- Universities and colleges in Nevada offer various programs both in general and specialty radiologic technology(1). Individuals seeking increased flexibility may also find online radiologic technologist programs a viable option.
- X-ray technicians can help doctors capture images of various internal organs using X-ray equipment. Doctors will analyze those images to understand their patients’ health conditions better and provide necessary treatments(2).
Meanwhile, radiologic technologists are responsible for setting the appropriate exposure parameters to minimize patients’ radiation exposure(3).
- Radiologic technologists perform radiation therapy treatments and diagnostic imaging examinations. Part of their responsibilities is explaining the procedures, positioning patients on the examining table, and adjusting immobilization devices to obtain optimum views of particular body parts(4).
Radiologic technologists also work closely with radiologists.
- A radiologist is a doctor who completed medical school and received specialized training in procuring and analyzing medical images using X-rays, radioactive substances, sound waves, or magnets.
- Nevada expects job growth of 17.8% in the number of technicians and radiologic technologists by 2028(5). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment rate for radiologists is expected to increase by 9% over the same period.
On the other hand, the average annual salary of radiologic professionals in Nevada is $70,040. However, it is possible to earn up to $90,000 with the appropriate combination of experience and specialization. The average hourly compensation is $33.67(6).
Top X-ray Technician Schools in Nevada
The table below provides applicants with an easy means of comparing various aspects of the non-profit radiologic technology and medical imaging programs that are located in the state of Nevada(7).
Applicants need to confirm with the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) that the program that interests them complies with the standards for obtaining a license.
| School Name | Associate’s Imaging Program | Bachelor’s Imaging Program | National Accreditation | Completion Rate2 | Credential Exam Pass Rate2 | Job Placement Rate2 | Net Price1 |
| College of Southern Nevada | Yes | — | CAAHEP | — | — | — | $7,328 |
| Great Basin College | Yes | Yes | JRCERT | 82% | 90% | 95% | $7,339 |
| Truckee Meadows Community College | Yes | — | JRCERT | 81% | 92% | 94% | $9,307 |
| University of Nevada, Las Vegas | — | Yes | JRCERT | 92% | 93% | 94% | $12,403 |
**Data retrieved on June 30, 2022. Changes can happen when a new set of information comes in.
List of Programs
Here is the list of programs that are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) in Nevada(8):
1. Great Basin College – Radiography
1500 College Parkway, Elko NV 89801
Program Name: Radiology technology
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 26 months
2. Pima Medical Institute–Las Vegas – Radiography
3333 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas NV 89121
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 90 months
3. University of Nevada, Las Vegas – Radiography
4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 453017, Las Vegas NV 89154-3017
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Bachelor of Science
Duration: 122 months
4. Truckee Meadows Community College – Radiography
18600 Wedge Parkway, Reno NV 89521
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 40 months
Those interested in radiologic technology and health care employment have two more alternatives for radiology schools(9).
- Reno‘s Truckee Meadows Community College: Students from Reno can acquire a two-year degree program in radiologic technology. The curriculum consists of general education courses, a foundation in fundamental sciences, and radiology-specific courses. In addition to classroom work, students undergo clinical training.
- Western Nevada College: This institution, including campuses in Carson City, Fallon, Douglas, and Lovelock, provides an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. Although this curriculum is not meant to train radiologic techs, it can assist students in getting started in the health sciences.
X-ray Technician Program vs. Radiology Technologist Program
X-ray technicians aid physicians by taking images of different internal organs. A physician will then study these images to comprehend patients’ health conditions better and provide necessary therapy(10). X-ray professionals will also be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of all equipment.
Aspiring X-ray technicians can work in the field of radiology with an associate’s degree. However, most will pursue a bachelor’s degree before entering the profession.
Individuals interested in becoming X-ray technicians should obtain an associate’s degree for two years, including 60 credit hours of coursework.
Students can take courses such as medical terminology, radiologic advanced imaging modalities, physics, patient care and ethics in radiologic sciences, patient care approaches, and pathology.
After graduation, successful graduates are eligible to join the workforce as entry-level X-ray technicians. Those individuals with great interest in science and anatomy will appreciate this area of study. They can work in hospitals, laboratories, and private clinics.
Meanwhile, radiologic technologists are qualified by education and clinical experience(11).
A radiologic technologist operates and adjusts radiological equipment and establishes appropriate exposure parameters. The rad tech produces optimal radiography quality while minimizing the patient’s radiation exposure.
Mainly employed in hospitals, clinics, and physicians’ offices, radiographers collaborate closely with other health care team members as medical assistants in diagnosing and treating patients.
What Is a Radiographer?
Radiographers are responsible for operating X-ray equipment to provide high-quality diagnostic images that help in the diagnosis of a variety of medical diseases(12). They can specialize in sonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammography, computed tomography (CT), and vascular interventional radiography.
Also, the word “radiologist” refers to a fully licensed physician who, after finishing medical school, completed a four- to seven-year residency in radiology. A radiographer can also fulfill all qualifications (state-specific job requirements) in a significantly shorter time.
After high school, a radiographer can finish the required training in two to three years.
The associate’s degree program will equip graduates for employment in a variety of positions, including(13):
- X-ray technologist
- Radiologic technologist
- Other specialty roles
Radiographers can work in several settings:
- Hospitals
- Diagnostic imaging facilities
- Outpatient care centers
- Clinics and practices
How to Become a Radiologic Technologist in Nevada
The radiologic technology program includes pathology, radiation biology, protection, patient care, and ethics(14).
Students can learn about radiographic procedures, imaging, evaluation, and quality assurance. They can also participate in supervised clinical education in radiography and apply for the national certification exam upon completion of the program.
Here is the complete guide for applicants who want to become a radiology tech in Nevada(15):
- In the state of Nevada, licensure for radiologic technologists, nuclear medicine technologists, and radiation therapists is issued by the Radiation Control Program of the Department of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH).
- Certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) is required for the DPBH to issue a license.
Therefore, radiologic techs interested in obtaining a license must first get certification from either the ARRT or the NMTCB before applying for the DPBH.
- Applicants must complete a degree, diploma, or certificate in a particular modality. The DPBH requires candidates to finish an authorized radiologic modality program.
- Additionally, the ARRT requires a minimum associate’s degree from an approved college, which may or may not be the same program.
- Certified technicians must apply to the DPBH to get a license. The Radiation Control Program’s online Centralized Licensing Inspections and Certification System (CLICS) accepts license applications.
- Renewal is also required every two years. The state demands documentation of ongoing ARRT certification as continuing education (CE). Meanwhile, the ARRT mandates yearly renewal and 24 hours of continuing education every two years.
In addition, the DPBH provides a limited license in radiologic imaging. Before applying to the DPBH for authorization to take the ARRT examination for the limited scope of practice in radiography, candidates must finish an authorized training program in X-ray technology.
This test must be passed to qualify for a license, which will be awarded to approved applicants after the ARRT verifies a passing result.
Accreditation and Program Information Tech Jobs in Nevada
The ARRT provides five main programs for certification as a registered technician in the medical imaging profession(16):
- Radiography
- Ultrasound
- Nuclear medicine
- MRI
- Radiation treatment
A radiography program or radiologic technology is the sole leading credential covering all radiology modalities. Students should note that imaging modalities such as MRI, CT, mammography, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), cardiovascular (CV), and vascular interventional radiology (VIR) are post-primary certifications that can only be obtained via the ARRT by registered technologists.
Meanwhile, Nevada mandates certification for only mammography technologists. The technologist must possess three certifications: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) certification for the legal operation of all mammography equipment, American College of Radiology (ACR) accreditation, and a certificate of authorization from the Nevada Radiation Control Program (RCP)(17).
In Nevada, it is allowed to work in various fields of radiologic technology, such as radiography and radiation therapy, without a license.
Career Outlook for X-ray Tech
More and more medical diseases requiring imaging as a diagnostic tool will arise as the population ages(18).
From 2020 to 2030, the number of people employed as radiologic and MRI technicians in the United States is expected to rise, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Nevada expects job growth of 17.8% in the number of people employed as radiologic technologists and technicians by 2028(19).
Radiology technicians or technologists are expected to have a 9% increase in employment over the same period, which is more than twice as fast as the predicted growth in this field.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, radiologic technologists and technicians in Nevada make an average yearly income of $71,460.
Roughly 1,450 people are working as radiologic technologists in Nevada(20). These employees earn more than the average salary throughout the United States. Therefore, the employment opportunities are vast for aspiring rad techs in Nevada.
However, due to the reduced educational qualifications and scope of duty, restricted scope X-ray technicians often earn less than radiologic technologists(21).
