Medical Imaging
Medical Imaging Specialists encompass the diagnostic imaging modalities of Radiography and Sonography. Careers under this umbrella include Radiologic Technology, Radiation Therapy, Medical Resonance Imaging, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and Cardiovascular Technology. These medical professionals recreate a variety of images of different parts of the body for diagnostic and/or treatment purposes. These procedures can often include non-invasive tests that allow doctors to diagnose injuries and diseases.
CAREER DESCRIPTION* (Varies depending on Career)
- National median salary: $66,170-$98,300
- National projected career growth: 2-8%
- Most work in hospitals, clinics, outpatient centers.
TYPICAL EDUCATION** (Includes prerequisites)
- Radiologic Technologist: 2-4 years
- Radiation Therapist: 4 years
- MRI Tech: 4-5 years
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer: 4-5 years
- Cardiovascular Tech: 4-5 years
- UNMC Average Entering GPA: 3.68
COMPETITIVE STUDENTS ALWAYS...
- Take a medical terminology course before applying
- Obtain experience in healthcare
- Shadow a professional in the field
UNMC AVERAGE ENTERING GPA BY PROGRAM
- Radiologic Technologist: 3.55
- Radiation Therapist: 3.7
- MRI Tech: 2.87-3.72
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer: 3.0
- Cardiovascular Tech: 3.0
AREAS OF SPECIALTY
- Immunohematology technologist (blood bank tech)
- Clinical chemistry technologist
- Immunology technologist
- Microbiology technologist
- Molecular biology technologist
NEARBY SCHOOLS & CLASS SIZE
- University of Nebraska Medical Center: 37
- Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging & Therapeutic Sciences
- CHI Health School of Radiologic Technology: 14
- Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology
- Clarkson College: 30
- Associate of Science in Radiology
- Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging
- Nebraska Methodist College: 28
- Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences
Prerequisites vary by program. Students are responsible for ensuring all entrance requirements are met.
Most schools prefer science classes to be taken in-person versus online.
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER’S (UNMC) PREREQUISITES
Fall 2027 Start: 28 semester hours
Biological Sciences (minimum credits: 8)
| Course | Credits | Semester | Prerequisites |
| BIOL 2740 Human Anatomy & Physiology I & Lab | 4 | F, S, M | High school Biology and Chemistry |
ANDBIOL 2840 Human Anatomy & Physiology II & Lab |
4 | F, S, M | BIOL 2740 |
Physics (minimum credits: 5)
| Course | Credits | Semester | Prerequisites |
| PHYS 1050 & 1054 Introduction to Physics & Lab | 5 | F, S | High School Algebra |
Mathematics (minimum credits: 3)
| Course | Credits | Semester | Prerequisites |
| MATH 1300 College Algebra with Support | 4 | F, S, M | N/A |
ORMATH 1320 College Algebra |
3 | F, S, M | ACT 22 or ALEKS 4 |
English Composition (minimum credits: 6)
| Course | Credits | Semester | Prerequisites |
| ENGL 1140 English Composition I with Support | 4 | F, S | ACT Composite score <13, SAT Composite score <760, High School GPA <2.3, or Last Known College GPA <2.0 |
ORENGL 1150 English Composition I |
3 | F, S, M | AP Score 3, ACT 14-26, HS GPA 2.3+ |
| ENGL 1160 English Composition II | 3 | F, S, M | AP Score 4, ENGL 1140 or 1150, or ACT 27+ or Reading or English ACT score of 29+ |
Speech (minimum credits: 3)
| Course | Credits | Semester | Prerequisites |
| CMST 1110 Public Speaking | 3 | F, S, M | N/A |
Social Science/Humanities (minimum credits: 3)
Coursework meeting this requirement may also include but is not limited to literature, composition, speech, foreign language, philosophy, psychology, sociology, art, history, and religion.
Medical Terminology (minimum credits: 1)
| Course | Credits | Semester | Prerequisites |
| BIOL 1160 Terminology of Human Health & Disease | 2 | F, S | N/A |
ORHEKI 2000 Medical Terminology |
1 | F, S, M | N/A |
Pass/Fail, CLEP, or Advanced Placement (AP) can only count for 6 credits. Only 3 accepted for ENGL Composition.
UNMC prerequisites can be completed in one year. Applying to all programs would require two years of prerequisites at UNO.
Other Courses recommended to apply for all four programs:
| Course | Credits | Semester |
| PSYC 1010 Introduction to Psychology | 3 | F, S, M |
| SOC 1010 Introduction to Sociology | 3 | F, S, M |
| PHIL 2030 Introduction to Ethics | 3 | F, S |
ORPHIL 2300 Biomedical Ethics |
3 | F, S |
| A Humanities Course | 3 | |
| A Cultural Studies Course | 3 |
Additional Information
If you are also interested in diagnostic medical sonography, please review the Diagnostic Medical Sonography information sheet and talk with an HCRC pre-health advisor.
*Data and information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
**Data and information from UNMC
Last update: 11.2025