Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in North Carolina
There are numerous radiologic technology degree and certificate programs available in North Carolina, with options for pursuing studies in general radiologic technology as well as studies in specialized radiologic technology like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear medicine. Online radiologic technologist and technician schools are another option that may suit your interests and career goals in a flexible format. Read about the difference between radiology technologists and radiology technicians. Learn more about radiologic technologist and technician schools in North Carolina on this page, where you will find a table of rad tech programs, employment and salary projections, and student reviews.
Quick Facts
- There are 27 not-for-profit colleges and universities with radiologic technology degree programs in North Carolina.1
- 9 schools offer a certificate program in radiologic science.1
- 25 schools offer an associate’s degree in radiologic science.1
- 3 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science.1
- 1 school offers a master’s or advanced degree in radiologic science.1
- 24 schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).2
- 10 schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).3
- 1 school has a medical imaging programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT).4
- North Carolina Medical Imaging Schools Comparison
- Select Schools in North Carolina with RT Programs
- How to Become an RT in North Carolina
- North Carolina RT Salary and Job Outlook
- Student Reviews
Table of Contents
North 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 North Carolina on a variety of factors. While North Carolina does not currently require licensure for radiologic technologists or radiation therapists, most employers expect prospective hires to have completed an appropriately accredited two- or four-year degree program.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 68% | 100% | 100% | $7,922 |
| Cabarrus College of Health Sciences | — | Yes | — | — | — | — | — | $17,217 |
| Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 67% | 100% | 100% | $6,286 |
| Cape Fear Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 100% | 100% | 100% | $8,145 |
| Carolinas College of Health Sciences | Yes | Yes | — | JRCERT | 100% | 100% | 100% | $23,055 |
| Carteret Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 79% | 92% | 97% | $12,203 |
| Catawba Valley Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 100% | 96% | 98% | $11,285 |
| Central Carolina Community College | Yes | — | — | CAAHEP | — | — | — | $6,311 |
| Cleveland Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 100% | 84% | 100% | $1,181 |
| Edgecombe Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 93% | 94% | 100% | $5,996 |
| Fayetteville Technical Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 77% | 94% | 95% | $2,948 |
| Forsyth Technical Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP, JRCNMT | 95% | 97% | 100% | $5,887 |
| Guilford Technical Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 100% | 92% | 98% | $13,292 |
| Johnston Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT,CAAHEP | 97% | 97% | 99% | $5,844 |
| Lenoir Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 75% | 94% | 100% | $5,584 |
| Pitt Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 58% | 97% | 100% | $7,291 |
| Randolph Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 100% | 95% | 100% | $8,104 |
| Robeson Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 90% | 100% | 100% | $6,242 |
| Rowan-Cabarrus Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 78% | 100% | 100% | $5,919 |
| Sandhills Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 69% | 93% | 100% | $12,583 |
| South Piedmont Community College | Yes | — | — | CAAHEP | — | — | — | $9,334 |
| Southwestern Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 58% | 91% | 100% | $8,858 |
| Stanly Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 75% | 95% | 99% | $6,063 |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | — | Yes | Yes | JRCERT | 93% | 97% | 96% | $10,614 |
| Vance-Granville Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 94% | 84% | 100% | $3,193 |
| Wake Technical Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 88% | 98% | 99% | $3,914 |
| Wilkes Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 70% | 75% | 92% | $3,471 |
- — indicates none.
- N.Av. indicates no data available.
Select Schools in North Carolina with Radiology Technologist Degree Programs
Cape Fear Community College
Based in Wilmington, North Carolina, Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) is the fifth-largest community college in the state. CFCC’s Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiography program, which can be completed over the course of five semesters, is limited to approximately 18 students per academic class. The program is full-time, with students expected to commit 40 hours a week to coursework and clinical experiences. Clinical experiences take place at local medical affiliates. Radiography students complete 75 credit hours including the following courses: Intro to Patient Care and Radiography, Radiographic Physics, Radiobiology Protection, Radiographic Quality Management, and Radiography Capstone. The program boasts a high historical pass rate on the ARRT exam. Admission is offered based on a competitive ranking process that takes into account factors including the student’s GPA, performance in science courses including chemistry and physics, certification such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Medical Assistant, and performance on professional skills exams.
Carolinas College of Health Sciences
Carolinas College of Health Sciences (CCHS) offers a JRCERT-accredited Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology. Graduates of the program have a high historical pass rate on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam. The two-year program includes the following courses: Applied Radiography, Radiation Physics, Radiation Protection, and Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology. One of the advantages of the CCHS program is that it includes advanced imaging practices such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT), radiation therapy, and ultrasound. Through the clinical practicum component of the program, students receive more than 1,350 hours of clinical practice in medical settings. CCHS is embedded in the Atrium Health hospital network and many alumni of the AAS program accept positions with Atrium following graduation.
