How to Become a Government Radiographer in Jamaica (2025): Salary, Requirements & Career Path

What Does a Government Radiographer Do?

Government Radiographers in Jamaica are allied health professionals employed across the public health sector to perform diagnostic imaging procedures, including X-rays, fluoroscopy, and computed tomography (CT) scans, in support of patient care at regional hospitals and health centres. Working primarily within institutions managed by the four Regional Health Authorities — Southern, South East, North East, and Western — they collaborate with physicians and radiologists to produce high-quality diagnostic images used in clinical decision-making. In Jamaica’s public health system, radiographers also play a critical role in preventive care initiatives, including chest X-ray screening programmes for tuberculosis and occupational lung disease.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: A Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Radiography or Medical Imaging Technology from a recognised institution — the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus, and the University of Technology (UTech), Jamaica, both offer accredited programmes in the field.
• Professional Registration: Current registration with the Radiological Technology Board of Jamaica (RTBJ) is mandatory for all practising radiographers in the public and private sectors.
• CSEC/Cape Passes: Minimum of five CSEC subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (or equivalent), as these form the baseline entry requirement for radiography degree programmes.
• Experience: Entry-level posts may accept new graduates, but promotion to Senior or Chief Radiographer grades typically requires two to five years of verified clinical experience.
• Physical & Medical Fitness: Candidates must pass a pre-employment medical examination; radiographers working with ionising radiation must comply with personal dosimetry monitoring requirements under the Radiation Hazards (Control) Act of Jamaica.
• Character References & Police Record: A clear police record and satisfactory references are standard requirements for all Government of Jamaica (GOJ) healthcare appointments.

Salary in Jamaica

Government Radiographers in Jamaica are compensated under the GOJ’s public sector pay structure for allied health professionals. Entry-level radiographers can expect to earn in the range of J$2.5 million to J$3.2 million per year, while experienced Senior Radiographers and those in supervisory or Chief Radiographer roles can earn between J$3.5 million and J$5 million annually. These figures reflect base salary and may be supplemented by shift allowances, on-call payments, and other GOJ benefits including health insurance, pension contributions, and study leave provisions outlined under the negotiated agreements between the Ministry of Health & Wellness and the relevant staff associations. Salary increments are typically reviewed in line with GOJ public sector wage negotiations.

How to Become a Government Radiographer in Jamaica

1. Complete Your Secondary Education: Obtain the required CSEC passes (English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) to qualify for university entry into a radiography or medical imaging programme.
2. Earn an Accredited Degree: Enrol in and complete a B.Sc. in Radiography or Medical Imaging Technology at UWI Mona, UTech Jamaica, or another institution whose qualifications are recognised by the RTBJ. Programmes typically run three to four years and include supervised clinical placements at public hospitals.
3. Register with the Radiological Technology Board of Jamaica: Upon graduation, apply to the RTBJ for full professional registration. You will need to submit your academic transcripts, proof of clinical hours, a valid police record, and the relevant registration fee. Registration must be renewed annually.
4. Apply for Government Posts: Monitor vacancies advertised by the Ministry of Health & Wellness, the four Regional Health Authorities, and the Scientific Research Council. Applications are submitted through the relevant Regional Health Authority’s Human Resource department or via the GOJ’s e-recruitment portal. Prepare an updated CV, certified copies of academic certificates, your RTBJ registration certificate, and a cover letter tailored to the specific post and institution.

Top Employers in Jamaica

The majority of government radiography roles in Jamaica sit within the Ministry of Health & Wellness and are administered through the four Regional Health Authorities: the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA), which oversees the Kingston Public Hospital, Victoria Jubilee Hospital, and Bustamante Hospital for Children; the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA), covering Mandeville Regional Hospital and associated facilities; the North East Regional Health Authority (NERHA), serving Cornwall Regional Hospital and St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital; and the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA). Beyond the health sector, imaging-adjacent opportunities occasionally arise within the Scientific Research Council (SRC), the National Health Fund (NHF), and parastatal bodies with occupational health units, such as the National Water Commission (NWC) and the Port Authority of Jamaica.

Find Government Radiographer Jobs in Jamaica

Ready to take the next step in your radiography career? Stay ahead of the competition by checking for the latest vacancies posted by Jamaica’s Regional Health Authorities and the Ministry of Health & Wellness. You can search current vacancies on Jamaica Homes Jobs — a dedicated platform listing public and private sector opportunities across Jamaica, including allied health and radiography posts. Set up a job alert so you are notified as soon as a new Government Radiographer position becomes available.