Nebraska Radiology Tech Careers and Degrees
Receiving your Radiologic Technologist Training in Nebraska
Nebraska residents interested in seeking a career as a radiologic technologist need to complete a two-year Associate’s Degree to qualify for certification. Programs must be accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The American Society of Radiology Technologists reports some classes radiology technician schools teach include medical terminology, radiographic procedures, anatomy and physiology and patient care. As a student, you will then progress to the hands-on clinical portion of your education. During this phase, you learn to operate and maintain x-ray and other radiology equipment, how to get the best image quality, and how to administer the correct amounts of radiation. You will learn best practices for positioning patients during imaging. Once all educational components have been completed, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) administers the certification exam. The radiology tech school program will prepare you to pass this test.
Radiology Technician Licensing in Nebraska
Candidates for licensing as radiologic technicians take a primary pathway certification in radiography. As of January 1, 2015 all candidates will have to complete an Associate’s Degree accredited by ARRT. The association believes skills learned in degree programs benefit both the tech and the patients they serve. People who get certified before January 1, 2015 do not need to meet the degree requirement. They will complete just the radiologic technician education program. Nebraska students who have finished their education and passed the AART certification exam are qualified to be staff radiology techs practicing at the entry level of the profession. Nebraska requires certified radiologist technicians to be licensed to practice in the state, also. Licensing is governed by the Nebraska Dept. of Health and Human Services Licensure Unit. They require that the medical radiographer show proof of education and proof they have passed the ARRT exam with a score of at least 75. The state requires continuing education every year for radiology techs to maintain their licenses.
Nebraska Radiologic Technology Association
Nebraska Society of Radiologic Technologists
Career Outlook for Radiology Tech Jobs in Nebraska
The profession of radiology technology is promising for new graduates. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the field to grow by 28 percent by 2020. This is faster than many other professions increase. The aging population and the use of more diagnostic imaging techniques will drive this increase. As a medical radiologic technologist, Nebraska students will perform diagnostic imaging exams such as x-rays. They can specialize to do computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and mammography exams, too. People with multiple certifications usually have better job and promotional prospects. Most radiologic technologists work in hospitals, but employment at imaging clinics and physicians’ offices is growing. Radiologist techs use cutting edge scientific medical equipment to provide vital diagnostic assistance to doctors throughout the United States. The BLS estimates that the radiology technician salary in Nebraska averages $48,710 annually. With increased certifications and experience, this salary projection may grow significantly. Radiology technician schools in Nebraska prepare people to be important members of medical patient care teams.