Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Nevada

The colleges and universities in Nevada offer a variety of programs in general radiologic technology as well as specialty radiologic technology programs such as ultrasound and Computed Tomography (CT). This guide to radiologic technologist and technician schools in Nevada can help you make the right decision on where to attend school. Online radiologic technologist programs can also be a good match for students seeking increased flexibility and who are interested in options for accelerated learning. Read about the difference between radiology technologists and radiology technicians. Read on to continue learning about careers in radiologic technology and radiologic technologist in Nevada with our table of rad tech programs, information on rad tech employment and salary levels, and more.

Quick Facts

• There are 4 not-for-profit colleges and universities with radiologic technology degree programs in Nevada.¹
• 3 schools offer a certificate program in radiologic science.¹
• 3 schools offer an associate’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• 2 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• No schools offer a master’s or advanced degree in radiologic science.¹
• 3 schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).²
• 2 schools have a medical imaging program 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

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

Nevada 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 Nevada on a variety of factors. You should check with the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DBPH) to ensure that the program you are considering will meet licensure requirements.

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

Select Schools in Nevada with Radiology Technologist Degree Programs

College of Southern Nevada

The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Radiation Therapy Technology. Through coursework and clinical externships, students learn how to administer radiation therapy, maintain treatment records, evaluate radiation delivery, and ensure quality patient care. Upon graduation from the 21-month program, students are qualified to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination. Over the course of five semesters, students take classes such as Radiographic Process; Radiation Physics; Caring for the Patient at the End of Life; Radiation Oncology; and Radiobiology. The radiation therapy program at CSN is a limited-entry program; prospective students must complete a series of prerequisite courses and the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam to be eligible for admission. Selection is based on a point system that considers factors such as an applicant’s previous educational experience, GPA, exam scores, and previous experience in the medical field.

Great Basin College

Students accepted to the Associate of Science (AS) in Radiologic Sciences degree at Great Basin College (GBC) will participate in classroom, lab, and clinical education as they prepare to sit for the ARRT certification exam. During the first two semesters of the five-semester program, students will attend classes two days a week and participate in lab courses at either the Elko or Pahrump campus. Didactic courses include Radiology; Electrical and Radiation Physics; and Medical Imaging Pathology. The final three semesters of the program provide clinical rotations with at least two different clinical affiliates and online coursework during the fourth and fifth semesters. Rotations may be 60 miles or more from campus locations. Applications are due by April 1. Applicants must complete prerequisite coursework in science, math, and nursing. Selection for the program is based on factors such as prerequisites, general education courses taken, and prior medical experience.

Truckee Meadows Community College

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology at Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) seeks to help students develop a solid foundation in the theory and practice of radiologic technology in conjunction with basic science and general education. Students in the program complete a 21-month curriculum, which includes 74.5 credit hours of classroom study and 1,680 hours of clinical rotations at facilities in Reno, Sparks, and Carson City. Courses in the curriculum include Medical Ethics; Radiology Physics & Circuitry; Radiation Safety and Protection; and Radiography Quality Management. Graduates will have met the education requirements to sit for the ARRT certification exam. Before applying to the program, applicants must complete 19 credits of prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better. Applicants must show proof of either certified nursing assistant (CNA) training or an approved alternative. TMCC also offers certificates in advanced modalities such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT).

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Comprehensive Medical Imaging (CMI) at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) offers a radiography track that will meet the educational requirements for the ARRT certification exam and help prepare students for careers as radiologic technologists. The 120-credit hour degree program combines on-campus classes and lab study with clinical rotations at clinical affiliates across the Las Vegas area. Students spend the first two years of the CMI program completing prerequisite and general education courses before applying to the Radiography track. Admission to the latter phase of the program requires a minimum GPA of 2.5, which must be maintained throughout the remainder of the program. Radiography coursework includes Radiographic Quality Assurance and Techniques; Physics of X-Ray Production; and Principles of Digital Imaging. The BS in CMI also offers tracks in CT/MRI and Ultrasound. Students interested in the CT/MRI track must have a previous certificate in Radiography.

How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Nevada

The DPBH’s Radiation Control Program issues licenses to radiologic technologists, nuclear medicine technologists, and radiation therapists in Nevada. The DPBH uses ARRT or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) certification to qualify candidates for a license. Therefore, rad techs seeking licensure must first become certified by the ARRT or the NMTCB before applying to the DPBH. Certification and licensure require the following steps:

1. Complete a degree, diploma, or certificate in your chosen modality. The DPBH requires candidates to complete an accredited program in a radiologic modality. The ARRT also requires at least an associate’s degree from an accredited institution, which may be, but is not required to be, the same program.
2. Pass the certification exam and apply for certification. Candidates must apply for and pass either the ARRT certification exam in their chosen modality or the NMTCB nuclear medicine technologist certification exam. Passing the NMTCB exam will lead to NMTCB certification. However, upon passing the ARRT exam, candidates must complete a separate application for ARRT certification.
3. Apply for a license. Certified technologists must apply to the DPBH for a license. License applications are available through the Radiation Control Program’s online Centralized Licensing, Inspections and Certification System (CLICS).
4. Renew your license. Licenses must be renewed every two years. The state requires proof of continued ARRT certification as evidence of continuing education (CE). The ARRT requires annual renewal and 24 hours of CE every two years.

The DPBH also offers a Limited License in Radiologic Imaging. Candidates must complete an approved training program in x-ray technology before applying to the DPBH for permission to take the ARRT Limited Scope of Practice in Radiography exam. A passing score on this exam is required in order to qualify for a license, which will be issued to qualified candidates once the ARRT confirms a passing exam score.

Nevada Radiology Tech Salary and Job Outlook

Employment of radiologic technologists and technicians in Nevada is projected to increase by 18.1% through 2030.⁵ This projected growth rate far outpaces the anticipated job growth rate for rad techs nationally, which is estimated at 8.6% over the same time period.⁵ According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2022, approximately 1,850 radiologic technologists and technicians worked in Nevada, earning an average annual salary of $84,330.⁶ Although the BLS does not provide employment data for limited scope x-ray technicians, technicians typically earn less than radiologic technologists due to the lower educational requirements and scope of responsibility. Graduates from radiologic technology programs in Nevada who are seeking employment may find opportunities at major hospitals including Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, Boulder City Hospital, and University Medical Center of Southern Nevada. Rad techs may also find employment opportunities at medical institutions such as Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging, Nevada Imaging Centers, and Desert Radiology.

Nevada Radiologic Technologist Salary by Metro Area

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