Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Nebraska

There are various options for earning a degree or certificate in radiologic technology in Nebraska. This overview of radiologic technologist and technician schools in Nebraska is designed to provide you with the information you need to make the right choice. As an alternative to traditional on-campus learning, some students find that online programs are a better match to their needs for scheduling flexibility. Read about the difference between radiology technologists and radiology technicians. Continue reading this page to learn more about radiologic technology careers and your options for attending radiologic technologist schools in Nebraska with our table of rad tech programs, profiles of select programs, and more.

Quick Facts

• There are 8 not-for-profit colleges and universities with radiologic technology degree programs in Nebraska.¹
• 2 schools offer a certificate program in radiologic science.¹
• 6 schools offer an associate’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• 5 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• No schools offer a master’s or advanced degree in radiologic science.¹
• 5 schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).²
• 3 schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).³
• No schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT).⁴

Table of Contents

• Nebraska Medical Imaging Schools Comparison
• Select Schools in Nebraska with RT Programs
• How to Become an RT in Nebraska
• Nebraska RT Salary and Job Outlook
• Nebraska RT Career Interview

Nebraska Medical Imaging Schools Comparison

We have designed the following table to allow you to easily compare all the not-for-profit radiologic technology and medical imaging programs in Nebraska on a variety of factors. You should check with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to ensure that the program you are considering will meet licensure requirements.

• — indicates none.
• N.Av. indicates no data available.

Select Schools in Nebraska with Radiology Technologist Degree Programs

Clarkson College

Students enrolled at Clarkson College in Omaha may choose to pursue the Associate of Science (AS) degree in Radiologic Technology. The program prepares students for certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and teaches skills for operating high-tech imaging equipment and providing diagnostic services to patients. The two-year program includes three semesters of clinical experiences and courses such as Patient Care, Radiation Physics, Radiation Biology, and Radiographic Pathology. Courses and clinical rotations in the 73-credit hour program are held in sequence throughout the calendar year. Admission to the program requires an ACT score, submission of any high school or college transcripts, and completion of clinical observation. Clarkson College also offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Medical Imaging, a dual-degree option that allows students to simultaneously pursue an associate’s degree and the BS, and certificates in modalities including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Cardiac & Vascular Interventional Radiography (IR), and Computed Tomography (CT).

Nebraska Methodist College

Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) offers an Associate of Science (AS) in Radiologic Technology that can be completed in 24 months. Admission into the program requires a minimum 2.5 GPA. The program requires 80 credit hours, including courses such as Radiographic Procedures/Positioning, Radiographic Imaging, and Advanced Imaging Modalities. Admitted students must also complete five semesters of clinical rotations, including at least two evening rotations. To graduate, students must demonstrate that they are prepared to sit for the ARRT certification exam and begin working as radiologic technologists, maintain a GPA of 2.0, and receive a “C” or better in all required courses. NMC also offers associate degree programs in Cardiovascular Sonography and Multispecialty Sonography, a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Imaging Science, and certificate programs in Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Mammography.

Southeast Community College

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology program at Southeast Community College (SCC) prepares students for entry-level positions as radiologic technologists. The two-year program consists of both a didactic and a clinical component. Students may follow either the Lincoln or the Distance track. Lincoln track students take courses on campus and perform clinical duties in Lincoln, while students in the Distance track take classes online and perform clinical rotations at pre-approved hospitals outside of Lincoln. Distance track students must attend a radiology workshop on campus once a year. Required classes include Imaging Procedures, Radiation Biology, Pathology for Radiographers, and a Radiology Capstone. Admission into the program requires the completion of prerequisite courses and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher with a minimum 2.75 GPA in all science courses. Graduates are qualified to sit for the ARRT examination.

University of Nebraska Medical Center

The College of Allied Health Professions at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) has a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Services that offers emphases in Cardiovascular Interventional Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Radiation Therapy, and Radiography. Students must first complete 26 credits of specified college prerequisites before applying to the 21-month professional program. Admission requires a GPA of 2.5 or higher. The program is competitive; a maximum of 32 students are admitted to the Radiography major each year, whereas a maximum of eight students are accepted each year to the Radiation Therapy major. The curriculum for all students consists of didactic and clinical elements. Clinical rotations are held at affiliate medical facilities. Coursework may include classes such as Radiologic Contrast Agents, Radiation Health Physics, and Radiographic Pathology. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the ARRT certification exam in their chosen modality. Graduates who complete the BS program have the opportunity to add additional modalities as post-baccalaureate professional certificates.

How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Nebraska

Nebraska requires practicing radiologic technologists to obtain a Medical Radiography license through the DHHS. The DHHS provides licenses in medical radiography, limited radiography, and limited computed tomography. There may be some variations based on modality, but in general, the steps for obtaining a license from the DHHS are as follows:

1. Complete an approved educational program in your modality. The DHHS requires all candidates for licensure to complete an approved program in radiography. To qualify for the licensing exam, candidates must receive an associate’s degree in addition to, or as part of, the radiography program.
2. Take and pass the exam. The DHHS uses the ARRT radiography certification exam or an equivalent exam to qualify candidates for a license. Candidates must receive a score of 75 or better to pass.
3. Apply for a license. Applicants must submit an application, proof of ARRT registration, proof of completion of the education and examination requirements, and all necessary fees to the DHHS.
4. Complete continuing education (CE) and renew your license. Licenses must be renewed every two years and require 24 hours of continuing education for each renewal period.

The DHHS offers a second license category, Limited Radiographer (LR). LRs may perform x-rays on limited parts of the body while under supervision. LRs should complete an approved program in limited scope radiography before applying to the DHHS for permission to take the ARRT Limited Scope of Practice in Radiography exam. Applicants must pass this exam in order to earn the LR license. Once the exam is passed, qualified applicants will be issued their license.

Nebraska Radiology Tech Salary and Job Outlook

Radiologic tech employment in Nebraska is projected to increase by 7.8% in the decade ending in 2030. This is slightly lower than the projected national average job growth rate for rad techs of 8.6% during the same time period.⁵ According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2022, approximately 1,520 radiologic technologists and technicians were working in Nebraska, with an average annual wage of $62,150.⁶ Although the BLS does not track occupational data for x-ray technicians, technicians typically earn less than RTs due to the lower educational requirements and work responsibilities. Nebraska radiologic technologists seeking employment can consider applying to work at facilities such as University of Nebraska Medical Center, Methodist Health System, or CHI Health. Individuals with an education in radiologic technology may also find employment opportunities with radiological imaging centers such as Advanced Medical Imaging, Hastings Radiology Associates, Lincoln Radiology Group, and Nebraska Health Imaging.

Nebraska Radiologic Technologist Salary by Metro Area

Nebraska Radiologic Technologist Career Interview

• Randy Prouty, Past Chairman of the Board, Nebraska Society of Radiologic Technologists

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology Program Effectiveness Data: https://www.jrcert.org/program-effectiveness-data/
3. Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs: https://www.caahep.org/students/find-an-accredited-program
4. Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology: https://www.jrcnmt.org/programs/
5. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
6. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, Radiologic Technologists and Technicians: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292034.htm
7. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm