- Wyoming has two colleges with radiologic technology degree programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)(1).
- Colleges that offer JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology programs are Casper College and Laramie County Community College.
- To become a radiologic technologist in Wyoming, one needs to complete a program accredited by the JRCERT and pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam.
- The Wyoming Board of Radiologic Technologists Examiners offers state license to radiologic technologists and radiology technicians.
- As of 2019, there are approximately 390 rad techs employed in the state(2). However, radiology tech jobs could experience a 15% job increase by 2026(3).
Best Radiology Schools in Wyoming
In Wyoming, there are two colleges with associate’s degree programs in radiologic technology. No school currently offers a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology is the organization responsible for the accreditation of programs in medical imaging, radiography, sonography, and radiation therapy.
JRCERT–accredited programs are determined using the program effectiveness data, including completion rate, credential exam pass rate, and job placement rate.
Here are the best radiology schools in Wyoming for aspiring rad tech professionals.
| Name of Colleges | Program Type | Degree Level | Program Duration | Program Effectiveness(4)* | ||
| Completion Rate | Pass Rate | Job Placement Rate | ||||
| Casper College (Casper) | Radiography | Associate of Science | 24 months | 100% | 88.8% | 100% |
| Laramie County Community College (Cheyenne) | Radiography | Associate of Applied Science | 22 months | 82.3% | 98.6% | 100% |
*Data retrieved on Sept. 18, 2020. Changes may occur when new information comes in.
Casper College
Casper College offers an Associate of Science degree in radiography, which takes 24 months to complete. The curriculum consists of on-campus coursework and clinical experiences at affiliated hospitals and medical facilities.
Coursework includes medical terminology, introduction to radiologic technology, patient care and management, radiographic positioning, radiographic imaging, and pharmacology for radiographers.
This highly competitive program accepts a maximum of 20 students each year. Applicants must complete six prerequisite courses before they can submit application materials.
Admission requirements include a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.3 above, college transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a completed radiography information session.
The program’s tuition for resident students is $2,592(5).
Upon completing this JRCERT–accredited program, graduates are eligible to take the ARRT certification exam.
Laramie County Community College
Laramie County Community College offers a 22-month associate’s degree in radiography. Students must first complete the college’s core requirements before beginning the radiology program.
The curriculum includes an introduction to radiography, radiographic patient skills, radiation biology and protection, radiographic imaging, and radiographic procedures.
Students are also required to do clinical rotations at local affiliated medical facilities, including Cheyenne Radiology Group, Cheyenne Medical Specialists, Platte County Memorial Hospital, Premier Bone and Joint, and Yellowstone Surgery.
Program acceptance is based on a cumulative GPA of prior college coursework, minimum entrance criteria, observation evaluation, references, degree of program preparedness, and date of receipt of application.
The program’s tuition is $4,192 for resident students and $9,504 for non-resident students(6).
Other Schools to Consider
Western Wyoming Community College (Rock Springs)
Western Wyoming Community College offers a pre-radiology course of study, which includes general college coursework.
After accomplishing the prerequisite courses in Western Wyoming, students can complete the radiology tech program at Weber State University in Utah. Students are also required to do onsite work once a month.
Clinical rotations are assigned at hospitals and medical facilities in the student’s community or hometown community. However, these rotations may require some travel.
Prospective students must complete all prerequisite coursework and submit application materials to be eligible for admission.
Northwest College (Powell)
Northwest College currently does not have a program in radiologic technology. However, the college offers certificate programs in nursing.
Students who are interested in health care and radiology might consider earning a certificate in Northwest College to get started in this field.
Radiography Program vs. Radiology Program
Radiography programs typically require completion of one to four years. Aspiring radiologic technologists or radiographers must be a high school graduate to pursue degree programs in radiography.
Prospective students may choose from a one-year certificate program, one to two-year associate’s degree, or a four-year bachelor’s degree.
The program courses include anatomy, pathology, patient care, medical ethics, radiation physics, and protection.
Radiography students may also pursue specializations, such as X-ray, computed tomography (CT), mammography, or sonography (ultrasound).
