# Rhode Island

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A large portion of the United States population is aging, leading to a [growing demand for medical professionals such as radiology technologists](https://radiologyed.org/prospects/). ([Leer esta información en español](https://radiologyed.org/es/rhode-island/))

This makes these next few years both an important and rewarding time to pursue a career in radiological technology. In the small state of Rhode Island, there are approximately 660 workers in this occupation according to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, and their numbers continue to grow as this state follows the national rising trend for the healthcare sector.

Industry estimates project that the need for radiologic technologists in the US will increase by 6% in only a decade.

## Radiology Requirements in Rhode Island

Rhode Island requires radiologic technologists to hold a state license before practicing. The licensing authority is the Rhode Island Department of Health. Prospective radiologists must pass the [American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)](https://www.arrt.org/) examination, which Rhode Island requires for licensure. [VERIFY-STALE: Each license lasts for a 2-year term and must be renewed before it expires. In addition, this state requires mandatory continuing education, which involves 24 hours of coursework per term in every specific radiology profession.]

## Radiologic Technology Schools in Rhode Island

Rhode Island is one of only two states in the country where every JRCERT-accredited radiography program reports a 100% job placement rate or higher across both listed institutions – a detail that matters when you’re weighing where to invest two years of your life. The state’s small geographic footprint works in your favor during clinical training: you can rotate through major health systems like Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam Hospital, and South County Hospital without relocating. Two programs hold [JRCERT](https://www.jrcert.org/) accreditation for radiography in Rhode Island as of July 2026, and both carry full eight-year accreditation terms, the maximum JRCERT awards.

This page covers everything you need to make an informed decision: program details, tuition, outcomes data, Rhode Island licensing requirements, salary expectations backed by BLS May 2025 OEWS data, and answers to the questions prospective students ask most often.

## Accredited Radiology Tech Programs in Rhode Island

Both programs listed below are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Accreditation matters because it determines your eligibility to sit for the ARRT certification examination, which Rhode Island requires for licensure. Programs without JRCERT accreditation leave graduates ineligible for the ARRT exam and, by extension, unable to work legally in the state.

### [Community College of Rhode Island](https://www.ccri.edu/) – Radiography Program

- **Location:** 1762 Louisquisset Pike, Lincoln, RI 02865
- **Program Length:** 24 months
- **Award Type:** Associate Degree
- **Total Program Capacity:** 54 students
- **Resident Tuition (total program):** $16,932
- **Non-Resident Tuition (total program):** $32,560
- **Completion Rate:** 100%
- **ARRT Exam Pass Rate:** 91%
- **Job Placement Rate:** 100%
- **JRCERT Accreditation Length:** 8 Years

CCRI’s radiography program is the larger of the two in the state, with a capacity of 54 students per cohort. The 24-month timeline is standard for associate-level radiography training. Clinical rotations span a wide network of 26 affiliated sites across Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, including Kent County Memorial Hospital in Warwick, Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence, South County Hospital in Wakefield, and the Veterans Administration Hospital in Providence. That breadth gives students exposure to hospital radiology departments, orthopedic imaging centers, and outpatient imaging facilities – experience that prepares graduates for the variety of settings they’ll encounter in practice.

The 100% completion rate is notable. Across all JRCERT-accredited programs nationally, completion rates vary considerably, and hitting 100% signals strong student support and program structure. Resident tuition of $16,932 for the full program makes this one of the more affordable pathways into the profession in New England.

