How to Get Your Nevada Radiologic Technologist License in 2026

How to Become a Licensed Radiologic Technologist in Nevada

Nevada requires radiologic technologists to hold a current state license before performing diagnostic imaging procedures on patients. Nevada's radiologic technology licensure is administered at the state level, with ARRT certification serving as a prerequisite. The Las Vegas and Reno-Sparks metros create a high-volume imaging market driven partly by a large tourism population, casino-area trauma centers, and a rapidly growing permanent resident base. This guide covers every step from accredited education through license maintenance.

Step 1: Complete a JRCERT-Accredited Program

Nevada requires graduation from a JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program. In-state accredited options include:

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology — available at College of Southern Nevada (Las Vegas/Henderson) and Great Basin College (Elko). The CSN program is well-established and feeds directly into major Las Vegas health system hiring pipelines. Two-year completion including clinical rotations at Las Vegas-area hospitals.
• Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT) — degree-completion programs (online and hybrid) allow working Nevada techs to advance from AAS to BS without leaving the state's job market.

Always verify current JRCERT accreditation status at jrcert.org. Nevada will not approve a license application from a non-JRCERT-accredited program graduate.

Step 2: Earn Your ARRT Certification

ARRT certification is a mandatory prerequisite for Nevada state licensure. Key steps and details:

• Primary credential: R.T.(R) — Radiographer. Exam fee is approximately $225.
• Ethics review: ARRT screens for criminal history and prior disciplinary actions during the application process.
• Clinical competencies: Documented throughout your JRCERT program and submitted to ARRT.
• Continuing education: 24 CE credits per two-year cycle. Nevada's state renewal requirement mirrors ARRT's standard.
• Specialty credentials to prioritize in Nevada: CT (R.T.(CT)) is particularly valuable in Las Vegas's high-volume trauma environment. MRI (R.T.(MR)) is sought at larger hospital campuses. Mammography (R.T.(M)) is in demand at women's health centers across both metros.

Step 3: Apply for Your Nevada State License

Nevada administers radiologic technologist licensure at the state level. The application process:

1. Complete the Nevada state radiologic technologist license application. Access the current application through the Nevada state licensing portal — applications are typically managed through the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health or a designated state board for radiologic technology.
2. Submit proof of current ARRT certification (ARRT ID and verification letter or online ARRT verification).
3. Pay the initial licensure fee. Nevada fees currently run $75–$125 for an initial license; verify the exact current amount on the state fee schedule before submitting.
4. Provide official transcripts from your JRCERT-accredited program if requested.
5. Renew biennially (every two years), documenting completion of 24 CE credits.

Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your target start date. Confirm whether a temporary practice permit is available during the application review period — this varies and you should contact the licensing authority directly for current policy.

Continuing Education Requirements

Nevada radiologic technologists must complete 24 CE credits every two years for license renewal. Qualifying activities include:

• Online CE modules from ARRT-recognized CE providers (ASRT, Radiologic Technology journal CE, manufacturer-sponsored educational programs)
• National imaging conferences such as RSNA and the ASRT Annual Conference
• Hospital-based in-service education meeting state CE standards
• Relevant academic coursework

Nevada's CE cycle aligns with ARRT's biennial continuing qualification requirement, so a single set of 24 CE credits satisfies both the state renewal and the ARRT standard simultaneously. Retain CE documentation for at least three years.

Radiologic Technologist Specializations in Nevada

Nevada's imaging market — especially Las Vegas — is distinctive due to its large transient population, 24-hour hospitality industry, and multiple high-volume trauma centers:

• CT (R.T.(CT)): Critical in Las Vegas trauma centers that serve one of the nation's densest concentrations of tourists and gaming employees. High-volume, around-the-clock CT coverage is standard at major Strip-area hospitals.
• MRI (R.T.(MR)): Strong demand at larger campuses of Valley Health, Sunrise Health, and Renown Regional.
• Mammography (R.T.(M)): Growing Las Vegas and Reno-Sparks women's health imaging markets, driven by population growth.
• Interventional / Vascular (R.T.(VI)): Cardiac cath labs and interventional suites at major Nevada hospitals.
• Travel Radiography: Rural Nevada — Elko, Ely, Winnemucca — has critical-access hospitals with consistent travel RT demand, often with housing included.

Nevada Salary Ranges

Nevada radiologic technologist salaries — particularly in Las Vegas — are above national averages, driven by the high cost of living, shift differentials for around-the-clock operations, and strong hospital competition for experienced techs:

• General radiography (R.T.(R)): $60,000–$82,000 per year. Las Vegas positions with evening/night/weekend differentials can push base compensation toward the upper range even for general radiographers.
• CT and MRI specialists: $72,000–$95,000+. Senior CT techs at high-volume Las Vegas trauma centers are among the better-compensated in the western US.
• Travel radiologic technologists: $50–$68 per hour. Las Vegas hospitals are active travel RT consumers given staffing volatility; rural Nevada facilities add housing allowances.
• Lead/supervisory roles: $88,000–$105,000 at major Las Vegas health systems.

Top Employers

Nevada's healthcare market is primarily concentrated in the Las Vegas and Reno-Sparks metros:

• Valley Health System (Las Vegas) — multi-hospital system including Valley Hospital Medical Center and Spring Valley Medical Center. High-volume trauma and imaging operations.
• Sunrise Health System (Las Vegas) — includes Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center (Level II trauma) and Mountain View Hospital. One of Las Vegas's largest imaging employers.
• University Medical Center (UMC) (Las Vegas) — Clark County's public hospital and Southern Nevada's only Level I trauma center. Largest single-site imaging department in Nevada.
• Dignity Health — St. Rose Dominican (Henderson/Las Vegas) — three-campus Catholic health system serving the Las Vegas Valley's southern communities.
• Renown Health (Reno) — northern Nevada's largest health system; Renown Regional Medical Center is Reno's primary acute-care employer for imaging techs.
• Northern Nevada Medical Center (Sparks) and other Reno-area facilities provide additional Truckee Meadows employment options.