Your Career in Radiologic Technology in Kentucky Starts Here

Radiologic technology is currently a promising field for young Kentucky professionals. There are a wealth of good educational programs offering a range of degrees in radiologic science, and salaries in the field are higher than the national average.

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This profession is expected to grow faster than the national job growth rate, affording good job opportunities to qualified individuals.

Prerequisite Courses for Radiologic Technology Programs

If you’re interested in a career in radiologic technology, there are some courses you’ll need to take before enrollment. These courses may include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, radiation protection, imaging procedures, writing, math, and more.

Most accredited programs will require that students complete all prerequisites before enrolling in their program.

Radiologic Technology Schools in Kentucky

Northern Kentucky University: Northern Kentucky is a large public university that is in the larger metropolitan area of Cincinnati, OH.

The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology degree accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). This program provides extensive clinic hours in various Cincinnati areas hospitals, such as Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Dearborn County Hospital, and Mercy Hospital Anderson.

Southeast Kentucky Community: Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College offer an Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology degree program. The college focuses on providing students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on training needed to become entry-level radiologic technologists.

Students enrolled in this program will learn medical ethics, patient care, radiation safety practices, and more. Additionally, they will gain experience in clinical rotations with area hospitals.

Morehead State University: This public university in northeastern Kentucky offers a range of degrees and courses in diagnostic medical imaging.

Students at Morehead can pursue an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Radiologic Science. Morehead State’s Radiologic Science program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and has a selective admission process, limiting the number of students who can be admitted each year.

Students wishing to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree can choose from programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance, and Leadership in Medical Imaging (offered online).

Other Schools to Consider Radiologic Technology Programs

Jefferson Community & Technical College: Jefferson is an open-admission community college that offers a full-time 21-month Associate of Science in Radiography degree program that will prepare them for the ARRT exam. Clinical education takes place in numerous hospitals located in the dynamic Louisville metropolitan area.

Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College: This school, formerly Bowling Green Technical College, is another option for an affordable AAS degree in radiography from one of Kentucky’s 16 open-admission community colleges. This selective admission program requires four consecutive semesters and one summer commitment with an average weekly involvement of 30-40 hours. Bowling Green is also one of the larger cities in Kentucky, and a great location to seek employment.

There are alternatives to the northwest in Chicago and other parts of Illinois, to the north in Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Columbus, to the south in Nashville, Knoxville, and Charlotte, and to the east in Greensboro and Roanoke.

Radiology Program Accreditation

The Kentucky Society of Radiologic Technologists recognizes programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The JRCERT is the only agency recognized by both the United States Department of Education and the American National Standards Institute to accredit radiography, nuclear medicine technology, and radiation therapy programs.

Students should make sure that the program they choose is accredited by either the JRCERT or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Failing to attend an accredited program will exclude the student from taking any ARRT certification exams in their respective field.

Large Employers in Radiology

There are several large hospitals and medical centers in Kentucky, and these facilities are the largest single employers of radiologic science professionals in the state. Kentucky has one hospital that has been nationally ranked by the US News & World Report, and several others with high-performing specialties.

Professional Organizations

The leading professional organization for radiologic technologists in Kentucky is the Kentucky Society of Radiologic Technologists (KSRT). This is the state chapter of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. This society aims to provide professional growth, education, and employment resources to professionals in Kentucky, as well as advocate for health policy that promotes radiologic technology. Joint review committee accreditation is also provided through KSRT.

Accredited Radiology Tech Programs in Kentucky: 2026 Guide

Kentucky is home to 12 JRCERT-accredited radiography programs spread across the state, from Paducah in the far west to Pineville in the southeastern mountains. That geographic spread matters: the Appalachian region programs serve rural hospital networks that urban-state programs simply do not, and graduates from schools like Hazard or Southeast Kentucky often fill critical imaging positions in communities with persistent healthcare shortages. If you are choosing a program, where you train often shapes where you work.

