Your path to becoming a radiographer
Once in the Radiography program at UNMC, you will take a licensure exam and earn your bachelor's degree from UNMC. You can then apply for specialty training in CVIT, CT/MRI, DMS, or radiation therapy, and, if accepted, spend extra time at UNMC, receiving a certificate in one of these specialty areas in the end.
Cardiovascular Interventional Technology (CVIT)
CVIT technologists use imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy, CT, and MRI to help guide minimally invasive procedures for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular conditions. These procedures often involve the use of catheters, stents, or other devices inserted into blood vessels to treat issues like blockages or aneurysms. CVIT technologists work closely with physicians during these procedures, ensuring accurate imaging and patient safety. This field combines advanced imaging technology with patient care, playing a critical role in modern cardiovascular medicine.
Learn more about the CVIT program at UNMC Download the CVIT program sheet (PDF)
Computer Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CT/MRI)
CT and MRI technologists use medical imaging techniques to create detailed images of the body's internal structures. CT uses X-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images, useful for diagnosing conditions like tumors, fractures, and infections. MRI, on the other hand, uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of soft tissues, such as the brain, muscles, and organs. Unlike CT, MRI does not involve radiation. Both techniques help doctors diagnose, monitor, and treat various medical conditions with high precision.
Computed Tomography program at UNMC MRI Technology program at UNMC Download the CT/MRI program sheet (PDF)
Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS)
A DMS specialist, or sonographer, uses ultrasound machines to examine areas like the abdomen, heart, blood vessels, and reproductive organs, helping doctors diagnose medical conditions. Sonographers interpret the images they capture, report findings, and ensure patient comfort and safety during the procedure. DMS specialists often work in hospitals, clinics, or diagnostic imaging centers, and they may specialize in areas like obstetric, vascular, or cardiac sonography. Their work plays a critical role in non-invasive medical diagnostics.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography at UNMC Download the DMS program sheet (PDF)
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapists administer radiation treatments to patients with cancer or other conditions. Working closely with oncologists, they use specialized equipment to deliver precise doses of radiation to shrink tumors or manage disease, ensuring accurate targeting while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Radiation therapists monitor patients during treatment, assess for side effects, and provide support throughout the therapy process. They play a critical role in the patient care team, combining technical expertise with compassionate care to help manage and treat cancer. Radiation therapists typically work in hospitals, cancer treatment centers, or outpatient clinics.
Radiation Therapy at UNMC Download the Radiation Therapy program sheet (PDF)
Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP)
The Pre-Radiography track within RHOP is designed for rural Nebraska students interested in returning to rural areas to practice radiography. In this program, you’ll complete two years at Wayne State before entering a Radiography program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). Participants in RHOP receive a full-tuition scholarship at WSC, guaranteed admission to UNMC, job shadowing and internship experiences, one-on-one advising, and early registration privileges.
Rural Health Opportunities Program
Pre-Radiography internships and job shadowing
Our outstanding Career Services Office is available to help you find internships and career opportunities. Students recently completed internships at the following locations:
- Faith Regional Health Services (Norfolk, Neb.)
- Franciscan Healthcare (West Point, Neb.)
- MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center (Sioux City, Iowa)
- Providence Medical Center (Wayne, Neb.)
- Sidney Regional Medical Center (Sidney, Neb.)
Topics covered in the Pre-Radiography program
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Biological systems and structures
- CPR for health care providers
- Medical terminology
- General chemistry and physics
- Research, data collection, and analysis
- Modern lab techniques
Graduates of the Pre-Radiography program work in their field or continue their studies using the skills they learned while at Wayne State College.
Career possibilities:
- Radiographer
- Radiology technologist
- Cardiovascular interventional technologist
- X-ray technician
- Sonographer / ultrasound technician
- CT technologist
- MRI technologist
- Radiation therapist
- Mammographer
- Diagnostic imaging specialist
- Radiologist assistant
- Medical director / supervisor
job or grad school placement rate
within six months of graduation
Data based on most recent
employment outcomes survey
Transfer to Wayne State
Our generous transfer credit policy will allow you to get credit for what you've already earned.
- If you've taken courses at other institutions, you can transfer those credits to Wayne State.
- Already have an associate degree? Seamlessly transfer your full degree through one of our transfer pathways.
- Military or veteran student? You may be able to get credit for your military experience and training.
Department faculty
Dr. Darius Agoumba is a chemistry professor at Wayne State College. His teaching interests are general chemistry, analytical chemistry, and instrumental analysis.
DJ Black JR, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Dr. DJ Black is a professor in the Physical Sciences and Mathematics Department at Wayne State College. He teaches biochemistry, organic chemistry, and other subdisciplines in chemistry directly relevant to the health sciences.
Brett Cagg, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Dr. Brett Cagg is a chemistry professor at Wayne State College. His teaching responsibilities are general chemistry, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and applications of quantum mechanics.
Dr. Adam Davis is a physics professor at Wayne State College. He is also the pre-engineering advisor and physics lab director.
Rob Engel teaches in the Department of Physical Science and Mathematics. He teaches courses related to science teacher education and general science.
Dr. Mary Ettel is a chemistry professor at Wayne State College. She is the contact for the RHOP pre-radiography program.
Mary Kuchta, Ed.D.
Associate Professor
Dr. Mary Kuchta is a mathematics professor at Wayne State College. Kuchta's teaching interests include the teaching of mathematics and working with mathematics teacher education students.
Jennifer Langdon, Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Jennifer Langdon is a mathematics professor at Wayne State College. Her academic interests include collegiate math and statistics education, and dynamic equations on time scales.
Michael Marmorstein, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Dr. Michael Marmorstein is a mathematics professor at Wayne State College. His primary mathematical interest is abstract algebra; his technical focus is on abstract objects like rings, ideals, and modules, but he also enjoys applications of the subject to geometry, cryptography, physics, and other areas of math and science.
Al Mitchell, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Dr. Al Mitchell is a mathematics professor at Wayne State College. Mitchell's academic interests include complex dynamical systems, in which many beautiful fractal pictures can be made observing families of functions in this topic, as well as any other math topics. He welcomes any mathematical conversation.
Dr. David Peitz is a chemistry professor at Wayne State College. He teaches organic chemistry and general physical science classes.
Jason Price, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Dr. Jason Price is an Earth science professor at Wayne State College. He teaches courses in all of the Earth sciences, including geology, meteorology, climate change, and hydrology, as well as physics labs. He serves as the geological curator of the A. Jewell Schock Natural History Museum.
Dr. Todd Young is a physics and astronomy professor at Wayne State College. He is the director of the Fred G. Dale Planetarium on WSC's campus and serves as the coordinator of the Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP).
Student clubs for pre-professional health majors
Biology Club - For students interested in biological sciences
Exercise is Medicine - Works toward improving the health and well-being of the campus community
Health Science Club - For students pursuing careers in health-related fields
Physician Assistant Club - For students in the PA program or interested in healthcare
Best Colleges for Health Sciences in Nebraska
CampusReel recognized Wayne State as one of the Best Colleges in Nebraska for Health Sciences based on alumni salaries after graduation, student loan debt, and other metrics.
A Best College of Distinction
Wayne State was recognized as a Best College of Distinction for our excellence in student engagement, teaching, community, and successful graduate outcomes.
A Top Public College in the Midwest
WSC was identified as one of the top public universities in the Midwest for 2025 by U.S. News & World’s Best Colleges ranking report.
Where you'll learn
Students in this program will take courses in Carhart Science, home to WSC's math and science programs. Carhart Science features several labs for chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, plant science, zoology, genetics, microbiology, physics, Earth science, fermentation, and science education. Additionally, there is a molecular-based student research lab, microscopy suite, a cadaver lab, and a cell culture facility.
