Best Companies for 68P Radiology Specialists: Healthcare Career Guide
Top healthcare companies and hospitals hiring 68P radiology specialists with salary data, benefits, and career advancement opportunities for veterans.
Best Companies for 68P Radiology Specialists
BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)
Army 68P Radiology Specialists transition exceptionally well to civilian healthcare, with opportunities at leading hospital systems, diagnostic imaging centers, and healthcare technology companies. Your military radiography expertise directly translates to positions earning $70,000-$130,000+ depending on setting and specialization. Top employers include UnitedHealth, CVS Health, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins, VA Medical Centers (as civilian), HCA Healthcare, and diagnostic imaging chains. These organizations offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, tuition support for advanced credentials, and clear advancement pathways to Chief Radiologic Technologist and management roles.
Top Tier Healthcare Organizations for 68P Specialists
Mayo Clinic
Why 68P Veterans Are Valuable:
- Advanced diagnostic imaging programs
- Military medical background highly respected
- Premier quality reputation
Positions Available:
- Radiologic Technologist (general, CT, MRI, interventional)
- Lead Technologist
- Imaging Supervisor
- Technical Specialist
Compensation:
- Starting: $62,000-$78,000 for ARRT-certified technologists
- Experience bonus: $2,000-$8,000 for military background
- Shift differentials: 10-15% for nights/weekends
- Year 5+ earning: $85,000-$105,000
- Benefits: Comprehensive health, 401(k), tuition reimbursement $10,000/year
Career Growth:
- Lead technologist: $75,000-$95,000
- Supervisor: $90,000-$120,000
- Director of Imaging: $120,000-$180,000+
Military Veteran Benefits:
- Veteran hiring preference
- Professional development funding
- Leadership programs for veterans
- Mentorship opportunities
- ARRT certification support ($1,000-$3,000)
Location: Rochester, MN; Jacksonville, FL; Phoenix, AZ; Multiple locations
Cleveland Clinic
Why 68P Veterans Are Valuable:
- High-volume diagnostic imaging
- Nationally recognized for quality
- Military medicine culture respected
Positions Available:
- Radiologic Technologist (all specialties)
- Imaging Coordinator
- Senior Technologist
- Operations Supervisor
Compensation:
- Starting: $60,000-$76,000
- Certification bonus: $3,000-$5,000
- Shift pay: 10-20% differential
- Year 5 earning: $82,000-$105,000
- Benefits: Excellent health plan, 403(b), $5,000/year tuition
Career Growth:
- Senior roles: $78,000-$98,000
- Supervisor: $95,000-$125,000
- Manager: $110,000-$160,000+
Military Veteran Benefits:
- Veterans employee resource group
- Mentoring programs
- Flexible scheduling options
- Education benefits beyond tuition
- Relocation assistance
Location: Cleveland, OH; Multiple Ohio locations; National expansion
Johns Hopkins Health System
Why 68P Veterans Are Valuable:
- World-leading medical institution
- Advanced imaging research opportunities
- Military teaching hospital culture
Positions Available:
- Radiologic Technologist (all levels)
- Imaging Specialist
- Senior Technologist
- Education Coordinator
Compensation:
- Starting: $58,000-$74,000
- Military certification credit: $2,000-$4,000
- Shift differentials: 12-18%
- Year 5 earning: $80,000-$102,000
- Benefits: Comprehensive health, 403(b), $7,500/year tuition
Career Growth:
- Senior positions: $80,000-$100,000
- Supervisor: $100,000-$130,000
- Director roles: $125,000-$185,000+
Military Veteran Benefits:
- Military recruitment programs
- Tuition support for advanced degrees
- Leadership development programs
- Flexible work arrangements
- Mentorship from military staff
Location: Baltimore, MD; Multiple Maryland locations
HCA Healthcare (National Hospital Chain)
Why 68P Veterans Are Valuable:
- Largest private hospital operator in U.S.