There are several opportunities for graduates of radiologic technology schools in Nevada to work at major hospitals, including:
- Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center in Las Vegas
- Boulder City Hospital
- University Medical Center of Southern Nevada
These institutions include Carson Valley Medical Center, Desert Radiology, Great Basin Imaging, and Pueblo Medical Imaging in Carson City and Henderson.
Salaries for Certified X-ray Technicians in Nevada
Radiologic technologists earn $29 per hour on average, which works out to a $60,320 annual salary in the United States(22).
A career in this industry brings in a yearly pay of $70,040 in Nevada. However, it is possible to make as much as $90,000 if applicants have the right combination of experience and specialty. The average pay for each worked hour is $33.67.
FAQs
1. How do individuals become an X-ray tech in Las Vegas?
After completing a radiography certificate program, students must take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam(23). Many states require certification from the ARRT for individuals to practice as a technologist. Hence, graduates from Las Vegas, Nevada, must pass the ARRT exam in radiography to work in hospitals, imaging centers, and other related sectors.
2. How long does it take to complete an X-ray tech program?
Individuals interested in becoming X-ray technicians should have an associate’s degree for two years with 60 credit hours of coursework(24).
Radiologists are licensed physicians who completed medical school. These professionals had a four- to seven-year residency in radiology. Meanwhile, a radiographer can also fulfill all qualifications in a significantly shorter amount of time(25).
After high school, a radiographer can finish the required training in two to three years.
3. How much do X-ray techs make in Nevada?
Nevada radiology tech’s annual salary is $70,040. Nevertheless, it is possible to earn up to $90,000 with the appropriate combination of experience and specialization. The average hourly compensation is $33.67(26).
4. How much do X-ray techs make in Las Vegas?
As of June 2022, the average yearly salary for a radiologic technologist in Las Vegas is $59,670(27).
There may be several possibilities for progression and improved income depending on skill level, location, and years of experience since the typical salary range for a radiologic technologist is somewhat high (up to $26,727).
- Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Nevada
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/nevada/ - X-Ray Technician Degrees
https://www.collegesanddegrees.com/programs/x-ray-technician - Radiologic Technology (may include BI, CT, CVI or MRI)
https://medicine.uiowa.edu/radsci/programs/radiologic-technology - Professions in Diagnostic Radiology
https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/professions-diagnostic-radiology - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Nevada
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/nevada/ - Education Options for Tomorrow’s Medical Imaging Professionals in Nevada
https://radiologyed.org/schools/nevada/ - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Nevada
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/nevada/ - Education Options for Tomorrow’s Medical Imaging Professionals in Nevada
https://radiologyed.org/schools/nevada/ - Ibid.
- X-Ray Technician Degrees
https://www.collegesanddegrees.com/programs/x-ray-technician - Radiologic Technology (may include BI, CT, CVI or MRI)
https://medicine.uiowa.edu/radsci/programs/radiologic-technology - What Does a Radiographer Do? Job Duties & Requirements
https://online.ahu.edu/blog/what-does-a-radiographer-do/ - Radiography Associate Degree Program
https://pmi.edu/on-campus-programs/associate/radiography/ - Radiologic Technology (may include BI, CT, CVI or MRI)
https://medicine.uiowa.edu/radsci/programs/radiologic-technology - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Nevada
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/nevada/ - Home Radiologic Technology Program
https://www.tmcc.edu/radiologic-technology - Education Options for Tomorrow’s Medical Imaging Professionals in Nevada
https://radiologyed.org/schools/nevada/ - Radiography Associate Degree Program
https://pmi.edu/on-campus-programs/associate/radiography/ - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Nevada
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/nevada/ - Education Options for Tomorrow’s Medical Imaging Professionals in Nevada
https://radiologyed.org/schools/nevada/ - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Nevada
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/nevada/ - Education Options for Tomorrow’s Medical Imaging Professionals in Nevada
https://radiologyed.org/schools/nevada/ - Radiography
https://www.unlv.edu/hpds/radiography - X-Ray Technician Degrees
https://www.collegesanddegrees.com/programs/x-ray-technician - What Does a Radiographer Do? Job Duties & Requirements
https://online.ahu.edu/blog/what-does-a-radiographer-do/ - Education Options for Tomorrow’s Medical Imaging Professionals in Nevada
https://radiologyed.org/schools/nevada/ - Radiology Technologist Salary in Las Vegas, NV
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Radiology-Technologist-Salary-in-Las-Vegas,NV