# Oregon

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For residents of Oregon, like residents of many other US states, there are multiple reasons to consider pursuing a career in radiology, especially within the next several years. ([Leer esta información en español](https://radiologyed.org/es/oregon/)) A large percentage of the nation’s population – the Boomer generation – is growing older, and the [radiology profession is following the healthcare sector’s](https://radiologyed.org/prospects/)upward trend to meet rising medical needs. The radiological technology profession is growing at a rate that’s twice as fast as the national average for other professions. Currently, the radiology field in Oregon is going strong, with about 2,170 radiological technologists currently employed, and that number is rising.

## Responsibilities of Radiologic Technologist

Radiologic technologists in Oregon and throughout the US are responsible for using imaging equipment to capture images of the body’s interior structures. This can include everything from x-rays to MRIs, CT scans, and more. These images are then used by physicians to diagnose various medical conditions, as well as to monitor the progress of existing treatments.

## Prerequisite Courses and Training

To become a radiologic technologist in Oregon, you must have completed a two-year associate’s degree program or a four-year bachelor’s degree program in radiological technology. These programs typically include courses such as anatomy and physiology, medical ethics, pharmacology, patient care, and radiation safety. In addition to classroom instruction, students must also complete clinical training and internships.

## Radiology Requirements in Oregon

Radiologic technologists in the state of Oregon are required to carry a state license, which must be renewed at the end of every 2-year term. Continuing education requirements must also be met, and include a mandatory 24 hours of coursework every two years. Once you’ve completed your education requirements, you will need to be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or The Oregon Society of Radiologic Technicians (OSRT). Certification is necessary to work as a radiologic technologist.

## Accredited Radiology Tech Programs in Oregon

Oregon is one of the few states where a single JRCERT-accredited radiography program serves the entire Portland metro area and surrounding region, making program selection straightforward but the admissions process competitive. Median pay for radiologic technologists in Oregon sits at $102,290 according to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, which places the state well above the national median and reflects both the high cost of living in Portland and strong demand from major health systems like OHSU, Legacy, and Providence.

This page covers everything you need to know before applying: the only JRCERT-accredited radiography program currently operating in Oregon, what Oregon licensing requires, how salary progresses as you add credentials, and what to look for when evaluating a program.

## JRCERT-Accredited Radiography Program in Oregon

JRCERT accreditation is the benchmark standard for radiography programs in the United States. Programs undergo rigorous review of curriculum, clinical training, faculty qualifications, and graduate outcomes. Only one program in Oregon currently holds JRCERT accreditation in radiography.

### [Portland Community College](https://www.pcc.edu/) – Portland, OR

Portland Community College (PCC) runs a 24-month Associate of Applied Science program in Radiography from its Sylvania campus at 12000 SW 49th Ave. The program holds an 8-year JRCERT accreditation, the longest term available, which signals sustained quality across multiple review cycles.

- **Program length:** 24 months
- **Award type:** Associate degree
- **Resident tuition:** $12,696 (total program)
- **Non-resident tuition:** $26,496 (total program)
- **Total program capacity:** 110 students
- **Completion rate:** 100%
- **ARRT exam pass rate:** 98%
- **Job placement rate:** 100%
- **JRCERT accreditation term:** 8 years

Clinical training takes place across 37 affiliate sites spanning Portland, the greater metro area, Salem, Hood River, and even sites across the Columbia River in Vancouver, WA. Affiliates include major academic and community systems: Oregon Health Sciences University Hospital, Legacy Emanuel, Providence St. Vincent, Kaiser Sunnyside, Adventist Medical Center, and the VA Portland Health Care System, among others. That breadth of clinical exposure means students train in trauma centers, outpatient imaging centers, orthopedic clinics, pediatric hospitals like Shriners, and community hospitals – a meaningful range that prepares graduates for varied practice settings.

