Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Alabama

The colleges and universities in Alabama provide an array of radiologic tech programs from the certificate to the bachelor’s degree level. This guide to radiologic technologist schools in Alabama will help you find the information you need to make an informed decision. Online radiologic technologist schools and degree programs may also be a suitable match for your skills, interests, and career expectations while providing benefits such as greater scheduling flexibility. Read about the difference between radiology technologists and radiology technicians. Continue reading to learn about radiologic tech schools in Alabama with profiles of popular schools, a table of rad tech programs, student reviews, and career projections for graduates.

Quick Facts

• There are 11 not-for-profit colleges and universities with radiologic technology degree programs in Alabama.²
• 4 schools offer a certificate program in radiologic science.¹
• 9 schools offer an associate’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• 1 school offers a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• 1 school offers a master’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• 7 schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).²
• 4 schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).³
• 1 school has a medical imaging program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT).⁴

Table of Contents

• Alabama Medical Imaging Schools Comparison
• Select Schools in Alabama with RT Programs
• How to Become an RT in Alabama
• Alabama RT Salary and Job Outlook
• Student Reviews

Alabama Medical Imaging Schools Comparison

We have designed the following table to allow you to easily compare all the not-for-profit radiologic technology and medical imaging programs in Alabama on a variety of factors. As of 2023, Alabama did not require licensure for medical imaging techs. Check with the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) for the most up-to-date guidelines and read below for further information on the typical steps to a career in this field.

• — indicates none.
• N.Av. indicates no data available.

Select Schools in Alabama with Radiology Technologist Degree Programs

Gadsden State Community College

Gadsden State Community College’s (Gadsden State) five-semester, full-time radiologic technology program leads to the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology. Graduates of the program will meet the requirements to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam. The program combines coursework with hands-on experience, both in the college’s lab and at over a dozen clinical locations in eight surrounding counties. Students entering the program are advised to complete as many general education courses as possible before beginning the program. The program is competitive, admitting only 24 students each year with new classes starting in the fall semester. Admission is based on an applicant’s ACT scores and GPA in specific required courses.

George C. Wallace Community College

George C. Wallace Community College (WCC) offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology designed to provide a mix of didactic and clinical education to help students prepare for careers as radiologic technologists. Graduates of the program will meet the educational requirements necessary to sit for the ARRT certification exam. Clinical and classroom coursework both begin during the first semester. Didactic coursework includes classes such as Exposure Principles, Patient Care, and Imaging Equipment. Progression through the program requires a grade of 75% or higher in all radiology coursework, 70% or higher in all general education coursework, and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. Students who fail to progress will have one chance to apply for readmission to the program. Admission to the program requires a minimum GPA of 2.5 on all previous college coursework and the ability to perform all of the physical functions necessary.

Trenholm State Technical College

Trenholm State Technical College (Trenholm State) awards the Associate of Applied Science in Medical Radiologic Technology to students who successfully complete the six-semester program. Students in the program must complete seven general education courses in addition to their core radiology classes. On-campus courses in the 76-credit program include Exposure Principles; Radiation Protection and Biology; and Image Evaluation and Pathology. All students complete a clinical rotation each semester, offered at various clinics, hospitals, and medical facilities. The program is competitive, usually accepting 30 students each year. Admission is based on a point system, with points awarded for an applicant’s ACT score and grades in specific coursework. Students accepted into the program will undergo a drug screen, background check, and physical examination, and must receive any necessary vaccinations. Trenholm also offers students a Diagnostic Medical Sonography program accredited by CAAHEP.

University of South Alabama

The University of South Alabama’s (USA) Covey College of Allied Health offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Radiologic Sciences. The program is divided into two portions. The first two years of study are spent in the pre-professional portion of the program taking general education courses. Students must then apply for the six-semester professional component of the program. They will spend the first fall, spring, and summer taking courses in general radiography such as Patient Care, Contrast Media, and Radiation Biology. In the final year, students will choose from tracks in General Radiography, Ultrasound, or Radiation Therapy. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher, a “C” or better in all science and math courses, and four hours of professional observation in a hospital radiology department.