This page covers every JRCERT-accredited radiography program currently operating in Kentucky, with tuition, ARRT exam pass rates, completion rates, and clinical placement data pulled directly from JRCERT records. Salary figures come from BLS May 2025 OEWS data. Use this information to compare programs honestly and make a decision that fits your budget, your location, and your career goals.

Kentucky Radiologic Technologist Salary and Job Market

Kentucky employs approximately 3,630 radiologic technologists and technicians (SOC 29-2034), according to BLS May 2025 OEWS data. The median annual wage is $69,670, with a mean of $72,840. The spread across experience levels is significant:

• 10th percentile: $51,740
• 25th percentile: $61,820
• Median (50th): $69,670
• 75th percentile: $81,370
• 90th percentile: $99,170

Those figures sit below national medians, but Kentucky’s cost of living is also below the national average. Housing costs in cities like Bowling Green, Paducah, and Hazard are a fraction of what you would pay in comparable Midwestern or Southeastern metros. A $69,670 salary in Madisonville carries meaningfully more purchasing power than the same figure in Nashville or Columbus.

Career progression matters here. Radiologic technologists who add MRI certification can move into a separate, higher-paying occupation. Kentucky employs 650 MRI technologists (SOC 29-2035), with a median wage of $82,200 and a mean of $84,520 (BLS May 2025 OEWS data). Top earners in that specialty reach $101,760 at the 90th percentile. The path from entry-level radiographer to MRI tech typically requires two to three years of clinical experience plus an ARRT MRI credential.

Kentucky Radiography Licensing Requirements

Kentucky does not operate a separate state licensure board for radiologic technologists. The state relies on national credentialing through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). To work as a radiographer in Kentucky, you must:

1. Graduate from a JRCERT-accredited radiography program
2. Pass the ARRT Radiography examination
3. Maintain ARRT certification through 24 hours of continuing education every two years

Because Kentucky does not add a state licensing layer on top of ARRT certification, the credentialing process is straightforward compared to states like Texas or New Mexico that require separate state applications and fees. Your ARRT card is your primary credential. That said, employers – particularly large health systems like Baptist Health or University of Louisville Health – will verify active ARRT certification before hire, and some require additional ARRT specialty certifications (CT, MRI, mammography) within a set period after employment begins.

Students should confirm that their program remains JRCERT-accredited through graduation, since ARRT requires graduation from a JRCERT-accredited program as a condition of exam eligibility. All 12 programs listed on this page hold current JRCERT accreditation.

JRCERT-Accredited Radiography Programs in Kentucky

The 12 programs below are the only JRCERT-accredited radiography programs currently operating in Kentucky. Data reflects current JRCERT records. Tuition figures are approximate totals for the full program and may not include fees, books, or clinical supplies – contact programs directly for a complete cost of attendance.

Program Listings

Bluegrass Community and Technical College – Lexington

• Program length: 24 months
• Resident tuition: $10,512 | Non-resident: $36,792
• ARRT exam pass rate: 94%
• Completion rate: 61%
• Job placement rate: 100%
• Accreditation: 8 years
• Clinical sites include: University of Kentucky Medical Center, Baptist Health Lexington, UK Healthcare Good Samaritan Hospital, VA Medical Center (Lexington), and 18 additional facilities across central Kentucky

BCTC’s program carries one of the stronger pass rates in the state at 94%, and its clinical network is the most extensive of any Kentucky program, covering major academic medical centers and VA facilities in Lexington. The 61% completion rate is worth understanding before you apply: programs with competitive admissions and demanding clinical loads often show lower completion rates, and BCTC’s rate reflects both attrition and the rigor of the program. Graduates who finish place at 100%.

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College – Elizabethtown

• Program length: 22 months
• Resident tuition: $5,265 | Non-resident: $7,290
• ARRT exam pass rate: 96%
• Completion rate: 83%
• Job placement rate: 98%
• Accreditation: 8 years
• Clinical sites include: Baptist Health Hardin, Baptist Health Louisville, Norton Hospital, Norton Children’s Hospital, University of Louisville Hospital

Elizabethtown offers one of the most compelling combinations in the state: a 96% pass rate, 83% completion rate, and resident tuition under $5,300. Clinical training reaches into Louisville’s major hospital networks, giving students exposure to high-volume, diverse imaging environments. For central Kentucky residents who want affordable training without sacrificing outcomes, this program deserves serious consideration.

Hazard Community and Technical College / Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College – Whitesburg Campus

• Program length: 22 months
• Resident tuition: $4,485 | Non-resident: $6,210
• ARRT exam pass rate: 74%
• Completion rate: 79%
• Job placement rate: 100%
• Accreditation: 8 years
• Clinical sites include: Hazard ARH Medical Center, Pikeville Medical Center, Harlan ARH Hospital, Mary Breckinridge ARH Hospital, Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center

This joint program is the lowest-cost option for eastern Kentucky residents and serves a clinical network built entirely around Appalachian Regional Healthcare facilities and similar rural hospitals. The 74% pass rate is the lowest among Kentucky programs that report this figure, and that is something applicants should weigh. If you are aiming for this program, ask about ARRT prep resources and what the program is doing to support exam readiness. Placement is 100%, reflecting strong regional demand for imaging professionals in underserved areas.

Madisonville Community College – Madisonville

• Program length: 21 months
• Resident tuition: $8,694 | Non-resident: $11,960
• ARRT exam pass rate: 82%
• Completion rate: 56%
• Job placement rate: 100%
• Accreditation: 8 years
• Clinical sites include: Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville, Jennie Stuart Medical Center, Deaconess Henderson Hospital, Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital

Madisonville’s 56% completion rate is the lowest in the state, and its pass rate of 82% sits below the national benchmark. Resident tuition is mid-range at $8,694. The 21-month program is one of the shorter ones in Kentucky, and placement for those who complete is 100%. Prospective students in western Kentucky should compare this program carefully against Owensboro CTC and Southcentral Kentucky CTC before deciding.

Morehead State University – Morehead

• Program length: 24 months
• Resident tuition: $9,518 | Non-resident: $14,386
• ARRT exam pass rate: 94%
• Completion rate: 71%
• Job placement rate: 100%
• Accreditation: 5 years
• Clinical sites include: St. Claire Healthcare (Morehead), King’s Daughters Medical Center (Ashland), Pikeville Medical Center, Baptist Health Lexington, Cabell Huntington Hospital (WV), University of Louisville facilities

Morehead State’s radiography program operates within a university setting and carries a 94% pass rate with placement at 100%. The clinical network is the most geographically broad of any Kentucky program, spanning eastern Kentucky, Lexington, Louisville, southern Ohio, and West Virginia. Students gain exposure to a wide variety of facility types and patient populations. Morehead State also offers a separate MRI program (see the specialization section below), creating a clear progression path for students who want to advance their credentials after graduation.

Northern Kentucky University – Highland Heights

• Program length: 34 months
• Resident tuition: $11,088 | Non-resident: $21,912
• ARRT exam pass rate: 91%
• Completion rate: 78%
• Job placement rate: 100%
• Accreditation: 8 years
• Clinical sites include: St. Elizabeth Healthcare (multiple campuses), Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Jewish Hospital (Cincinnati), Mercy Health facilities (Ohio and Kentucky), OrthoCincy locations

NKU is the only Kentucky program that takes 34 months – nearly three years. That length reflects a bachelor’s degree track in radiologic science, not a two-year associate program. The tuition figure of $11,088 (resident) covers program costs, but total university costs over 34 months will be higher – contact NKU directly for a complete cost of attendance. The clinical network reaches into the Cincinnati metro, giving students access to a high-volume, diverse urban healthcare market that includes a top-ranked children’s hospital. The 91% pass rate and 100% placement are strong. If you want a bachelor’s degree and access to greater Cincinnati’s healthcare employers, NKU is the clear choice in northern Kentucky.

Owensboro Community and Technical College – Owensboro

• Program length: 22 months
• Resident tuition: $4,680 | Non-resident: $6,480
• ARRT exam pass rate: 90%
• Completion rate: 100%
• Job placement rate: 100%
• Accreditation: 8 years
• Clinical sites include: Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, University of Louisville Hospital, Ohio County Hospital, Deaconess Memorial Medical Center (Indiana), Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center

Owensboro CTC posts the only 100% completion rate in the state, paired with a 90% pass rate, 100% placement, and resident tuition under $4,700. That combination is exceptional. The program is selective – with 43 total capacity spots – and the outcomes suggest it admits students who are genuinely prepared to finish. For western Kentucky residents, this should be near the top of the list.

Somerset Community College – Somerset

• Program length: 21 months
• Resident tuition: $4,536 | Non-resident: $16,650
• ARRT exam pass rate: 94%
• Job placement rate: 100%
• Accreditation: 8 years
• Clinical sites include: Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, Baptist Health Corbin, CHI Saint Joseph’s Hospital London, Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center, Cumberland County Hospital

Somerset offers the shortest program length tied with Madisonville and Southcentral at 21 months, resident tuition under $4,600, a 94% pass rate, and 100% placement. Completion rate data was not available at the time of writing – contact the program directly for current figures. The clinical network covers south-central Kentucky thoroughly, including rural critical-access hospitals that provide a distinct training environment from large urban medical centers.

Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College – Bowling Green

• Program length: 21 months
• Resident tuition: $4,630 | Non-resident: $6,298
• ARRT exam pass rate: 99%
• Completion rate: 92%
• Job placement rate: 100%
• Accreditation: 8 years
• Clinical sites include: The Medical Center at Bowling Green, T.J. Samson Community Hospital, TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital, Monroe County Medical Center, Graves Gilbert Clinic locations

Southcentral Kentucky CTC has the highest pass rate in the state at 99%, a 92% completion rate, and resident tuition under $4,700 – all in a 21-month program. These are among the strongest outcomes of any radiography program in Kentucky by any measure. Bowling Green is one of the fastest-growing cities in Kentucky, and the program’s clinical network reflects a well-developed regional healthcare market. If you live within reasonable distance of Bowling Green, this program is difficult to overlook.

Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College – Pineville Campus

• Program length: 22 months
• Resident tuition: $4,680 | Non-resident: $6,480
• Completion rate: 70%
• Accreditation: 5 years
• Clinical sites include: Harlan ARH Hospital, Baptist Health Corbin, Middlesboro ARH Hospital, Barbourville ARH Hospital, AdventHealth Manchester, CHI Saint Joseph Hospital London

This program serves the Bell County area and southeastern Kentucky more broadly. Exam pass rate and job placement data were not available in current JRCERT records at time of writing – contact the program directly. The 5-year accreditation length (versus 8 years for most Kentucky programs) means accreditation is reviewed more frequently, which prospective students should factor in. Resident tuition matches the lowest in the state at $4,680.

UofL Health Medical Center Northeast – Louisville

• Program length: 24 months
• Tuition: $0 (resident and non-resident)
• Accreditation: 3 years
• Clinical sites include: UofL Health UofL Hospital, UofL Health Jewish Hospital, UofL Health Mary and Elizabeth Hospital, UofL Health Medical Center East, UofL Health Shelbyville Hospital, UofL Health South Hospital

UofL Health Medical Center Northeast runs a hospital-based radiography program with $0 listed tuition – an unusual structure that reflects hospital-sponsored training. Exam pass rate, completion rate, and job placement data were not available in current JRCERT records. The 3-year accreditation cycle is shorter than most Kentucky programs. Contact the program directly to confirm current admission requirements, any stipend or employment commitment structure, and updated outcome data. If tuition is a barrier, this program is worth investigating.

West Kentucky Community and Technical College – Paducah

• Program length: 24 months
• Resident tuition: $12,411 | Non-resident: $16,884
• ARRT exam pass rate: 82%
• Completion rate: 88%
• Job placement rate: 100%
• Accreditation: 8 years
• Clinical sites include: Baptist Health Hospital (Paducah), Mercy Health Lourdes Hospital, Murray Calloway County Hospital, Jackson Purchase Medical Center, and facilities in Tennessee, Illinois, and Missouri

West Kentucky CTC has the highest resident tuition of any community college program in the state at $12,411, which is worth noting given that programs like Owensboro CTC (also in western Kentucky) charge $4,680 for comparable outcomes. The 88% completion rate is strong, and the multi-state clinical network covering western Kentucky, southern Illinois, Tennessee, and Missouri is genuinely broad. The 82% pass rate leaves room for improvement. Paducah residents should compare this program against Owensboro CTC before committing.

Kentucky Radiography Program Comparison Table

Sources: JRCERT program data (current); BLS May 2025 OEWS data. N/A indicates data not reported in current JRCERT records. Tuition figures are approximate program totals and exclude fees, supplies, and living costs. Contact programs directly for complete cost of attendance.

What to Look for in a Kentucky Radiography Program

Choosing a program in Kentucky involves trade-offs that are specific to this state’s healthcare geography, workforce shortages, and cost structure. Here is what to pay attention to.

ARRT Exam Pass Rate

The ARRT exam is a national requirement, and your ability to pass it on the first attempt directly affects how quickly you can start working. Kentucky programs range from 74% to 99% on this metric. A program with a 74% pass rate means roughly one in four graduates does not pass on the first attempt. Ask programs what ARRT prep resources they provide: practice exams, review courses, faculty-led review sessions, and whether they track students who need to retake the exam and offer support.

Completion Rate in Context

Completion rates across Kentucky programs range from 56% to 100%. A low completion rate is not automatically a red flag – competitive programs with rigorous clinical requirements sometimes see higher attrition – but it does mean you should go in with your eyes open. Ask: what are the most common reasons students leave the program? What academic support is available? What GPA or prerequisite score is typically needed to succeed?

Clinical Site Diversity and Volume

Kentucky’s healthcare landscape includes major academic medical centers (University of Kentucky, University of Louisville), large regional hospitals, smaller rural critical-access hospitals, and specialty outpatient clinics. Programs that place students across multiple facility types produce graduates who are more adaptable. Morehead State’s 36 clinical sites and Bluegrass CTC’s 22 sites represent broad exposure. Programs with five to seven sites are more focused but may concentrate training in specific facility types.

Program Length and Schedule

Kentucky programs range from 21 months (Southcentral, Somerset, Madisonville) to 34 months (NKU). For most associate-level programs, 21 to 24 months is standard. NKU’s 34-month program reflects a bachelor’s degree track with additional coursework. Consider your financial situation, family obligations, and whether you need to maintain part-time work during training – clinical rotations are typically full-time and non-negotiable.

Accreditation Cycle Length

JRCERT grants accreditation in cycles of varying lengths. Most Kentucky programs hold 8-year accreditation, the longest available, which indicates consistent compliance with JRCERT standards. Two programs (Morehead State, SE Kentucky CTC – Pineville) hold 5-year accreditation, and UofL Health Medical Center Northeast holds 3-year accreditation. Shorter cycles are not automatic disqualifiers, but they do indicate more frequent review. Verify that any program you choose will remain accredited through your anticipated graduation date.

Cost vs. Outcome

Resident tuition for Kentucky’s community college programs ranges from $4,485 (Hazard CTC) to $12,411 (West Kentucky CTC). The relationship between cost and outcome is not linear. Owensboro CTC charges $4,680 resident tuition and delivers 100% completion, 90% pass rate, and 100% placement. West Kentucky CTC charges $12,411 and reports 82% pass rate. Cost should be one factor among several, not the deciding one – but it is a real factor in a field where starting salaries average $69,670 in Kentucky.

Program Length, Clinical Hours, and ARRT Exam Preparation

JRCERT accreditation standards require a minimum of 1,800 clinical hours for radiography programs. Most Kentucky programs meet or exceed this threshold within their 21- to 24-month timelines. Clinical hours take place at the affiliated hospital and outpatient sites listed in each program’s profile above, and attendance is typically mandatory. Missing clinical days due to work conflicts or illness is one of the more common reasons students fall behind.

ARRT exam eligibility requires graduation from a JRC