Top 10 Community Colleges With Radiology Tech Programs

Radiologic technologists play a critical role in modern healthcare by producing diagnostic images that help physicians identify injuries, illnesses, and other medical conditions. As demand for medical imaging services continues to grow, many students are exploring radiologic technology programs that offer affordable pathways into this rewarding healthcare profession.

Community colleges have become some of the most popular destinations for aspiring radiologic technologists because they combine hands-on clinical training with lower tuition costs than many four-year institutions. Continue reading to discover community colleges that offer accredited radiology tech programs, flexible hybrid learning options, and strong preparation for professional certification.

What Is a Radiologic Technology Program?

A radiologic technology program prepares students to operate medical imaging equipment and assist healthcare providers in diagnosing and treating patients. Most community colleges offer Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Science (AS) degrees that combine classroom instruction, laboratory training, and supervised clinical experiences in healthcare settings.

Students typically study subjects such as anatomy and physiology, radiation physics, patient care procedures, medical ethics, image evaluation, and radiation protection. Upon graduation, many students pursue certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), a widely recognized credential that is often required for employment and state licensure.

Because radiologic technologists work directly with patients and specialized imaging equipment, these programs cannot be completed entirely online. However, many colleges now use hybrid learning models that allow students to complete lecture-based coursework online while attending campus labs and clinical rotations in person.

Best Community Colleges With Radiology Tech Programs

The colleges below offer accredited radiologic technology programs that combine classroom instruction, clinical training, and preparation for professional certification. Many also utilize hybrid learning formats that provide greater flexibility for students balancing education with other responsibilities.

1. Tarrant County College

Tarrant County College offers a highly regarded Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology through its Trinity River Campus East in Fort Worth, Texas. The program utilizes a progressive hybrid format that allows students to complete much of their didactic coursework online, including subjects such as radiation physics, pathology, and digital imaging. This approach helps students manage their schedules while still receiving the academic preparation required for a demanding healthcare profession.

Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Tarrant County College's radiologic technology program also holds accreditation from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Students complement their online coursework through hands-on imaging labs and clinical experiences that prepare them for the ARRT certification process. The program's eligibility for workforce grants and institutional scholarships further enhances its accessibility.

2. GateWay Community College

GateWay Community College has developed one of Arizona's most respected radiologic technology programs. Based in Phoenix, the program combines online coursework with extensive clinical training opportunities throughout the metropolitan area. Students complete general education requirements and many technical lectures online while gaining practical experience through rotations at leading healthcare facilities.

Holding accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), GateWay's Radiologic Technology program also maintains JRCERT accreditation. The combination of strong academic instruction, hands-on clinical training, and partnerships with major medical centers helps prepare graduates for certification and entry-level employment. Students may also benefit from workforce scholarships and federal financial aid opportunities that can significantly reduce educational costs.

3. St. Petersburg College

St. Petersburg College offers a highly respected Associate in Science (AS) in Radiography that serves students throughout Florida's Gulf Coast region. The program leverages a hybrid delivery model that shifts a substantial portion of lecture-based instruction to online platforms, allowing students to devote more time to clinical education and skill development in healthcare environments.

As a SACSCOC-accredited institution with a JRCERT-accredited radiography program, St. Petersburg College emphasizes both academic rigor and professional readiness. Students gain practical experience through clinical placements across Pinellas County while building the technical knowledge needed for certification and employment. The college also supports students through federal financial aid programs, institutional payment plans, and state grant opportunities.

4. Chattanooga State Community College

Chattanooga State Community College offers an AAS in Radiologic Technology designed to accommodate students balancing education with work and personal responsibilities. The program utilizes a hybrid model that delivers much of the academic coursework online, allowing students to focus their time on the extensive clinical experiences required for professional training. Students gain practical exposure through rotations at hospitals, trauma centers, and specialty healthcare facilities throughout the region.

Holding SACSCOC accreditation, Chattanooga State's Radiologic Technology program also maintains JRCERT accreditation, ensuring that the curriculum meets industry standards for radiography education. Tennessee residents may benefit from programs such as Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect, which can significantly reduce or eliminate tuition costs for eligible students pursuing healthcare careers.

5. Columbus State Community College

Columbus State Community College has earned a strong reputation for healthcare education through its comprehensive medical imaging pathway. The college's Radiologic Technology program combines web-enhanced and hybrid coursework with intensive laboratory training and clinical placements throughout major Ohio healthcare systems. This structure helps students build both the theoretical knowledge and hands-on competencies required in the profession.

As an HLC-accredited institution with a JRCERT-accredited radiography program, Columbus State emphasizes professional preparation and clinical excellence. Students benefit from access to extensive hospital partnerships, while financial aid options may include federal grants, Ohio College Opportunity Grants (OCOG), and institutional scholarships that help reduce overall educational expenses.

