Credentialing Authority

Bureau of Radiological Health
Iowa Department of Public Health
Lucas State Office Building
321 E 12th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 281-0415
Website: www.idph.state.ia.us/contact_us.asp

Legal Authority

Code of Iowa 641, Chapter 42

Job Description

General Diagnostic Radiographer: Applies x-rays to any part of a person's body, including special procedures, to diagnose injury or disease. This includes positioning the patient, processing the film and manipulating the x-ray equipment.

Limited Diagnostic Radiographer: Applies x-rays to not more than three body parts, usually chest and extremities and/or spine, to diagnose injury or disease. This includes positioning the patient, processing the film and manipulating the x-ray equipment.

Education & Experience Required

In addition to being at least 18 years of age, the applicant must have a high school education or equivalent and the ability to perform necessary duties without constituting a hazard to the health or safety of patients, self, other health care workers or the general public.

Specifically, the applicant must complete an approved course by either the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology or the Iowa Department of Public Health. These courses are offered at various hospitals, colleges and universities in Iowa and around the country. The limited radiographers course lasts three to four months and is frequently an evening course with classes held one or two nights a week. The general radiographer course is a two-year, full-time program.

Twenty-four hours of continuing education are required biennially for the general diagnostic radiographers and twelve hours are required for the limited diagnostic radiographers.

Upon completion of training, the technologist must pass an examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The tests are given in centers in Coralville, Davenport, Sioux City, and West Des Moines in IA, Omaha, NE, Sioux Falls, SD, and various other sites. Application must be made through the ARRT for general technologists and through the Bureau of Radiological Health for limited technologists.

SOC Code & Title

For Additional Information

For more information on schools or the permit process, contact the Iowa Department of Public Health at:
Phone: (515) 281-0415
E-mail: ccraig@idph.state.ia.us

Application can be found at the website:
www.idph.state.ia.us/licensure and select "programs", "p" "permits to practice"