# Hawaii > Markdown rendering of https://radiologyed.org/schools/hawaii/ for AI agents and researchers. > Same facts as the HTML page, with navigation and sponsored units removed and sources listed. The HTML page is canonical. > Publisher: radiologyed.org · Last checked: 2026-08-19 As the medical needs of our nation’s population increase, the demand increases for qualified professionals in many areas of the health industry. To fulfill the rising demand now is a better time than ever to start pursuing a career in radiology. ([Leer esta información en español](https://radiologyed.org/es/hawaii/)) In Hawaii, workers in this occupation are few but are starting to grow, following the national trend that expects the [employment opportunities for radiologic technologists to increase](https://radiologyed.org/prospects/) by 9% in only 10 years. ## Prerequisite Courses To pursue a career in the field of medical imaging, there are certain prerequisite courses you must take before you can enroll in a program. These prerequisites include anatomy and physiology, physics, psychology, mathematics, computers, and communication skills. ## Radiology Requirements in Hawaii Radiologic technologists in the state of Hawaii must currently be licensed by the Hawai‘i Board of Radiologic Technology to perform work. Like 36 other US states, Hawaii uses the [American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)](https://www.arrt.org/) examinations for its licensing requirements. Hawaii also states that working technologists in the radiology field must complete 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year term. Licensed radiologic technicians from other states with equivalent requirements are also licensed to work in Hawaii. Some specific radiology jobs, such as nuclear medicine technology and cardiovascular radiography, must hold additional licenses to practice. ## Large Employers in Radiology Hawaii is home to several large healthcare centers, especially on Oahu and in populated areas of the other islands, which consistently employ radiologic technologists. While the largest numbers of radiologic technologists work for these larger facilities, small clinics and rural doctors’ offices hire technologists as well. [The Queen’s Medical Center](https://www.queens.org/the-queens-medical-center/queens-medical-center), Honolulu (Oahu) 1301 Punchbowl Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 808-538-9011 [Pali Momi Medical Center](//www.palimomi.org/), Aiea (Oahu) 98-1079 Moanalua Road Aiea, HI 96701 808-486-6000 [Straub Medical Center](https://www.hawaiipacifichealth.org/straub/), Honolulu, Mililani, Kaneohe, Kailua (Oahu), Hilo, Kona (Big Island), Lanai City (Lanai) 888 South King Street Honolulu, HI 96813 808-522-4000 [Castle Medical Center](https://www.adventisthealth.org/castle/), Kailua (Oahu) 640 Ulukahiki St Kailua, HI 96734 808-263-5500 [Wilcox Medical Center](https://www.hawaiipacifichealth.org/wilcox/), Lihue (Kauai) 3-3420 Kuhio Highway Lihue, HI 96766 808-245-1103 [North Hawaii Community Hospital](https://www.queens.org/north-hawaii/north-hawaii-community-hospital), Waimea (Big Island) 67 1125 Mamalahoa Highway Kamuela, HI 96743 808-885-4444 [Kona Community Hospital](//www.kch.hhsc.org/), Kealakekua (Big Island) 79-1019 Haukapila Street Kealakekua, HI 96750 808-322-9311 ## Accredited Radiology Tech Programs in Hawaii Hawaii is the only U.S. state where every JRCERT-accredited radiography program operates on an island campus, meaning clinical rotations can span multiple islands – from Oahu to Maui to the Big Island – depending on your assigned sites. That geographic reality shapes how programs are structured and where graduates end up working. If you are considering a career as a radiologic technologist in Hawaii, there is exactly one JRCERT-accredited radiography program in the state, and the data behind it is strong. ## JRCERT-Accredited Radiography Program in Hawaii The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is the national accrediting body for radiography programs. Graduating from a JRCERT-accredited program is required to sit for the ARRT certification exam in most states, and Hawaii is no exception. The program listed below is the sole accredited option in the state as of July 2026. ### University of Hawaii – Kapiolani Community College **Address:** 4303 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, HI 96816 **Program Type:** Radiography **Award Type:** Associate Degree (23-month program) **JRCERT Accreditation Length:** 8 Years **Distance Education Option:** Yes UH Kapiolani’s radiography program carries metrics that place it well above national averages. The completion rate sits at 95%, the ARRT exam pass rate is 96%, and job placement reaches 99% – figures drawn directly from JRCERT program data. The program accepts up to 74 students in total capacity across its