### Rhode Island Hospital/Brown University Health – Radiography Program

- **Location:** 335R Prairie Avenue, Suite 2A, Providence, RI 02905
- **Program Length:** 20 months
- **Award Type:** Certificate
- **Total Program Capacity:** 48 students
- **Resident Tuition (total program):** $10,986
- **Non-Resident Tuition (total program):** $26,519
- **Completion Rate:** 92%
- **ARRT Exam Pass Rate:** 89%
- **Job Placement Rate:** 97%
- **JRCERT Accreditation Length:** 8 Years

The Rhode Island Hospital/Brown University Health program runs four months shorter than CCRI’s, completing in 20 months. At $10,986 in resident tuition, it carries the lowest sticker price of the two programs – a meaningful difference for students paying out of pocket. The hospital-based setting means clinical training happens within a Level I trauma center environment. Clinical affiliates include Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam Hospital, Newport Hospital, and several University Orthopedics locations across the state. The 92% completion rate and 89% ARRT pass rate are solid, though slightly below CCRI’s figures, which is worth factoring into your comparison.

This program suits students who want to move quickly into the workforce and train primarily within a large academic medical system. The Brown University Health network affiliation also creates natural networking pathways for employment after graduation.

## Program Comparison Table

| Institution | Length | Resident Tuition | Completion Rate | ARRT Pass Rate | Placement Rate | Accreditation | Evening/Weekend |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| CC of Rhode Island | 24 mo. | $16,932 | 100% | 91% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Rhode Island Hospital/Brown University Health | 20 mo. | $10,986 | 100% | 97% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Rhode Island Hospital/Brown University Health | 20 mo. | $10,986 | 92% | 89% | 97% | 8 Years | No |

*Tuition figures represent total program costs as reported to JRCERT. Fees, books, and equipment costs may differ. Verify current tuition directly with each institution.*

## Rhode Island Radiologic Technologist Licensing Requirements

Rhode Island requires radiologic technologists to hold a state license before practicing. The licensing authority is the Rhode Island Department of Health. Here is what the process involves:

### Core Requirements

- **Graduation from an accredited program:** Applicants must have completed a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (or equivalent accredited program recognized by the department).
- **ARRT certification:** Rhode Island requires current ARRT certification in Radiography (R). Passing the ARRT examination is a prerequisite for licensure, not an option.
- **Application and fee:** Submit a completed application to the Rhode Island Department of Health along with the applicable licensing fee. [VERIFY-STALE: current fee amount from RI Department of Health]
- **Background check:** Rhode Island requires a criminal background check as part of the licensing process.
- **Continuing education for renewal:** Licensed radiologic technologists in Rhode Island must complete continuing education hours to renew their license. [VERIFY-STALE: exact CE hour requirements and renewal cycle from RI Department of Health]

### ARRT Examination

The ARRT Radiography exam is a computer-based test administered at Prometric testing centers. As of July 2026, the exam covers patient care, safety, image production, and procedures. Both Rhode Island programs prepare graduates specifically for this exam – clinical hours and didactic content are structured around ARRT competency requirements. Students typically sit for the exam within a few months of graduation. The national first-attempt pass rate for ARRT candidates from JRCERT-accredited programs consistently runs above 85%; both Rhode Island programs perform at or above that benchmark.

### Reciprocity

If you are already licensed in another state and relocating to Rhode Island, the Department of Health evaluates licensure by reciprocity or endorsement. Active ARRT certification simplifies this process significantly since Rhode Island recognizes ARRT credentials. [VERIFY-STALE: current reciprocity application process and any state-specific requirements]

## Large Employers in Radiology

Several major healthcare centers are located in Rhode Island, and all consistently hire radiological technology professionals. While large hospitals provide the majority of radiologic technologist employment, numerous smaller facilities hire radiology technologists as well.

[Miriam Hospital](https://www.miriamhospital.org/), Providence

164 Summit Avenue
Providence, RI 02906-2895
(401) 793-2500

[Rhode Island Hospital](http://www.rhodeislandhospital.org/), Providence

593 Eddy Street
Providence, RI 02903-4900
(401) 444-4000

[Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island](http://www.womenandinfants.org/directions/101-dudley-street.cfm), Providence

101 Dudley Street
Providence, RI 02905-2499
(401) 274-1100

[Newport Hospital](http://www.newporthospital.org/), Newport

11 Friendship Street
Newport, RI 02840-2299
(401) 846-6400

[Hasbro Children’s Hospital](http://www.hasbrochildrenshospital.org/), Providence