- High-volume imaging departments
- Growth-oriented company culture
Positions Available:
- Radiologic Technologist
- Senior Technologist
- Imaging Team Lead
- Department Coordinator
Compensation:
- Starting: $55,000-$70,000 (varies by location)
- Relocation bonus: $5,000-$10,000
- Shift differentials: 8-15%
- Year 5 earning: $75,000-$95,000
- Benefits: Health coverage, 401(k), $3,000/year education
Career Growth:
- Senior technologist: $70,000-$85,000
- Lead technologist: $80,000-$100,000
- Supervisor: $95,000-$125,000
- Manager: $110,000-$160,000+
Military Veteran Benefits:
- Veteran hiring bonus: $2,000-$5,000
- Flexible scheduling
- Tuition assistance
- Career development programs
- Internal mobility across 180+ hospitals
Location: Multiple locations nationwide
UnitedHealth/Optum
Why 68P Veterans Are Valuable:
- Healthcare technology and operations
- Diagnostic imaging management roles
- Large-scale healthcare operations
Positions Available:
- Radiology Operations Analyst
- Imaging Coordinator
- Technical Operations Manager
- Quality Specialist
Compensation:
- Starting: $65,000-$85,000 (higher than traditional technologist roles)
- Performance bonuses: 10-15%
- Stock options: $10,000-$50,000
- Year 5 earning: $95,000-$130,000
- Benefits: Excellent health plan, 401(k), $10,000/year education
Career Growth:
- Senior analyst roles: $85,000-$110,000
- Manager: $110,000-$160,000+
- Director: $150,000-$250,000+
Military Veteran Benefits:
- Veteran recruitment programs
- Leadership development
- Tuition reimbursement: $10,000/year
- Flexible work arrangements (hybrid/remote)
- Career path acceleration
Location: Minnetonka, MN; Multiple U.S. locations
CVS Health/Aetna
Why 68P Veterans Are Valuable:
- Healthcare retail and insurance integration
- Diagnostic imaging operations
- Growing telemedicine and remote care
Positions Available:
- Imaging Operations Specialist
- Radiology Coordinator
- Quality Assurance Specialist
- Healthcare Operations Manager
Compensation:
- Starting: $62,000-$82,000
- Bonuses: 10-20% based on performance
- Stock options: $5,000-$30,000
- Year 5 earning: $90,000-$120,000
- Benefits: Strong health plan, 401(k), $8,000/year education
Career Growth:
- Senior specialist: $85,000-$105,000
- Manager: $110,000-$155,000+
- Director: $140,000-$230,000+
Military Veteran Benefits:
- Veteran employee resource group
- Professional development funding
- Flexible work options (increasing remote)
- Leadership training for veterans
- Mentorship programs
Location: Hartford, CT; Multiple locations
VA Medical Centers (Civilian Employment)
Why 68P Veterans Are Valuable:
- Direct military medicine experience valued
- Familiar environment and culture
- Veterans-serving mission
Positions Available:
- Radiologic Technologist
- Lead Technologist
- Radiology Manager
- Quality Improvement Specialist
Compensation:
- Starting: $60,000-$75,000 (GS-6 to GS-7 federal)
- Veterans preference adds hiring advantage
- Annual raises (2-3% typical)
- Year 5 earning: $80,000-$105,000
- Excellent federal benefits: Health plan, pension, 26 days leave/year
Career Growth:
- Senior technologist: $78,000-$95,000 (GS-8/9)
- Supervisor: $95,000-$120,000
- Manager: $115,000-$160,000+
Military Veteran Benefits:
- Preference in hiring
- Federal employee benefits (pension, stability)
- GI Bill education benefits
- Familiar culture and mission
- Work with veteran patient population
Location: VA Medical Centers nationwide
Second Tier Employers (Excellent Opportunities)
Banner Health
- Starting: $58,000-$72,000
- Year 5: $82,000-$102,000
- Benefits: Good health plan, tuition support
- Career Growth: Supervisor in 5-7 years, manager in 10 years
Intermountain Healthcare
- Starting: $60,000-$74,000
- Year 5: $84,000-$104,000
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits, education support
- Career Growth: Leadership roles within 5-8 years
Ascension Health
- Starting: $58,000-$71,000
- Year 5: $80,000-$100,000
- Benefits: Good benefits, tuition assistance
- Career Growth: Management roles available
Kaiser Permanente
- Starting: $62,000-$78,000
- Year 5: $88,000-$108,000
- Benefits: Excellent integrated health system benefits
- Career Growth: Strong internal advancement
University of Florida Health
- Starting: $56,000-$70,000
- Year 5: $78,000-$98,000
- Benefits: University benefits, education support
- Career Growth: Academic medicine opportunities
Emerging Opportunities
Telehealth and Remote Imaging Companies
- Companies: Teradoc, Nuance, GE Healthcare (software)
- Starting: $65,000-$85,000
- Benefits: Remote work, flexible scheduling
- Growth: Rapidly growing sector
Ambulatory Surgery Centers
- Companies: United Surgical Partners, AmSurg
- Starting: $60,000-$75,000
- Benefits: Better work-life balance than hospitals
- Growth: Faster advancement due to smaller size
Imaging Centers (Diagnostic Networks)
- Companies: RadNet, Lifeimagining
- Starting: $58,000-$72,000
- Benefits: Competitive for independent centers
- Growth: Leadership roles more accessible
Salary Comparison: Hospital vs. Non-Hospital Settings
| Setting | Starting Salary | Year 5 | Benefits | Work-Life Balance | Career Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major Hospital Systems | $60,000-$78,000 | $80,000-$105,000 | Excellent | Moderate | Fast |