Forsyth Technical Community College
Located in Winston-Salem, Forsyth Technical Community College (Forsyth Tech) offers a five-semester Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiography that includes classroom study and clinical experiences. Required courses include Radiography Intro & Patient Care, Radiographic Procedures, Anatomy & Physiology, Radiographic Physics, Radiobiology/Protection, and a radiography capstone in the final semester of study. The 73-credit hour program limits admissions to 30 students per cohort, with each cohort beginning the radiography track in the fall semester. Students are selected based on grades in related coursework and additional work experience, especially clinical training.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Medicine offers several options for academic study in radiology through its Department of Allied Health Sciences. For students interested in pursuing entry-level positions in radiography and radiologic technology, UNC offers a 20-month Certificate in Radiography program. The program includes a clinical rotation component along with courses that cover topics including radiographic procedures, imaging equipment and analysis, radiation biology and protection, patient care, medical terminology, and medical ethics. Students who want to reach a more advanced level of radiologic education can consider enrolling in the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Radiologic Science program. The program integrates liberal arts philosophies with professional education to create a curriculum that promotes critical thinking and intensive communication skills. To be considered for admission to the BS program, applicants must already have completed an accredited radiography program and have current registration as radiographers with the ARRT. UNC also offers a Master of Science (MS) Radiologic Assistant (RA) degree that combines online learning and clinical opportunities. Admission to the MS program is competitive. Requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA and a minimum of one year of patient care experience as a certified radiographer.
How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Texas
Radiologic technologists are not required to be licensed by or registered with a licensing board in North Carolina, although there is support within the state to secure legislation that would set training and licensure requirements for medical imaging professionals. Radiologic technologists in North Carolina may find expanded job opportunities by becoming certified in their modalities through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or equivalent organizations. The typical certification process is as follows:
- Complete an accredited degree or certificate in radiologic technology. The program you complete should be specific to the type of radiography you wish to practice. ARRT candidates must have a minimum of an associate’s degree.
- Register and sit for the ARRT exam. The ARRT requires that prospective RTs pass an exam specific to the modality they intend to practice.
- Apply for ARRT certification. ARRT certification is not automatic, so you will need to complete the application process after passing the exam.
- Complete continuing education. To maintain your certification, you will need to complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years.
North Carolina Radiology Tech Salary and Job Outlook
Projected Job Growth
11.4%
Radiology Techs in North Carolina from 2020-20305
Radiology tech employment in North Carolina is projected to increase by 11.4% in the decade ending in 2030.5 In comparison, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), radiologic technologists and technicians are expected to have 8.6% job growth nationally during the same time period.5 With around 7,390 radiologic technologists employed in North Carolina, job opportunities are good for aspiring radiology techs in the state.6 On average, radiologic technologists and technicians in North Carolina earn $63,110 per year according to BLS data.6 Although the BLS does not track occupational data for x-ray technicians, technicians typically earn less than RTs due to the lower educational requirements and work responsibilities. North Carolina radiology technologists and technicians can take advantage of employment opportunities at some of the state’s university-run medical centers; top university-affiliated hospitals in the state include Duke University Medical Center and University of North Carolina Hospitals. Other top hospitals include Durham Regional Hospital, FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, and Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center. North Carolina is also home to many imaging centers such as Atrium Health Imaging, Delaney Radiology, and Charlotte Radiology.
North Carolina Radiologic Technologist Salary by Metro Area
| City | Number Employed7 | Average Annual Salary7 |
|---|---|---|
| Asheville | 380 | $60,560 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | 1,600 | $64,130 |
| Fayetteville | 280 | $64,380 |
| Greensboro-High Point | 510 | $61,210 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach | 300 | $59,050 |
| Raleigh | 870 | $61,870 |
| Wilmington | 270 | $60,860 |
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.
Central Piedmont Community College
1141 Elizabeth Ave
Charlotte, NC 28204
(704) 330-2722
https://www.cpcc.edu/
Student Review: “Earning my Associate’s Degree in Radiologic Technology from Central Piedmont Community College was truly a pleasure. I got to see, study, and learn how to work with and use all the latest technologies and features that are aligned with my new careers’ skill set. The professors were all very affable and helpful, as were the other students. Luckily for me, Central Piedmont Community College (or just CPCC, as well all know and call it) has a specialized program in their Radiologic Technology degree path. This specialized sub-field is called non-invasive cardiology technology, also known as cardiac ultrasound sonography. The program is a rare opportunity for students to specialize in the well-paying field of cardiovascular imaging.” -Student at Central Piedmont Community College
Duke University
Durham, NC 27708
(919) 684-8111
https://duke.edu/
Student Review: “I have had the opportunity to study in the radiology program completed in 5 years at Duke University in Durham, NC, USA. It features radiography (x-rays), sonography (ultrasound), computerized tomography (CT or CAT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and treatments such as radiation therapy. I got to learn a lot, both theoretical and practical knowledge, that can be efficiently implemented in real-world situations. Overall, I found it really useful and am absolutely going to refer it to people.” -Student at Duke University
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