# Alabama

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This is a good time to explore a career as a [radiologic technologist in Alabama](https://radiologyed.org/schools/alabama/). Nationally, the number of jobs is expected to grow over the foreseeable future, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and in Alabama, the number of radiology technologists is predicted to grow steadily in the coming years.

([Leer esta información en español](https://radiologyed.org/es/alabama/))

## Accredited Radiology Tech Programs in Alabama: 2026 Guide

Alabama has nine JRCERT-accredited radiography programs spread across the state, from Huntsville in the north to Mobile on the Gulf Coast, with program lengths ranging from 17 to 24 months. That geographic spread matters: a student in the Wiregrass region near Dothan has a genuinely different set of options than one in the Birmingham metro, and the programs differ significantly in tuition, pass rates, and clinical site networks. This guide pulls together current JRCERT data, state salary figures, and licensing requirements so you can compare programs on the metrics that affect your career outcomes.

## Alabama Radiology Tech Salary Data

According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, Alabama employs approximately 3,500 radiologic technologists and technicians (SOC 29-2034). The median annual wage is **$60,700**, with a mean of $60,800. Entry-level earners at the 10th percentile earn around $41,060 per year, while experienced technologists at the 75th percentile reach $71,620 and top earners at the 90th percentile earn $80,300.

Alabama’s cost of living sits below the national average, which makes those wage figures go further than comparable salaries in states like California or New York. A $60,700 median salary in Tuscaloosa or Montgomery has meaningfully more purchasing power than the same figure in a high-cost metro.

### Career Progression: Salary Growth by Specialization

Radiographers who pursue additional credentials can see significant salary gains. BLS May 2025 OEWS data shows MRI Technologists (SOC 29-2035) in Alabama earn a median of **$78,890** per year, compared to $60,700 for general radiologic technologists. That is a gap of roughly $18,000 at the median. MRI techs at the 90th percentile in Alabama earn $96,880. With only 490 MRI technologists employed statewide, this specialty also tends to have strong demand. The University of South Alabama offers a pathway that can position graduates for this kind of advancement.

## Alabama Radiography Licensing Requirements

Alabama does not currently have a state-specific licensure law for radiologic technologists. However, that does not mean credentials are optional. Nearly every employer in Alabama requires candidates to hold or be eligible for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification in Radiography (R). Passing the ARRT exam is a practical requirement for employment, and all nine JRCERT-accredited programs in the state are structured to prepare graduates for that exam.

To sit for the ARRT examination, you must:

- Graduate from a JRCERT-accredited program
- Meet ARRT’s ethics requirements
- Complete the required structured clinical education hours (a minimum of 1,825 clinical competency hours under the current ARRT standards)

Some employers, particularly those affiliated with federal facilities like the VA Medical Centers that appear in several Alabama programs’ clinical rotation lists, may also require additional background checks and credentialing steps. Check with your target employer as part of your school selection process.

The [Alabama Radiation Control Program](https://www.adph.org/radiation/) also issues certification for radiologic technologists working in the state. Radiologic technologists who trained in other states should be able to certify upon moving to Alabama, but there may be additional requirements for those who trained in Alabama and hope to work in a different state.

## JRCERT-Accredited Radiography Programs in Alabama

The nine programs below are fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Data on tuition, completion rates, pass rates, and job placement rates comes directly from JRCERT program disclosures. Tuition figures represent total program cost unless otherwise noted.

### Program Comparison Table

| Institution | Length | Resident Tuition | Completion Rate | ARRT Pass Rate | Placement Rate | Accreditation | Evening/Weekend |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| DCH Regional Medical Center | 24 mo. | $5,800 | 87% | 99% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Gadsden State CC | 21 mo. | $14,592 | 89% | 77% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| George C. Wallace CC | 21 mo. | $6,327 | 52% | 89% | 100% | 5 Years | No |
| Huntsville Hospital | 24 mo. | $2,200 | 100% | 92% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Jefferson State CC | 21 mo. | $12,750 | 85% | 83% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Southern Union State CC | 21 mo. | $7,560 | 78% | 87% | 97% | 8 Years | No |
| Trenholm State CC | 22 mo. | $8,789 | 74% | 92% | 99% | 8 Years | No |
| University of South Alabama | 12 mo. | $11,818 | 100% | 93% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| University of South Alabama | 24 mo. | $10,336 | 89% | 84% | 98% | 8 Years | No |
| Wallace State CC | 17 mo. | $8,460 | 95% | 92% | 97% | 8 Years | No |

*Source: JRCERT program disclosures. Tuition shown is resident rate for total program. Non-resident rates differ; see individual program listings below.*

### DCH Regional Medical Center – Tuscaloosa

**Program length:** 24 months | **Tuition:** $5,800 (resident and non-resident same rate) | **Completion rate:** 87% | **ARRT pass rate:** 99% | **Job placement:** 100% | **Capacity:** 40 students | **Accreditation:** 8 years

This hospital-based program offers one of the lowest tuition rates in the state at $5,800 regardless of residency. The 99% ARRT pass rate is the highest among all nine Alabama programs. Clinical rotations take place across five sites in west-central Alabama, including Fayette Medical Center, Northport Hospital, The Radiology Clinic in Tuscaloosa, and Whitfield Regional Hospital in Demopolis. The clinical network gives students exposure to both large regional medical centers and smaller community hospital environments.

### [Gadsden State Community College](https://catalog.gadsdenstate.edu/radiography/radiography-aas) – Gadsden

**Program length:** 21 months | **Tuition:** $14,592 (resident) / $24,548 (non-resident) | **Completion rate:** 89% | **ARRT pass rate:** 77% | **Job placement:** 100% | **Capacity:** 56 students | **Accreditation:** 8 years

Gadsden State has the largest clinical site network of any program in Alabama, with 21 affiliated sites spanning Anniston, Birmingham, Fort Payne, Scottsboro, Rome (Georgia), and the greater Gadsden area. That breadth gives students wide exposure to different imaging environments and patient populations. The 77% ARRT pass rate is the lowest among Alabama programs, which prospective students should weigh carefully. Non-resident tuition is notably higher at $24,548. The 100% job placement rate suggests graduates who do pass the ARRT exam find employment quickly.

### [George C. Wallace Community College](https://catalog.wallace.edu/radiologic-technology/radiologic-technology-rad) – Dothan

**Program length:** 21 months | **Tuition:** $6,327 (resident) / $10,138 (non-resident) | **Completion rate:** 52% | **ARRT pass rate:** 89% | **Job placement:** 100% | **Capacity:** 70 students | **Accreditation:** 5 years

Wallace’s Dothan campus serves the Wiregrass region and has the largest capacity of any program outside Wallace State Hanceville. The 52% completion rate is the lowest in Alabama and warrants a direct conversation with the program director before enrolling. Students who do complete the program pass the ARRT at 89% and place at 100%. The 5-year accreditation cycle (versus 8 years for most peers) reflects a more recent accreditation review. Clinical sites include facilities across Dothan, Enterprise, Ozark, Geneva, Troy, and Eufaula, plus one site in Donalsonville, Georgia.

### Huntsville Hospital – Huntsville

**Program length:** 24 months | **Tuition:** $2,200 (resident and non-resident same rate) | **Completion rate:** 100% | **ARRT pass rate:** 92% | **Job placement:** 100% | **Capacity:** 60 students | **Accreditation:** 8 years

Huntsville Hospital’s program has the lowest tuition of any Alabama program at $2,200 flat, and the only 100% completion rate in the state. Every student who enrolls completes. Combined with a 92% ARRT pass rate and 100% job placement, this program’s outcomes are among the strongest in Alabama. Clinical sites cover Huntsville, Madison, Decatur, and Athens, with one site in Fayetteville, Tennessee. The program’s capacity of 60 seats makes it competitive to enter.