6. Del Mar College

Del Mar College offers an AAS in Radiographer Technology that prepares students for careers in diagnostic imaging through a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory training, and clinical practice. The program's hybrid design minimizes unnecessary campus visits during semesters that require extensive clinical commitments, providing students with additional flexibility as they balance coursework and healthcare training requirements.

Holding SACSCOC accreditation, Del Mar College's radiography program also maintains JRCERT accreditation and focuses heavily on ARRT certification preparation. Students complete supervised clinical experiences while developing skills in patient positioning, image production, radiation safety, and professional communication. Financial aid opportunities include federal programs as well as Texas Public Education Grants (TPEG), which may help offset program-related expenses.

7. Tulsa Community College

Tulsa Community College offers a competitive AAS in Radiography that blends online learning with hands-on technical instruction. Students complete lecture-based coursework asynchronously before participating in carefully supervised laboratory experiences that focus on patient positioning, radiation protection procedures, and imaging equipment operation. This combination of flexibility and practical training helps students develop the competencies required for clinical success.

With HLC accreditation and a JRCERT-accredited radiography program, Tulsa Community College maintains a strong focus on professional readiness. Students transition from classroom and lab experiences into clinical assignments at healthcare facilities throughout the region, gaining exposure to real-world imaging environments. The college also supports students through federal financial aid programs and Oklahoma Promise benefits for eligible residents.

8. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) offers a well-established AAS in Radiologic Technology that combines online coursework with hands-on clinical education. The program is structured to maximize flexibility by delivering much of its didactic instruction through web-based platforms, allowing students to focus their time on laboratory competencies and clinical training experiences. This format can be especially beneficial for students balancing school with work or family obligations.

As a SACSCOC-accredited institution, MGCCC maintains JRCERT accreditation for its Radiologic Technology program, reflecting its commitment to quality imaging education. Students gain practical experience through supervised clinical rotations while developing skills in patient care, image production, radiation safety, and equipment operation. Financial aid opportunities include federal grants, state assistance programs, and institutional scholarships that can help make the program more affordable.

9. Northern Essex Community College

Northern Essex Community College (NECC) offers a highly regarded Associate degree in Radiologic Technology that emphasizes flexibility without sacrificing clinical rigor. Students complete much of the program's science-intensive coursework—including topics such as anatomy, radiation physics, and imaging principles—through a hybrid learning model that allows them to study from home while preparing for required clinical experiences.

Holding accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), NECC's Radiologic Technology program also maintains JRCERT accreditation. Clinical practicums take place at healthcare facilities throughout Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire, giving students exposure to a variety of medical imaging environments. The college further supports students through federal financial aid programs, state grants, and MassTransfer opportunities for those considering additional education after graduation.

10. Santa Barbara City College

Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) offers an AS degree in Radiologic Technology that has earned recognition for strong student outcomes and ARRT exam preparation. The program utilizes a carefully structured hybrid format that allows students to complete portions of their academic coursework online while attending campus labs and clinical assignments in person. This approach helps reduce commuting demands while preserving the hands-on experiences essential to radiography training.

Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), SBCC's Radiologic Technology program also holds JRCERT accreditation. Students complete extensive clinical education at healthcare facilities throughout the region while building the technical and professional skills needed for certification and employment. Eligible California residents may also benefit from programs such as the California College Promise, which can significantly reduce tuition costs.

How We Chose These Radiology Tech Programs

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

We evaluated community colleges based on program accreditation, clinical training opportunities, learning flexibility, certification preparation, and student affordability. We focused on institutions that provide strong pathways into the radiologic technology profession while maintaining the academic and clinical standards required by employers and licensing agencies.

The programs featured here stand out for several key factors:

• JRCERT Accreditation: Each program maintains accreditation from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), the primary programmatic accreditor for radiography education.
• Institutional Accreditation: All colleges hold accreditation through recognized institutional accrediting agencies, helping ensure academic quality and financial aid eligibility.
• Clinical Training Opportunities: Programs provide supervised clinical experiences in hospitals, imaging centers, and healthcare facilities where students develop hands-on skills.
• Hybrid Learning Flexibility: Many schools deliver lecture-based coursework online while reserving campus and clinical requirements for essential hands-on training.
• ARRT Certification Preparation: Programs are designed to prepare graduates for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination, a key credential for employment in the field.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

What Will You Learn in a Radiology Tech Program?

Radiologic technology programs combine scientific knowledge, technical skills, and patient care training. Students learn how to operate imaging equipment, position patients correctly, produce diagnostic-quality images, and maintain radiation safety standards. Coursework often includes anatomy and physiology, radiation physics, medical terminology, image evaluation, patient care procedures, and healthcare ethics.

