How Long to Become
2-4 Years
Average Annual Salary
$93,600 for all RNs
Job Outlook (2024-2034)
5% Growth for all RNs
Accurately diagnosing an illness or injury often requires using imaging tests. These tests get a better look at a patient's organs, bones, or soft tissue.
Although X-rays might be the most familiar type of imaging, doctors use a wide variety of equipment and techniques to determine what is going on inside their patients.
Radiology nurses work closely with doctors to perform a variety of imaging procedures, providing care and comfort for patients every step of the way.
The following guide explains the job responsibilities and characteristics of a radiology nurse, what it takes to qualify for one of these roles, and the career earning potential.
What Does a Radiology Nurse Do?
Radiology nurses work with a diverse array of patients who need diagnostic imaging procedures or radiation therapy. They are part of an interdisciplinary team and work closely with physicians, radiology technicians, and specialists to care for patients before, during, and after imaging procedures.
This work includes educating patients before their procedures about what to expect, and providing instructions for preparation and aftercare.
During diagnostic imaging procedures, radiology nurse responsibilities include monitoring and evaluating patients under sedation, providing analgesic medication, performing suctioning, and starting and monitoring intravenous lines and catheters.
These nurses also provide aftercare, including helping with pain management and personal care needs until the patient is discharged or transferred to another care setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Educating patients
- Assessing, monitoring, and resuscitating
- Starting and assessing peripheral I.V. lines, infusion ports, and Foley catheters
- Administering and monitoring medication, including analgesics and sedation
- Assisting with imaging tests by adjusting and positioning patients and operating imaging equipment
- Coordinating care between radiology and other departments
Career Traits
- Patient assessment capabilities
- Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills
- Technologically proficient
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Leadership and management abilities
Where Do Radiology Nurses Work?
Radiology nurses most often work in hospitals, outpatient facilities, and diagnostic imaging centers. Specialization is common in this field, so a nurse may work in a breast care center, an MRI center, an OB/GYN practice, or a cancer center.
Nurses specializing in interventional radiology have additional experience in critical care. These nurses work in cardiac catheter labs and may provide care in neuro-interventional procedures like stroke interventions.
In both hospital and outpatient settings, radiology nurses often work daytime shifts on weekdays, with occasional night and weekend on-call shifts.
Hospital
Hospital radiology nurses work with patients of all ages, providing care before and after imaging procedures, and assisting the radiologist during the procedure. They are often called upon to provide care in emergencies and a wide variety of procedures.
Outpatient Clinics
Outpatient facilities often focus on a specific type of patient or treatment. For example, radiology nurses in a cancer care center are part of the team that provides radiation therapy to oncology patients. Radiology nurses also work in urgent care, where they often need to manage emergencies and decide when patients need more advanced care.
Diagnostic Imaging Centers
The procedures performed in a diagnostic imaging center might include X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, CT scans, and more. It is a comparatively low-stress work environment. Radiology nurses in imaging centers often have more time to work with patients and provide care and comfort.
How to Become a Radiology Nurse?
To become a radiology nurse, you must first earn a registered nurse (RN) license. Although some employers will hire nurses with an associate degree in nursing (ADN), most prefer candidates with a bachelor of science (BSN) degree or higher from an accredited nursing program.
After completing an accredited nursing program, prospective nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The NCLEX exam demonstrates competency in the basics of nursing care and qualifies you for licensure as an RN.
From there, you can work as a nurse in a healthcare environment. Few hospitals will hire entry-level nurses for radiology positions; most require 1-3 years of experience in nursing to qualify for those roles.
Radiology nurses can earn certification. This optional credential indicates knowledge and competency in the field and is issued by the American Association of Radiologic and Imaging Nursing. RNs can qualify to take the exam to become a Certified Radiology Nurse (CRN) after 2,000 hours of work experience and 30 hours of continuing education in radiology.
How Much Do Radiology Nurses Make?
The median annual salary for registered nurses, which includes specialty roles like radiology nurses, is $93,600, or about $45 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Factors like geographic location, individual employer, and experience can influence earning potential.
The BLS also projects demand for nurses to remain steady, growing about 5% between now and 2034, faster growth than in other fields.
Earning the CRN credential can position you for higher-paying jobs in radiology nursing. Radiology nurses wanting to increase their pay can also seek higher-level leadership positions within their departments. They can also earn advanced degrees in nursing, healthcare administration, or related fields that prepare them for executive or provider roles within radiology.
Frequently Asked Questions About Radiology Nurses