## Oregon Radiography Program Comparison Table

| Institution | Length | Resident Tuition | Completion Rate | ARRT Pass Rate | Placement Rate | Accreditation | Evening/Weekend |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Oregon Health & Science University | 23 mo. | $24,768 | 89% | 98% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Portland CC | 24 mo. | $12,696 | 100% | 98% | 100% | 8 Years | No |

*Data sourced from JRCERT program records. Tuition figures reflect total program cost and may not include fees, books, or clinical supplies. Verify current figures directly with the institution before enrolling.*

## Other Schools to Consider for Radiologic Technology Programs

The programs listed below do not currently hold JRCERT accreditation in radiography; however, they offer diagnostic imaging or radiologic science curricula and may be accredited through another organization. Verify current accreditation status directly with each institution before enrolling: [Linn-Benton Community College](https://www.linnbenton.edu/future-students/explore-lb/programs/diagnostic-imaging.php), Albany; [Oregon Health & Science University](https://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/schools/school-of-medicine/departments/clinical-departments/diagnostic-radiology/), Portland; [Oregon Institute of Technology](https://www.oit.edu/academics/degrees/radiologic-science), Klamath Falls; [Treasure Valley Community College](https://www.tvcc.cc/academics/academic_offerings.cfm), Ontario.

## Allied Health Education Programs

In addition to traditional degree programs, some schools in Oregon also offer shorter-term certificate and diploma programs. Although not comprehensive, here is a list of allied health education programs available in the state: Portland Community College – Certificate Program in Radiologic Technology; Certificate Program in Ultrasound/Vascular Technology; Diploma Program in Radiation Therapy; Certificate Program in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Oregon Institute of Technology – Certificate Program in Radiography; Certificate Program in Nuclear Medicine Imaging and Therapy.

## Large Employers in Radiology

Oregon is home to many large healthcare facilities that employ radiologic technologists, with the majority concentrated in and around Portland and other urban areas. While most employment opportunities for radiologic technologists are provided by the major hospitals, smaller medical centers, and doctor’s offices also provide employment, especially in the state’s more rural areas.

[Oregon Health and Science University](http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/), Portland

3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road
Portland, OR 97201-3098
(503) 494-8311

[Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital and Health Center](http://www.legacyhealth.org/), Portland

1015 NW 22nd Avenue
Portland, OR 97210-3099
(503) 413-7711

[Providence Portland Medical Center](http://www2.providence.org/pages/default.aspx), Portland

4805 NE Glisan Street
Portland, OR 97213-2967
(503) 215-5526

[St. Charles Health System](https://www.stcharleshealthcare.org/)

2500 NE Neff Road
Bend, OR 97701-6015
(541) 382-4321

[Peace Health](http://www.peacehealth.org/), RiverBend

3333 Riverbend Drive
Springfield, OR 97477-8800
(541) 222-7300

[Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center](https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org), Clackamas

10180 SE Sunnyside Road
Clackamas, OR 97015-9303
(503) 652-2880

[Legacy Emanuel Hospital and Health Center](http://www.legacyhealth.org/), Portland

2801 North Gantenbein Avenue
Portland, OR 97227-1674
(503) 413-2200

## Oregon Radiologic Technologist Salary and Employment Data

Salary data below comes from BLS May 2025 OEWS data and covers Oregon-specific figures.

### Radiologic Technologists and Technicians (SOC 29-2034)

Oregon employs approximately 2,700 radiologic technologists and technicians. The median annual wage is $102,290, with a mean of $99,630. Pay distribution across the workforce breaks down as follows:

- **10th percentile:** $70,760
- **25th percentile:** $85,280
- **Median (50th percentile):** $102,290
- **75th percentile:** $111,810
- **90th percentile:** $124,810

Entry-level technologists in Oregon typically land in the $70,000 to $85,000 range. Experienced techs at the 75th percentile clear $111,000 annually. The spread between the 10th and 90th percentiles – roughly $54,000 – reflects differences in employer type, shift differentials, geographic location within Oregon, and specialty credentials.

### Cost-of-Living Context

Portland’s cost of living runs meaningfully higher than the national average, with housing as the primary driver. That context matters when reading these salary figures. A $102,290 median in Portland buys less than the same number would in a rural state, but Oregon wages have adjusted upward to reflect that reality. Technologists working in Salem, the Willamette Valley, or on the coast generally face lower housing costs while still benefiting from pay scales tied to the statewide market.

### Career Progression: MRI Technologist (SOC 29-2035)

Radiographers who add an MRI credential – typically through the ARRT’s post-primary certification pathway after working in general radiography – can move into a higher-paying specialty. Oregon employs approximately 510 MRI technologists, with a median wage of $121,920 and a mean of $117,610 (BLS May 2025 OEWS data).

