Radiology Nurse Career Overview

What Is a Radiology Nurse?

A radiology nurse works to facilitate successful patient imaging in hospitals, care facilities, or standalone imaging centers. Imaging tests can include X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), PET scan, and ultrasound. While a technician will take the actual picture, radiology nurses also play a vital role. Radiology nurses can work with patients of any age. Patients preparing for an imaging test can have a lot of questions and concerns, and radiology nurses provide education and support.

According to National Institute of Health data, 1.9 million new cancer diagnoses were projected for the year 2022, up from 1.8 million in 2018. With the rise in cancer, imaging is growing as a field, and more radiology nurses will be needed to staff these departments.

Where Do Radiology Nurses Work?

Many different types of health facilities use diagnostic imaging and need radiology nurses. They can work in small private imaging centers or large health systems with dozens of imaging suites. Radiology nurses find employment in:

• Hospitals
• Private imaging facilities
• Urgent care clinics

If a facility is smaller, they may not need a full-time radiology nurse, so some radiology nurses may also do other patient care. Patients at every level of care need diagnostic imaging, from outpatient care to critical care.

Some radiology nurses work in interventional radiology settings. Here, the nurse must be certified to administer sedation and monitor patients while they undergo procedures during imaging. Some common procedures an interventional radiology nurse will assist with include:

• Angioplasty and Stent Insertion
• Biliary Drainage
• Carotid Stenting
• Carpal Tunnel Ultrasound and Injection
• Image Guided Biopsy
• Image Guided Lumbar Epidural Corticosteroid Injection
• Inferior Vena Cava Filters
• Joint Injection
• Nephrostomy
• Pleural Aspiration
• Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
• Uterine Fibroid Embolisation
• Varicose Vein Ablation
• Vascular Closure Devices
• Venous Access

Additionally, other radiology nurses can specialize in oncology. These nurses assist with everything a traditional radiology nurse can, but also manage radiation treatments for patients with cancer.

What Does a Radiology Nurse Do?

Radiology nurses must be registered nurses (RNs), preferably with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. Many imaging tests need IV access or monitoring before, during, and after. Radiology nurses work in tandem with techs and doctors to get the best picture possible and keep the patient safe throughout the procedure. Some common tasks for radiology nurses include:

• Accessing infusion ports or central lines
• Administering IV contrast dye or barium enemas
• Assisting radiology techs by repositioning patients and equipment
• Coordinating care with other departments
• Giving medication
• Managing foley catheters
• Patient and family education
• Patient assessment
• Resuscitation
• Starting peripheral IV lines
• Transporting patients

Radiology nurses also help to manage any patient reactions to medications or procedures. They must learn the purpose of radiology equipment and how to adjust patients and machines to obtain the clearest picture possible.

During a longer test like an MRI or a guided biopsy, the radiologist nurse is responsible for monitoring the patient’s vital signs and overall condition throughout the test. They also often coordinate care with the patient’s medical team.

Each patient is unique, and the radiology nurse assesses the patient’s medical history and family medical history. For example, if a radiology nurse prepares a patient for an MRI, it will be extremely important to know if that patient has any metal implanted in their body.

Every setting can be a little different and add or take out a few of these requirements. A radiology nurse can care for patients of any age, depending on their facility.

How Do I Become a Radiology Nurse?

Many employers will hire a nurse straight out of school before they pass their NCLEX or receive their license. During this time, nurses practice as GNs, or graduate nurses. After they pass the exam and are licensed, they can practice on their own as a registered nurse.

Radiology departments often want RNs to have a few years of bedside experience before they can start working as radiology nurses. They will also need to be certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and any other certifications the employer requires. Certifications like ACLS must be renewed every two years.

After some experience, a radiology nurse can become a Certified Radiology Nurse (CRN). A nursing radiology certification requires 2,000 hours of documented experience and a minimum of 30 hours of radiology education. A CRN does the same work as a non-certified radiology nurse, but has more experience and knowledge to offer their employer and patients.

Once a radiology nurse obtains experience and certification, they can apply for a master’s degree to become a radiology nurse practitioner (RNP). These RNPs have a lot of the same responsibilities as an RN in the same setting, but they have the ability to order medications and follow up procedures as needed. Further specialization can be sought if a nurse wishes to become a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Clinical Nurse Specialist.

How Much Does a Radiology Nurse Make Per Year?

A radiology nurse makes the same amount as a registered nurse (RN) in any other setting, which is an average of $94,480 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This amount can vary depending on your work setting and the cost of living in the area. The low-end average is $63,720, and the high-end is $132,680. Depending on where you work, your employer may be able to offer higher or lower compensation:

• General Medical and Surgical Hospitals: $96,830
• Outpatient Care Centers: $102,640

Salaries also vary depending on which state a radiology nurse practices. The West Coast generally pays nurses the best, but they also have a higher cost of living.

The West Coast, New England states, and Alaska pay their radiology nurses the highest wages, but the cost of living in these areas can also be high. The lowest-paying states are in the Midwest and some Southeastern states.

The top-paying areas for radiology nurses include:

• San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA: $174,370
• Vallejo-Fairfield, CA: $171,620
• San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA: $170,780
• Napa, CA: $166,180
• Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA: $154,510
• Santa Rosa, CA: $152,930
• Modesto, CA: $145,190
• Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA: $140,880
• San Luis Obispo–Paso Robles–Arroyo Grande, CA: $140,560
• Stockton-Lodi, CA: $138,420

Certified radiology nurses can be paid more than a nurse who is not certified, depending on the facility. In general, the more experience and proof of expertise, the more a radiology nurse will be able to earn.