Radiology Nurse
What is a Radiology Nurse?
A radiology nurse, also referred to as a medical imaging nurse, is a nursing professional who cares for patients who must undergo diagnostic imaging procedures and radiation therapy. Common diagnostic imaging tests include X-rays, computed tomography scans (CT scans), magnetic resonance imaging scans (MRIs), and ultrasounds. Through the use of these imaging tests, medical professionals can see inside a patient’s body, enabling them to easily diagnose illnesses and suspected injuries. Radiation therapy is also commonly used to treat certain illnesses, such as cancer. In order to provide proper care, radiology nurses not only focus on patient comfort but also ensure that accurate images are being taken to help diagnose these injuries and illnesses.
Though a radiology nurse is one type of nurse that works primarily in radiology there are actually other types that do as well:
| Type of Nurse | Primary Responsibilities | Education/Certification Requirements | Work Environment |
| Radiology Nurse | Assisting with diagnostic imaging procedures, patient preparation and recovery, and monitoring patient vitals during procedures | RN license, BSN preferred, radiology nursing certification (CRN) | Hospitals, outpatient imaging centers |
| Interventional Radiology Nurse | Assisting with interventional procedures, angiograms, biopsies, and patient care before, during, and after procedures, ensuring sterile technique | RN license, BSN preferred, CRN or specialized training in interventional radiology | Hospitals, outpatient surgical centers |
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Nurse | Preparing patients for MRI procedures, ensuring patient safety, monitoring patients during scans, administering contrast media | RN license, BSN preferred, MRI safety training | Hospitals, outpatient imaging centers |
| Computed Tomography (CT) Nurse | Assisting with CT scans, preparing and educating patients, monitoring during and after scans, managing reactions to contrast media | RN license, BSN preferred, CT-specific training | Hospitals, outpatient imaging centers |
| Nuclear Medicine Nurse | Preparing and administering radiopharmaceuticals, monitoring patients, ensuring radiation safety, assisting with nuclear medicine scans | RN license, BSN preferred, nuclear medicine training or certification | Hospitals, nuclear medicine departments |
How to Become a Radiology Nurse
The first step towards any career in nursing is becoming a licensed registered nurse. While an Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN) is the minimal requirement, many employers prefer applicants with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN typically takes two years to complete, while a BSN takes around four years. Upon completing either program, one must then pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to receive your RN licensure.
What Are the Schooling Requirements for Radiology Nurses?
While RNs with either an ADN or BSN can work in the radiology field, those with a BSN will find it much easier to find work in the specialty. With that said, although radiology nurses are often hired at the registered nurse level, with advanced education and experience, nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists serve as mid-level providers within radiology departments. In order to practice advanced specialty in radiology, one must achieve a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner, an Adult Nurse Practitioner, or a Clinical Nurse Specialist from an accredited school.
Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?
Additional certifications are offered for radiology nurses by the Association for Radiologic & Imaging Nurses. Upon completing 2,000 hours of experience in radiology and a minimum of at least 30 hours of additional education in radiology, the registered nurse will then be eligible to take the Certified Radiology Nurse exam.
What Does a Radiology Nurse Do?
A radiology nurse works as a member of a larger team of medical professionals, including physicians, specialists, other nurses, and radiology technicians. As radiology nurses work in conjunction with other healthcare professionals, being able to effectively communicate is essential. With the amount of collaboration between other medical professionals and a high turnover in patients, one must be easily adaptable. A radiology nurse is primarily responsible for the assessment, planning, and care of patients who undergo diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Due to great advancements in radiologic medical technology, a radiology nurse must have a high level of technical expertise and knowledge.
Where Do Radiology Nurses Work?
The most common employers for radiology nurses are:
- Hospitals
- Diagnostic imaging facilities
- Outpatient care facilities
What Are the Roles and Duties of a Radiology Nurse?
The primary role of a radiology nurse is to care for patients in need of radiology procedures. Other duties include:
- Assessing patients prior to their procedures by studying patient medical histories and speaking with both patients and their physicians
- Helping patients better understand the procedures they need and serving as a liaison between the patient, nursing staff, and physician
- Explaining the procedures needed by answering any questions/concerns patients and family may have
- Responsible for instructing patients on what to do before a particular procedure
- Responsible for preparing the patient on the day of the procedure
- Responsible for injecting special dyes/contrast mediums into patients
- Responsible for administering barium enemas/solutions prior to procedures
- Operating radiology machines and at times reading diagnostic images
- Reassessing patients after their procedure and providing care until they are ready to be discharged
Radiology Nurse Salary & Employment
As the field of radiology and diagnostic imaging is a rapidly advancing area of healthcare, the employment outlook remains high. Radiology plays a pivotal role in diagnosing, managing, and treating a variety of conditions and diseases, meaning that employment in hospitals and/or diagnostic image facilities is always in demand. The average salary for a radiology nurse is $113,680 annually, whereas a nurse practitioner in radiology earns $182,000 annually.
| Average Annual Salary | |
| Lowest Earners | $73,000 |
| Average Salary | $113,680 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,000 |
| Highest Earners | $182,000 |
Helpful Organizations, Societies & Agencies
- Association for Radiologic & Imaging Nursing
- Journal of Radiology Nursing
- American College of Radiology
- Certification for Radiology Nursing
