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, 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


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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.

School NameAssociate’s Imaging ProgramBachelor’s Imaging ProgramGraduate Imaging ProgramNational AccreditationCompletion Rate2Credential Exam Pass Rate2Job Placement Rate2Net Price1
Gadsden State Community CollegeYes——JRCERT, CAAHEP92%86%99%$4,777
George C Wallace Community College-DothanYes——JRCERT83%87%100%$1,106
George C Wallace State Community College-HancevilleYes——JRCERT, CAAHEP94%96%98%$9,619
Jefferson State Community CollegeYes——JRCERT79%85%100%$9,406
Lawson State Community CollegeYes——————$4,629
Lurleen B Wallace Community CollegeYes——CAAHEP———$3,823
Northwest-Shoals Community CollegeYes——————$4,113
Southern Union State Community CollegeYes——JRCERT78%83%91%$7,769
Trenholm State Community CollegeYes——JRCERT, CAAHEP63%89%97%$6,570
University of Alabama at Birmingham——YesJRCNMT———$16,834
University of South Alabama—Yes—JRCERT89%89%98%$15,664

  • — 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.
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    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

    CityNumber Employed7Average Annual Salary7
    Birmingham-Hoover1,300$56,530
    Huntsville430$52,950
    Mobile380$53,970
    Montgomery360$52,120
    Tuscaloosa170$49,900

    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://data.bls.gov/oes/#/area/0100000
    7. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm