Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in South Carolina
There are a variety of radiologic technology degree and certificate programs in South Carolina. This guide to radiologic technologist and technician schools in the state will help you compare your options so that you can make an informed decision. You may find that online rad tech schools are an option that can provide a better match for your interests and career goals since online programs are often more flexible than traditional on-campus programs. Read about the difference between radiology technologists and radiology technicians. Continue learning about radiologic technologist and technician programs in South Carolina and career information for graduates by reading below, where you will find a table of rad tech programs, data on employment and salary levels, and more.
Quick Facts
- There are 12 not-for-profit colleges and universities with radiologic technology degree programs in South Carolina.1
- 6 schools offer a certificate program in radiologic science.1
- 12 schools offer an associate’s degree in radiologic science.1
- No schools offer a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science.1
- No schools offer a master’s or advanced degree in radiologic science.1
- 12 schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).2
- 2 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
- South Carolina Medical Imaging Schools Comparison
- Select Schools in South Carolina with RT Programs
- How to Become an RT in South Carolina
- South Carolina RT Salary and Job Outlook
Table of Contents
South Carolina 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 South Carolina on a variety of factors. You should check with the South Carolina Radiation Quality Standards Association (SCRQSA) to ensure that the program you are considering will meet licensure requirements.
| School Name | Associate’s Imaging Program | Bachelor’s Imaging Program | Graduate Imaging Program | National Accreditation | Completion Rate2 | Credential Exam Pass Rate2 | Job Placement Rate2 | Net Price1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiken Technical College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 85% | 81% | 93% | $5,611 |
| Florence-Darlington Technical College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 100% | 76% | 94% | $2,334 |
| Greenville Technical College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 90% | 96% | 100% | $6,792 |
| Horry-Georgetown Technical College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 59% | 95% | 98% | $4,461 |
| Midlands Technical College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, JRCNMT | 80% | 99% | 99% | $6,323 |
| Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 67% | 94% | 100% | $4,531 |
| Piedmont Technical College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 63% | 97% | 94% | $11,045 |
| Southeastern College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | — | — | — | $32,966 |
| Spartanburg Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 80% | 100% | 97% | $6,421 |
| Technical College of the Lowcountry | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 100% | 89% | 100% | $7,257 |
| Trident Technical College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 95% | 78% | 83% | $2,135 |
| York Technical College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 100% | 89% | 100% | $4,676 |
- — indicates none.
- N.Av. indicates no data available.
Select Schools in South Carolina with Radiology Technologist Degree Programs
Aiken Technical College
Aiken Technical College (ATC) confers an Associate in Applied Sciences (AAS) in Radiologic Technology that prepares graduates of the 88-credit hour program to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam. Over five semesters, students take a mixture of didactic and clinical classes. The curriculum includes on-campus courses such as Radiographic Imaging; Radiographic Physics; and Radiation Protection and Biology. Clinical work begins in the first semester with Applied Radiography I at one of the program’s clinical sites. Students must achieve a “B” or higher in all required courses to remain in the program. Applicants to the program must complete all prerequisite general education courses with a “C” or higher before applying.
Greenville Technical College
Students at Greenville Technical College (GTC) can earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology. The 82-credit program is divided into two distinct phases: a general education phase and a professional phase. Phase I consists of general education and introductory courses such as Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology, Introduction to Sociology, and Public Speaking. During the spring semester of Phase I, students apply for the second phase of the program. Phase II begins in the fall of the sophomore year and continues for five semesters, including a summer session. Students take radiology-specific and clinical courses such as Radiology Patient Care Procedures, Radiographic Imaging Fundamentals, Applied Radiography, and Selected Imaging Topics. The program meets the educational standards laid out by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) and will qualify graduates to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam. GTC also offers certificates in Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as well as an AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Midlands Technical College
Students enrolled in the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology program at Midlands Technical College (MTC) take a series of courses including Radiographic Imaging, Radiographic Procedures, Radiographic Physics, and Selected Imaging Topics. Select courses are available in online and hybrid formats. The curriculum offers training opportunities in specializations such as computed tomography, nuclear medicine, and sonography. Students also train in local hospital radiology departments with clinical rotations. Applicants to the 74-credit hour program must have completed all prerequisite courses and two clinical observations in order to be considered for admission, among other requirements. The degree program prepares students to take the American Registry of Radiographic Technologists (ARRT) exam and apply to become certified radiographers.
Trident Technical College
Located in Charleston, Trident Technical College (TTC) offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Radiologic Technology. The 83-credit hour program qualifies graduates to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam. The six-semester program fosters professional and intellectual growth by encouraging students to advance their problem-solving and communication skills, and by imparting practical professional knowledge through clinical experiences in medical facilities. Admission to the program is competitive requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite math and science courses. Approximately 25 to 30 students are admitted to each annual cohort. Required courses in the major include Radiology Patient Care Procedures, Radiographic Physics, Imaging Principles,Radiographic Pathology, Radiation Biology, and Selected Imaging Topics.
How to Become a Radiology Technologist in South Carolina
Radiologic technologists and technicians in South Carolina must apply for certification through the South Carolina Radiation Quality Standards Association (SCRQSA). The SCRQSA recognizes the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam in certifying radiologic technologists and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) exam for nuclear medicine technologists (NMTs). In order to qualify for certification in South Carolina, candidates must complete the following steps:
- Complete an approved educational program in a specific modality. Candidates for certification in South Carolina must complete an educational program in the modality for which certification is sought. For candidates pursuing ARRT certification, candidates must have an associate’s degree or higher.
- Pass a certification exam. South Carolina recognizes the ARRT certification exams as meeting the examination requirements for radiographers. Other exams may be acceptable depending on modality.
- Apply to the SCRQSA for certification. Candidates must submit an application; proof of ARRT certification or successful completion of the ARRT or equivalent exam; and any necessary fees to SCRQSA.
- Renew your certification. Certifications are renewed every two years, and require 24 hours of continuing education (CE) to renew. Rad techs must provide documentation of CE or proof of current registration with the ARRT.
Prospective limited scope x-ray operators may apply to the SCRQSA for a Limited Practice Radiographer (LPR) permit. The LPR allows the holder to perform x-rays of select areas of the body under supervision. To qualify, candidates must complete an acceptable program of education in radiography and apply to take the ARRT Limited Scope of Practice in Radiography exam through the SCRQSA. Once the exam has been passed, candidates may be issued the LPR.
South Carolina Radiology Tech Salary and Job Outlook
Projected Job Growth
10.8%
Radiology Techs in South Carolina from 2020-20305
Radiologic tech employment in South Carolina is projected to increase through 2030, with projections calling for 380 added jobs for a job growth rate of 10.8%.5 The national job growth outlook for rad techs is a bit higher, with a job growth projection of 8.6% for the same time period.5 According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2022, approximately 3,560 radiologic technologists and technicians were working in South Carolina, earning an average annual salary of $59,610.6 This salary is below the national average salary for RTs, which was $70,240 in 2022.6 The BLS does not track occupational data for limited scope x-ray technicians. However, limited scope technicians typically earn less than fully-licensed radiologic technicians due to the lower educational requirements and work responsibilities. South Carolina rad techs can find career opportunities in area hospitals such as the Medical University of South Carolina, Spartanburg Medical Center and Hospital, Bon Secours, and Roper St. Francis Healthcare. Radiologic technologists and technicians can also consider employment opportunities at local diagnostic imaging centers and radiology practices such as Anderson Radiology, Carolina Forest Imaging Center, Carolinas Diagnostic Imaging, and MountainView Medical Imaging.
South Carolina Radiologic Technologist Salary by Metro Area
| City | Number Employed7 | Average Annual Salary7 |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston-North Charleston | 560 | $63,260 |
| Columbia | 800 | $59,320 |
| Florence | 210 | $58,120 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin | 630 | $58,760 |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort | 130 | $59,750 |
| Spartanburg | 330 | $60,010 |
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