### [Jefferson State Community College](https://www.jeffersonstate.edu/academics/programs/radiologic-technology/) – Birmingham

**Program length:** 21 months | **Tuition:** $12,750 (resident) / $22,425 (non-resident) | **Completion rate:** 85% | **ARRT pass rate:** 83% | **Job placement:** 100% | **Capacity:** 80 students | **Accreditation:** 8 years

Jefferson State’s Birmingham program gives students access to a dense clinical network that includes UAB Health System facilities, Children’s of Alabama, Veterans Affairs, and multiple Baptist and St. Vincent’s hospitals. For students who want to practice in Birmingham after graduation, building clinical relationships at those sites during training has obvious value. The program has the largest capacity of any community college program in the state at 80 seats. Non-resident tuition of $22,425 is high, so out-of-state students should factor that into their decision.

### [Southern Union State Community College](https://www.suscc.edu/programs/radiography-overview) – Opelika

**Program length:** 21 months | **Tuition:** $7,560 (resident) / $13,275 (non-resident) | **Completion rate:** 78% | **ARRT pass rate:** 87% | **Job placement:** 97% | **Capacity:** 70 students | **Accreditation:** 8 years

Southern Union covers a wide geographic footprint from its Opelika campus, with clinical sites in Montgomery, Auburn, Phenix City, Tuskegee, Alexander City, and several locations in Georgia. The VA sites at both Montgomery and Tuskegee are particularly useful for students interested in federal healthcare careers. Job placement at 97% is just below the state’s top performers. Resident tuition at $7,560 is mid-range for Alabama community colleges.

### [Trenholm State Community College](https://www.trenholmstate.edu/radiology-medical-radiologic-technology/) – Montgomery

**Program length:** 22 months | **Tuition:** $8,789 (resident) / $17,578 (non-resident) | **Completion rate:** 74% | **ARRT pass rate:** 92% | **Job placement:** 99% | **Capacity:** 56 students | **Accreditation:** 8 years

Trenholm State is Montgomery’s primary pathway into radiography and has clinical partnerships with Baptist Medical Center (East and South campuses), Jackson Hospital, several VA facilities, and multiple outpatient imaging centers throughout the Montgomery and Prattville area. The 92% ARRT pass rate ties for the second-highest in Alabama, and job placement sits at 99%. The 74% completion rate is below average for the state, so asking the program about academic support resources before enrolling is worthwhile.

### [University of South Alabama](https://bulletin.southalabama.edu/programs-az/allied-health/radiologic-sciences/radiologic-sciences-bs/) – Mobile

**Program length:** 24 months | **Tuition:** $10,336 (resident) / $22,000 (non-resident) | **Completion rate:** 89% | **ARRT pass rate:** 84% | **Job placement:** 98% | **Capacity:** 98 students | **Accreditation:** 8 years | **Distance education available**

USA is the only Alabama program to offer distance education, and the only one housed within a four-year university. The program awards a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences, which can position graduates for supervisory roles and easier entry into specialty certifications. Clinical sites cover Mobile, Baldwin County, and extend into the Florida Panhandle (Pensacola). USA also offers the Radiation Therapy program described in the related programs section below, giving students at the university a clear path for career advancement within the same institution.

### [Wallace State Community College](https://wallacestate.cleancatalog.net/diagnostic-imaging) – Hanceville

**Program length:** 17 months | **Tuition:** $8,460 (resident) / $14,355 (non-resident) | **Completion rate:** 95% | **ARRT pass rate:** 92% | **Job placement:** 97% | **Capacity:** 100 students | **Accreditation:** 8 years

Wallace State’s Hanceville program stands out for two things: it is the shortest program in Alabama at 17 months, and it has one of the highest completion rates in the state at 95%. Its clinical network is the most extensive geographically, with 54 affiliated sites across north and central Alabama as well as one site in Winchester, Tennessee. That reach gives students connections to major health systems including UAB, Children’s of Alabama, Crestwood, Brookwood, and multiple VA clinics. The combination of a fast timeline, high completion rate, and strong pass rate makes this one of the more compelling programs for Alabama residents.