How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Alabama

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) does not require radiologic technologists to be licensed. Practicing RTs in the state may still find it helpful to register with the ARRT. The ARRT is a nationally recognized organization that offers professional credentialing to radiologic technologists, nuclear medical technicians, and other medical imaging professionals. Registration with the ARRT requires the following steps:

1. Complete a diploma, certificate, or associate’s degree in your chosen practice area. Candidates for ARRT certification must complete a minimum of an associate’s degree and an educational program in a recognized specialty. These may be the same program but are not required to be.
2. Take and pass the ARRT exam. Candidates who have completed the educational requirements and applied to the ARRT will receive instructions for scheduling the certification exam. Candidates will have 365 days to take the exam and must pass with a score of 75 or better.
3. Maintain your registration. Registered technologists must renew their registration and certification every year and complete at least 24 credits of continuing education every two years.
FIND SCHOOLS

Alabama Radiology Tech Salary and Job Outlook

Projected Job Growth

7%

Radiology Techs in Alabama from 2020-2030⁵

Radiologic tech positions in Alabama are expected to grow 7% through 2030.⁵ That’s slightly below the expected job increase for radiologic technologists nationwide, projected at 8.6% for the same time period.⁵ According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2022, approximately 4,010 rad techs were employed in Alabama, earning an average annual salary of $53,020.⁶ The Gadsden metropolitan area had the tenth-highest concentration of radiologic technologists among US metropolitan areas, with rad techs employed in 3.04 out of every 1,000 jobs.⁶ Although the BLS does not provide employment data for limited-scope x-ray technicians, technicians typically earn less than radiologic technologists due to the lower educational requirements and scope of responsibility. Radiologic techs work in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and imaging centers. Major employers in Alabama that hire radiologic techs include UAB Medicine, Huntsville Hospital, Brookwood Baptist Medical Center, Medical Imaging Systems, and Clearview Cancer Institute.

Alabama Radiologic Technologist Salary by Metro Area

City	Number Employed7	Average Annual Salary7
Birmingham-Hoover	1,300	$56,530
Huntsville	430	$52,950
Mobile	380	$53,970
Montgomery	360	$52,120
Tuscaloosa	170	$49,900

Student Reviews

Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.

Community College of the Air Force
100 S Turner Blvd
Montgomery, AL 36114
(334) 649-5000

https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Barnes/CCAF/

Student Review: “I’m in the Army and went through the tri-service radiology program through the Community College of the Air Force. The program was split into two sections; six months in a schoolhouse learning anatomy and positioning, as well as supplementary classes like physics and electrical. The last month at the school was practicing and being tested on all the exams. The second six months were spent at a training hospital as a student. We had to check off all the exams on a list. I feel I learned a lot at the school itself. The material was difficult, but there was enough time to finish it all at school and never have homework except to study. I liked my second phase, but it relies on whatever civilians are at the hospital as the primary people to teach you the practical side. They are not trained in any specific way for teaching, so if they’re not great as techs, then that’s all you have to learn from.” – Student at Community College of the Air Force


Jefferson State Community College
2601 Carson Rd
Birmingham, AL 35215-3098
(205) 853-1200
https://www.jeffersonstate.edu/

Student Review: “Jeff State’s Rad Tech program was great because I got to have clinical experiences in local hospitals starting my very first semester in the program. By my second year, I was spending more time in hospitals than in the classroom, which really helped build confidence in my hands-on skills. All of the teaching faculty are also still actively employed rad techs, so they’re in touch with the latest technology and what local employers want. Best of all, I was offered a job by one of my clinical sites before I even graduated! I also passed the ARRT exam on my first try thanks to good classes and strong review. The only thing I would change if I could would be the admissions process, which was unnecessarily confusing. I had to meet with an advisor in person twice to get everything straightened out. It was worth it, though, and I recommend the program highly!” – Student at Jefferson State Community College


Wallace Community College
1141 Wallace Dr
Dothan, AL 36303
(334) 983-3521
https://www.wallace.edu/

Student Review: “I enjoyed many aspects of my time in the WCC radiologic technology program. The instructors were both good and bad. The clinical coordinator was a great teacher and instilled many great qualities into his students. The program director was not. He taught us a few very important classes. We never received our grades back for exams and was just told: “we would be fine.” Somehow, I managed to get a “B” in each of his classes although learning nothing in the subject and having to actually learn it when studying for the registry. I also wished that we had the opportunity to have clinicals over the course of different shifts, not just daytime first shift. This would have allowed us to better gauge the job and the workload more effectively. I did enjoy being able to visit many different clinical sites and see how each of them operated. Overall my RT program had some flaws but this has allowed me to have a job that pays my bills.” – Student at Wallace Community College


References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology Program Effectiveness Data: https://www.jrcert.org/program-effectiveness-data/
3. Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs: https://www.caahep.org/students/find-an-accredited-program
4. Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology: https://www.jrcnmt.org/programs/
5. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
6. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, Radiologic Technologists and Technicians: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292034.htm
7. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm