A Guide to Medical Imaging Education in Colorado

Although the field of radiologic technology is expected to continue growing for the next several years, the number of professionals is decreasing. This decline is occurring faster in Colorado than elsewhere in the nation, causing an overall shortage of radiologic technologists in the state.

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The result is excellent job prospects and competitive wages for radiologic science professionals who choose to work in Colorado.

Accredited Radiology Tech Programs in Colorado: 2026 Guide

Colorado is one of a small number of states where a radiologic technologist can earn a median wage above $87,000 while working within driving distance of both major trauma centers and remote critical-access hospitals serving mountain communities. That combination – urban density on the Front Range and sprawling rural coverage from Grand Junction to Craig – shapes how programs here structure their clinical rotations and where graduates end up working. According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, 3,960 radiologic technologists and technicians are currently employed in Colorado, with a median annual wage of $87,760.

This page covers every JRCERT-accredited radiography program currently operating in Colorado, with verified outcome data for each, a side-by-side comparison table, Colorado-specific licensing requirements, and a breakdown of what the salary data actually means once you factor in the state’s cost of living.

JRCERT-Accredited Radiography Programs in Colorado

All six programs listed below hold active JRCERT accreditation. Outcome figures – completion rate, ARRT exam pass rate, and job placement rate – come directly from JRCERT program disclosure data. Tuition reflects resident figures where programs distinguish between resident and non-resident rates; non-resident tuition is noted separately in each listing.

Community College of Denver (Lowry Campus)

• Location: Denver, CO (Lowry Campus)
• Program Length: 22 months
• Resident Tuition: $5,865 | Non-Resident: $21,529
• Completion Rate: 100%
• ARRT Exam Pass Rate: 92%
• Job Placement Rate: 99%
• Total Capacity: 80 students
• Accreditation Length: 8 Years
• Scheduling Options: Evening, Weekend, Part-Time available
• Clinical Settings: 34 sites across the Denver metro area including Denver Health Medical Center, Children’s Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, National Jewish Health, multiple Kaiser Permanente locations, and AdventHealth facilities in Castle Rock and Parker.

CCD offers the lowest resident tuition of any program on this page – by a significant margin – and carries a 100% completion rate with strong placement figures. The evening and weekend scheduling option makes it the most accessible choice for working adults already in healthcare support roles. The breadth of clinical sites across the metro area gives students exposure to high-volume trauma centers, pediatric imaging, and outpatient diagnostic settings within a single program.

Red Rocks Community College

• Location: Arvada, CO
• Program Length: 21 months
• Resident Tuition: $7,000 | Non-Resident: $19,500
• Completion Rate: 100%
• ARRT Exam Pass Rate: 100%
• Job Placement Rate: 100%
• Total Capacity: 50 students
• Accreditation Length: 8 Years
• Scheduling Options: Distance Education component available
• Clinical Settings: 19 sites including St. Anthony’s Hospital in Lakewood, Porter Adventist Hospital, Rose Medical Center, multiple SCL Exempla locations, Panorama Orthopedics, and Invision Sally Jobe outpatient imaging centers.

Red Rocks posts a 100% ARRT pass rate and 100% job placement – the only program in Colorado to achieve both simultaneously in current JRCERT data. At 21 months, it is also the shortest program on this list. The combination of low resident tuition, a tight cohort size of 50, and those outcome figures makes it highly competitive for applicants on the Front Range west of Denver.

Colorado Mesa University

• Location: Grand Junction, CO
• Program Length: 22 months
• Resident Tuition: $10,281 | Non-Resident: $26,021
• Completion Rate: 95%
• ARRT Exam Pass Rate: 99%
• Job Placement Rate: 100%
• Total Capacity: 40 students
• Accreditation Length: 8 Years
• Scheduling Options: Distance Education component available
• Clinical Settings: 14 sites spanning Western Slope communities including St. Mary’s Hospital, Community Hospital, Montrose Memorial, Memorial Regional Health in Craig, Grand River Medical Center in Rifle, Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs, and The Steadman Clinic in Vail.

Colorado Mesa is the only JRCERT-accredited radiography program serving the Western Slope, which matters for applicants in Grand Junction, Montrose, or the Roaring Fork Valley. The clinical network is extensive for a program with a cohort of just 40 students – 14 sites across a wide geographic region means students gain experience in both critical-access rural hospitals and larger regional medical centers. The 99% ARRT pass rate is one of the highest in the state.

