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

What Does a Radiographer Do in Jamaica?

Radiographers in Jamaica are essential allied health professionals who operate diagnostic imaging equipment — including X-ray machines, CT scanners, MRI units, and ultrasound devices — to help physicians diagnose and treat illness and injury. They work primarily within public health facilities managed by the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) as well as private hospitals, diagnostic imaging centres, and specialist clinics across the island. With Jamaica’s healthcare sector continuing to expand, particularly in Kingston, Montego Bay, and other major parishes, qualified radiographers are in steady demand to support both primary care and specialist services.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: A Bachelor of Science in Radiography or Medical Imaging Technology from a recognised institution. In Jamaica, the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona and Northern Caribbean University (NCU) offer relevant allied health programmes. International degrees must be assessed for equivalency by the MOHW.
• Registration: Radiographers must be registered with the Radiology Association of Jamaica and hold a valid licence issued through the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Registration typically requires proof of qualifications, supervised clinical hours, and a background check.
• Clinical Training: A minimum period of supervised clinical placement — usually completed as part of the degree programme — at an approved facility such as Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), or Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH).
• Key Skills: Proficiency in operating radiographic and imaging equipment, strong patient communication, attention to radiation safety protocols (ALARA principles), and the ability to produce clear diagnostic-quality images.
• Continuing Professional Development: Radiographers are expected to keep up to date with advances in imaging technology and best practices through CPD activities recognised by the MOHW.

Salary in Jamaica

Radiographers in Jamaica typically earn between J$2.5 million and J$5.5 million per year, depending on sector, experience, and location. Entry-level radiographers employed in public health facilities under the MOHW’s government pay scale tend to start at the lower end of this range, while those working in private diagnostic centres, specialist hospitals, or with several years of experience can command salaries toward the upper end. Additional allowances, such as on-call pay and shift differentials, are common in public sector roles and can supplement base salaries meaningfully. Radiographers who hold postgraduate qualifications or specialist certifications in areas such as CT, MRI, or mammography are positioned to earn premium compensation in the private sector.

How to Become a Radiographer in Jamaica

1. Complete Your Secondary Education: Obtain passes in CSEC subjects including Mathematics, English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. These are typically the minimum entry requirements for allied health degree programmes at Jamaican universities.
2. Earn a Recognised Degree in Radiography: Enrol in a Bachelor of Science in Radiography, Medical Imaging, or a closely related Allied Health Sciences programme at UWI Mona, Northern Caribbean University, or an internationally accredited institution whose qualifications are accepted by the MOHW. The degree programme normally takes three to four years and includes structured clinical placements at approved hospitals.
3. Complete Supervised Clinical Hours: Fulfil the required clinical training hours at a MOHW-approved facility. Major teaching hospitals such as UHWI, KPH, and CRH serve as primary clinical sites where student radiographers gain hands-on experience across general radiography, fluoroscopy, and advanced imaging modalities.
4. Register with the Ministry of Health and Wellness: Submit your qualifications, clinical training records, and supporting documentation to the MOHW for assessment and licensure. Once approved, you will be issued a registration certificate authorising you to practise as a radiographer in Jamaica. Renew your licence as required and maintain CPD records to stay in good standing.

Top Employers in Jamaica

The majority of radiographers in Jamaica are employed within the public health system under the National Health Fund and the MOHW, with major hiring institutions including the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) in Montego Bay, Mandeville Regional Hospital, and Bustamante Hospital for Children. On the private side, employers include Medical Associates Hospital, Andrews Memorial Hospital, Caribbean Imaging Centre, and a growing number of specialist diagnostic clinics in Kingston and St. James. Radiographers with advanced imaging skills may also find opportunities with private health insurance-linked diagnostic networks that are expanding across the island as demand for outpatient imaging services grows.

Find Radiographer Jobs in Jamaica

Ready to take the next step in your healthcare career? Search current vacancies on Jamaica Homes Jobs to find the latest Radiographer opportunities at hospitals, diagnostic centres, and private clinics across Jamaica. New roles are listed regularly, so check back often and set up a job alert to be the first to apply.