- Nevada offers several educational institutions for aspiring radiologic technologists. It also has facilities that have specialty programs in areas such as mammography and computed tomography.
- There are at least five colleges that provide radiography programs. These are the College of Southern Nevada, Great Basin College, Pima Medical Institute, Truckee Meadows Community College, and the University of Nevada.
- To become a radiologic technologist in Nevada, one has to earn an associate’s degree in radiology and complete the licensure exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
- Aspiring mammographers need to apply for a special certificate at the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health.
Nevada has several institutions that offer education and training in general radiologic technology. Specialty programs, such as computed tomography and mammography, can also be found in the state.
Best Radiologic Technologist Schools in Nevada
There are at least five educational facilities that have radiologic technology degree programs for students in the state of Nevada. One school provides a certificate program in radiologic health science, while four institutions provide an associate and bachelor’s degree.
The United States Department of Education has appointed an agency to ensure quality education programs in radiography, radiation therapy, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is the agency responsible for measuring program effectiveness of on-campus and online programs nationwide.
All of the schools listed below (except for the College of Southern Nevada) are accredited by the JRCERT(1)*.
| Colleges | Program Type | Degree Level | Duration | Program Effectiveness | Tuition and Fees | ||
| Program Completion Rate | Exam Pass Rate | Job Placement Rate | |||||
| College of Southern Nevada(2) | Radiation Therapy | Associate of Applied Science | 21 months | N/A | 100% | 100% | Resident: N/A Non-resident: N/A |
| Great Basin College | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 22 months | 75% | 95% | 92% | Resident: $4,050 Non-resident: $7,372 |
| Pima Medical Institute Las Vegas | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 24 months | 81% | 92% | 94% | Resident: $17,262 Non-resident: $17,262 |
| Truckee Meadows Community College | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 21 months | 85% | 92.31% | 97.5% | Resident: $91.50 Non-resident: $183 |
| University of Nevada | Radiography | Certificate and Bachelor of Science | 24 months | 92% | 93% | 94% | Resident: $5,775 Non-resident: N/A |
*Data retrieved on Sept. 11, 2020. Changes may occur when new information comes in.
College of Southern Nevada
Students interested in pursuing an associate’s degree in radiation therapy can enroll in a program at the College of Southern Nevada.
Students undergo coursework and clinical externships to learn how to administer radiation therapy, maintain treatment records, assess radiation delivery, and provide patient care.
Graduates of the program are prepared to work under the supervision of radiation oncologists. They can also take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam.
Students have classes on the principles and practice of radiation therapy, radiation physics, cross-sectional anatomy, radiographic analysis, and radiation oncology.
The College of Southern Nevada‘s program is also limited-entry, which means that prospective students have to accomplish a series of prerequisite courses before they are eligible for admission.
Great Basin College
Great Basin College offers a two-year radiology technology program that consists of five semesters of clinical experience and coursework. The classes are held two consecutive days each week during the first year of the program.
Students are required to take didactic courses via interactive video calls or on the Elko campus. First-year students must also accomplish laboratory coursework every week. The labs are in Pahrump and Elko.
Students need to finish 12- and 16-week clinical rotations during the third semester, together with online coursework. Clinical experiences at facilities more than 60 miles away from the Pahrump and Elko campuses may be necessary.
Once they have completed the program, the graduates can take their licensure exams from ARRT.
Pima Medical Institute Las Vegas
The Pima Medical Institute, located in Las Vegas, NV, offers a radiography program that prepares students to become entry-level radiology technicians. Courses to be expected include studies on anatomy, equipment protocols, examination techniques, radiation safety, patient care, and radiation protection.
The institute uses the same equipment utilized in clinics and hospitals. Students can learn skills, such as:
- The accurate positioning of patients
- Ensuring that quality diagnostic images are produced
- Applying examination and equipment protocols, radiation safety, and basic patient care
Performing imaging techniques, such as cardiovascular-interventional radiography, bone densitometry, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, and diagnostic medical sonography
Upon completing the program, graduates can take on careers as radiology technologists or X-ray technologists. Potential work locations include hospitals, physicians’ offices, outpatient care centers, and diagnostic imaging facilities.