In addition to classroom instruction, students complete extensive laboratory and clinical experiences. These practical components allow future radiologic technologists to work directly with imaging equipment and patients under professional supervision. By graduation, students are expected to demonstrate both technical proficiency and the communication skills necessary for success in healthcare environments.

Can You Earn a Radiology Tech Degree Online?

Radiologic technology programs cannot be completed entirely online because students must develop hands-on clinical skills and demonstrate competency with imaging equipment. Clinical rotations and laboratory experiences are essential components of radiography education and are required for most accredited programs.

However, many community colleges now utilize hybrid learning models that allow students to complete lecture-based coursework online. Subjects such as radiation physics, anatomy, pathology, and image analysis can often be studied remotely, while labs and clinical experiences take place on campus or at healthcare facilities. This combination of online and in-person learning provides greater flexibility without compromising professional training standards.

How Much Does a Radiology Tech Program Cost?

The cost of a radiologic technology program varies depending on factors such as residency status, program length, and institutional fees. Community colleges generally offer some of the most affordable pathways into the profession, with tuition costs often significantly lower than those charged by private colleges or universities. Many community colleges also participate in state-funded tuition assistance initiatives and workforce development programs that can further reduce educational expenses.

Students should also consider additional expenses beyond tuition, including textbooks, uniforms, clinical requirements, background checks, immunizations, and certification exam fees. Many programs help offset these costs through scholarships, grants, and workforce development funding opportunities that support students entering high-demand healthcare fields.

Financial Aid for Radiology Tech Students

Students enrolled in accredited radiologic technology programs may qualify for several forms of financial aid that can help reduce educational expenses.

• Federal Pell Grants: Eligible students may receive need-based grant funding that does not require repayment and can be applied toward tuition, fees, and other educational costs.
• Federal Student Loans: Federal loans can help cover expenses not addressed through grants or scholarships. Students should review repayment obligations before borrowing.
• State Grant Programs: Many states offer grant programs that help residents pay for community college education and healthcare workforce training.
• Institutional Scholarships: Community colleges frequently award scholarships based on academic performance, financial need, career goals, or enrollment in high-demand healthcare programs.
• Workforce Development Grants: Because radiologic technologists are in demand in many regions, students may qualify for workforce grants designed to support healthcare training and career preparation.

Career Outlook for Radiologic Technologists

Radiologic technologists continue to play an essential role in healthcare by producing diagnostic images that help physicians identify and monitor medical conditions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of radiologic and MRI technologists is projected to grow 5% over the next decade, faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS projects approximately 16,000 job openings each year during this period, driven by workforce growth and the need to replace retiring workers.

The BLS also reports that radiologic technologists earned a median annual wage of $78,980. Graduates who earn ARRT certification and complete accredited training programs may find employment opportunities in hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, physician offices, emergency care facilities, and specialized diagnostic clinics. As medical imaging technology continues to evolve, employers are expected to maintain strong demand for qualified imaging professionals.

FAQs About Community Colleges With Radiology Tech Programs

Radiologic technology programs combine healthcare training, technical instruction, and clinical education, leading prospective students to have questions about accreditation, certification, and program requirements. The following answers address some of the most common questions students ask when exploring radiography programs.

What Is JRCERT Accreditation?

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is the primary accrediting organization for radiography education programs in the United States. JRCERT accreditation indicates that a program meets established standards for curriculum quality, clinical education, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes. Many employers prefer or require graduates of JRCERT-accredited programs.

Do I Need ARRT Certification to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

Certification requirements vary by state, but many employers prefer candidates who have earned credentials through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Graduating from an accredited program is often an important step toward eligibility for the ARRT certification examination. Students should review licensing and certification requirements in their intended state of employment.

Can I Complete a Radiology Tech Program Entirely Online?

While many programs offer hybrid learning formats that deliver lecture-based coursework online, radiologic technology students must complete in-person labs and supervised clinical experiences. These hands-on components are essential for developing the technical skills required to work safely with imaging equipment and patients.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

Most community college radiologic technology programs require approximately two years of full-time study after admission into the program. Students may also need to complete prerequisite coursework before beginning professional radiography courses. Program length varies by institution and enrollment status.

What Can You Do With a Radiologic Technology Degree?

Graduates often pursue careers as radiologic technologists in hospitals, imaging centers, physician offices, and outpatient clinics. Some professionals later specialize in advanced imaging fields such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammography, or interventional radiology. Additional certifications and experience may create opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential.

Explore Radiology Tech Programs

Community college radiology tech programs provide affordable pathways into one of healthcare's most important diagnostic professions. Explore programs on Learn.org to compare schools, connect with admissions representatives, and learn more about educational opportunities that can help you begin a career in medical imaging.