Where to Study Medical Imaging in Wyoming

Wyoming is a state with a small population spread over a large geographic area.

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Despite that, Wyoming is no exception to the general U.S. trend of growing jobs in health care. The population of the state is aging and needs more healthcare workers, in particular radiologic technologists.

Across the country, jobs in this field are expected to increase by 12 percent between now and 2026. This rate is faster than the increase in all jobs on average. Now is an excellent time for anyone to earn a certificate or degree in radiography and to seek a job working in this area of health care.

Prerequisite Courses For Radiologic Technologist Programs

Before you apply to any radiologic technology program, you’ll need to complete prerequisite courses. These courses are essential because they provide the foundation for learning more complex material in the radiography curriculum. The six Prerequisite courses include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. Some programs also require students to take their radiographic images as part of the program.

Fortunately, Wyoming has several programs that offer the education and training you need to become a radiologic technologist.

Duties of Radiologic Technologists

Radiologic technologists use radiography equipment to diagnose, treat and monitor diseases and other medical conditions. In addition, they provide quality patient care. They must possess an aptitude for mathematics, physics, anatomy, and physiology to understand the principles behind diagnostic imaging procedures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scanning are two of the most advanced radiologic technologies. Technologists must be knowledgeable about the safety procedures, radiation safety guidelines, and regulations associated with these types of imaging tests.

Radiology Requirements in Wyoming

Radiologic technologists are required to hold a license to work in Wyoming. The licensing is administered through the Wyoming Board of Radiologic Technologists Examiners. To get a license, workers in this field must first complete an appropriate course of study at a university or college. After graduating, the exam set by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) must be taken and passed. For specializations in nuclear medicine or radiation therapy, a separate state exam must be passed. Licenses are good for two years and there are no continuing education requirements. Wyoming also offers a limited, one-year license and a special license for students in emergencies.

Radiologic Technology Schools in Wyoming

There are a few schools in Wyoming that offer programs in radiography or radiologic technology.

• Casper College, Casper. This community college in the state’s second-largest city offers a two-year degree in radiography. Students who complete the program are prepared to pass the ARRT exam, but may also choose to specialize in CT imaging, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, or other areas.
• Laramie County Community College, Cheyenne. Students here can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in radiography. The program prepares students to take and pass the ARRT exam. Spots in the program are limited due to the number of hospitals available for clinical experiences.

Radiologic technology degree programs typically include classroom lectures, hands-on training in the use of state-of-the-art equipment, and clinical experiences at hospitals. Students also learn about anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology so they can accurately interpret radiographic images as part of the program. The courses may also cover imaging safety procedures, radiation protection protocols, patient care techniques, and medical ethics.

Other Schools to Consider Educational in Radiologic Technology

There are a couple of other options in the state for students interested in radiography and healthcare careers.

• Western Wyoming Community College, Rock Springs. Western Wyoming community college offers a pre-radiology course of study that allows students in this remote area to begin an education in radiologic technology. Students take prerequisite courses here and then complete the associate of applied science degree at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah.
• Northwest College, Powell. Northwest does not currently have a program in radiologic technology, but it does offer certificate programs in nursing. Students in the area of Powell who is interested in health care and radiology might consider earning a certificate here to get started in this field.

Out-of-state options are Salt Lake City, Boulder, Denver Aurora, Lakewood, and Colorado Springs.

Large Employers

Wyoming is sparsely populated, but there are hospitals and local affiliated medical facilities concentrated in the larger cities that need radiologic technologists. Those that are smaller and in rural areas also need workers.

Salaries in Radiology

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021, radiologic technologists and technicians in Wyoming on average in the U.S. make an hourly wage of $29.50. The average annual salary is $61,370. In Wyoming, the average is not far from the national numbers. A radiologic technologist in the state can expect, on average, to earn $61,290 per year or $29.46 per hour. The annual salary can be up to $79,340 with years of experience or with areas of specialization. Likewise, the hourly wage can be up to $38.15. Although the averages are a little bit less than in other areas of the country, the cost of living in Wyoming is also less. Radiologic technologists can expect to earn a comfortable living here. More information on Rad Tech salaries in Wyoming.

Professional Organizations

National organizations for workers in radiologic technology include the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, which sets the licensing exam, and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. The American registry of radiologic technologists offers a Find a Program tool to help students research schools.

The state affiliate of the latter is another organization that workers in Wyoming may consider joining. It is called the Wyoming Society of Radiologic Technologists. Another important organization is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. This group is responsible for accrediting educational programs and is a good source of further information. The joint review committee on education evaluates programs based on the standards of the ASRT.

Wyoming Board of radiologic technologist examiners provides licensing in the state. The Wyoming Department of Professional Licensing is responsible for issuing licenses to radiologic technologists in the state and upholding professional standards through rules and regulations set by the board.

JRCERT Accredited Radiography Programs in Wyoming

Casper College – Radiography

125 College Drive, Casper WY 82601
Tel: (307) 268-2587
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 42 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 87%  Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $2,592

Laramie County Community College – Radiography

1400 East College Drive, Cheyenne WY 82007
Tel: (307) 7781-292
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 44 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 82%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 98.5%  Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $4,192 Resident, $9,504 Non-resident