# Nebraska > Markdown rendering of https://radiologyed.org/schools/nebraska/ for AI agents and researchers. > Same facts as the HTML page, with navigation and sponsored units removed and sources listed. The HTML page is canonical. > Publisher: radiologyed.org · Last checked: 2026-08-19 The field of radiologic technology is a growing one. More and more jobs open up in this area of healthcare every year and in every state, including Nebraska. With a growing and aging population, healthcare is one area of the economy that is not slowing down. ([Leer esta información en español](https://radiologyed.org/es/nebraska/)) [Careers in radiologic technology](https://radiologyed.org/careers/radiologic-technologist/) are expected to [grow](https://radiologyed.org/prospects/) at 12 percent over the next several years, which is twice as fast as other jobs. Currently, around 1,530 people work in radiologic technology in Nebraska. Because the population of the state is sparse, getting a position here is easier than in other states. ## Accredited Radiography Programs in Nebraska: What You Need to Know Nebraska has seven JRCERT-accredited radiography programs spread across the state, from Omaha on the eastern border to Scottsbluff near Wyoming. That geographic spread matters: graduates from programs like Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings or Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff often fill critical staffing gaps in rural and frontier communities that serve large portions of the state’s population. If you are planning a career as a radiologic technologist in Nebraska, understanding how these programs differ on cost, pass rates, and clinical access will save you time and money. ## Nebraska Radiography Program Listings All seven programs below hold current JRCERT accreditation. Data reflects figures published by JRCERT and is current as of the date of this page. Tuition figures represent total program cost as reported to JRCERT and may not include fees, books, or equipment. ### [CHI Health Immanuel Medical Center](https://www.chihealth.com/education/professional-training/radiologic-technology) – Omaha - **Program length:** 23 months - **Total tuition:** $8,400 (resident and non-resident) - **Completion rate:** 100% - **ARRT exam pass rate:** 72% - **Job placement rate:** 100% - **Accreditation:** 8 years - **Distance education:** Yes - **Program capacity:** 34 students CHI Health Immanuel runs one of the most affordable hospital-based programs in the state. Clinical rotations span an extensive network of CHI Health facilities across eastern Nebraska and western Iowa, including CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney and CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island. That breadth gives students exposure to a wide range of patient volumes and imaging environments. The ARRT pass rate of 72% is below the national average and worth factoring into your decision if board exam performance is a priority. ### Clarkson College – Omaha - **Program length:** 24 months - **Total tuition:** $25,326 (resident and non-resident) - **Completion rate:** 81% - **ARRT exam pass rate:** 88% - **Job placement rate:** 100% - **Accreditation:** 8 years - **Distance education:** No - **Program capacity:** 84 students Clarkson College is the largest-capacity radiography program in Nebraska and carries the second-highest ARRT pass rate among the seven programs. Its clinical network is exceptionally wide, including Children’s Nebraska, Nebraska Medicine, the VA Medical Center in Lincoln, and a range of specialty and outpatient sites. The tuition is among the highest in the state, so applicants should weigh the stronger board pass rate against the cost differential compared to community college and hospital-based options. ### Mary Lanning Healthcare – Hastings - **Program length:** 24 months - **Total tuition:** $6,925 (resident and non-resident) - **Completion rate:** 90% - **ARRT exam pass rate:** 93% - **Job placement rate:** 100% - **Accreditation:** 8 years - **Distance education:** Yes - **Program capacity:** 30 students Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings posts the highest ARRT exam pass rate of any radiography program in Nebraska at 93%, and does so at a total tuition of $6,925. For students focused on board exam outcomes and cost efficiency, this program is hard to overlook. Clinical placements concentrate on south-central Nebraska, covering facilities from Kearney and Grand Island down to smaller rural centers like Merrick Medical Center in Central City and Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege. The program’s 30-student capacity means competitive admissions. ### [Nebraska Methodist College](https://www.methodistcollege.edu/allied-health/certificates/ct-certificate) – Omaha - **Program length:** 24 months - **Total tuition:** $24,920 (resident and non-resident) - **Completion rate:** 88% - **ARRT exam pass rate:** 83% - **Job placement rate:** 100% - **Accreditation:** 8 years - **Distance education:** No - **Program capacity:** 60 