Concorde Career College – Denver

• Location: Denver, CO
• Program Length: 20 months
• Tuition: $15,602 (same rate for all students)
• Completion Rate: 81%
• ARRT Exam Pass Rate: 80%
• Job Placement Rate: 94%
• Total Capacity: 62 students
• Accreditation Length: 5 Years (current accreditation cycle)
• Scheduling Options: Traditional schedule
• Clinical Settings: 46 sites statewide – the largest clinical network of any Colorado program – including facilities in Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Brighton, Trinidad, Burlington, and Granby. Sites include Denver Health Medical Center, Penrose Hospital, Parkview Medical Center, and multiple Health Images outpatient locations.

Concorde’s outcome figures are lower than the community college programs on this list, and prospective students should weigh that carefully. The 5-year accreditation cycle (compared to 8 years at most other Colorado programs) is worth researching further before enrolling. That said, the program’s geographic reach for clinical training is unmatched – 46 sites including rural Colorado Springs-area facilities and southern Colorado hospitals – and the flat tuition rate eliminates the resident/non-resident distinction. Applicants who need clinical flexibility across a wide area may find it the most practical option.

Pima Medical Institute – Denver

• Location: Denver, CO
• Program Length: 24 months
• Tuition: $16,760 (same rate for all students)
• Completion Rate: 100%
• ARRT Exam Pass Rate: 92%
• Job Placement Rate: 93%
• Total Capacity: 91 students
• Accreditation Length: 8 Years
• Scheduling Options: Traditional schedule
• Clinical Settings: 41 sites including Children’s Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver Health Medical Center, multiple HealthOne and Kaiser Permanente locations, Boulder Community Health facilities, Longmont United Hospital, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and The Steadman Clinic in Basalt.

Pima Medical carries the highest total capacity of any Denver-area program at 91 students and a 100% completion rate. At 24 months, it is the longest program in Colorado, which gives students more structured time for clinical hours and ARRT exam preparation. The clinical network spans from Colorado Springs in the south to Basalt in the mountains and Longmont in the north. Private institution tuition applies regardless of residency, so in-state students should compare the net cost against community college options carefully.

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus / Memorial Hospital

• Location: Colorado Springs, CO
• Program Length: 23 months
• Tuition: $13,500 (same rate for all students)
• Completion Rate: 97%
• ARRT Exam Pass Rate: 95%
• Job Placement Rate: 100%
• Total Capacity: 110 students
• Accreditation Length: 8 Years
• Scheduling Options: Distance Education component available
• Clinical Settings: 23 sites primarily in Colorado Springs and the UCHealth system, including Memorial Hospital, Memorial Hospital North, UCHealth Grandview Hospital, UCHealth Pikes Peak Regional Hospital in Woodland Park, Children’s Hospital Colorado at Briargate, and UCHealth facilities extending to Denver, Aurora, Highlands Ranch, and Lone Tree.

This program has the largest cohort capacity in Colorado at 110 students and offers 100% job placement with a 95% ARRT pass rate. Based in Colorado Springs, it serves the state’s second-largest metro area. The UCHealth system affiliation means students rotate through a genuinely integrated health network, from Pikes Peak Regional Hospital (a critical-access facility) to major tertiary care centers. The flat tuition rate of $13,500 makes it competitive for out-of-state applicants compared to the gap they would face at community colleges.

Colorado Radiology Tech Program Comparison Table

Institution	Length	Resident Tuition	Completion Rate	ARRT Pass Rate	Placement Rate	Accreditation	Evening/Weekend
Colorado Mesa University	22 mo.	$10,281	95%	99%	100%	8 Years	No
CC of Denver	22 mo.	$5,865	100%	92%	99%	8 Years	Yes
Concorde Career College – Denver	20 mo.	$15,602	81%	80%	94%	5 Years	No
Pima Medical Institute-Denver	24 mo.	$16,760	100%	92%	93%	8 Years	No
Red Rocks CC	21 mo.	$7,000	100%	100%	100%	8 Years	No
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus/Memorial Hospital	23 mo.	$13,500	97%	95%	100%	8 Years	No

*Flat rate – no separate resident/non-resident distinction. All other tuition figures reflect in-state resident rates. Source: JRCERT program disclosures, current data.

Radiologic Technologist Salaries in Colorado

According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, radiologic technologists and technicians in Colorado earn a median annual wage of $87,760. The mean sits slightly higher at $89,470, which reflects above-median earners pulling the average up. The full wage distribution breaks down as follows:

• 10th percentile: $63,270
• 25th percentile: $76,060
• Median (50th percentile): $87,760
• 75th percentile: $103,780
• 90th percentile: $111,730

The spread between the 25th and 75th percentile – from $76,060 to $103,780 – is roughly $27,000. That gap reflects factors like specialty modality, employer type, years of experience, and geographic location within the state. Technologists working in Denver-area hospital systems generally have access to higher-paying positions than those in smaller regional facilities, though the competition is stiffer and the cost of living is higher.

Salary by Specialty: Moving from Radiography to MRI

Radiography is the entry point for most imaging careers, but the earnings ceiling rises substantially with specialty certification. BLS May 2025 OEWS data shows that MRI technologists in Colorado earn a median of $105,380 per year – nearly $18,000 more than the radiologic technologist median. The mean for MRI techs in Colorado is $103,320, with 670 currently employed statewide.

The MRI wage distribution:

• 10th percentile: $84,460
• 25th percentile: $95,920
• Median: $105,380
• 75th percentile: $113,390
• 90th percentile: $122,980

The practical implication: completing a JRCERT-accredited radiography program and passing the ARRT exam qualifies you for entry-level radiographer roles. From there, ARRT specialty certifications in MRI, CT, mammography, or interventional radiography open access to a compensation tier that sits $15,000 to $25,000 above the radiographer baseline. Many technologists pursue a CT or MRI certification within two to five years of initial employment.

Cost of Living Context

Colorado’s cost of living, particularly in the Denver metro area and mountain communities, is meaningfully higher than the national average. Housing costs in Denver, Colorado Springs, and resort-adjacent areas like Glenwood Springs and Vail can consume a substantial share of a technologist’s gross income. A starting radiographer earning $63,000 to $76,000 per year in Denver will find housing costs more challenging than a technologist in Grand Junction or Pueblo earning a similar wage. The Western Slope and southern Colorado generally offer lower housing costs, which can make positions in those markets more financially competitive in real terms than the raw salary figures suggest.

Colorado Radiologic Technologist Licensing Requirements

Colorado does not have a state-specific radiologic technologist licensing board. Licensure and certification in Colorado operate through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Graduates of JRCERT-accredited programs are eligible to apply for the ARRT examination in Radiography upon completing all program requirements.

Key requirements for practicing as a radiologic technologist in Colorado:

• ARRT Certification: Most employers in Colorado require or strongly prefer ARRT(R) certification. The exam has three components: application and eligibility review, ethics review, and the computer-based examination.
• Education Requirement: Graduation from a JRCERT-accredited radiography program satisfies the ARRT’s educational pathway requirement.
• Ethics Requirement: Applicants must disclose any criminal history, honor code violations, or prior disciplinary actions. The ARRT ethics review applies regardless of state.
• Continuing Education: ARRT requires 24 continuing education credits every two years to maintain certification status.
• Fluoroscopy: Some Colorado employers and clinical settings have additional requirements for fluoroscopy operators. Confirm specifics with prospective employers, as this can vary by facility type and procedure.
• No State License Required: As of 2026, Colorado does not require radiologic technologists to hold a separate state-issued license beyond ARRT certification. Applicants transferring from states with mandatory state licensure should confirm current requirements with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) and ARRT before relocating.

Graduates planning to work in limited radiography roles (for example, chiropractic or podiatric offices) should verify whether those specific practice settings have separate requirements or exemptions under Colorado law. Limited license X-ray technicians must pass a state exam, or have passed a state exam in any of the other 49 US states.

What to Look for in a Colorado Radiology Tech Program

Choosing among six JRCERT-accredited programs involves more than comparing tuition lines. Here are the factors that carry the most weight for Colorado-specific applicants.

ARRT Pass Rate and Completion Rate Together

A high ARRT pass rate is only meaningful if completion rates are also high. A program can post a 100% pass rate by graduating a small, highly selective cohort. Look at both figures side by side. In Colorado, the range runs from 80% to 100% for ARRT pass rates and from 81% to 100% for completion rates. Programs with both figures above 90% – Red Rocks, CCD, Colorado Mesa, Pima Medical, and University of Colorado Anschutz/Memorial – represent a narrower risk profile for applicants who need to finish and pass on their first attempt.

Clinical Site Geography

Colorado is a large state with very different healthcare environments. Programs based in Denver have clinical networks concentrated in the Front Range metro area. Colorado Mesa University covers the Western Slope exclusively. The University of Colorado Anschutz/Memorial program covers Colorado Springs and extends into UCHealth’s statewide network. If you intend to work in a specific region after graduation, confirm that the program has clinical sites in that area – and ideally at employers you would want to work for long-term.

Clinical Hours

JRCERT requires a minimum number of clinical hours for accredited programs, but individual programs vary in how those hours are structured across different modality areas. Ask each program directly how many total clinical hours are required, how hours are distributed across fluoroscopy, trauma, portable imaging, and computed radiography, and whether students rotate through pediatric imaging sites. The presence of pediatric clinical affiliations (Children’s Hospital Colorado appears in multiple program networks) is a differentiator for students interested in pediatric specialization.

ARRT Exam Preparation

Ask programs specifically what structured ARRT review is included in the curriculum. Some programs integrate board review throughout the program; others concentrate it in the final semester. The ARRT exam covers radiation protection, equipment operation and quality control, image acquisition and evaluation, and patient care. Programs with dedicated exam prep modules and practice testing generally produce stronger first-attempt pass rates.

Schedule Flexibility

Only two programs in Colorado offer part-time or evening/weekend scheduling: Community College of Denver (evening, weekend, and part-time) and Colorado Mesa University (distance education component). Red Rocks and the University of Colorado Anschutz/Memorial program also include distance education components. If you are working while completing prerequisites or have caregiving responsibilities, scheduling flexibility may determine which programs are realistic options.

Total Cost vs. Net Cost

Tuition figures in the comparison table are program costs, not total costs of attendance. Books, fees, clinical uniforms, dosimetry badges, health requirements, and transportation to clinical sites add to the base figure. Community college programs in Colorado typically have lower associated fees than private institutions. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can alter the net cost significantly – contact each program’s financial aid office for a complete cost-of-attendance estimate before applying.

Program Length, Clinical Hours, and ARRT Preparation: What to Expect

Colorado’s JRCERT-accredited radiography programs range from 20 to 24 months in length. All programs include a mix of didactic coursework and supervised clinical education. The clinical component is where students log the hands-on imaging hours required for ARRT eligibility.

JRCERT accreditation standards require programs to include clinical experience across a broad range of imaging procedures. Students in Colorado programs rotate through settings that typically include emergency radiology, orthopedic imaging, outpatient diagnostic imaging, and at programs with pediatric affiliations, children’s hospitals. Programs affiliated with large health systems – particularly Pima Medical (UCHealth and Children’s Hospital affiliations) and the University of Colorado Anschutz/Memorial program – give students exposure to high-acuity cases that smaller outpatient-heavy networks may not provide.

ARRT exam preparation is woven into all accredited programs, but the structure varies. The ARRT Radiography exam tests across four content areas: patient care and education, safety, image production, and procedures. Strong programs build in periodic comprehensive assessments, simulation exercises, and final-semester board review that mirrors the exam format. When evaluating programs, ask what percentage of graduates pass on the first attempt – which is what the JRCERT pass rate figures in this guide measure.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most JRCERT-accredited radiography programs in Colorado take between 20 and 24 months to complete. The shortest current program is Concorde Career College at 20 months; the longest is Pima Medical Institute at 24 months. After completing the program, graduates must apply to sit for the ARRT Radiography exam, which adds several weeks to the process depending on application processing time.

Does Colorado require a state license for radiologic technologists?

As of 2026, Colorado does not require a separate state license for radiologic technologists. ARRT certification is the standard credential recognized by employers statewide. This differs from states like Texas, California, or Florida, which have mandatory state licensure. If you are relocating from a state with licensure requirements, confirm current Colorado requirements with DORA before assuming your credentials transfer directly.

What is the average salary for a radiology tech in Colorado?

According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, the median annual wage for radiologic technologists and technicians in Colorado is $87,760. Entry-level positions typically fall in the $63,000 to $76,000 range (10th to 25th percentile), while experienced technologists in high-demand settings or specialty roles earn between $103,000 and $111,000 (75th to 90th percentile).

Which Colorado radiology tech program has the highest ARRT pass rate?

Red Rocks Community College in Arvada currently holds a 100% ARRT exam pass rate according to JRCERT data. Colorado Mesa University follows at 99%, and the University of Colorado Anschutz/Memorial Hospital program reports 95%.

Are there radiology tech programs in Colorado Springs?

Yes. The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus/Memorial Hospital program is based in Colorado Springs at 1400 East Boulder Street. It has the largest cohort capacity (110 students) of any program in the state, a 95% ARRT pass rate, and clinical sites concentrated in the Colorado Springs metro area through UCHealth and Memorial Hospital.

Are there radiology tech programs in western Colorado?

Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction is the only JRCERT-accredited radiography program on the Western Slope. It serves students in Grand Junction, the Roaring Fork Valley, Montrose, and surrounding communities, with 14 clinical sites across that region including Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs and Memorial Regional Health in Craig.

Can I complete a radiology tech program part-time in Colorado?

Community College of Denver is the only program in Colorado that explicitly offers evening, weekend, and part-time scheduling. Several other programs include distance education components for didactic coursework, but clinical rotations require in-person attendance at affiliated sites regardless of program format.

What is the difference between a radiologic technologist and an MRI technologist in terms of pay?

In Colorado, the median annual wage for MRI technologists is $105,380 compared to $87,760 for radiologic technologists, per BLS May 2025 OEWS data. That is a difference of roughly $17,600 at the median. Most MRI technologists begin as ARRT-certified radiographers and add the MRI specialty credential through additional training and examination. Some employers provide structured pathways and tuition support for this transition.

How competitive is admission to Colorado radiology tech programs?

Admission selectivity varies by program and cohort size. Programs with smaller cohorts – Colorado Mesa University at 40 seats and Red Rocks Community College at 50 – tend to be more competitive. Community College of Denver (80 seats) and Pima Medical Institute (91 seats) have larger cohorts, and the University of Colorado Anschutz/Memorial program accepts up to 110 students per cycle. Prerequisites typically include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and college algebra, plus healthcare experience at some programs. Contact each program’s admissions office for current prerequisites and application timelines.

What clinical hours are required for ARRT eligibility?

ARRT requires candidates to demonstrate competency in a defined set of clinical procedures through their accredited program. Individual Colorado programs determine the total clinical hours needed to achieve those competencies, and requirements vary by program. Each program’s clinical coordinator can provide the specific hour requirements and how they are distributed across imaging categories.

Next Steps: Explore Colorado Radiology Tech Programs

The six JRCERT-accredited radiography programs in Colorado cover the Front Range, the Western Slope, and Colorado Springs, with outcome data that spans the full range from exceptional to adequate. Start by matching your geography and schedule to the programs that are realistically accessible, then compare ARRT pass rates, completion rates, and total cost of attendance – not tuition alone.

Each program listing above links directly to its official program page. Request information from two or three programs at once, ask specifically about clinical site assignments in your preferred area, and confirm current prerequisite requirements and application deadlines. Colorado’s median radiologic technologist salary of $87,760 and the MRI specialization pathway to over $105,000 make this a career with a clear return on the investment of a two-year program.

Review the program pages linked throughout this guide, compare the table figures against your priorities, and reach out to program advisors directly to confirm seat availability for the next application cycle.

Radiologic Technologist Trends in Colorado

In Colorado, there were 3,990 radiologic technologist jobs in 2024, projected to grow to 4,750 by 2034, representing an 18.9% increase, with about 300 annual job openings. Nationally, there were 272,100 radiologic and MRI technologist jobs in 2024, projected to grow to 285,000 by 2034, a 5% increase, with about 15,400 annual job openings. Visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics for national data and Projections Central for state projections.

Employment Trends

Source of the data:

• Colorado: data for wages here and for employment trends here.
• U.S data: Bureau of Labour Statistics

Well-Known Colleges and Universities

It is possible to earn everything from a radiology limited license certificate to a doctor of radiology medicine degree in Colorado.

Colorado State University: Colorado State University is the 2^nd largest university in Colorado, and spends more money on medical research than nearly any other school in the country without a medical school. Students enrolled in the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences may earn a Master of Science degree or Doctor of Philosophy degree in Radiological Health Sciences while performing cancer-related research. This school also offers residencies in Radiation Cancer Biology and Oncology and Diagnostic Imaging for veterinarians.

Pima Medical Institute: The Pima Medical Institute has locations throughout the western United States, and they offer a well-established program through which students may earn an Associate of Science degree in Radiography. Students can earn their Associate degree at Pima’s Denver location, or enroll in their online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences degree program, both of which will prepare students for a career in radiography.

Other Schools to Consider

Colorado Mesa University, located in the city of Grand Junction, also offers certified and registered radiologic technologists with an associate degree the opportunity for post-primary certification in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography. Two bachelor degree programs exist within the Department of Health Sciences – both a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences and a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Radiologic Technology. The BAS qualifies radiologic technologists to advance in specialty areas in the field, work with more advanced imaging tools, or move into management positions.

There are also a number of community colleges around Colorado that offer AAS degrees in radiologic technology, including Pueblo Community College and Aims Community College in Greeley.

Out of state, Southern Colorado residents may consider other options in Phoenix, AZ, Albuquerque, NM, Tulsa or Oklahoma City, OK, or Dallas, TX, while future students in Northern Colorado may want to take a look at alternatives in Salt Lake City, UT, or Cheyenne, WY. Eastward, you might consider colleges in Wichita or Kansas City, KS, or Lincoln, NE.

Large Employers in Radiology

Colorado has many large hospitals and medical centers, three of which have been nationally ranked by the US News and World Report. These large health facilities are the largest single employers of radiologic science professionals.

Professional Organizations

The Colorado Society of Radiologic Technologists (CSRT) is the state affiliate of the national American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). This organization has resources for students as well as working professionals, including job postings and information about licensing. There are local chapters of the state society to help professionals stay connected.

JRCERT-accredited radiography programs in Colorado

Colorado has six radiography programs accredited by JRCERT (the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, the national accrediting body for these programs). Every program listed here holds active JRCERT accreditation. That matters because most employers and state licensing boards require a degree from a JRCERT-accredited school before they will consider your application.

The six programs sit in three cities: Denver, Grand Junction, Arvada, and Colorado Springs. If you live on the Western Slope, Colorado Mesa University is your closest option. If you live along the Front Range, you have four programs within commuting distance of the metro area.

Program comparison table

The table below pulls directly from JRCERT program data. Tuition figures are annual resident rates where programs report them separately; see each school’s catalog for the full cost of attendance.

Tuition figures come from JRCERT program disclosures. Contact each school directly to confirm current costs, as tuition can change between catalog cycles.

What each program looks like in practice

Colorado Mesa University

Colorado Mesa University runs a 22-month program in Grand Junction with room for 40 students per cohort. The program includes distance education components, which can help if you live in a rural area on the Western Slope. Clinical rotations cover a wide range of settings, from St. Mary’s Hospital and Medical Center in Grand Junction to Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs and The Steadman Clinic in Vail. The 99% ARRT exam pass rate is among the highest in the state.

Community College of Denver

Community College of Denver at the Lowry Campus has the lowest resident tuition of any program on this list: $5,865. It also has the largest capacity at 80 students per cohort and a 100% completion rate. The program accepts evening, weekend, and part-time schedules, which makes it a realistic option if you are working while you study. Clinical sites span the entire metro area, including Children’s Hospital Colorado, Denver Health Medical Center, and more than a dozen Kaiser Permanente locations.

Concorde Career College – Denver

Concorde Career College – Denver finishes the program in 20 months, the shortest timeline on this list. Tuition is $15,602 and applies equally to resident and non-resident students. The completion rate is 81% and the ARRT pass rate is 80%, both lower than the other programs. That does not make it a bad choice, but you should go in with a clear study plan. Clinical sites reach well beyond Denver, including Parkview Medical Center in Pueblo and Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs.

Pima Medical Institute – Denver

Pima Medical Institute – Denver runs the longest program at 24 months and has the highest tuition at $16,760. It also has the largest program capacity at 91 students and a 100% completion rate. Clinical placements include specialty settings such as the Steadman Clinic in Basalt and multiple orthopedic centers across the Front Range. The 93% job placement rate is solid, though slightly below the other top performers on this list.