## Related Imaging and Therapy Programs in Alabama

Radiographers who want to advance into specialized roles have at least one JRCERT-accredited option in Alabama beyond general radiography. These programs are designed for working radiographers or new graduates who want to build on their credentials.

### University of South Alabama – Radiation Therapy

**Program type:** Radiation Therapy | **Program length:** 12 months | **Tuition:** $11,818 (resident) / $21,826 (non-resident) | **Completion rate:** 100% | **ARRT pass rate:** 93% | **Job placement:** 100% | **Capacity:** 12 seats | **Accreditation:** 8 years

The [University of South Alabama](https://bulletin.southalabama.edu/programs-az/allied-health/radiologic-sciences/radiologic-sciences-bs/) offers this advanced program at its Mobile campus. Radiation therapists work directly with oncology teams to deliver precise doses of radiation to cancer patients, a clinical specialty that requires a separate ARRT certification. With only 12 seats, admission is highly selective. Clinical sites extend across the Gulf South, including USA Mitchell Cancer Institute (Mobile and Fairhope), Forrest General in Hattiesburg, Memorial Hospital Gulfport, Singing River Hospital, and facilities in Pensacola. BLS May 2025 OEWS data does not publish a separate Alabama-specific figure for radiation therapists, but national data consistently shows higher median wages than general radiography. This program is one route worth examining for radiographers who want to specialize in oncology imaging and treatment.

## What to Look for in an Alabama Radiology Program

Picking a program based on proximity alone is a common mistake. Here are the factors that actually affect your outcomes.

### ARRT Pass Rates and What They Signal

The ARRT exam pass rate tells you how well a program prepares students for the national certification exam. Among Alabama programs, that figure ranges from 77% to 99%. A lower pass rate means a meaningful share of graduates will need to retake the exam or may struggle to find employment quickly. If a program’s pass rate is below 85%, ask specifically what ARRT prep resources they offer: practice exams, review courses, faculty-led review sessions.

### Completion Rates Matter as Much as Acceptance

Getting accepted to a program is only the first hurdle. Alabama programs show completion rates from 52% to 100%. Programs with low completion rates often have high academic demands, difficult clinical requirements, or limited student support. Before enrolling in a program with a completion rate below 75%, ask about tutoring resources, academic advising, and why the rate is where it is.

### Clinical Site Depth and Location

Clinical hours are where radiography training actually happens. ARRT requires a minimum of 1,825 clinical competency hours, and your clinical rotations determine both your skill development and your professional network at graduation. Programs with more affiliated sites (Wallace State lists 54; Huntsville Hospital covers 11) offer more scheduling flexibility and broader exposure. Also check whether the clinical sites are in the area where you plan to work after graduation.

### Program Length and Time-to-Employment

Alabama programs range from 17 months (Wallace State) to 24 months (DCH, Huntsville Hospital, University of South Alabama). A shorter program gets you into the workforce faster, which matters if you are managing the cost of living during training. A longer program may include more clinical hours or deeper coursework. Compare programs on what is included in the timeline, not just the number of months.

### Tuition and Total Program Cost

Total program tuition in Alabama ranges from $2,200 (Huntsville Hospital) to $24,548 (Gadsden State, non-resident). Community college programs generally offer the lowest resident tuition. If you are an out-of-state student, the difference between resident and non-resident rates can be substantial: Jefferson State’s gap is $9,675 and Gadsden State’s is $9,956. Establishing Alabama residency before enrolling can significantly reduce the total cost.

### Hospital-Based vs. College-Based Programs

Three Alabama programs are hospital-based (DCH, Huntsville Hospital, and the USA Department of Radiologic Sciences is university-affiliated). Hospital-based programs often have lower tuition and direct employer relationships, but they may offer fewer transferable college credits. Community college programs lead to an Associate of Applied Science degree, which can be a stepping stone to a bachelor’s completion program. University of South Alabama is the only program in the state that awards a four-year degree directly.