students Nebraska Methodist College sits within the Methodist Health System, which gives students direct clinical access to Nebraska Methodist Hospital, Methodist Women’s Hospital in Elkhorn, and Methodist Fremont Health, among others. Clinical sites extend into Iowa as well. At $24,920, tuition is comparable to Clarkson College. The 83% ARRT pass rate and 88% completion rate suggest a solid but not exceptional board exam preparation track record. ### Regional West Medical Center – Scottsbluff - **Program length:** 24 months - **Total tuition:** $4,000 (resident and non-resident) - **Completion rate:** 100% - **ARRT exam pass rate:** 77% - **Job placement rate:** 100% - **Accreditation:** 8 years - **Distance education:** No - **Program capacity:** 14 students Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff is the lowest-cost program in the state at $4,000 total tuition, and it maintains a 100% completion rate. With only 14 available seats, it is also the smallest program. Clinical sites are concentrated in the Nebraska Panhandle and adjacent Wyoming, which suits students who intend to work in western Nebraska after graduation. The 77% ARRT pass rate is a consideration, though the 100% job placement rate indicates strong regional employer demand. ### Southeast Community College – Lincoln - **Program length:** 17 months - **Total tuition:** $4,000 (resident) / $4,600 (non-resident) - **Completion rate:** 82% - **ARRT exam pass rate:** 82% - **Job placement rate:** 100% - **Accreditation:** 5 years - **Distance education:** Yes - **Program capacity:** 72 students Southeast Community College in Lincoln offers the shortest path to graduation of any Nebraska program at 17 months, and ties Regional West for the lowest resident tuition at $4,000. Its clinical network is the most geographically diverse in the state, with placements reaching Hawaii, Oregon, Kansas, South Dakota, and Indiana in addition to sites across Nebraska. That flexibility can appeal to students with geographic constraints or those interested in experiencing different practice environments. The 5-year accreditation cycle (shorter than the 8-year cycles held by most peers) is worth monitoring when you apply. ### [University of Nebraska Medical Center](https://catalog.unmc.edu/allied-health-professions/radiography/#curriculumtext) – Omaha - **Program length:** 21 months - **Total tuition:** $13,790 (resident and non-resident) - **Completion rate:** 100% - **ARRT exam pass rate:** 92% - **Job placement rate:** 100% - **Accreditation:** 8 years - **Distance education:** Yes - **Program capacity:** 76 students UNMC combines a 100% completion rate with a 92% ARRT pass rate, placing it at the top of Nebraska’s programs on both metrics. At $13,790, tuition falls in the mid-range for the state. Clinical sites cover Nebraska extensively, from Children’s Nebraska and Nebraska Medicine in Omaha to regional hospitals in McCook, Chadron, and Wayne. UNMC also offers the related MRI and Radiation Therapy programs discussed below, making it a natural hub for students who want a clear path to advanced imaging specializations. ## Nebraska Radiography Program Comparison Table | Institution | Length | Resident Tuition | Completion Rate | ARRT Pass Rate | Placement Rate | Accreditation | Evening/Weekend | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | CHI Health Immanuel Medical Center | 23 mo. | $8,400 | 100% | 72% | 100% | 8 Years | No | | Clarkson College | 24 mo. | $25,326 | 81% | 88% | 100% | 8 Years | No | | Mary Lanning Healthcare | 24 mo. | $6,925 | 90% | 93% | 100% | 8 Years | No | | Nebraska Methodist College | 24 mo. | $24,920 | 88% | 83% | 100% | 8 Years | No | | Regional West Medical Center | 24 mo. | $4,000 | 100% | 77% | 100% | 8 Years | No | | Southeast CC | 17 mo. | $4,000 | 82% | 82% | 100% | 5 Years | No | | University of Nebraska Medical Center | 9 mo. | $8,280 | 100% | 96% | 100% | 8 Years | No | | University of Nebraska Medical Center | 12 mo. | $11,620 | 100% | 90% | 100% | 8 Years | No | | University of Nebraska Medical Center | 21 mo. | $13,790 | 100% | 92% | 100% | 8 Years | No | ## Radiologic Technologist Salaries in Nebraska According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, Nebraska employs approximately 1,670 radiologic technologists and technicians (SOC 29-2034). The median annual wage is $72,860, with a mean of $74,600. Entry-level positions at the 10th percentile start around $54,410, while experienced technologists at the 75th percentile earn $82,650 and those at the 90th percentile reach $98,300. Nebraska’s cost of living index runs well below the national average, particularly outside Omaha and Lincoln. A $72,860 median salary carries meaningfully more purchasing power in Hastings or Scottsbluff than the same figure would in Denver, Kansas City, or Chicago. Housing costs in the Nebraska Panhandle and south-central Nebraska especially reflect this. For new graduates weighing rural versus metro placements, that cost-of-living differential can offset the modest salary premium sometimes found in