What is a Radiology Nurse Practitioner? (Duties, Steps to Become, & Salary)
Written By:
Kasee Wiesen
Kasee Wiesen DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Kasee Wiesen is a practicing family nurse practitioner. Her nursing background includes emergency medicine, pediatrics and peri-op. She started her health career as a nurse’s aid while pursuing her bachelor’s in nursing degree in a hospital setting. Education is a passion of Kasee’s, and after working as a BSN prepared nursed, she obtained in master’s in nursing education and began teaching adjunct for a local university. Read Full Bio »» DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Radiology is a valuable part of the healthcare system in the United States, and interventional radiology is one of the specialties that fall under this umbrella term. In the United States, an estimated 8.1 million interventional radiology procedures are completed annually—which makes up 34% of the world total! That is a significant number and identifies a need within our healthcare system—and as a radiology NP, you can help meet these patients' needs.
So, what is a radiology nurse practitioner? Continue to read below to learn more about the role of the radiology nurse practitioner, including what they do, the steps to becoming a radiology NP, and salary information.
What Does a Radiology Nurse Practitioner Do? – 6 Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Complete physical exams (history and physicals):
As a radiology NP, you will be responsible for completing thorough physical exams, including history and physicals, on our patients. This may be done while the patient is inpatient or in the clinic prior to the patient receiving an outpatient procedure. This helps ensure the patient is safe to undergo the proposed procedure and that you understand the patient's physical state.
This process will also include reviewing labs and other diagnostic tests pertinent to the patient's diagnosis and proposed procedure.
2. Evaluate patients preoperatively and postoperatively:
In addition to seeing a patient preoperatively, you will also assess them postoperatively to ensure they tolerated the procedure well, are not experiencing any complications, and have no immediate questions from the patient or family.
3. Interpret diagnostic images:
As a radiology NP, you will interpret diagnostic images, including X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, and lab work. This is crucial to your role as it will help dictate the exact procedure you need to complete and ensure you understand what is going on with the patient.
4. Collaborate with other health professionals:
As a radiology NP, you will collaborate with other healthcare professionals. This includes radiologists, nurses, respiratory therapists, hospitalists, family practice and internal medicine providers, therapists, and many others. Working in family medicine, I have worked with interventional radiology providers multiple times to ensure my patients receive the care they need—whether that is a vertebroplasty, paracentesis, or dialysis catheter.
5. Perform Procedures:
Perform various procedures, including lumbar punctures, thoracentesis and paracentesis, fine needle biopsies, and other ultrasonic procedures, such as line placements.
6. Provide education to the patient and family:
As an interventional radiologist, you will need to educate the patient and family about the proposed procedure, including why it is recommended or needed, how it is performed, and expectations during the recovery period.
Where Do Radiology Nurse Practitioners Mostly Work?
Radiology NPs primarily work in one of two settings—either an inpatient or an outpatient clinic.
1. Inpatient:
As a radiology NP, you may work in the inpatient setting, caring for patients while they are in the hospital. In this role, you may perform lumbar punctures, paracentesis, thoracentesis, and other ultrasound-guided procedures. In this setting, you do not follow up with patients once they leave the hospital unless you work for a radiology group that has an outpatient clinic, too.
2. Outpatient Clinic:
You may work in an outpatient clinic as a radiology NP. You will perform similar procedures as an inpatient NP; your patients will just go home the same day instead of staying in the hospital.
Outpatient clinics may be found inside hospitals—at least, that is my personal experience with interventional radiology. They work out of the outpatient clinic department but utilize the surgical department for preop and postop services for their patients.
What is the Typical Work Schedule and Work Hours of a Radiology NP?
The typical work schedule of a radiology nurse practitioner is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but depending on your caseload, your day may start before 8 a.m. or go longer than 5 p.m. You may also need to work holidays and weekends. However, the hours for these days may vary, and you may follow an on-call schedule.
What Education is Required to Become a Radiology Nurse Practitioner After High School?
After graduating from high school, the next step to becoming a radiology nurse practitioner is to complete your Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degree. This can be through a traditional four-year BSN program or an RN-to-BSN program.
Next is graduate school—specifically, nurse practitioner school. When applying for NP school, you must declare a specialty. If you want to become a radiology NP, I recommend pursuing adult-gerontology acute care, pediatric acute care, or family with the emergency NP certification. Your graduate program may be a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
How Long Does It Take to Become a Radiology NP After High School?
Program Type | Program Length |
BSN | 36 to 48 Months |
BSN-to-MSN (NP) | 12 to 24 Months |
BSN-to-DNP (NP) | 36 to 48 Months |
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Radiology NP After High School?
Program Type | Program Cost |
BSN | $8,730 - $219,450 |
BSN-to-MSN (NP) | $20,740 - $201,980 |
BSN-to-DNP (NP) | $28,390 - $277,320 |
What is the Step-By-Step Process of Becoming a Radiology Nurse Practitioner After High School?