Truckee Meadows Community College
Truckee Meadows Community College’s mission is to provide radiologic technology students with a stable foundation in radiology. Their competency-based program has two full-time professors who guide students through the essential methodologies and equipment needed for a successful career.
The program requires approximately 1,952 hours of clinical education experiences. The institution in Reno, NV offers courses in medical ethics, radiology physics, medical terminology, imaging equipment, and therapeutic radiology.
The radiologic technology program of Truckee Meadows Community College begins each fall and only accepts 24 students.
University of Nevada
University of Nevada‘s two-year radiography program prepares students for entry-level positions in radiology departments. Graduates of the program get a radiography certificate, which is a prerequisite of the ARRT exam.
Students have to take general education classes in computer science, English, biology, and math to proceed. A series of radiography courses in didactic, clinical, and laboratory settings should also be expected.
Part of the program’s application process requires prospective students to visit a radiology department at one of the hospital facilities associated with the university. Some of their hospital affiliates are Valley Hospital, University Medical Center of Southern Nevada, North Vista Hospital, and Desert Springs Hospital.
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas may use these institutions for clinical practicums required in their program.
Eligible students can also apply for financial aid and scholarships at the university.
Becoming a Radiologic Technologist in Nevada
The first step in becoming a radiology tech or X-ray technician in Nevada is to earn a high school diploma. Prioritizing classes in science, math, anatomy, biology, and physics is recommended by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The next step is to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in radiography in the state institutions. A GPA of at least 2.5 is often required to be eligible for admission.
After completing the program, graduates obtain licensure in Nevada to work in entry-level radiologic technologist positions.
There are approximately 1,210 radiologic technologists and X-ray technicians in Nevada as of 2019(3). It is estimated that these professionals earn an average annual salary of $71,460.
Radiographers in the state can find employment opportunities at Carson Valley Medical Center in Gardnerville, Nevada Imaging Centers in Henderson, Great Basin Imaging in Carson City, The Imaging Center in Paradise, and Desert Radiologists in Las Vegas.
State Requirements in Nevada
The state does not generally register radiologic technologists. However, radiographers who wish to specialize in mammography need to apply for a mammography certificate.
Applications are accepted by the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (Department of Health and Human Services) office.
Aspiring mammographers need to obtain a certificate from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to lawfully operate mammography machines.
Aside from the FDA certificate, an accreditation from the American College of Radiology and authorization from the Nevada Radiation Control Program are required.
Difference Between Radiology and Radiography Programs
A radiology program is intended for aspiring medical radiologists. These doctors are required to have finished an undergraduate degree, medical school, and residency.
It takes several years to complete a radiology program and become a licensed radiologist.
On the other hand, a radiography program is designed for individuals who wish to work as radiologic technologists or radiographers. These professionals operate the imaging equipment required by radiologists to diagnose and treat diseases.
Radiography programs typically take two years to complete. Once completed, graduates are awarded an associate’s degree and become eligible to take the licensure ARRT exam.
Radiographers in Nevada can join the professional organization of the Nevada State Society of Radiologic Technologists. The group promotes excellence in medical imaging and is committed to upholding a high standard for radiology in the state.
Conclusion
Several educational facilities in Nevada provide training in general radiologic technology. Some of the most notable institutions are Great Basin College, Pima Medical Institute, Truckee Meadows Community College, and the University of Nevada.
Students are required to earn a high school diploma or equivalent before they can become a radiographer in Nevada. They also have to complete an associate’s degree in radiography and pass the ARRT certification exam to be licensed for entry-level positions.
As of 2019, there are 1,210 radiologic technologists and technicians in Nevada. They also earn a median yearly income of $71,460(4).
Although the state does not typically register radiologic technologists, those who wish to pursue a mammography career need to apply for a Mammographer Certificate. Some of the requirements include obtaining certification from the FDA and the American College of Radiology.
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Retrieved from: https://portal.jrcertaccreditation.org/accredited-educational-programs/search
- College of Southern Nevada. Radiation Therapy (AAS). Retrieved from: https://at.csn.edu/radiation-therapist-aas
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2019 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Nevada. Retrieved from: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nv.htm
- Ibid.