cohorts. **Tuition (per program):** In-state residents: $4,545 Out-of-state/non-resident: $21,960 For most applicants who already live in Hawaii, the resident tuition rate makes this program one of the more affordable pathways to a healthcare career in the state. Non-resident tuition is significantly higher, so if you are relocating specifically for this program, factor that cost into your planning alongside Hawaii’s well-documented cost of living. ## Program Comparison Table | Institution | Length | Resident Tuition | Completion Rate | ARRT Pass Rate | Placement Rate | Accreditation | Evening/Weekend | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | University of Hawaii-Kapiolani CC | 23 mo. | $4,545 | 95% | 96% | 99% | 8 Years | No | *Tuition, completion, pass rate, and placement figures sourced from JRCERT program data. Always confirm current figures directly with the program.* ## Clinical Training Sites One of the most important questions to ask about any radiography program is where you will actually train. Clinical hours are a core component of ARRT eligibility, and the quality and variety of your clinical sites directly affects your preparation for the exam and for working independently after graduation. UH Kapiolani’s program uses an extensive network of clinical settings across multiple islands. Confirmed sites include: - Castle Medical Center – Kailua, HI - Hawaii Diagnostic Radiology Services, LLC (dba Yeoh & Muranaka M.D.’s, Inc.) – Honolulu, HI - Hawaii Diagnostic Radiology Services, LLC (dba Yeoh & Muranaka M.D.’s, Inc.) – Waipahu, HI - Hilo Medical Center – Hilo, HI (Big Island) - Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center – Honolulu, HI - Kaiser Wailuku Clinic – Wailuku, HI (Maui) - Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children – Honolulu, HI - Kona Community Hospital – Kealakekua, HI (Big Island) - Kuakini Medical Center – Honolulu, HI - Maui Memorial Medical Center – Wailuku, HI (Maui) - North Hawaii Community Hospital – Waimea, HI (Big Island) - Pali Momi Medical Center – Aiea, HI - Queen’s Medical Center – Honolulu, HI - Queen’s Medical Center West Oahu – Ewa Beach, HI - Shriners Hospital for Children Honolulu – Honolulu, HI - Straub Clinic and Hospital, Inc. – Honolulu, HI - Wilcox Memorial Hospital – Lihue, HI (Kauai) This spread of sites – covering Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai – means students may be assigned rotations away from their home island. Confirm with the program exactly how inter-island placements work and whether housing support is available. ## Radiologic Technologist Salaries in Hawaii Salary is a reasonable factor to weigh when choosing a healthcare career, and Hawaii’s numbers for this field are among the highest in the country. Based on BLS May 2025 OEWS data, here is how earnings break down for radiologic technologists and related roles in Hawaii. ### Radiologic Technologists and Technicians (SOC 29-2034) - **Total employed in Hawaii:** 690 - **Median annual wage:** $101,700 - **Mean annual wage:** $93,140 - **10th percentile:** $39,150 - **25th percentile:** $85,480 - **75th percentile:** $107,080 - **90th percentile:** $115,440 ### MRI Technologists (SOC 29-2035) – A Common Career Progression - **Total employed in Hawaii:** 140 - **Median annual wage:** $119,370 - **Mean annual wage:** $114,230 - **10th percentile:** $62,120 - **25th percentile:** $107,770 - **75th percentile:** $128,840 - **90th percentile:** $130,040 The gap between these two roles is meaningful. A radiologic technologist at the median earns $101,700, while an MRI technologist at the median earns $119,370 – a difference of roughly $17,700 per year. Many radiologic technologists add MRI certification through the ARRT’s post-primary pathway after working for a year or two in general radiography. That credential pathway is one of the clearest salary levers available in this field. ### Cost of Living Context Hawaii consistently ranks as one of the most expensive states in the country. Housing, food, and transportation costs run significantly higher than national averages. A median salary of $101,700 for a radiologic technologist in Hawaii has less purchasing power than the same number would in a lower-cost state. That said, these wages are genuine and competitive within the local market, and for residents who already live in Hawaii, a stable healthcare career in this salary range is a solid financial outcome. Factor in cost of living before comparing Hawaii’s raw salaries to figures from mainland states. ## Hawaii Radiology Technologist Licensing Requirements Hawaii requires radiologic technologists to be licensed through the State of Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). Here are the core requirements as of July 2026 – always confirm current requirements directly with the licensing board before applying, as