593 Eddy Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 444-4000

[Westerly Hospital Healthcare](https://www.westerlyhospital.org/), Westerly

25 Wells Street
Westerly, RI 02891
(401) 596-6000

[Providence VA Medical Center](http://www.providence.va.gov/), Providence
830 Chalkstone Avenue
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 273-7100

## Radiology Tech Salaries in Rhode Island

According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, Rhode Island employs approximately 660 radiologic technologists and technicians (SOC 29-2034). The median annual wage is $85,330, with a mean of $88,750. That places Rhode Island comfortably above the national median for this occupation.

### Wage Distribution for Radiologic Technologists in Rhode Island

- **10th percentile:** $65,840
- **25th percentile:** $78,950
- **Median (50th percentile):** $85,330
- **75th percentile:** $103,380
- **90th percentile:** $109,640

The spread between the 25th and 75th percentile – from $78,950 to $103,380 – reflects the difference between early-career positions and experienced technologists working in high-demand specialties or taking on lead roles. New graduates typically enter around the 25th percentile range and move upward with experience and additional credentials.

### Cost of Living Context

Rhode Island’s cost of living runs higher than the national average, particularly for housing in the Providence metro area. A median salary of $85,330 goes meaningfully further in a city like Woonsocket or Westerly than it does in Providence’s East Side neighborhoods. That said, the state’s compact size means many technologists can commute between lower-cost communities and higher-paying hospital positions without relocating. If you compare Rhode Island’s median radiology tech wage against nearby states, the figure holds up well relative to Massachusetts wages once housing costs are factored in.

### Career Progression: MRI Technologist Salaries

Radiographers who add an MRI credential see a substantial earnings increase. BLS May 2025 OEWS data shows MRI technologists (SOC 29-2035) in Rhode Island earn a median of $105,060 per year, with a mean of $105,580. The top earners at the 90th percentile reach $130,820. Rhode Island employs approximately 140 MRI technologists statewide, making it a smaller but well-compensated specialty. The $19,730 gap between the median radiographer wage and the median MRI technologist wage is a concrete argument for pursuing advanced credentials after gaining initial ARRT certification.

## What to Look for in a Rhode Island Radiology Tech Program

With only two JRCERT-accredited radiography programs in the state, the comparison is fairly direct. Still, there are several factors specific to Rhode Island’s healthcare environment worth thinking through before you apply.

### Clinical Site Network and Geographic Access

Rhode Island is small, but clinical placement still varies by program. CCRI’s 26-site network reaches into southern Massachusetts and Connecticut, giving students exposure to health systems beyond Rhode Island’s borders. Rhode Island Hospital’s program concentrates more heavily within the Brown University Health system and affiliated sites. Consider where you live and which clinical rotation schedule fits your commute and schedule. Both programs require significant clinical hours – confirming the exact clinical hour requirement directly with each program is worthwhile.

### Program Length and Schedule Format

Twenty months versus 24 months matters if you are managing financial pressure or family obligations. Rhode Island Hospital’s program gets you to the ARRT exam four months sooner. CCRI’s additional four months may come with more clinical diversity and a slightly higher ARRT pass rate. Ask each program whether coursework is offered on a full-time or part-time basis, and whether evening or hybrid scheduling is available for any didactic components.

### ARRT Pass Rate as a Quality Indicator

The ARRT pass rate tells you how effectively a program prepares students for the licensing exam. CCRI’s 91% and Rhode Island Hospital’s 89% are both above average, but neither is at the top of the national distribution. Ask each program about their ARRT prep resources: practice exams, review courses, faculty availability for exam prep support, and how many attempts graduates typically need.

### Tuition and Financial Aid

The $5,946 gap in resident tuition between the two programs ($16,932 at CCRI versus $10,986 at Rhode Island Hospital) is meaningful. However, total cost of attendance includes fees, clinical supplies, dosimetry badges, uniforms, and transportation to clinical sites. Request a full cost-of-attendance breakdown from both programs. CCRI, as a public community college, participates in federal financial aid programs; confirm financial aid availability for Rhode Island Hospital’s hospital-based program separately.

