- Nebraska offers a range of choices for earning a certificate or degree in radiologic technology.
- Some of the institutions with the highest program effectiveness are Mary Lanning Healthcare, Nebraska Methodist College, and Regional West Medical Center(1).
- The University of Nebraska Medical Center offers programs specializing in medical sonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that about 1,600 radiologic technologists in Nebraska earn an average of $55,330 each year(2).
Nebraska has different options for earning a certificate or degree in radiologic technology. All of the colleges listed here are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)(3)*.
Best Radiography Schools in Nebraska
The following are the institutions in Nebraska that provide degree programs for aspiring radiologic technologists.
| Colleges | Program Type | Degree Level | Duration | Program Effectiveness | Tuition and Fees | ||
| Program Completion Rate | Exam Pass Rate | Job Placement Rate | |||||
| CHI Health Immanuel Medical Center | Radiography | Bachelor of Science | 23 months | 75% | 92% | 100% | Resident: $5,075 Non-resident: $5,075 |
| Clarkson College | Radiography | Associate of Science | 24 months | 73% | 97% | 100% | Resident: $16,899.50 Non-resident: $16,899.50 |
| Mary Lanning Healthcare | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 24 months | 90% | 98% | 100% | Resident: $3,444 Non-resident: $3,444 |
| Nebraska Methodist College | Radiography | Associate of Science | 24 months | 91% | 91% | 95% | Resident: $20,600 Non-resident: $20,600 |
| Regional West Medical Center | Radiography | Associate of Science | 24 months | 100% | 95% | 100% | Resident: $2,600 Non-resident: $2,600 |
| Southeast Community College | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 17 months | 88% | 84% | 100% | Resident: $4,300 Non-resident: N/A |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center | Radiography | Certificate and Bachelor of Science | 9 months | 80% | 96.29% | 100% | Resident: $6,664 Non-resident: $19,768 |
*Data retrieved on Sept. 10, 2020. Changes may occur when new information comes in.
CHI Health Immanuel Medical Center
The radiologic technology program of CHI Health Immanuel Medical Center starts in late August each year.
Students should expect academic coursework on anatomy, patient care, physiology, radiographic procedures, radiation biology, image production, pathology, and medical terminology. Second-year students receive training in computed tomography.
Clinical education from the start of the program is a must. Students are assigned to CHI Health Omaha hospitals to become experienced in all areas of diagnostic imaging. They are also required to spend time in each imaging modality to determine areas of specialization.
The CHI Health School of Radiologic Technology is authorized by the State of Nebraska Department of Education, granting graduates an Associate of Applied Science degree upon completion.
Beginning in 2020, the institution has started granting a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology.
Clarkson College
Students in Omaha may choose to enroll at Clarkson College to pursue an associate’s degree in radiation science technology. The program prepares students to take the certification exam given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
The required skills to operate advanced imaging equipment are taught to students, including how to provide diagnostic services to various patients. This two-year program includes several clinical experiences.
Additionally, undergraduates can choose to enroll in a dual-degree option. This option allows them to use their associate’s degree to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Imaging. Clarkson College students benefit from free tutoring, small class sizes, and the opportunity to work at clinical sites in Nebraska.
Mary Lanning Healthcare
The school of radiologic technology of Mary Lanning Healthcare offers a hospital-based program intended to produce qualified radiographers. The program, upon completion, allows students to proceed toward a bachelor’s degree in imaging sciences at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
Admissions to the institution’s radiologic technology program are selective. Applicants in Hastings who wish to join must have above-average intelligence, aptitude, emotional stability, flexibility, and personal integrity.
Chosen candidates undergo a competitive application process and are required to accomplish an enrollment agreement. They also need to pay a $150 registration fee that counts toward their tuition.
Mary Lanning Healthcare’s high program effectiveness ratings and relatively affordable tuition make it one of Nebraska‘s best radiology programs.
Nebraska Methodist College
Nebraska Methodist College (www.methodistcollege.edu) offers a radiologic technology degree that has a strong liberal arts foundation combined with professional training. Their program is designed to produce competent entry-level radiographers.
One of the institution’s clinical components requires students to work at various healthcare facilities in Omaha, Western Iowa, and the nearby counties. Undergraduates are also given access to a state-of-the-art digital X-ray laboratory.
Besides daytime clinical rotations, completing two evening schedules are also required of students. Graduates are expected to demonstrate effective critical-thinking, communication skills, and clinical competency.
They also need to meet specific standards before they can sit for the ARRT certification exam.
Regional West Medical Center
Regional West Medical Center‘s hospital-based program is the only education program for aspiring radiographers in Western Nebraska. Their students are taught procedures that allow them to graduate as full-time radiology technologists who can work at various imaging centers.
