# North Carolina

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Radiologic technology offers professionals [a strong job market](https://radiologyed.org/prospects/), and North Carolina has annual salaries for this profession that are above the national average.

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

There is also a range of strong programs in radiologic technology for individuals who want to earn an associate degree or baccalaureate degree in the field.

## North Carolina Licensing Requirements for Radiologic Technologists

North Carolina requires licensure through the North Carolina Radiation Protection Section of the Department of Health and Human Services. To practice as a radiologic technologist in the state, you must hold current ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) certification in radiography. The state accepts ARRT certification as the primary qualification standard, which means passing the ARRT examination after graduating from a JRCERT-accredited program is the critical step. Without that certification, you cannot legally perform diagnostic radiographic procedures in North Carolina clinical settings.

Key points for the licensure process:

- You must graduate from a JRCERT-accredited radiography program to sit for the ARRT exam.
- ARRT certification requires passing the national radiography examination, which covers patient care, safety, image production, and procedures.
- North Carolina does not currently have a separate state licensure exam beyond ARRT certification, but you must register with the state radiation protection section before practicing.
- Continuing education is required to maintain ARRT certification, which in turn keeps your North Carolina practice authorization current.
- Military training may qualify for ARRT eligibility; graduates of military radiology programs should verify equivalency with both ARRT and the state directly.

[VERIFY: current North Carolina Radiation Protection Section application fee and renewal cycle from the NC DHHS website before publishing]

## Radiologic Technology Schools in North Carolina

Public education costs are usually higher for out-of-state students (while private costs remain the same). Taking that into account, North Carolina students may wish to look over the border to [Augusta and Atlanta](https://radiologyed.org/schools/georgia/), [Knoxville or Nashville](https://radiologyed.org/schools/tennessee/), south to [Myrtle Beach or Charleston](https://radiologyed.org/schools/south-carolina/), or north to [Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, or Roanoke](https://radiologyed.org/schools/virginia/).

## Large Employers in Radiology

Major hospitals and medical centers are the largest single employers of radiologic technology professionals. North Carolina has many excellent hospitals, including four facilities that have been nationally ranked by the US News & World Report.

[Duke University Medical Center](//www.dukehealth.org)
 2301 Erwin Road Durham, NC 27710-0001
 (919) 684-8111

[Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center](https://www.wakehealth.edu/)
 Medical Center Boulevard Winston-Salem, NC 27157-0001
 (336) 716-2011

[University of North Carolina Hospitals](//www.unchealthcare.org)
 101 Manning Drive Chapel Hill, NC 27514-4220
 (919) 966-4131

[High Point Medical Center](//www.highpointregional.com)
 601 North Elm Street High Point, NC 27262-4398
 (336) 878-6000

[Duke Regional Hospital](https://www.dukehealth.org/hospitals/duke-regional-hospital/home)
 3643 North Roxboro Road Durham, NC 27704-2763
 (919) 470-4000

[First Health Moore Regional Hospital](https://www.firsthealth.org/directory/hospitals-and-service-locations/firsthealth-moore-regional-hospital)
 155 Memorial Drive Pinehurst, NC 28374-8710
 (910) 715-1000

[Mission Hospital](https://missionhealth.org/member-hospitals/mission/)
 509 Biltmore Avenue Asheville, NC 28801-4690
 (828) 213-1111

[Carolinas Medical Center](https://atriumhealth.org/locations/carolinas-medical-center)
 1000 Blythe Boulevard Charlotte, NC 28203-5871
 (704) 355-2000

## Accredited Radiology Tech Programs in North Carolina: 2026 Guide

North Carolina has 26 JRCERT-accredited radiography programs spread across the state, from Asheville in the mountains to Wilmington on the coast – a geographic spread that gives prospective students more local options than most southeastern states. The state employs approximately 9,250 radiologic technologists and technicians, according to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, making it one of the larger radiologic workforce markets in the South. If you are considering this career, the programs below are fully accredited, and the data here comes directly from JRCERT and BLS records current as of mid-2026.

## North Carolina Radiologic Technologist Salary and Job Market

Salaries for radiologic technologists in North Carolina sit at a median of $74,450 per year, with a mean of $74,770, based on BLS May 2025 OEWS data. Entry-level technologists working in the bottom tenth percentile earn around $52,860 annually. Those in the middle range – between the 25th and 75th percentiles – earn between $62,870 and $83,340. Experienced techs at the top of the pay scale reach $99,210 or above.

Cost of living matters when reading these numbers. Asheville and Charlotte carry higher housing costs than rural counties in the central or eastern parts of the state. A technologist earning $74,450 in Kinston or Rocky Mount has more purchasing power than one earning the same figure in Charlotte. Programs in smaller cities often place graduates into regional health systems where the competition for positions is lower and employers actively recruit from local programs.

### Career Progression and MRI Specialization

Radiographers who add MRI certification see a notable pay increase. MRI technologists in North Carolina earn a median of $85,120, compared to $74,450 for radiologic technologists, according to BLS May 2025 OEWS data. The 90th percentile for MRI techs reaches $101,240. That gap of roughly $10,000 at the median reflects the additional training and ARRT specialty certification required. Many North Carolina programs expose students to MRI settings during clinical rotations, giving graduates a foundation they can build on after earning their initial R certification.

## What to Look for in a North Carolina Radiography Program

With 26 accredited programs to choose from, the decision is not simply about which school is closest. These factors separate programs that set graduates up well from those that leave them underprepared.

### ARRT Exam Pass Rate

The ARRT first-attempt pass rate is the clearest signal of how well a program teaches. In North Carolina, program pass rates in this dataset range from 62% at Vance-Granville Community College (currently on probation status) to 100% at multiple institutions including Asheville-Buncombe Technical, Cape Fear Community College, Pitt Community College, and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. A rate below 85% deserves scrutiny. Ask programs how they identify struggling students and what ARRT preparation resources they provide.

### Completion Rate

Completion rate tells you how many admitted students actually finish the program. Rates here vary from 65% at Cleveland Community College to 100% at several programs. A low completion rate does not automatically disqualify a school, but find out why students leave. Is it academic difficulty, financial pressure, or program design issues?

### Clinical Hours and Settings

All North Carolina programs meet JRCERT minimum clinical hour requirements, but the variety of clinical sites matters. Programs affiliated with large health systems like Atrium Health, Novant Health, or ECU Health give students exposure to high-volume imaging departments. Programs with military clinical sites (such as Carteret Community College’s affiliation with Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune) add training environments that few other states offer. Check how many clinical sites a program uses and whether those sites include pediatric, trauma, and outpatient settings.

### Program Length

Most North Carolina radiography programs run 21 months. Shorter options exist – Johnston Community College runs 18 months, South College Asheville runs 18 months, and Carteret Community College and Cleveland Community College complete in 19 months. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s bachelor’s degree track runs 48 months. Shorter programs are not necessarily easier; they are more compressed. Be realistic about whether you can sustain an intensive schedule.

### Accreditation Status

All programs in the main table below hold full 8-year JRCERT accreditation except two. UNC Chapel Hill holds a 5-year accreditation, and Vance-Granville Community College is currently on probationary accreditation status. JRCERT probation means the program has been found out of compliance with standards. This matters for your ARRT eligibility, so confirm that Vance-Granville has resolved its probationary status before enrolling.

### Tuition and Total Cost

Community college programs in North Carolina are significantly cheaper for in-state residents than private institutions. Resident tuition among these programs ranges from $1,216 at Asheville-Buncombe Technical and Randolph Community College to $27,900 at South College Asheville. Carolinas College of Health Sciences charges $18,432 regardless of residency. Factor in equipment fees, uniform costs, health clearance requirements, and transportation to clinical sites when calculating total program cost.

### Distance Learning Options

Four programs offer some distance education components: Guilford Technical Community College, Pitt Community College, Randolph Community College, and South College Asheville. Radiography cannot be completed entirely online because of mandatory clinical hours, but hybrid delivery for didactic coursework can reduce commute demands for students in rural areas.

## North Carolina JRCERT-Accredited Radiography Programs

The table below covers all 26 JRCERT-accredited radiography programs in North Carolina. Tuition figures reflect in-state resident rates where both rates are available. All data comes from JRCERT records current at the time of publication.

| Institution | Length | Resident Tuition | Completion Rate | ARRT Pass Rate | Placement Rate | Accreditation | Evening/Weekend |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Asheville-Buncombe Technical CC | 21 mo. | $1,216 | 83% | 100% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Caldwell CC and Technical Institute | 21 mo. | $2,660 | 67% | 98% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Cape Fear CC | 21 mo. | $3,535 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Carolinas College of Health Sciences | 12 mo. | $12,325 | 88% | 96% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Carolinas College of Health Sciences | 15 mo. | $20,000 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 3 Years | No |
| Carolinas College of Health Sciences | 21 mo. | $18,432 | 100% | 96% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Carteret CC | 19 mo. | $2,584 | 75% | 88% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Catawba Valley CC | 21 mo. | $2,920 | 100% | 98% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Cleveland CC | 19 mo. | $3,289 | 65% | 93% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Duke University School of Medicine | 12 mo. | $5,000 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | No |
| Edgecombe CC | 21 mo. | $3,330 | 92% | 90% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Fayetteville Technical CC | 20 mo. | $2,619 | 70% | 91% | 96% | 8 Years | No |
| Forsyth Technical CC | 21 mo. | $2,660 | 88% | 94% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Forsyth Technical CC | 24 mo. | $2,850 | 89% | 82% | 93% | 8 Years | No |
| Guilford Technical CC | 20 mo. | $2,736 | 100% | 85% | 99% | 8 Years | No |
| Johnston CC | 18 mo. | $2,768 | 80% | 97% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Lenoir CC | 21 mo. | $2,736 | 75% | 81% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Pitt CC | 12 mo. | $3,420 | 94% | 82% | 97% | 8 Years | No |
| Pitt CC | 21 mo. | $2,522 | 71% | 100% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Presbyterian Medical Center/Novant Health | 22 mo. | $3,100 | 100% | 85% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Randolph CC | 22 mo. | $1,216 | 82% | 90% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Robeson CC | 20 mo. | $5,776 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Rowan-Cabarrus CC | 21 mo. | $2,964 | 87% | 100% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Sandhills CC | 21 mo. | $13,616 | 87% | 94% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| South College – Asheville | 18 mo. | $27,900 | 100% | 86% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Southwestern CC | 21 mo. | $3,572 | 90% | 85% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Stanly CC | 21 mo. | $3,074 | 87% | 95% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| University of North Carolina Hospitals | 12 mo. | $1,500 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| University of North Carolina Hospitals | 12 mo. | $1,500 | 100% | 95% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 48 mo. | $4,544 | 100% | 96% | 98% | 5 Years | No |
| Vance-Granville CC | 21 mo. | $5,868 | 81% | 62% | 100% | **On probation** | No |
| Wake Technical CC | 21 mo. | $3,148 | 100% | 97% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Wilkes CC | 21 mo. | $3,432 | 80% | 88% | 100% | 8 Years | No |

**Note on accreditation:** 1 of the 33 programmes listed above are currently on probation with the JRCERT. Probation means the programme is accredited but has been found not to meet one or more standards, and is being monitored. Ask the programme directly what the finding was and what has changed since. Status is taken from the JRCERT accreditation database.

*Tuition figures reflect in-state resident rates. All data sourced from JRCERT program records. Verify current figures directly with each institution before applying.*

## Program Spotlights: Standout Options by Region

### Western NC – Asheville Area

[Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College](https://abtech.edu/program/radiography-aas) offers one of the lowest in-state tuition rates in the state at $1,216 for the full program, with a 100% ARRT pass rate and 100% job placement. The clinical network spans 21 sites including Mission Hospitals and the Charles George VA Medical Center. For residents of western NC, this program is difficult to match on cost-to-outcome ratio. South College Asheville provides an alternative for students who prefer a private institution and a compressed 18-month format, though the tuition at $27,900 is the highest in the state.

### Piedmont Triad and Surrounding Area

[Forsyth Technical Community College](https://www.forsythtech.edu/program_tracks/radiography/) in Winston-Salem runs one of the larger programs in the state with a capacity of 71 students and clinical affiliations with both Novant Health and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. Its 94% ARRT pass rate and 100% placement rate are consistent with its standing as a well-resourced program. [Guilford Technical Community College](https://www.gtcc.edu/academics/academic-programs/programs/health-and-wellness/radiography.php) in Jamestown offers distance education components, which may reduce scheduling pressure for students managing work or family obligations.

### Charlotte Metro

[Carolinas College of Health Sciences](https://atriumhealth.org/education/carolinas-college-of-health-sciences/academic-programs/radiologic-technology) carries a 100% completion rate and 96% ARRT pass rate, with clinical training across the full Atrium Health system. The tuition of $18,432 reflects its private health sciences college structure. Presbyterian Medical Center / Novant Health offers a hospital-based program at $3,100 regardless of residency, with 100% completion and placement rates. For students who prefer hands-on hospital training from day one, the Novant-based program provides direct system entry.

### Triangle and Eastern NC

[Wake Technical Community College](https://www.waketech.edu/programs-courses/credit/credit-programs/radiography/degrees-programs/a45700) in Raleigh has the largest program capacity in the state at 103 students, a 100% completion rate, 97% ARRT pass rate, and clinical affiliations with WakeMed, Rex Healthcare, Duke Raleigh, and multiple outpatient imaging centers. For students in the Triangle who want community college pricing with access to major health system training, Wake Tech is the obvious starting point. [Pitt Community College](https://pittcc.edu/academics/academic-programs/health-sciences-division/radiography/) in Winterville covers the eastern part of the state with a 100% ARRT pass rate and clinical placements at ECU Health Medical Center, one of the region’s largest tertiary hospitals.

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

### How Long Programs Take

The standard radiography program in North Carolina runs 21 months, which is the national norm for associate degree programs meeting JRCERT requirements. Programs at 18 and 19 months compress the same core content into a shorter timeline, typically through denser scheduling rather than reduced clinical hours. The UNC Chapel Hill program at 48 months reflects its bachelor’s degree structure, which includes general education requirements alongside the professional curriculum.

### Clinical Hours

JRCERT requires a minimum of 1,800 clinical hours for radiography program accreditation. North Carolina programs meet this requirement through placements at hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, orthopedic clinics, urgent care facilities, and specialty sites. Programs with military clinical affiliations – such as Carteret Community College (Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune and Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point) – give students experience in high-throughput trauma and emergency imaging environments that many civilian programs cannot offer. Students rotate through multiple sites to gain experience with different patient populations and imaging equipment.

### ARRT Exam Preparation

The ARRT radiography examination tests across five content areas: patient care and education, safety, image production, procedures, and applied sciences. Strong programs integrate ARRT-style questions throughout coursework rather than treating exam prep as a final-semester activity. When comparing programs, ask specifically how they track student readiness for the ARRT exam, what practice examination resources they provide, and what their first-attempt pass rate has been over the past three years. The state average across programs in this dataset reflects considerable variation, from 62% to 100%, so this question has a real impact on your outcome.

## Related Imaging and Therapy Programs in North Carolina

Once registered as an RT(R), many radiographers pursue specialty certifications or additional degrees. North Carolina has several JRCERT-accredited programs in related disciplines that serve as natural next steps.

### Radiation Therapy

[Carolinas College of Health Sciences](https://atriumhealth.org/education/carolinas-college-of-health-sciences/academic-programs/radiologic-technology) in Charlotte offers a 12-month radiation therapy program priced at $12,325 regardless of residency, with an 88% completion rate, 96% ARRT pass rate, and 100% job placement. Clinical sites span the Southeast, including Atrium Health’s cancer institutes and several South Carolina centers. [Forsyth Technical Community College](https://www.forsythtech.edu/program_tracks/radiography/) runs a 24-month radiation therapy program with in-state tuition of $2,850, serving the Triad region through affiliations with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Novant Health, and Cone Health. [Pitt Community College](https://pittcc.edu/academics/academic-programs/health-sciences-division/radiography/) offers a 12-month radiation therapy program at $3,420 in-state, with a comprehensive clinical network covering eastern NC and parts of Virginia. Duke University School of Medicine offers a certificate-level radiation therapy program, 12 months in length, at $5,000 regardless of residency, with clinical placements at Duke’s own radiation oncology department and Duke Raleigh. University of North Carolina Hospitals runs a 12-month radiation therapy program at $1,500, one of the lowest tuition rates for this specialty in the region, with clinical sites at UNC Hospitals, Duke University Medical Center, and Rex Comprehensive Cancer Center.

### Medical Dosimetry

Dosimetry is a high-specialization role in cancer treatment planning, requiring ARRT or equivalent credentials as a prerequisite. Carolinas College of Health Sciences offers a 15-month medical dosimetry program at $20,000, with a 100% completion rate, 100% board pass rate, and 100% placement. University of North Carolina Hospitals has a 12-month program at $1,500 with two seats per cohort, making it highly competitive. Both programs prepare graduates for the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB) examination. Median salaries for dosimetrists significantly exceed those for radiologic technologists, making this pathway attractive for experienced radiographers ready for a clinical specialty.

## Frequently Asked Questions About Radiology Tech Programs in North Carolina

### How much do radiologic technologists make in North Carolina?

The median annual salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in North Carolina is $74,450, according to BLS May 2025 OEWS data. The range runs from $52,860 at the 10th percentile to $99,210 at the 90th percentile. MRI technologists, who require additional certification, earn a median of $85,120 in the state.

### Do I need a license to work as a rad tech in North Carolina?

Yes. North Carolina requires current ARRT certification in radiography to practice legally. ARRT certification is obtained by passing the national radiography examination after graduating from a JRCERT-accredited program. You must also register with the North Carolina Radiation Protection Section. Practicing without proper authorization carries legal penalties.

### How long does a radiography program take in North Carolina?

Most programs take 21 months. Shorter options at 18 and 19 months are available at Johnston Community College, South College Asheville, Carteret Community College, and Cleveland Community College. The UNC Chapel Hill bachelor’s degree program runs 48 months. All include substantial clinical training hours alongside classroom instruction.

### Which North Carolina radiology programs have the highest ARRT pass rates?

Based on JRCERT data, programs reporting 100% ARRT first-attempt pass rates include Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Cape Fear Community College, Pitt Community College, Robeson Community College, and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.

## Professional Organizations

The leading professional organization for radiologic technologists in North Carolina is the [North Carolina Society of Radiologic Technologists](http://www.ncsrt.org/), Inc. (NCSRT, Inc.) This organization is the state affiliate of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). The NCSRT, Inc. is a very active organization that provides educational, professional, and legal resources to professionals in the state.

## 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/
- Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center — https://www.wakehealth.edu/
- Duke Regional Hospital — https://www.dukehealth.org/hospitals/duke-regional-hospital/home
- First Health Moore Regional Hospital — https://www.firsthealth.org/directory/hospitals-and-service-locations/firsthealth-moore-regional-hospital
- Mission Hospital — https://missionhealth.org/member-hospitals/mission/
- Carolinas Medical Center — https://atriumhealth.org/locations/carolinas-medical-center
- Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College — https://abtech.edu/program/radiography-aas
- Forsyth Technical Community College — https://www.forsythtech.edu/program_tracks/radiography/
- Guilford Technical Community College — https://www.gtcc.edu/academics/academic-programs/programs/health-and-wellness/radiography.php
- Wake Technical Community College — https://www.waketech.edu/programs-courses/credit/credit-programs/radiography/degrees-programs/a45700
- Pitt Community College — https://pittcc.edu/academics/academic-programs/health-sciences-division/radiography/
- North Carolina Society of Radiologic Technologists — http://www.ncsrt.org/

Canonical: https://radiologyed.org/schools/north-carolina/
Last checked: 2026-08-19