## Program Length, Clinical Hours, and ARRT Exam Preparation in Alabama

All nine JRCERT-accredited Alabama programs are structured to meet ARRT eligibility requirements, which means they include a minimum of 1,825 structured clinical competency hours alongside didactic coursework in radiographic procedures, radiation physics, patient care, and image evaluation.

Most programs in Alabama integrate ARRT exam preparation throughout the curriculum rather than treating it as a final-semester add-on. Faculty typically use structured registry review materials in the final months of the program. Students should confirm what specific prep resources are available – some programs use commercial review banks, others use faculty-developed materials, and a small number offer formal review courses.

The 24-month programs provide more time for clinical rotation variety and typically allow students to rotate through a wider range of imaging modalities including fluoroscopy, mobile radiography, operating room procedures, and CT (in some sites). The 17-month Wallace State program compresses this into a tighter schedule with a larger clinical site network to compensate.

Alabama’s JRCERT programs are also designed to meet the clinical education standards set by ARRT, which require specific minimum numbers of procedures across categories like chest imaging, skeletal radiography, and fluoroscopic procedures. Check each program’s clinical competency list to understand how thoroughly each category is covered.

## Frequently Asked Questions About Radiology Tech Programs in Alabama

### Do I need a license to work as a radiology tech in Alabama?

Alabama does not currently require a state license for radiologic technologists. However, virtually all Alabama employers require ARRT certification in Radiography (R) as a condition of employment. Without it, your job options are severely limited. Graduating from a JRCERT-accredited program is the required pathway to ARRT eligibility.

### How much do radiology techs make in Alabama?

According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, the median annual wage for radiologic technologists and technicians in Alabama is $60,700. Entry-level positions start around $41,060 (10th percentile). Experienced techs at the 75th percentile earn $71,620, and top earners reach $80,300. Alabama’s below-average cost of living means these wages stretch further than they would in higher-cost states.

### What is the fastest radiology tech program in Alabama?

Wallace State Community College in Hanceville offers the shortest JRCERT-accredited radiography program in Alabama at 17 months. It also has a 95% completion rate and 92% ARRT pass rate, making it among the more efficient programs in the state. All other Alabama programs run 21 to 24 months.

### Which Alabama program has the highest ARRT pass rate?

DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa has a 99% ARRT first-attempt pass rate, the highest of any JRCERT-accredited program in Alabama. Huntsville Hospital, Trenholm State, and Wallace State all post 92% pass rates, which are also strong results.

### What is the cheapest radiology program in Alabama?

Huntsville Hospital’s program costs $2,200 in total tuition for both residents and non-residents, making it by far the lowest-cost option in the state. DCH Regional Medical Center is the next most affordable at $5,800 flat. Both are hospital-based programs. Among community college programs, George C. Wallace Community College in Dothan has the lowest resident tuition at $6,327.

### Can I complete a radiology program online in Alabama?

The University of South Alabama is the only JRCERT-accredited radiography program in Alabama that offers any distance education component. However, clinical training in radiography cannot be completed online – hands-on patient care hours are required for ARRT eligibility. Distance education options typically apply to the didactic coursework portion of the program only.

### What GPA or prerequisites do Alabama radiology programs require?

Prerequisites vary by program, but most Alabama programs require completion of anatomy and physiology, basic math, and English composition before admission. Many use a competitive point-based selection process rather than a simple GPA cutoff. Check each program’s current admission criteria directly, as requirements change from year to year.

### What can I do after becoming a radiology tech in Alabama?

General radiography is a foundation credential that opens pathways to specialization. In Alabama, the University of South Alabama offers an advanced Radiation Therapy program for graduates who want to move into oncology. Nationally, post-primary ARRT certifications are available in CT, MRI, mammography, interventional radiology, and other specialties. MRI technologists in Alabama earn a median of $78,890 per year according to BLS May 2025 OEWS data – roughly $18,000 more at the median than general radiologic technologists.