Applicants must be a high school graduate or equivalent and need to be at least 18 years of age to begin the program. Finishing prerequisite courses, such as classes in English, physics, chemistry, and anatomy, are also necessary to enter the Scottsbluff program.
Students must provide proof of having a grade of “C” and above in these prerequisite courses to be admitted to the program. Applicants must also meet specific technical standards in allied health, including certain physical, communication, sensory, and mental requirements.
Southeast Community College
The radiologic technology program offered by Southeast Community College prepares students to become professional radiographers by equipping them with the skills to succeed. This two-year program has both a didactic and clinical component.
Students can complete the didactic part of the program at the institution’s Lincoln campus. Those taking online programs can accomplish their requirements at pre-approved hospitals.
Radiation biology, specialized imaging, pathophysiology, diagnostic imaging concepts, and computed tomography imaging are the classes required to complete the program.
Based on their assigned clinical site, students may be admitted to the radiography program either in January or July.
Graduates are prepared to take the ARRT exam and apply for state licensure. Their program meets certification requirements in Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Hawaii, Texas, and Nebraska.
University of Nebraska Medical Center
The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) offers a radiography program that consists of lectures, demonstrations, clinical coursework, and laboratory instruction. Students should expect to use various educational delivery methods, such as synchronous live video stream, hybrid, face-to-face, and asynchronous formats.
Their program of study allows students to achieve the comprehensive knowledge base and clinical competencies required to succeed in radiologic technology. The university’s campus locations are located in Columbus, Kearney, and Omaha.
Once students have completed the 26 specified college prerequisites and the professional program, they are awarded a bachelor’s degree in medical imaging and therapeutic sciences. They may also apply for an additional study to complete a secondary certification.
Graduates can also find certificate programs in diagnostic medical sonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy at the university.
Students searching for financial aid may apply for the Nebraska Promise, which guarantees up to 30 credit hours of tuition each year to be paid. The scholarship program is available to all allied health students that meet its eligibility criteria.
Becoming a Radiographer in Nebraska
A person can become a radiographer in Nebraska by earning a high school diploma, an associate degree, and getting certified and licensed.
Prospective radiographers need to apply for a license by way of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. A $25 application fee is needed for the certification process. They must also complete the ARRT exam or the state equivalent.
Radiography exams from other states may also be accepted if the standards match those of Nebraska or the ARRT. There is also a Limited Scope Exam available for qualified Nebraska residents who wish to obtain a limited X-ray license.
Regardless of the license type, practitioners need to complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years to remain qualified.
The primary professional organization for radiologic technology practitioners in the state is the Nebraska Society of Radiologic Technologists. This organization is the state’s affiliate of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.
The ARRT administers all certification exams in Nebraska. At the same time, licensing applications are handled by the state Department of Health and Human Services. Aspiring radiologic technologists and technicians can contact any of these organizations for details concerning certification, licensing, and education.
As of May 2019 (United States Bureau of Labor Statistics), the number of employed radiologic technologists and technicians in Nebraska is approximately 1,600. They earn a median yearly wage of $55,330(4).
Rad techs in Nebraska can seek employment at the Methodist Hospital, Nebraska Medical Center, Alegent Health Bergan Mercy Medical Center, and Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital.
Several imaging centers also offer job opportunities in the state. These are Boystown Imaging Center, Advanced Medical Imaging, Dodge Street Radiology, and Medical Imaging Consultants.
What is the Difference Between Radiography and Radiology?
Radiography is the program to take to become professional radiographers. A radiographer is a person who prepares and runs the equipment found in imaging centers.
Radiographers are sometimes called technicians. For example, someone who takes X-rays may hold a position as an X-ray technician.
In the past, most of the training that radiology technicians had was obtained at work. Many of them were also limited by the technology available at that time.
Today, the level of training and education needed by radiographers have made the term “technician” obsolete. These professionals are now known as “technologists.”
On the other hand, a radiologist is someone who has graduated from an accredited medical school. They can either be a doctor of osteopathic medicine or a medical doctor.
These physicians specialize in reading diagnostic images produced by radiographers. They can diagnose and treat various injuries and illnesses present in the body by analyzing these images.
Radiology offers an excellent career path for people who are interested in the imaging sciences. A program in radiography offers the shortest period of training to enter the workforce. Meanwhile, studying to become a radiologist may take longer but can also be very rewarding.
Conclusion
Nebraska has a broad range of choices with regards to earning a certificate or degree in radiologic technology.
Some of the state’s top institutions are Mary Lanning Healthcare, Nebraska Methodist College, and Regional West Medical Center.
To become a radiographer in Nebraska, one has to have an associate degree in radiology and be certified as a professional in the state.
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Retrieved from: https://portal.jrcertaccreditation.org/accredited-educational-programs/search
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2019 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Nebraska. Retrieved from: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ne.htm
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. op. cit.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2019 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Nebraska. op. cit.