biopsies and CT scans. Specialty diagnostics, such as ultrasounds for OB/GYN patients, may require the support of radiology nurses who help patients experiencing medical problems during pregnancy. Patient teaching is an important aspect of the job, regardless of the setting or type of diagnostics or procedure performed.

After completing an ADN or a BSN program, graduates can find a nursing job that involves assisting in radiology. Possibilities include hospitals or physician practices that frequently employ diagnostic imaging, like a sports medicine clinic. Radiology nurse salaries in the U.S. range from $46,000-$165,000 according to Payscale data, with an average hourly rate of $32.85 as of September 2024.