### How long does it take to become a radiology tech in Alabama?

Plan for 17 to 24 months of program training after completing any required prerequisites. Most applicants also need one to two semesters of prerequisite coursework before entering a competitive radiography program, so a realistic total timeline from starting prerequisites to ARRT certification is two to three years.

### Is radiologic technology a good career in Alabama?

The employment data suggests it is a stable career. Alabama employs 3,500 radiologic technologists and technicians per BLS May 2025 OEWS data, all nine JRCERT-accredited programs in the state post 97-100% job placement rates, and the occupation serves both rural community hospitals and large academic medical centers. The career also has clear advancement pathways through specialty certifications and higher-level imaging modalities.

## Next Steps: Explore Alabama Radiology Programs

The nine JRCERT-accredited programs in Alabama differ enough that the right choice depends on where you live, what you can afford, how quickly you want to complete the program, and what your ARRT preparation needs are. Use the comparison table above to identify three or four programs that fit your situation, then contact each program directly to ask about current prerequisites, application deadlines, and available financial aid.

Programs with the strongest combination of outcomes include Huntsville Hospital (100% completion, 92% pass rate, $2,200 tuition), Wallace State Hanceville (95% completion, 92% pass rate, shortest timeline), and DCH Regional Medical Center (99% pass rate, $5,800 flat tuition). If a bachelor’s degree or distance education access matters to you, the University of South Alabama is the only program in the state that offers both.

Contact the program offices directly through the links above, compare financial aid options, and confirm current admission requirements before submitting applications.

[University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital](https://www.uabmedicine.org/locations), Birmingham
 1802 6th Avenue South
 Birmingham, AL 35233
 (205) 934-4011

[Huntsville Hospital](//www.huntsvillehospital.org/), Huntsville
 101 Sivley Road
 Huntsville, AL 35801
 (256) 265-1000

[Baptist Medical Center East](https://www.baptistfirst.org/locations/baptist-medical-center-east), Montgomery

400 Taylor Road
 Montgomery, AL 36117-3512
 (334) 277-8330

[University of South Alabama Medical Center](http://www.usahealthsystem.com/), Mobile

2451 Fillingim Street
 Mobile, AL 36617-2293
 (251) 471-7000

[DCH Regional Medical Center](https://www.dchsystem.com/our_facilities/dch_regional_medical_center.aspx), Tuscaloosa
 809 University Boulevard East
 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401-9961
 (205) 759-7111

[Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center](https://rmccares.org/hospitals/rmc-anniston/), Anniston
 400 East Tenth Street
 Anniston, AL 36207-4716
 (256) 235-5121

## Sources

- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) — wage and employment figures. https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook — job outlook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) — accredited programme directory (720 programmes). https://www.jrcert.org/programs/
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) — certification requirements. https://www.arrt.org/
- Alabama Radiation Control Program — https://www.adph.org/radiation/
- Gadsden State Community College — https://catalog.gadsdenstate.edu/radiography/radiography-aas
- George C. Wallace Community College — https://catalog.wallace.edu/radiologic-technology/radiologic-technology-rad
- Jefferson State Community College — https://www.jeffersonstate.edu/academics/programs/radiologic-technology/
- Southern Union State Community College — https://www.suscc.edu/programs/radiography-overview
- Trenholm State Community College — https://www.trenholmstate.edu/radiology-medical-radiologic-technology/
- University of South Alabama — https://bulletin.southalabama.edu/programs-az/allied-health/radiologic-sciences/radiologic-sciences-bs/
- University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital — https://www.uabmedicine.org/locations
- Baptist Medical Center East — https://www.baptistfirst.org/locations/baptist-medical-center-east
- Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center — https://rmccares.org/hospitals/rmc-anniston/

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Last checked: 2026-08-19