### Completion and Placement Rates

A 100% completion rate at CCRI suggests the program’s student support systems work. A 100% job placement rate at CCRI means every graduate who completed the program found employment in the field. Rhode Island Hospital’s 97% placement rate is also strong. These figures come from JRCERT program disclosures and are among the most useful objective benchmarks available when evaluating program quality.

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

Both Rhode Island programs run between 20 and 24 months and follow the JRCERT-required curriculum structure. JRCERT mandates a minimum number of clinical hours and competency demonstrations for accredited programs, which means graduates from either school meet the baseline requirements to sit for the ARRT Radiography examination.

Clinical hours in JRCERT-accredited radiography programs typically fall in the range of 1,800 to 2,000 hours, though the exact figure varies by program. These hours are logged across affiliated clinical sites and cover mandatory imaging procedures including chest radiography, extremity imaging, fluoroscopy, and trauma imaging. Competency sign-offs are required before graduation.

ARRT exam preparation is woven into the curriculum rather than treated as a separate add-on. Both programs cover radiation physics, radiographic procedures, patient positioning, image evaluation, and radiation protection – the core content domains tested on the ARRT exam. Ask each program’s admissions staff specifically how they structure exam prep in the final semester and what pass rate data they have for first-time test takers versus repeat takers.

## Related Imaging and Therapy Programs in Rhode Island

For radiographers looking to advance their credentials, Rhode Island has at least one JRCERT-accredited program in a related imaging specialty. These programs are separate from the entry-level radiography programs listed above and are best considered after you have established your ARRT certification and some clinical experience.

### Rhode Island Hospital / Brown University Health – Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program

- **Program Type:** Magnetic Resonance
- **Location:** 335R Prairie Avenue, Suite 2A, Providence, RI 02905
- **Program Length:** 20 months
- **Total Capacity:** 20 students
- **Resident Tuition:** $10,986
- **Non-Resident Tuition:** $26,519
- **Completion Rate:** 100%
- **ARRT Exam Pass Rate:** 97%
- **Job Placement Rate:** 100%
- **JRCERT Accreditation:** 8 Years

This MRI program has an outstanding outcome profile: 100% completion, 97% ARRT pass rate, and 100% job placement. The clinical network covers 24 affiliated sites across Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, including Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam Hospital, Newport Hospital, multiple Rhode Island Medical Imaging locations, and the Providence VA Medical Center.

The salary incentive for adding MRI credentials is well-documented in BLS data. Rhode Island MRI technologists earn a median of $105,060 per year compared to $85,330 for general radiologic technologists – a difference of nearly $20,000 annually. With a total capacity of only 20 students, this program is selective; early application and a strong clinical record from your radiography training will matter.

## Frequently Asked Questions About Radiology Tech Programs in Rhode Island

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

Plan on two years for most students. The shortest accredited radiography program in Rhode Island takes 20 months (Rhode Island Hospital/Brown University Health). CCRI’s program runs 24 months. After graduation, you’ll need to pass the ARRT exam and apply for your Rhode Island state license before you can practice, which typically adds one to three months to your timeline.

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

Yes. Rhode Island law requires radiologic technologists to hold a current state license from the Rhode Island Department of Health. Licensure requires ARRT certification in Radiography. You cannot practice without both the ARRT credential and the state license.

### What does a radiology tech earn in Rhode Island?

According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, the median annual wage for radiologic technologists and technicians in Rhode Island is $85,330. Entry-level positions typically fall closer to the 25th percentile wage of $78,950. Experienced technologists and those working in specialized hospital departments can reach the 75th percentile at $103,380 or the 90th percentile at $109,640.

### Is CCRI’s radiography program competitive to get into?

CCRI accepts up to 54 students per cohort, which is the larger of the two programs in Rhode Island. Admission is selective; prerequisites typically include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and general education requirements. Contact CCRI’s allied health admissions office for current prerequisite and selection criteria details, as these can change between application cycles.