regulations can change. - **ARRT Certification:** Hawaii requires ARRT certification as a condition of licensure. You must pass the ARRT radiography exam before applying for a state license. - **Education:** Graduation from a JRCERT-accredited program (or equivalent accredited program) is required to sit for the ARRT exam, making accreditation non-negotiable for anyone planning to practice in Hawaii. - **Application:** Submit a completed licensure application to the Hawaii DCCA, along with proof of ARRT certification, official transcripts, and the required fee. - **Continuing Education:** Hawaii requires licensed radiologic technologists to complete continuing education hours for license renewal. [VERIFY: current CE hour requirements and renewal cycle from Hawaii DCCA] - **Background Check:** A criminal background check is part of the licensure process. If you trained out of state and are moving to Hawaii, your ARRT certification transfers. You still need to apply for the Hawaii state license. Do not begin practicing until you have both your ARRT credential and your Hawaii state license in hand. ## What to Look for in a Radiology Tech Program in Hawaii With only one JRCERT-accredited radiography program in the state, the choice is clear – but knowing what to evaluate still matters, both so you can make an informed decision about enrolling and so you understand what the program owes you as a student. ### JRCERT Accreditation Status and Length Always verify that a program holds current JRCERT accreditation. An 8-year accreditation award, which UH Kapiolani holds, is the maximum granted and reflects a strong accreditation review outcome. Shorter accreditation periods or programs on probation are signals to investigate further before enrolling. ### ARRT Exam Pass Rate The ARRT exam is required for licensure. A program’s first-time pass rate tells you how well it prepares students for that exam. The 96% pass rate at UH Kapiolani means nearly all graduates pass on their first attempt. A pass rate below 75% at any program should prompt serious questions about curriculum quality and exam preparation support. ### Clinical Hours and Site Diversity ARRT requires a minimum number of clinical competencies before you can sit for the exam. In Hawaii, the multi-island clinical network at UH Kapiolani provides exposure to different types of facilities – large urban medical centers, rural community hospitals, specialty clinics, and pediatric hospitals. That variety builds adaptability. Ask any program for specifics on minimum clinical hours, how competencies are tracked, and whether you have any input in site assignments. ### Program Length and Scheduling The UH Kapiolani program runs 23 months. That is a standard length for an associate-degree radiography program. Confirm whether the program is offered full-time only or whether part-time options exist. Also check whether the distance education component covers any didactic coursework or whether it is limited to specific modules. ### Job Placement Support A 99% job placement rate is an exceptional figure. Ask the program how it defines job placement, what timeframe it measures, and whether placements are in Hawaii specifically or nationally. Given the size of Hawaii’s healthcare job market, understanding whether graduates tend to stay in-state or relocate is useful information. ### Financial Aid and Residency Status The difference between resident tuition ($4,545) and non-resident tuition ($21,960) is substantial. Confirm your residency status before applying. If you are new to Hawaii, there is typically a waiting period before you qualify for in-state rates. Federal financial aid, scholarships through the University of Hawaii system, and workforce development grants may be available – verify eligibility and deadlines directly with the program’s financial aid office. ## Frequently Asked Questions: Radiology Tech Programs in Hawaii ### How long does it take to become a radiology tech in Hawaii? The UH Kapiolani radiography program takes 23 months to complete. After finishing the program, you need to pass the ARRT certification exam and apply for a Hawaii state license before you can begin working. Allow a few weeks for exam scheduling and licensing processing after graduation. Total time from starting the program to working as a licensed rad tech is typically just under two years. ### What does a radiology tech make in Hawaii? Based on BLS May 2025 OEWS data, the median annual wage for radiologic technologists and technicians in Hawaii is $101,700. Entry-level positions tend to fall in the $85,480 range (25th percentile), while experienced technologists can earn $107,080 to $115,440 at the 75th and 90th percentiles. MRI technologists, who typically have additional certification, earn a median of $119,370 in Hawaii. ### Is there only one radiology tech program in Hawaii? As of July 2026, there is one JRCERT-accredited radiography program in Hawaii: the program at the University of Hawaii – Kapiolani Community College. JRCERT accreditation is required for ARRT exam eligibility. If additional programs open or gain accreditation, they will appear in the JRCERT program directory at jrcert.org. ### Does the UH Kapiolani radiology program have online options? JRCERT data indicates the program offers distance education as an alternative learning format. Contact the program directly to clarify which components are available online and whether any portion of the didactic curriculum can be completed remotely. Clinical rotations, by definition, require in-person participation at approved sites. ### Can I work as a radiology tech in Hawaii with a license from another state? Hawaii does not currently participate in a licensure compact for radiologic technologists. If you hold a license from another state, you will still need to apply for a Hawaii state license through the DCCA. Your ARRT certification will transfer, but you must complete the Hawaii application process separately. [VERIFY: current reciprocity policies with Hawaii DCCA before submitting applications] ### What clinical sites will I rotate through in the UH Kapiolani program? The program uses 17 confirmed clinical sites across Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai. Sites include major medical centers like Queen’s Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente Moanalua, community hospitals like Kona Community Hospital and Wilcox Memorial Hospital, and specialty facilities including Shriners Hospital for Children Honolulu. Contact the program directly to ask how site assignments are made and whether inter-island rotations are required for all students. ### Do I need to be ARRT-certified to work in Hawaii? Yes. Hawaii requires ARRT certification as part of the state licensure process. You cannot legally practice as a radiologic technologist in Hawaii without both your ARRT credential and your Hawaii state license. ### What happens after I become a radiologic technologist – how do I advance? Radiologic technology is a field with clear advanced credential pathways. After working in general radiography for a qualifying period, you can pursue ARRT post-primary certifications in modalities such as MRI, CT, mammography, or interventional radiology. In Hawaii, MRI technologists earn a median of $119,370 annually based on BLS May 2025 OEWS data, compared to $101,700 for general rad techs – making modality specialization one of the most direct paths to higher pay in this field. ## Start Your Path to a Radiology Tech Career in Hawaii The University of Hawaii – Kapiolani Community College program is the only JRCERT-accredited radiography pathway in the state. With a 96% ARRT pass rate, 99% job placement rate, and in-state tuition of $4,545, it is a program worth taking seriously. Review the program details, confirm current application deadlines and prerequisites directly with the admissions office, and check your eligibility for Hawaii resident tuition rates. The steps are straightforward: get accepted, complete the program, pass the ARRT exam, and apply for your Hawaii state license. Use the program listing and comparison data on this page to prepare your questions before reaching out. The more specific your questions when you contact the program, the more useful the answers you will get. ## Professional Organizations The [Hawaii Society of Radiologic Technologists](http://www.hawaiisrt.org/) (HSRT) is a recognized affiliate of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) that fully supports the needs of the imaging community and professionals in the state of Hawaii. HSRT offers members networking and continuing education opportunities throughout the entire state. The review committee on education and accreditation in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (CERMERT) is a joint committee of the ASRT and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) that supports education programs for imaging and radiation therapy professionals in Hawaii. The Hawaiʻi Alliance for Health, Education, and Research (HAHER), is an organization of radiologic technologists and radiation therapists that supports the development and advancement of their respective professions in Hawaii. ## 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/ - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) — https://www.arrt.org/ - The Queen’s Medical Center — https://www.queens.org/the-queens-medical-center/queens-medical-center - Straub Medical Center — https://www.hawaiipacifichealth.org/straub/ - Castle Medical Center — https://www.adventisthealth.org/castle/ - Hawaii Society of Radiologic Technologists — http://www.hawaiisrt.org/ Canonical: https://radiologyed.org/schools/hawaii/ Last checked: 2026-08-19