- **10th percentile:** $99,110
- **25th percentile:** $106,790
- **Median (50th percentile):** $121,920
- **75th percentile:** $130,080
- **90th percentile:** $131,680

The compressed distribution in MRI pay – with the 25th through 90th percentile spanning only about $25,000 – suggests a tight, experienced workforce with consistently strong compensation. For a PCC graduate who earns ARRT certification in radiography first and later pursues MRI certification, the pay jump from the general radiography median to the MRI median in Oregon amounts to roughly $19,600 annually.

## Oregon Radiologic Technologist Licensing Requirements

Oregon requires radiologic technologists to hold a state license issued by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Radiation Protection Services. Here is what the process involves.

### Initial Licensure

- **ARRT certification required:** Applicants must hold current ARRT certification in Radiography (or an approved equivalent). Passing the ARRT exam is the gateway to licensure.
- **Application to OHA:** Submit a completed application, documentation of ARRT certification, and the applicable fee to Oregon Health Authority, Radiation Protection Services.
- **Education requirement:** Graduation from a JRCERT-accredited program (or equivalent OHA-approved program) satisfies the educational prerequisite.
- **Background check:** Oregon requires a criminal background check as part of the initial application.

### License Renewal

- Oregon radiologic technologist licenses renew on a two-year cycle.
- Continuing education (CE) is required for renewal. The specific CE hour requirement aligns with ARRT’s continuing qualification requirements. [VERIFY: confirm current OHA CE hour requirement for renewal as requirements can be updated]
- Maintaining ARRT certification in good standing is effectively required, as ARRT CE requirements and Oregon renewal requirements overlap significantly.

### Limited X-Ray Machine Operator (LXMO)

Oregon also licenses Limited X-Ray Machine Operators for specific body part scopes of practice (chest, spine, extremities, etc.). This is a separate, more restricted license than full radiologic technologist licensure and is common in chiropractic offices and some primary care clinics. PCC’s full radiography program prepares graduates for full licensure, not the limited scope pathway.

Always verify current licensing requirements directly with the [Oregon Health Authority Radiation Protection Services](https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HEALTHYPEOPLEFAMILIES/HEALTHYLIVING/RADIATIONHEALTH/Pages/tech.aspx) before applying, as fees and specific documentation requirements change periodically.

## What to Look for in an Oregon Radiology Tech Program

With only one JRCERT-accredited radiography program in the state, the “which program” question is less complex in Oregon than in states with dozens of options. That said, understanding what makes PCC’s program strong – and knowing what questions to ask – is still essential before you commit two years of your life and significant tuition dollars.

### JRCERT Accreditation and Accreditation Length

JRCERT accreditation is non-negotiable. Without it, graduates cannot sit for the ARRT exam and cannot obtain an Oregon license. PCC holds an 8-year accreditation, which is the maximum term and indicates the program passed its most recent review without conditions. Shorter accreditation terms or probationary status are red flags worth investigating before enrolling in any program.

### ARRT Exam Pass Rate

The ARRT first-attempt pass rate tells you how well a program prepares students for the national credentialing exam. The national benchmark set by JRCERT is 75% over a three-year average. PCC’s 98% pass rate is substantially above that threshold. When comparing programs across state lines, look for programs consistently above 85%.

### Clinical Hours and Site Diversity

JRCERT requires a minimum number of clinical hours, but the quality and variety of those hours matter as much as the count. Oregon’s only accredited program has 37 clinical affiliate sites – ranging from Level I trauma centers (Legacy Emanuel, OHSU) to outpatient imaging centers (Rayus Radiology), pediatric settings (Shriners), and VA facilities. That diversity gives students exposure to patient populations and imaging situations that purely hospital-based training would miss.

Ask any program you consider: How many clinical affiliates do you use? What is the ratio of students to clinical supervisors? Can students rotate through multiple site types, or are they placed at a single facility?

### Program Length and Schedule Format

Most JRCERT-accredited radiography programs run 24 months. PCC’s program is exactly that. Some programs offer evening or hybrid scheduling for working students; confirm with PCC directly whether the current cohort format accommodates part-time work, since clinical rotations often require daytime availability regardless of classroom scheduling.

### Completion Rate and Job Placement

A 100% completion rate at PCC is notable. High attrition in allied health programs often signals inadequate academic support, poor advising, or admission of students who are not yet prepared for the program’s demands. Job placement at 100% reflects both the strength of Oregon’s healthcare labor market and the value employers place on PCC graduates. Still, ask what “placed” means: full-time employment in radiography, or any employment within any timeframe?

### Tuition and Total Cost

PCC’s resident tuition of $12,696 for the full program is one of the most affordable pathways to radiography in the Pacific Northwest. Non-resident tuition of $26,496 is still competitive compared to private programs nationally. Factor in additional costs: uniforms, dosimetry badges, [ARRT exam fees ($225 for the primary Radiography pathway)](https://www.arrt.org/pages/earn-arrt-credentials/how-to-apply/application-fees), Oregon licensure application fees, textbooks, and transportation to clinical sites spread across the Portland metro area.

### Accreditor-Required Clinical Competencies

JRCERT requires programs to document that students achieve competency in a defined set of imaging procedures before graduation. Ask PCC to provide its competency list and confirm it aligns with the ARRT content specifications for the exam. Programs that track and report competency completion rate tend to have stronger ARRT pass outcomes – which the 98% pass rate at PCC supports.

## Related Imaging and Therapy Programs in Oregon

Radiography is the foundation credential in medical imaging, but Oregon also has JRCERT-accredited programs in other imaging and therapy disciplines. These programs are career-progression or specialization options – typically pursued after working as a radiologic technologist – rather than entry points for people new to the field.

### Oregon Health & Science University – Radiation Therapy

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) offers a JRCERT-accredited Radiation Therapy program at its South Waterfront campus (Collaborative Life Science Building, 2730 SW Moody Ave, Portland, OR 97201). The program runs 23 months and trains students to plan and deliver radiation treatments to cancer patients under physician direction.

- **Program length:** 23 months
- **Resident tuition:** $24,768 (total program)
- **Non-resident tuition:** $29,808 (total program)
- **Total program capacity:** 32 students
- **Completion rate:** 89%
- **ARRT exam pass rate:** 98%
- **Job placement rate:** 100%
- **JRCERT accreditation term:** 8 years

Clinical training spans 29 affiliate sites across Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Colorado, including the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Providence facilities, Legacy systems, and rural Oregon cancer centers from Coos Bay to Klamath Falls. The geographic breadth reflects the reality that radiation oncology services are distributed across the state, and graduates may find employment well outside Portland.

Radiation therapy is a distinct profession from radiography and requires separate ARRT certification (RTT). Many radiation therapists enter the field after working as radiologic technologists and can apply clinical imaging experience directly to the therapy planning process.

OHSU’s program accepts a small cohort of 32 students per cycle, making it highly selective. Prerequisite coursework typically includes anatomy, physiology, physics, and medical terminology, much of which overlaps with radiography program prerequisites.

## Frequently Asked Questions About Radiology Tech Programs in Oregon

### How long does it take to become a radiologic technologist in Oregon?

The standard pathway takes approximately two years after completing prerequisite coursework. Portland Community College’s JRCERT-accredited program runs 24 months. Before that, most applicants spend one to two semesters completing prerequisites in anatomy, physiology, and general education requirements. Total time from starting prerequisites to sitting for the ARRT exam is typically 30 to 36 months for most students.

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

Yes. Oregon requires radiologic technologists to hold a state license issued by the Oregon Health Authority. The license requires passing the ARRT certification exam, graduating from an accredited program, and completing the OHA application with a background check. Working without a license is a violation of Oregon law.

### What does a radiologic technologist earn in Oregon?

According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, the median annual wage for radiologic technologists in Oregon is $102,290. Entry-level technologists typically earn between $70,760 and $85,280. Experienced technologists at the 75th percentile earn $111,810, and top earners at the 90th percentile reach $124,810.

### Is Portland Community College the only accredited radiology tech program in Oregon?

As of the current JRCERT program database, Portland Community College is the only JRCERT-accredited radiography program in Oregon. Students who cannot access PCC’s program sometimes look at accredited programs in neighboring Washington or Idaho, though Oregon licensing still requires an ARRT-recognized accredited program regardless of state. [Linn-Benton Community College](https://www.linnbenton.edu/future-students/explore-lb/programs/diagnostic-imaging.php) in Albany and [Oregon Institute of Technology](https://www.oit.edu/academics/degrees/radiologic-science) in Klamath Falls offer diagnostic imaging and radiologic science programs – verify their current JRCERT accreditation status directly before enrolling.

### What is the ARRT exam and how do I prepare for it?

The ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) Radiography exam is the national credentialing examination required for licensure in Oregon and most other states. The exam covers radiation protection, equipment operation, image production, radiographic procedures, and patient care. PCC’s program has a 98% first-attempt pass rate, which indicates strong built-in exam preparation through its curriculum. Students typically prepare using ARRT content specifications, practice question banks, and review courses offered through professional organizations like the ASRT. After graduating from an accredited program, candidates apply directly to ARRT to schedule the exam.

### Can I work as a radiology tech while completing the program?

Clinical rotations at PCC span sites across the Portland metro area and require daytime availability on rotation days. Many students work part-time in evenings or weekends, but the clinical schedule makes full-time employment during the program very difficult. Some students work as radiology department aides or patient care technicians during the program to build familiarity with the clinical environment without conflicting with required hours.

### What clinical experience will I get at Portland Community College?

PCC uses 37 clinical affiliate sites, covering trauma centers, community hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, orthopedic clinics, pediatric hospitals, VA facilities, and Kaiser Permanente locations. Clinical placements span Portland, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigard, Tualatin, Gresham, Clackamas, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Canby, Newberg, Sherwood, Happy Valley, Hood River, The Dalles, and Salem, as well as sites across the river in Vancouver, WA. Students can expect exposure to general radiography, fluoroscopy, trauma imaging, and portable radiography across multiple patient populations.

### How competitive is admission to PCC’s radiography program?

PCC’s program has a total capacity of 110 students and a 100% completion rate, which suggests the program is selective at the point of admission and provides sufficient support once students are enrolled. Competitive applicants typically complete all prerequisites with strong grades, gain healthcare work or volunteer experience before applying, and meet all program application deadlines. Contact PCC’s Health Sciences admissions office directly for current prerequisite requirements and cohort start dates.

### What can I specialize in after becoming a radiologic technologist in Oregon?

After earning ARRT certification in radiography and gaining clinical experience, Oregon techs commonly pursue post-primary credentials in MRI, CT, mammography, or interventional radiography through ARRT’s certification pathways. MRI technologists in Oregon earn a median of $121,920 according to BLS May 2025 OEWS data – a significant step up from the radiography median. Radiation therapy is another pathway, with OHSU offering the only JRCERT-accredited radiation therapy program in the state.

## Next Steps: Explore Oregon Radiology Tech Programs

If you are ready to start working toward an ARRT credential and an Oregon radiologic technologist license, the path is clear. Review the prerequisite requirements at [Portland Community College](https://www.pcc.edu/), confirm the next application cycle deadline, and contact the Health Sciences advising office to map out a timeline. For those interested in career advancement options after earning your radiography credential, review the radiation therapy program at OHSU or research ARRT post-primary certification pathways in CT and MRI. Use the salary data on this page to understand what your earning potential looks like at each stage, and factor in Oregon’s licensing requirements from day one so there are no surprises at the finish line.

## Professional Organizations

For valuable career resources, networking, and support, both working radiological technologists and students alike should look into joining a professional organization such as the [Oregon Society of Radiologic Technologists (OSRT)](https://www.oregonsrt.org/), which provides member benefits such as exclusive job openings, continuing education opportunities, and conferences. The OSRT is a state member of the national [American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)](https://www.asrt.org/) organization.

## 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/
- Portland Community College — https://www.pcc.edu/
- Linn-Benton Community College — https://www.linnbenton.edu/future-students/explore-lb/programs/diagnostic-imaging.php
- Oregon Health & Science University — https://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/schools/school-of-medicine/departments/clinical-departments/diagnostic-radiology/
- Oregon Institute of Technology — https://www.oit.edu/academics/degrees/radiologic-science
- Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital and Health Center — http://www.legacyhealth.org/
- Providence Portland Medical Center — http://www2.providence.org/pages/default.aspx
- St. Charles Health System — https://www.stcharleshealthcare.org/
- Peace Health — http://www.peacehealth.org/
- Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center — https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org
- Oregon Health Authority Radiation Protection Services — https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HEALTHYPEOPLEFAMILIES/HEALTHYLIVING/RADIATIONHEALTH/Pages/tech.aspx
- ARRT exam fees ($225 for the primary Radiography pathway) — https://www.arrt.org/pages/earn-arrt-credentials/how-to-apply/application-fees
- Oregon Society of Radiologic Technologists (OSRT) — https://www.oregonsrt.org/
- American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) — https://www.asrt.org/

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Last checked: 2026-08-19