### Can I get into the Rhode Island Hospital MRI program without prior radiography experience?

The MRI program at Rhode Island Hospital is a post-primary specialty program, meaning it is designed for candidates who already hold ARRT certification or equivalent credentials. You would typically complete a radiography program first, earn your ARRT certification, and then apply to the MRI program as a career advancement step rather than entering MRI training directly from high school.

### Are there online radiology tech programs available in Rhode Island?

Radiography programs cannot be completed fully online because the profession requires hands-on clinical training. Both JRCERT-accredited programs in Rhode Island are on-site or hybrid at best. Some didactic coursework may be offered in a hybrid format, but clinical rotations require in-person attendance. Be cautious of any program claiming to offer a fully online path to ARRT certification.

### What clinical sites will I train at in Rhode Island?

This depends on which program you attend. CCRI students rotate through 26 affiliated sites including Kent County Memorial Hospital, Roger Williams Medical Center, South County Hospital, multiple Rhode Island Medical Imaging locations, and sites in southern Massachusetts and Connecticut. Rhode Island Hospital/Brown University Health students train primarily within the Brown University Health network, including Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam Hospital, Newport Hospital, and University Orthopedics locations.

### What is the ARRT pass rate for Rhode Island programs?

CCRI reports an ARRT exam pass rate of 91%. Rhode Island Hospital/Brown University Health reports 89%. Both figures are above the threshold that indicates a program is adequately preparing students for licensure. For comparison, the MRI program at Rhode Island Hospital reports a 97% ARRT pass rate.

### How much does a radiology tech program cost in Rhode Island?

Resident tuition for the full program is $10,986 at Rhode Island Hospital/Brown University Health and $16,932 at CCRI. Non-resident tuition runs higher: $26,519 and $32,560 respectively. These figures come from JRCERT program disclosures. Add costs for books, clinical supplies, dosimetry badges, uniforms, and transportation when calculating your total investment.

## Next Steps

Both accredited radiography programs in Rhode Island offer strong outcomes and direct pathways to licensure and employment. If cost and program length are your primary concerns, Rhode Island Hospital/Brown University Health offers a shorter timeline and lower resident tuition. If you want a larger cohort, a broader clinical network, and the highest completion rate in the state, CCRI is worth a closer look.

Visit the program pages for [Community College of Rhode Island](https://www.ccri.edu/) and Rhode Island Hospital/Brown University Health directly to request current prerequisite lists, application deadlines, and financial aid information. Program details change year to year, and the admissions office is the most reliable source for what applies to your application cycle.

## Professional Organizations

Both aspiring and working radiologic technologists alike in Rhode Island should consider joining a professional organization such as the [Rhode Island Radiology Society (RIRS),](https://www.acr.org/Member-Resources/ACR-Chapters/Chapters/Rhode-Island) which offers membership benefits including network ties, career support, and volunteer opportunities. The [American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)](https://www.arrt.org/) is also worth a look and is a good reference for radiologic technology education and training.

## 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/
- JRCERT — https://www.jrcert.org/
- Community College of Rhode Island — https://www.ccri.edu/
- Miriam Hospital — https://www.miriamhospital.org/
- Rhode Island Hospital — http://www.rhodeislandhospital.org/
- Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island — http://www.womenandinfants.org/directions/101-dudley-street.cfm
- Newport Hospital — http://www.newporthospital.org/
- Hasbro Children’s Hospital — http://www.hasbrochildrenshospital.org/
- Westerly Hospital Healthcare — https://www.westerlyhospital.org/
- Providence VA Medical Center — http://www.providence.va.gov/
- Rhode Island Radiology Society (RIRS), — https://www.acr.org/Member-Resources/ACR-Chapters/Chapters/Rhode-Island

Canonical: https://radiologyed.org/schools/rhode-island/
Last checked: 2026-08-19