Red Rocks Community College

Red Rocks Community College in Arvada posts a 100% completion rate, a 100% ARRT pass rate, and a 100% job placement rate. Resident tuition is $7,000, and the program takes 21 months. It also supports distance education for some coursework. Clinical sites include Porter Adventist Hospital in Denver, Rose Medical Center, and St. Anthony’s Hospital in Lakewood. If your priority is outcome data at an affordable cost, this program stands out.

University of Colorado Anschutz / Memorial Hospital

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus program is based in Colorado Springs at Memorial Hospital. It runs 23 months and has the largest capacity on this list at 110 students. Tuition is $13,500 for both resident and non-resident students. The 95% ARRT pass rate and 100% job placement rate are strong. Clinical sites cover the full Colorado Springs metro area and extend north to Aurora and Highlands Ranch. Distance education is available for some portions of the curriculum.

Colorado radiologic technologist salaries

According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, Colorado employs 3,960 radiologic technologists and technicians. The median annual wage is $87,760. If you are just starting out, the 10th percentile wage is $63,270. Experienced technologists in the top quarter earn $103,780 or more, and the 90th percentile reaches $111,730.

If you go on to specialize in MRI (magnetic resonance imaging, a separate credential earned after working as a radiologic technologist), the pay is higher. Colorado employs 670 MRI technologists. Their median wage is $105,380, with the 25th percentile at $95,920 and the 90th percentile at $122,980, again per BLS May 2025 OEWS data.

The path most technologists follow looks like this: complete a JRCERT-accredited program, pass the ARRT exam to become registered, work in general radiography for a few years, then pursue a specialty credential in MRI, CT (computed tomography), or mammography. Each specialty adds earning potential and opens different clinical environments.

How to choose between these programs

Cost

Resident tuition ranges from $5,865 at Community College of Denver to $16,760 at Pima Medical Institute. For most students, the community college options (CCD and Red Rocks) cost less than half what the private career colleges charge. That gap grows if you factor in non-resident rates, which are far higher at the public schools than at Concorde or Pima, where out-of-state students pay the same rate as everyone else.

Schedule flexibility

If you need to keep working while you study, Community College of Denver’s evening, weekend, and part-time options are the most explicit about schedule flexibility. Colorado Mesa University and Red Rocks both support distance education for some coursework, which can reduce the number of days you need to be on campus.

Outcome data

Red Rocks and Community College of Denver both report 100% completion rates. Red Rocks also posts a 100% ARRT pass rate and 100% job placement. Colorado Mesa University comes close with a 99% pass rate and 100% placement. These figures come directly from JRCERT program disclosures, so they reflect real cohort performance rather than marketing estimates.

Clinical site access

Every program on this list places you in real clinical settings from early in the curriculum. Community College of Denver and Pima Medical Institute have the longest lists of clinical partners, spanning the entire Front Range from Boulder to Pueblo. If you want exposure to a specific type of facility, like a children’s hospital or a VA medical center, check which programs include those sites before you apply.

Program length

All six programs finish between 20 and 24 months. Concorde finishes fastest at 20 months. Pima takes the longest at 24 months. The difference is two to four months, which matters if you are eager to start earning, but the program you choose should fit your schedule and budget more than it fits a timeline.

Licensure and next steps after graduation

Colorado requires radiologic technologists to hold state licensure. To get licensed, you first pass the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) certification exam after graduating from a JRCERT-accredited program. The ARRT credential is the national standard, and Colorado’s state license is tied to it. You cannot legally practice in Colorado without both.

After you are licensed, your employer will likely pay for additional training if you want to add a specialty. CT and MRI are the most common next steps. Both require passing a separate ARRT exam in the specialty area. Many technologists earn a specialty credential within two to five years of graduating.

If research or leadership interests you, Colorado State University in Fort Collins has a master’s program in radiological health sciences that some working technologists pursue while employed.

Ready to take the next step

Use the program details and outcome data above to narrow your list to two or three schools. Then contact each program’s admissions office to ask about the next application deadline, any prerequisite courses required before you apply, and whether financial aid is available. The programs with the closest application deadlines fill their cohorts first, so reaching out early gives you the most options.