| VA Medical Centers | $60,000-$75,000 | $80,000-$105,000 | Excellent | Good | Moderate |
| Diagnostic Imaging Centers | $55,000-$70,000 | $75,000-$95,000 | Good | Good | Varies |
| Telehealth Companies | $65,000-$85,000 | $90,000-$120,000 | Good | Excellent | Fast |
| Ambulatory Surgery Centers | $58,000-$72,000 | $78,000-$98,000 | Good | Excellent | Moderate |
Career Advancement Paths for 68P Specialists
Clinical Track
Technologist → Senior Technologist → Lead Technologist → Chief Radiologic Technologist
- Earnings progression: $70,000 → $85,000 → $95,000 → $110,000-$140,000
- Timeline: 8-12 years to chief role
Management Track
Technologist → Supervisor → Manager → Director of Radiology
- Earnings progression: $70,000 → $95,000 → $120,000 → $160,000+
- Requires management development: MBA or HHA
Specialization Track
Technologist → Advanced Specialization (CT/MRI/Interventional) → Senior Specialist → Supervisor
- Earnings progression: $70,000 → $90,000 → $105,000 → $125,000+
- Most lucrative technical track
Administrative Track
Technologist → Coordinator → Operations Manager → Department Administrator
- Earnings progression: $70,000 → $85,000 → $110,000 → $150,000+
- Leverages operations background
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which healthcare employer pays the highest starting salary? A: UnitedHealth/Optum leads at $65,000-$85,000, followed by CVS Health at $62,000-$82,000. Traditional hospitals (Mayo, Cleveland Clinic) typically $60,000-$78,000. VA offers federal benefits instead of high salary ($60,000-$75,000).
Q: Do I need ARRT certification to get hired? A: Not always immediately, but highly preferred and leads to $2,000-$5,000 hiring bonus. Most employers will help pay for ARRT exam if not certified. You should obtain within first 3-6 months.
Q: What's the best healthcare employer for work-life balance? A: Ambulatory Surgery Centers and telehealth companies offer best balance. Hospitals require shift work and weekends. VA offers good balance with federal scheduling.
Q: Can I transition to advanced certifications (CT, MRI)? A: Yes, and recommended. Advanced specialties earn 15-25% more ($85,000-$110,000+). Most employers provide tuition support ($1,000-$3,000 per certification).
Q: Which company has best professional development? A: Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins invest heavily in education. UnitedHealth offers best tuition reimbursement ($10,000/year). Cleveland Clinic known for strong development programs.
Q: Are there remote opportunities for radiology technologists? A: Limited for clinical technologists (must be on-site). Growing opportunities in operations, quality, and telehealth coordination roles (fully remote possible). Future growth in remote image analysis roles.
Q: What's the typical path from 68P technologist to supervisor? A: Technologist (1-2 years) → Senior Technologist (2-5 years) → Lead/Supervisor (5-8 years). Management requires business skills and often MBA pursuit.
Q: How do I choose between hospital systems? A: Consider: salary (UnitedHealth/CVS higher), benefits (Mayo/Cleveland Clinic best), work-life balance (ambulatory centers best), growth potential (VA most stable). Visit employer websites to compare.
Action Plan: Landing Your First Role
1. Preparation (2 Weeks)
- Pursue ARRT certification if not already certified
- Update resume highlighting military radiology experience
- Research 3-5 target healthcare employers
- Prepare elevator pitch about military medical background
2. Application (2-3 Weeks)
- Apply to 15-20 positions at target hospitals/employers
- Follow up after 1 week if no response
- Network with radiology technologists on LinkedIn
- Connect with military employee resource groups
3. Interviews (2-4 Weeks)
- Prepare examples of complex imaging cases
- Research hospital's imaging department/goals
- Discuss ARRT certification timeline if not certified
- Ask about professional development opportunities
4. Offer Negotiation (1-2 Weeks)
- Get 2-3 offers for comparison
- Negotiate salary, shift preferences, tuition support
- Discuss advancement opportunities
- Confirm ARRT exam support
5. Professional Development (Year 1)
- Obtain ARRT certification (if not already)
- Plan advanced specialization (CT, MRI, interventional)
- Join professional organizations (ASRT)
- Establish mentorship relationships
Conclusion
Major healthcare organizations actively recruit 68P Radiology Specialists for their technical expertise and military discipline. Your military radiography background positions you for competitive positions earning $60,000-$85,000 starting, with advancement to $100,000-$150,000+ within 5-10 years.
Choose your employer based on career goals: Mayo Clinic or Johns Hopkins for clinical excellence; UnitedHealth/CVS for fastest career growth; VA for stability and mission alignment; ambulatory centers for work-life balance.
Obtain ARRT certification quickly, specialize in high-value areas (CT, MRI, interventional), and position yourself for supervisor/manager roles within 5-8 years. Your military background combined with advanced certifications positions you for leadership roles earning $150,000+ in healthcare leadership.