The following is a step-by-step process to become a radiology nurse practitioner after high school.
STEP #1:
Graduate from an accredited BSN program.
STEP #2:
Pass the NCLEX and obtain RN licensure in your state of residence.
STEP #3:
Gain experience as an RN: This step is optional, but I highly recommend a minimum of two years of nursing experience before applying to graduate school. If you want to pursue a career as a radiology NP, I recommend gaining experience in a critical care unit or radiology department.
STEP #4:
Apply to graduate school: Once you have a couple of years of experience, the next step is to apply to graduate school—specifically NP school. During the application process, you must select the specialty you want to complete. If you're going to become a radiology NP, I recommend adult-gerontology acute care, pediatric acute care, or family with an emergency NP certification.
STEP #5:
Graduate from an accredited nurse practitioner program.
STEP #6:
Pass the board certification exam specific to the specialty you selected in NP school and obtain NP licensure in your resident state.
STEP #7:
Apply for radiology NP jobs. You may start this step before graduation from NP school or wait until you have obtained NP licensure.
STEP #8:
Complete recommended certifications or fellowship programs: This step is optional but will help you stand out against others competing for the same job. UC Davis has a radiology fellowship for NPs, which builds on the knowledge gained in school and provides specific education regarding various interventional radiology procedures.
Some certifications may be beneficial, including the certified radiology nurse.
STEP #9:
Enjoy your career as a radiology NP!
What are the Required or Recommended Certifications for Radiology Nurse Practitioners?
There is no required or recommended certification specific to radiology nurse practitioners; however, there is one for a radiology nurse.
The CRN demonstrates commitment and competence to radiology and insurance by using evidence-based medicine in daily practice as a radiology nurse. The exam is 150 questions; your initial certification is good for four years.
Are There Any Fellowship or Residency Programs Available for Radiology Nurse Practitioners?
The UC Davis Advanced Fellowship Program offers a one-year radiology/interventional radiology fellowship program for nurse practitioners and physician assistants. This program provides the opportunity for the NP to gain experience, including the necessary skills, to start their career as a radiology NP. Rotations included in this fellowship will prepare you to perform interventional radiology procedures such as lumbar punctures, line placement, paracentesis, and other procedures that require imaging guidance.
What is the Starting Salary of a New Grad Radiology Nurse Practitioner?
The starting salary of a new graduate radiology nurse practitioner is $99,160 a year—or $8,260 a month, $1,907 a week, and $47.67 an hour.
Hourly | $47.67 |
Weekly | $1,907 |
Monthly | $8,260 |
Annual | $99,160 |
What is the Average Salary of a Radiology Nurse Practitioner?
The average radiology nurse practitioner salary is $141,560 yearly, $68.06 an hour, $2,722 a week, or $11,800 monthly.
Hourly | $68.06 |
Weekly | $2,722 |
Monthly | $11,800 |
Annual | $141,560 |
(Source: Nursingprocess.org) |
What is the Salary by Level of Experience of a Radiology NP?
Your experience as a radiology nurse practitioner will influence your salary. An entry-level radiology NP makes an average of $99,160 a year compared to a radiology NP with 5-9 years of experience and an average annual salary of $138,070. A radiology NP with over twenty years of experience will make $187,610 a year.
Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
Entry-Level | $47.67 | $1,907 | $8,260 | $99,160 |
1-4 Years of Experience | $56.36 | $2,254 | $9,770 | $117,230 |
5-9 Years of Experience | $66.38 | $2,655 | $11,510 | $138,070 |
10-19 Years of Experience | $73.95 | $2,958 | $12,820 | $153,810 |
20 Years or More Experience | $90.20 | $3,608 | $15,630 | $187,610 |
What is the Average Salary of a Radiology NP by State?
The average salary of a radiology NP will be influenced by where they live and the cost of living in their city and state. For example, a radiology NP working in California will make an average of $179,540 a year, compared to a radiology NP working in Tennessee, who will make an average annual salary of $112,780.
The cost of living will influence the average annual salary and the
NP's scope of practice in their state.
State | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
Alabama | $58.19 | $2,328 | $10,090 | $121,040 |
Alaska | $63.53 | $2,541 | $11,010 | $132,150 |
Arizona | $66.27 | $2,651 | $11,490 | $137,850 |
Arkansas | $58.47 | $2,339 | $10,130 | $121,610 |
California | $86.32 | $3,453 | $14,960 | $179,540 |
Colorado | $63.56 | $2,542 | $11,020 | $132,200 |
Connecticut | $71.77 | $2,871 | $12,440 | $149,290 |
Delaware | $65.81 | $2,633 | $11,410 | $136,890 |
Florida | $60.21 | $2,408 | $10,440 | $125,240 |
Georgia | $63.01 | $2,521 | $10,920 | $131,070 |
Hawaii | $70.04 | $2,802 | $12,140 | $145,680 |
Idaho | $64.26 | $2,570 | $11,140 | $133,660 |
Illinois | $66.76 | $2,671 | $11,570 | $138,870 |
Indiana | $66.45 | $2,658 | $11,520 | $138,210 |
Iowa | $69.97 | $2,799 | $12,130 | $145,530 |
Kansas | $60.96 | $2,438 | $10,570 | $126,790 |
Kentucky | $59.66 | $2,386 | $10,340 | $124,090 |
Louisiana | $64.52 | $2,581 | $11,180 | $134,210 |
Maine | $64.58 | $2,583 | $11,190 | $134,320 |
Maryland | $65.31 | $2,613 | $11,320 | $135,850 |
Massachusetts | $75.71 | $3,028 | $13,120 | $157,480 |
Michigan | $62.11 | $2,484 | $10,770 | $129,180 |
Minnesota | $69.96 | $2,798 | $12,130 | $145,510 |
Mississippi | $64.01 | $2,560 | $11,100 | $133,140 |
Missouri | $61.78 | $2,471 | $10,710 | $128,500 |
Montana | $65.48 | $2,619 | $11,350 | $136,200 |
Nebraska | $64.94 | $2,598 | $11,260 | $135,080 |
Nevada | $74.36 | $2,974 | $12,890 | $154,670 |
New Hampshire | $68.66 | $2,746 | $11,900 | $142,810 |
New Jersey | $78.19 | $3,128 | $13,550 | $162,640 |
New Mexico | $70.72 | $2,829 | $12,260 | $147,100 |
New York | $77.22 | $3,089 | $13,390 | $160,620 |
North Carolina | $62.47 | $2,499 | $10,830 | $129,940 |
North Dakota | $62.20 | $2,488 | $10,780 | $129,370 |
Ohio | $64.11 | $2,564 | $11,110 | $133,340 |
Oklahoma | $66.45 | $2,658 | $11,520 | $138,220 |
Oregon | $74.38 | $2,975 | $12,890 | $154,700 |
Pennsylvania | $65.80 | $2,632 | $11,410 | $136,870 |
Rhode Island | $68.37 | $2,735 | $11,850 | $142,210 |
South Carolina | $59.57 | $2,383 | $10,330 | $123,900 |
South Dakota | $63.11 | $2,524 | $10,940 | $131,260 |
Tennessee | $54.22 | $2,169 | $9,400 | $112,780 |
Texas | $68.05 | $2,722 | $11,800 | $141,540 |
Utah | $63.11 | $2,524 | $10,940 | $131,260 |
Vermont | $63.65 | $2,546 | $11,030 | $132,400 |
Virginia | $63.86 | $2,554 | $11,070 | $132,820 |
Washington | $74.01 | $2,961 | $12,830 | $153,950 |
West Virginia | $58.29 | $2,332 | $10,100 | $121,250 |
Wisconsin | $66.16 | $2,647 | $11,470 | $137,620 |
Wyoming | $62.90 | $2,516 | $10,900 | $130,830 |
What is the Job Outlook Like for This Career?
The job outlook for radiology NPs is excellent. It is expected to grow by more than 44% between 2022 and 2032. This indicates that the demand for radiology nurse practitioners is high, indicating a strong job market. This projected growth is significantly higher than most career paths, including others in healthcare.
Useful Organizations and Associations
My Final Thoughts
Radiology nurse practitioners play a vital role in providing care to the patients in our healthcare system. They can diagnose a variety of health problems while having the opportunity to treat different disorders using minimally invasive techniques.
After reading the above, I hope you can now answer the question, what is a radiology nurse practitioner? I have discussed the role of a radiology nurse practitioner, what they do, the steps to become a radiology practitioner, and salary information.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered
1. On Average, How Much Does A Radiology NP Make Per Hour?
The average salary of a Radiology nurse practitioner per hour is $68.06.
2. On Average, How Much Does A Radiology NP Make Per Week?
The average salary of a Radiology nurse practitioner per week is $2,722.
3. On Average, How Much Does A Radiology NP Make Per Month?
The average salary of a Radiology nurse practitioner per month is $11,800.
4. On Average, How Much Does A Radiology NP Make Per Year?
The average salary of a Radiology nurse practitioner per year is $141,560.
List of Sources Used for This Article
1.
https://www.acr.org/Advocacy-and-Economics/Voice-of-Radiology-Blog/2023/01/06/Examining-Trends-in-Medical-Imaging-Studies-and-Radiation-Dosage
2.
https://www.arinursing.org/certification/how-to-certify/
3.
https://health.ucdavis.edu/nurse/advancedpractice/ap_fellowship_overview.html
4.
https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/advocacy-resource/position-statements/scope-of-practice-for-nurse-practitioners
Kasee Wiesen DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Kasee Wiesen is a practicing family nurse practitioner. Her nursing background includes emergency medicine, pediatrics and peri-op. Education is a passion of Kasee’s, and she has taught BSN, RN-BSN and DNP students, and has enjoyed every moment of it!