larger markets. Career progression shifts the picture further. MRI technologists in Nebraska (SOC 29-2035) earn a median of $82,710 and a mean of $83,450 according to the same BLS May 2025 OEWS data. At the 90th percentile, MRI technologists reach $101,070. With 290 MRI technologists employed statewide and strong demand in Omaha and Lincoln, credentialed radiographers who add an MRI credential see a clear earnings step-up from day one of that role. ## Nebraska Licensing Requirements for Radiologic Technologists Nebraska requires licensure for radiologic technologists under the Nebraska Radiation Control Act, administered by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). To practice as a radiologic technologist in Nebraska, you must: - Graduate from a JRCERT-accredited radiography program - Pass the ARRT certification examination in Radiography - Submit a completed application to Nebraska DHHS with proof of ARRT certification and program completion - Pay the applicable state licensure fee (verify the current fee at the Nebraska DHHS website, as fees are subject to change) - Complete continuing education requirements for license renewal, in line with ARRT CE standards Nebraska does not have a separate state radiation technology board. Licensure is tied directly to ARRT certification, which means passing the board exam is a prerequisite, not just a preferred credential. Graduates who do not pass ARRT cannot legally practice in Nebraska. This is one concrete reason why the ARRT pass rate column in the comparison table above deserves serious weight when selecting a program. Limited permits may be available during the period between program graduation and board exam results; confirm current permit rules with Nebraska DHHS before assuming you can work during that window. ## What to Look for in a Nebraska Radiography Program Choosing a program in Nebraska involves trade-offs that differ from those in states with denser urban populations and more concentrated program options. ### ARRT Pass Rate vs. Total Cost The gap between the lowest and highest ARRT pass rates among Nebraska’s seven programs is 21 percentage points (72% at CHI Health Immanuel vs. 93% at Mary Lanning Healthcare). That gap is not trivial – failing the ARRT exam delays your ability to work, adds re-examination fees, and may affect licensure timelines. Programs with higher pass rates typically have more structured board review built into the curriculum. Ask any program you visit how much dedicated ARRT exam preparation is built into the final semester. ### Clinical Site Geography and Your Career Plans Nebraska is large and rural. If you plan to work in western Nebraska, a program like Regional West Medical Center gives you established relationships and clinical familiarity in that region. If you want an urban hospital system career in Omaha, programs based there give you direct exposure to high-volume trauma centers, pediatric hospitals, and specialty clinics. Southeast Community College’s unusually broad clinical network, including placements in Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest, suits students with non-traditional constraints or who want out-of-state clinical exposure. ### Program Length and Time to Completion Most Nebraska radiography programs run 23 to 24 months. Southeast Community College’s 17-month program is a meaningful outlier. A shorter program means entering the workforce sooner, but also a compressed schedule. Check how clinical hours are distributed across that shorter timeline and whether the pace suits your learning style and outside obligations. ### Hospital-Based vs. College-Based Programs Hospital-based programs like CHI Health Immanuel, Mary Lanning Healthcare, and Regional West Medical Center tend to offer lower tuition and deep integration with a specific health system. That integration can translate into job offers within that same system after graduation. College-based programs like UNMC, Clarkson, and Nebraska Methodist typically offer broader academic frameworks and, in UNMC’s case, clearer pathways into advanced programs in MRI or radiation therapy. ### Accreditation Cycle Length Six of the seven Nebraska programs hold 8-year JRCERT accreditation, the maximum available. Southeast Community College currently holds a 5-year accreditation. This does not disqualify the program, but it signals that JRCERT found items requiring closer monitoring at the last review. Request the program’s most recent JRCERT annual report before enrolling. ### Clinical Hours JRCERT requires a minimum of 1,688 clinical hours for radiography programs. All accredited programs in Nebraska meet this standard. Ask individual programs how hours are structured across the two-year curriculum and whether evening, weekend, or overnight rotations are required, as this affects scheduling for students with family obligations or part-time work. ## Related Imaging and Therapy Programs in Nebraska For radiographers looking to advance into higher-paying specializations, the [University of Nebraska Medical