Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Utah

The colleges and universities in Utah offer several programs for earning a degree or certificate in radiologic technology. This overview of radiologic technologist and technician schools in Utah will provide you with the information you need to decide on a school that is in line with your personal interests and career goals. You may also wish to consider online radiologic technologist schools as a more flexible alternative to traditional on-campus study. Read about the difference between radiology technologists and radiology technicians on our careers page. Keep reading this page for more information on radiologic technologist schools in Utah, including a table of rad tech programs and career projections for radiologic techs in the state.

Quick Facts

• There are 4 not-for-profit colleges and universities with radiologic technology degree programs in Utah.¹
• 2 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
• 1 school offers a master’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• 2 schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).²
• No schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).³
• 1 school has a medical imaging program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT).⁴

Table of Contents

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

Utah 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 Utah on a variety of factors. You should check with the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) to ensure that the program you are considering will meet licensure requirements.

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

Select Schools in Utah with Radiology Technologist Degree Programs

Salt Lake Community College

Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) confers the Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) in Radiologic Technology to students who have successfully completed the five-semester, full-time radiologic technology program. Students who can’t attend daytime classes can apply for the evening program, which is offered in even-numbered years. On either track, the program requires a commitment of approximately 40 hours a week between coursework and clinical rotations. Courses include Radiobiology, Sectional Anatomy, and Advanced Patient Care. Students typically spend one or two days a week on campus attending classes and the remaining three days each week at a clinical rotation. Prospective applicants must complete prerequisite courses in biology, English, math, and introductory radiology technology. To be considered for admission into the radiography program, applicants must receive a “B-” or higher in the biology courses, a “C” or higher in all other prerequisites, and score a 75% or higher on the pre-admission exam.

University of Utah

The University of Utah’s School of Medicine offers a Certificate in Nuclear Medicine Technology that can be taken in conjunction with the College of Health’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health and Kinesiology to award a BS in Health and Kinesiology with an emphasis in Nuclear Medicine Technology. The four-year degree program includes classroom and clinical education that meets the educational requirement to apply for certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or the Nuclear Medicine Technologist Certification Board (NMTCB). Applicants to the 96-credit hour Nuclear Medicine Technology emphasis must complete 10 prerequisite courses with a “C-” or better; pass a drug screen and background check; and complete a clinical observation before applying to the emphasis through the Department of Radiology at the School of Medicine. Once enrolled, students will take courses such as Radiation Protection & Biology; Nuclear Medicine Procedures; and Intro to Nuclear Pharmacy. Clinical rotations are held at affiliate locations such as the University of Utah Hospital, Huntsman Cancer Hospital, and the VA Medical Center. Students are expected to graduate from the BS program within a semester of finishing the Nuclear Medicine Technology coursework.

Utah Tech University

Utah Tech University’s (Utah Tech) full-time, two-year radiologic technology program leads to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Medical Radiography and meets the requirements to sit for the ARRT certification exam. The five-semester program consists of radiology coursework and clinical rotations. On-campus courses cover subjects such as patient care, medical imaging, and radiographic physics. During clinical rotations, students work variable shifts at hospitals and local medical facilities. Saturday clinical shifts are required during the third through fifth semesters. Prior to applying for the medical radiography program, applicants must complete 10 prerequisite courses with a minimum of a “C” in each course and a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or above. The program accepts 12 to 14 students every year. Graduation from the AAS program requires a minimum of 87 credit hours, a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and at least a “C” in every course.

Weber State University

Weber State University (WSU) features a two-year, full-time program leading to the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology. Radiologic technology students are assigned a clinical rotation at one of the university’s affiliated hospitals or medical facilities. The program is available on WSU’s campuses in Ogden and Provo, as well as outreach locations across Utah and surrounding states. Outreach students must attend class at the main campus three times each semester. Radiologic technology coursework covers topics including radiographic exposure; patient care and assessment; and basic sectional anatomy. Before enrolling in the program, applicants must complete a pair of prerequisite courses. Applications are due by January 10 each year, with acceptance letters mailed in May and new students beginning the program during the fall semester. WSU also offers bachelor’s and graduate programs in advanced modalities for students seeking further study.

How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Utah

Radiologic technologists in Utah must be licensed through the DOPL. Rad techs in Utah must receive professional credentials from either the ARRT or, for nuclear medicine technologists, the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB). In general, professional certification in Utah requires the following steps:

1. Complete an educational program in your modality. Candidates must complete an educational program that meets either the ARRT or NMTCB standards. This must include training in the chosen modality and a minimum of an associate’s degree for ARRT certification. The training and associate degree can be the same program, but do not have to be.
2. Pass the certification exam. Candidates who have completed the educational requirements must pass either the ARRT certification exam for their field or the NMTCB nuclear medicine technologist certification exam.
3. Apply for a license in Utah. Certified rad techs must submit an application for licensure and any associated fees to the DOPL.
4. Complete continuing education and license renewal. Licenses must be renewed every two years. Rad techs must complete 24 hours of approved continuing education during each renewal period.

The DOPL recognizes limited scope x-ray technicians with the Radiology Practical Technician (RPT) license. RPTs may x-ray select areas of the body under supervision. To qualify, technicians must complete an acceptable radiography program, submit an application to the DOPL, and take and pass the ARRT Limited Scope of Practice in Radiography exam. Once confirmation of a passing score on this exam has been forwarded to the DOPL, a license may be issued if applicants meet all other requirements.

Utah Radiology Tech Salary and Job Outlook

Projections estimate job growth of 21% for radiologic technologists and technicians in Utah between 2020 and 2030.⁵ Nationwide, radiologic technologist and technician positions are expected to grow 8.6% over the same 10-year period.⁵ As of 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that there were approximately 1,500 rad techs working in Utah, earning an average annual salary of $66,120.⁶ Although the BLS does not track occupational data for x-ray technicians, technicians typically earn less than RTs due to the lower educational requirements and work responsibilities. Hospitals, private doctors’ offices, imaging centers, and other medical facilities commonly employ radiologic technologists and technicians in Utah. Organizations that hire rad techs include Intermountain Healthcare, University of Utah Health, and MountainStar Health.

Utah Radiologic Technologist Salary by Metro Area

Student Reviews

Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.

Weber State University
3848 Harrison Blvd
Ogden, UT 84408
(801) 626-6000
https://www.weber.edu/

Student Review: “Studying at Weber State University was a great experience, they have a fantastic radiology Program led by Mr. Robert Walker. After completing this challenging curriculum and clinical program I felt ready and prepared for the workforce ahead of me. Mr. Walker is a great teacher, Rad Tech, and role model. He was always very helpful and easily accessible outside normal school hours by either phone or email. The program was also very well developed in the clinical competencies along with the study material. Studying in the Radiology program at Weber State University also gave me the opportunity to study abroad in China! I was able to study healthcare and culture during a 4 week semester in China. It was a wonderful experience, and I highly recommend it.” – Student at Weber State University

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