Meanwhile, radiology programs focus on advanced modalities and procedures, including fluoroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, contrast medium injection, interventional cardiac radiography, or vascular radiography.
Radiology program graduates may apply for higher-paying positions or pursue further studies through a master’s or doctoral degree. These advanced degrees prepare individuals to become radiologists.
An aspiring radiologist needs four years of college degree, medical school, and at least four years of residency training.
How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Wyoming
Radiologic technologists and radiology technicians in Wyoming must hold a license from the Wyoming Board of Radiologic Technologists Examiners to work in the state(7).
A rad tech must be at least 18 years old, have completed an accredited radiology tech program, and have passed the ARRT certification exam to obtain a state license.
Both the Wyoming licensure and ARRT certification require renewal every two years.
ARRT-certified rad techs must fill out an application, complete 24 continuing education credits, and pay applicable fees to maintain their certification.
To renew the Wyoming license, rad techs may present proof of ARRT certification or evidence of completed 24 continuing education credits.
To secure a license, individuals specializing in radiation therapy or nuclear medicine should pass a separate state exam. These licenses are good for two years and require no continuing education credits.
The state of Wyoming also offers a special license for students in emergencies and a limited one-year license.
The main professional organization for rad techs is the Wyoming Society of Radiologic Technologists (WSRT), the state affiliate of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).
Another notable organization is the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), which sets the licensing exam and gives certification.
Meanwhile, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredits educational programs. JRCERT also provides a good source of information on various radiology programs.
Career and Salary
Graduates have several career opportunities awaiting them. They may become radiographers, X-ray technicians, sonographers, MRI technologists, or nuclear medicine technologists.
Radiologic technologists and radiology technicians may work in various settings, such as diagnostic imaging facilities, physicians’ offices, and hospitals.
Some of the top employers in Wyoming include Wyoming Medical Center, Ivinson Memorial Hospital, Campbell County Memorial Hospital, Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, and Powell Valley Healthcare.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an estimated 390 rad techs work in the state. Their average annual salary is $57,950(8).
Despite the relatively low number of positions, projections showed potential job growth of 15% for radiologic technologists and technicians between 2016 and 2026(9).
Conclusion
Wyoming has two schools with JRCERT–accredited programs. They are rated using the program effectiveness data, including completion rate, credential exam pass rate, and job placement rate.
Schools with the best radiology programs are Casper College and Laramie County Community College. Currently, no school offers a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Radiologic technologists and radiology technicians must complete a JRCERT–accredited program and pass the ARRT certification exam to work in the state.
Rad techs must also obtain a state license from the Wyoming Board of Radiologic Technologists Examiners. The Wyoming licensure and ARRT certification require renewal every two years.
Those who specialize in radiation therapy or nuclear medicine need to pass a separate state exam. Wyoming also offers a limited one-year license and special license for students in emergency situations.
As of 2019, there are 390 rad techs currently employed in the state. They earn an average annual salary of $57,950.
Despite the relatively low number of rad tech professionals, Projections Central reported a 15% job growth between 2016 and 2026.
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. (Accessed 2020). Program Effectiveness Data. Retrieved from: https://www.jrcert.org/resources/program-effectiveness-data/
- US Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS). (May 2019). Wyoming May 2019 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimate. Retrieved from: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_wy.htm
- Projections Central. (Accessed 2020). Long Term Occupational Projections. Retrieved from: https://projectionscentral.com/Projections/LongTerm
- Program Effectiveness Data. op. cit.
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. (Accessed 2020). Accredited Program Details. Retrieved from: https://portal.jrcertaccreditation.org/accredited-educational-programs/details/23d3d32c-d686-4466-af97-2da5f4484f83
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. (Accessed 2020). Accredited Program Details. Retrieved from: https://portal.jrcertaccreditation.org/accredited-educational-programs/details/406743d8-9d40-4546-a513-189e5830ddb1
- Wyoming.gov (Accessed 2020). Board of Radiologic Technologist Examiners. Retrieved from: https://radiology.wyo.gov/
- US Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS). op. cit.
- Projections Central. op. cit.