Center](https://catalog.unmc.edu/allied-health-professions/radiography/#curriculumtext) offers two JRCERT-accredited post-primary programs worth considering. ### Magnetic Resonance Imaging – University of Nebraska Medical Center - **Program type:** Magnetic Resonance (post-primary) - **Length:** 9 months - **Tuition:** $8,280 - **Completion rate:** 100% - **Exam pass rate:** 96% - **Job placement rate:** 100% - **Accreditation:** 8 years - **Distance education:** Yes - **Capacity:** 12 students This nine-month program is designed for credentialed radiographers seeking ARRT MRI certification. With a 96% exam pass rate and 100% job placement, it is the strongest post-primary option in Nebraska. Clinical sites cover CHI Health, Children’s Nebraska, Nebraska Medicine, and Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, among others. Given that MRI technologists in Nebraska earn a median of $82,710 (BLS May 2025 OEWS data) versus $72,860 for general radiographers, completing this credential adds roughly $10,000 in annual median earnings. At $8,280 in tuition, the return on investment is fast. ### Radiation Therapy – University of Nebraska Medical Center - **Program type:** Radiation Therapy (post-primary) - **Length:** 12 months - **Tuition:** $11,620 - **Completion rate:** 100% - **Exam pass rate:** 90% - **Job placement rate:** 100% - **Accreditation:** 8 years - **Distance education:** Yes - **Capacity:** 26 students Radiation therapists treat cancer patients under physician direction, using linear accelerators and other therapeutic equipment. UNMC’s 12-month radiation therapy program places graduates at cancer centers across Nebraska, including Nebraska Medicine, CHI Health facilities, Mary Lanning Healthcare Morrison Cancer Center in Hastings, and Faith Health in Norfolk. The 90% ARRT exam pass rate and 100% placement rate make it a reliable path into a distinct and often higher-earning clinical specialty. ## Frequently Asked Questions About Radiology Tech Programs in Nebraska ### How long does it take to become a radiologic technologist in Nebraska? Most JRCERT-accredited radiography programs in Nebraska take 21 to 24 months to complete after admission. Southeast Community College in Lincoln offers the shortest option at 17 months. After graduation, you must pass the ARRT certification exam and obtain your Nebraska DHHS license before practicing clinically. ### What is the ARRT pass rate for Nebraska programs? Pass rates across the seven Nebraska programs range from 72% to 93% based on current JRCERT data. Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings posts the highest rate at 93%, followed by UNMC at 92%. These figures reflect first-attempt pass rates and vary year to year, so ask programs for multi-year trend data during your application process. ### Do I need a license to work as a rad tech in Nebraska? Yes. Nebraska requires licensure under the Nebraska Radiation Control Act. Licensure is tied to ARRT certification, so passing the board exam is mandatory. Apply through Nebraska DHHS after receiving your ARRT credential. ### What do radiologic technologists earn in Nebraska? According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, the median annual wage for radiologic technologists in Nebraska is $72,860. Entry-level wages start around $54,410 at the 10th percentile, and top earners at the 90th percentile reach $98,300. Nebraska’s below-average cost of living means this median salary stretches further than comparable figures in higher-cost states. ### Can I get into a radiology program in Nebraska with just a high school diploma? Most hospital-based programs in Nebraska accept applicants directly from high school with prerequisite coursework. College-based programs at UNMC, Clarkson, and Nebraska Methodist typically require or strongly prefer some college coursework in anatomy, physiology, or allied health sciences. Each program sets its own admission criteria, so review requirements individually. ### Which Nebraska radiography program has the best ARRT pass rate? Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings holds the highest ARRT exam pass rate among Nebraska’s seven JRCERT-accredited radiography programs at 93%, followed by the University of Nebraska Medical Center at 92%. ### Are there online radiography programs in Nebraska? Three of Nebraska’s seven JRCERT-accredited radiography programs offer some distance education components: CHI Health Immanuel Medical Center, Mary Lanning Healthcare, Southeast Community College, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Full clinical hours remain in-person regardless of how didactic instruction is delivered – radiography cannot be completed entirely online. ### How many clinical hours are required in Nebraska radiography programs? JRCERT mandates a minimum of 1,688 clinical hours for radiography programs. All seven Nebraska programs meet this standard. The actual number of clinical hours and how they are distributed across the program length varies by institution. Contact individual programs for their specific clinical schedules. ### What is the cheapest radiography program in Nebraska? Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff and Southeast Community College in Lincoln both list $4,000 as resident tuition, making them the lowest-cost options in the state. Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings follows at $6,925. These figures reflect total program tuition as reported to JRCERT and may not include fees or supplies. ### Can I work in another state after completing a Nebraska radiography program? Yes. ARRT certification is nationally recognized, and most states accept it as the basis for licensure. If you plan to work in a specific state, verify that state’s individual licensure requirements, as some have additional steps beyond ARRT certification. ## Take the Next Step Nebraska’s seven JRCERT-accredited radiography programs range from a $4,000 community college option with the state’s shortest curriculum to an academically comprehensive UNMC program that feeds directly into advanced MRI and radiation therapy credentials. Every program posts a 100% job placement rate, which reflects genuine employer demand for credentialed radiographers across the state. Review the comparison table above against your priorities: cost, location, ARRT pass rate, and clinical network. Then contact the programs that fit your situation directly to ask about current cohort availability, prerequisite requirements, and application deadlines. Seats in several Nebraska programs are limited, particularly at Regional West Medical Center (14 seats) and the UNMC MRI program (12 seats), so starting your application well before deadlines is practical advice. ## Additional Schools and Program Notes Several additional institutions in Nebraska offer pathways into radiologic technology or related allied health fields. The notes below reflect older program descriptions and should be verified directly with each institution, as program structures, degrees offered, and partnerships may have changed. - [VERIFY-STALE: Chadron State College in collaboration with the University of Nebraska Medical Center offers education in radiology for rural students. To be admitted to the program, students must be from a rural part of the state and they agree to return to a rural area to work after graduation and certification.] - [VERIFY-STALE: Northeast Community College in Norfolk has a radiologic technology program in cooperation with Southeast Community College. General education courses are completed at Northeast, while radiology courses are taken online through Southeast Community College. Students gain clinical experience on-site at Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk.] ## Large Employers in Radiology The largest employers of radiologic technologists in Nebraska are in the larger cities, but there are options in rural areas as well. [Alegent Creighton Health](//www.chihealth.com/) 7500 Mercy Rd. Omaha, NE 68124 [Chadron Community Health Hospital and Health Services](//www.chadronhospital.com/) 825 Centennial Drive Chadron, NE 69337 [University of Nebraska Medical Center](//www.unmc.edu/) 42nd and Emile Omaha, NE 68198 [Columbus Community Hospital](//www.columbushosp.org/) 4600 38th Street Columbus, NE 68602 ## Professional Organizations The main professional organization in Nebraska for practitioners of radiologic technology is the [Nebraska Society of Radiologic Technologists](http://www.nsrt.net/). This is the state’s affiliate of the national organization the [American Society of Radiologic Technologists](https://www.asrt.org/). Certification examinations in Nebraska are administered through the [American Registry of Radiologic Technologists](https://www.arrt.org/) and licensing applications go through the state’s Department of Health and Human Services. Any of these organizations can be contacted for more information about certification, licensing, and education. The [Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology](https://www.jrcert.org/), in particular, has good information about education. ## Sources - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) — wage and employment figures. https://www.bls.gov/oes/ - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook — job outlook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ - Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) — accredited programme directory (720 programmes). https://www.jrcert.org/programs/ - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) — certification requirements. https://www.arrt.org/ - Nebraska Methodist College — https://www.methodistcollege.edu/allied-health/certificates/ct-certificate - University of Nebraska Medical Center — https://catalog.unmc.edu/allied-health-professions/radiography/#curriculumtext - American Society of Radiologic Technologists — https://www.asrt.org/ - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists — https://www.arrt.org/ - Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology — https://www.jrcert.org/ Canonical: https://radiologyed.org/schools/nebraska/ Last checked: 2026-08-19