How to Become a Radiology Nurse: Your Complete Career Guide
Jake Flannigan, NP
August 12, 2025
Summary
Radiology nursing is a specialized field focused on caring for patients before, during, and after diagnostic imaging and interventional radiology procedures. These nurses play a vital role in healthcare by ensuring patient safety, providing education, and assisting with procedures such as MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, mammograms, and minimally invasive image-guided treatments. They work closely with radiologists, technologists, and other healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care. This page will explore the responsibilities of radiology nurses, the skills and training required, common work settings, certification and licensing requirements, salary expectations, and the factors influencing job outlook in this growing specialty.
On this page
What is a Radiology Nurse?
A radiology nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in caring for patients undergoing diagnostic imaging and interventional radiology procedures. They work with patients before, during, and after exams such as MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, mammograms, and minimally invasive image-guided treatments. Their role involves assessing patients, explaining procedures, monitoring vital signs, administering contrast agents or sedation, and ensuring safety throughout the process.
Radiology nurses collaborate closely with radiologists, imaging technologists, and other healthcare professionals to provide safe, efficient, and compassionate care. They are trained to respond to emergencies, manage adverse reactions to contrast media, and support patients who may be anxious or uncomfortable. This specialty blends technical knowledge of imaging procedures with strong patient care skills, helping ensure accurate results and a positive experience for patients.
- Hospital radiology departments
- Outpatient imaging centers
- Interventional radiology suites
- Specialty clinics (e.g., oncology, cardiology)
- Academic or teaching hospitals
- Mobile diagnostic imaging units
Radiology Nurse Responsibilities
Primary Duties
- Prepare patients for imaging or interventional procedure
- Monitor patient safety and comfort during procedures
- Administer contrast agents and medications as ordered
- Assist radiologists during image-guided interventions
- Monitor vital signs and watch for adverse reactions to contrast or sedation
- Provide post-procedure care and instructions
Special Skills Required
- Proficiency in patient assessment and monitoring during imaging procedures
- Knowledge of imaging modalities and related safety protocols
- Skill in IV insertion and medication administration, including contrast agents
- Competence in assisting with image-guided interventions
- Understanding of radiation safety principles
- Strong ability to identify and respond to medical emergencies
Common Challenges Faced
- Managing patients with anxiety or claustrophobia during imaging procedures
- Monitoring for and responding to contrast media reactions
- Working with critically ill patients requiring urgent imaging or interventions
- Balancing high patient volumes with the need for individualized care
- Coordinating with multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment
- Staying current with rapidly advancing imaging technology and techniques
How to Get Started in Radiology Nursing
2 - 4 Years
1 - 3 Months
1 - 2 Years
1 - 3 Years
Several months to 1 year
Certification and Licensing
Radiology nurses must hold an active RN license, earned by completing an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN. Many pursue the Certified Radiology Nurse (CRN) credential, offered by the Radiologic Nursing Certification Board, to demonstrate expertise in this specialty. Certification typically requires clinical experience in radiology nursing and passing an exam. Renewal involves continuing education related to imaging, interventional procedures, and patient safety.
Skills and Qualities Needed
Clinical Skills
- IV placement and management for contrast or sedation
- Patient monitoring during imaging and interventional procedures
- Emergency response, including CPR and ACLS
- Knowledge of radiation safety and protective measures
- Sedation administration and recovery monitoring
- Wound care following interventional procedures
Soft Skills
- Clear, reassuring communication to explain procedures and ease anxiety
- Compassion and patience with patients in vulnerable situations
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
- Teamwork and collaboration with radiology staff and physicians
- Attention to detail in safety checks and documentation
- Adaptability to rapidly changing schedules and urgent cases
Salary and Compensation
Radiology nurses in the U.S. generally earn between $78,000 and $105,000 per year, depending on experience, certifications, location, and facility type. Nurses with CRN certification or extensive interventional radiology experience often earn at the higher end of the range. Additional income opportunities include shift differentials for nights or weekends and on-call pay for emergency procedures.
Job Outlook
- Increased use of advanced imaging in diagnosis and treatment
- Growth in minimally invasive, image-guided procedures
- Aging population requiring more diagnostic testing and interventions
- Shortages of nurses with specialized radiology training
- Expanding outpatient imaging services
- Ongoing technological advancements in radiology increasing demand for skilled support staff
FAQs About Radiology Nursing
What is a radiology nurse?
A radiology nurse is a licensed RN who specializes in caring for patients undergoing diagnostic imaging procedures and image-guided treatments, such as MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, angiograms, and interventional radiology procedures.
What does a radiology nurse do?
They assess patients before imaging procedures, start IV lines, administer contrast agents or sedation, monitor vital signs, assist radiologists during interventional procedures, and provide post-procedure care and education.
Do I need special certification to become a radiology nurse?
Certification isn’t mandatory, but credentials such as Certified Radiology Nurse (CRN) or sedation certification can boost career opportunities and demonstrate expertise in the field.
How do I become a radiology nurse?
Earn your RN license through an ADN or BSN program, pass the NCLEX-RN, and gain nursing experience—preferably in critical care, emergency, or perioperative settings—before moving into radiology nursing.
Where do radiology nurses work?
They work in hospital radiology departments, outpatient imaging centers, interventional radiology suites, and specialty clinics offering advanced imaging and minimally invasive procedures.
What skills are important for radiology nursing?
Essential skills include IV insertion, sedation administration and monitoring, patient assessment, emergency response, knowledge of imaging procedures, and effective communication with multidisciplinary teams.
What is the difference between a radiology nurse and a radiologic technologist?
A radiology nurse provides patient care, monitoring, and sedation support, while a radiologic technologist operates imaging equipment and performs the scans. They work together as part of the imaging team.
Is there demand for radiology nurses?
Yes. Demand is increasing as imaging technology advances and more procedures—especially interventional ones—are performed in radiology suites instead of operating rooms.
Can radiology nurses give anesthesia?
Radiology nurses do not administer general anesthesia, but many are trained to provide moderate sedation and monitor patients under sedation during imaging or interventional procedures.
Is radiology nursing a fast-paced specialty?
It can be, especially in interventional radiology and emergency imaging, where nurses must be prepared to respond quickly to complications or urgent cases.