# Tennessee

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Tennessee offers several degree programs in radiologic technology at schools around the state. Students here may earn [limited license certifications](https://radiologyed.org/careers/medical-assistant-with-limited-x-ray/), [Associate of Science](https://radiologyed.org/associates/) degrees, or [Bachelor of Science](https://radiologyed.org/bachelors/) degrees.

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

Radiologic technology also offers an average salary that compares very favorably to the average household income across the state. With a low cost of living in addition to these advantages, Tennessee is a good place in which to pursue and practice a career in radiologic science.

## Responsibilities of Radiologic Technologists

Radiologic technologists play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of illness. They are responsible for producing images of internal organs, blood vessels, and other structures using specialized imaging equipment such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and nuclear medicine studies.

In addition to producing images, radiologic technologists are responsible for positioning patients correctly for imaging studies, understanding the principles of radiation safety, and recognizing artifacts that can distort a good image. They must also understand how to prepare and administer contrast media and radiation therapy treatments.

## Radiology Requirements in Tennessee

Radiologist assistants, radiographers, and radiation therapists must pass the state or [American Registry of Radiologic Technologists](https://www.arrt.org/) (ARRT) exam to practice in Tennessee. Limited scope X-ray technicians may receive certification through the state of Tennessee by submitting proof that they have completed a board-approved training course. Both radiographers and limited license X-ray technicians must complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education credits every two years.

## Large Employers in Radiology

Tennessee has a high number of major hospitals and medical centers, which are the primary employers of radiologic technologists and other medical imaging professionals.

## Accredited Radiology Tech Programs in Tennessee: 2026 Guide

Tennessee has 15 JRCERT-accredited radiography programs spread across the state, from Memphis in the west to Johnson City in the far east. That geographic spread matters: clinical rotations at programs like East Tennessee State University reach into the Appalachian region, while Memphis-area schools draw on one of the largest hospital networks in the mid-South. Tennessee also sits just above the national median for radiologic technologist employment density, with 4,660 radiologic technologists and technicians employed statewide according to BLS May 2025 OEWS data. This page covers every accredited program, what each one costs, how graduates perform on the ARRT exam, and what the state requires before you can work.

## Tennessee Radiography Program Listings

All 15 programs below hold JRCERT accreditation. Tuition figures are annual unless noted. Completion rate, exam pass rate, and job placement rate come directly from JRCERT program data. Program length is in months.

### [Austin Peay State University](https://www.apsu.edu/programs/undergraduate/rad-tech-radiography.php) – Clarksville

- **Program length:** 24 months
- **Tuition (resident / non-resident):** $10,110 / $17,376
- **Completion rate:** 92%
- **ARRT exam pass rate:** 87%
- **Job placement rate:** 100%
- **Accreditation term:** 8 years
- **Alternative learning:** None
- **Key clinical sites:** Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Nashville), TriStar Centennial Medical Center, Blanchfield Army Community Hospital (Fort Campbell)

### [Baptist Health Sciences University](https://www.baptistu.edu/medical-radiography) – Memphis

- **Program length:** 20 months
- **Tuition (resident / non-resident):** $19,203 / $19,203
- **Completion rate:** 86%
- **ARRT exam pass rate:** 87%
- **Job placement rate:** 100%
- **Accreditation term:** 8 years
- **Alternative learning:** None
- **Key clinical sites:** Baptist Memorial Hospital Memphis, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto

### Chattanooga State Community College – Chattanooga

- **Program length:** 24 months
- **Tuition (resident / non-resident):** $7,277 / $12,198
- **Completion rate:** 85%
- **ARRT exam pass rate:** 100%
- **Job placement rate:** 100%
- **Accreditation term:** 8 years
- **Alternative learning:** None
- **Key clinical sites:** Erlanger Medical Center, CHI Memorial Hospital, Parkridge Medical Center

### Columbia State Community College – Columbia

- **Program length:** 22 months
- **Tuition (resident / non-resident):** $7,939 / $12,700
- **Completion rate:** 88%
- **ARRT exam pass rate:** 91%
- **Job placement rate:** 100%
- **Accreditation term:** 8 years
- **Alternative learning:** None
- **Key clinical sites:** Maury Regional Medical Center, Williamson Medical Center, Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital

### [Concorde Career College – Memphis](https://www.concorde.edu/diagnostic-programs/radiologic-technology/memphis)

- **Program length:** 21 months
- **Tuition (resident / non-resident):** $24,822 / $24,822
- **Completion rate:** 71%
- **ARRT exam pass rate:** 78%
- **Job placement rate:** 100%
- **Accreditation term:** 8 years
- **Alternative learning:** None
- **Key clinical sites:** Regional One Health, Baptist Memorial Hospital Memphis, Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics

### [East Tennessee State University](https://catalog.etsu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=58&poid=17010) – Johnson City

- **Program length:** 20 months
- **Tuition (resident / non-resident):** $10,994 / $15,194
- **Completion rate:** 94%
- **ARRT exam pass rate:** 99%
- **Job placement rate:** 100%
- **Accreditation term:** 8 years
- **Alternative learning:** Distance education available
- **Key clinical sites:** Johnson City Medical Center, Holston Valley Medical Center, Bristol Regional Medical Center

### [Fortis College – Cookeville](https://www.fortis.edu/campuses/tennessee/cookeville/radiologic-technology.html)

- **Program length:** 23 months
- **Tuition (resident / non-resident):** $49,640 / $49,640
- **Completion rate:** 90%
- **ARRT exam pass rate:** 76%
- **Job placement rate:** 93%
- **Accreditation term:** 8 years
- **Alternative learning:** None
- **Key clinical sites:** Cookeville Regional Medical Center, Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital, Cumberland Medical Center

### Jackson State Community College – Jackson

- **Program length:** 24 months
- **Tuition (resident / non-resident):** $6,928 / $11,615
- **Completion rate:** 82%
- **ARRT exam pass rate:** 100%
- **Job placement rate:** 100%
- **Accreditation term:** 8 years
- **Alternative learning:** None
- **Key clinical sites:** Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, Henry County Medical Center, Dyersburg Regional Medical Center

### Methodist University Hospital / Methodist Healthcare – Memphis

- **Program length:** 24 months
- **Tuition (resident / non-resident):** $7,000 / $7,000
- **Completion rate:** 77%
- **ARRT exam pass rate:** 80%
- **Job placement rate:** 100%
- **Accreditation term:** 8 years
- **Alternative learning:** None
- **Key clinical sites:** Methodist Healthcare, LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, Methodist Healthcare-Germantown

### Nashville General Hospital at Meharry – Nashville

- **Program length:** 24 months
- **Tuition (resident / non-resident):** $7,250 / $7,250
- **Completion rate:** 92%
- **ARRT exam pass rate:** 85%
- **Job placement rate:** 100%
- **Accreditation term:** 8 years
- **Alternative learning:** None
- **Key clinical sites:** Nashville General Hospital, Ascension Saint Thomas Medical Center West, VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System

### Roane State Community College – Oak Ridge

- **Program length:** 22 months
- **Tuition (resident / non-resident):** $6,614 / $10,814
- **Completion rate:** 100%
- **ARRT exam pass rate:** 94%
- **Job placement rate:** 100%
- **Accreditation term:** 8 years
- **Alternative learning:** None
- **Key clinical sites:** Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, Blount Memorial Hospital

### [South College – Knoxville](https://www.south.edu/program/certificate-in-computed-tomography-ct/)

- **Program length:** 18 months
- **Tuition (resident / non-resident):** $29,300 / $29,300
- **Completion rate:** 84%
- **ARRT exam pass rate:** 76%
- **Job placement rate:** 100%
- **Accreditation term:** 5 years
- **Alternative learning:** None
- **Key clinical sites:** Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, Parkwest Medical Center, Blount Memorial Hospital

### South College – Nashville

- **Program length:** 18 months
- **Tuition (resident / non-resident):** $29,300 / $29,300
- **Completion rate:** 83%
- **ARRT exam pass rate:** 88%
- **Job placement rate:** 100%
- **Accreditation term:** 8 years
- **Alternative learning:** Distance education available
- **Key clinical sites:** Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TriStar Centennial Medical Center, Saint Thomas West

### University of Tennessee Medical Center at Knoxville

- **Program length:** 24 months
- **Tuition (resident / non-resident):** $15,970 / $15,970
- **Completion rate:** 100%
- **ARRT exam pass rate:** 93%
- **Job placement rate:** 100%
- **Accreditation term:** 8 years
- **Alternative learning:** None
- **Key clinical sites:** University of Tennessee Medical Center, University Diagnostics – Northshore, UT Medical Center Regional Health Center (Sevierville)

### Volunteer State Community College – Gallatin

- **Program length:** 24 months
- **Tuition (resident / non-resident):** $8,516 / $29,074
- **Completion rate:** 96%
- **ARRT exam pass rate:** 90%
- **Job placement rate:** 100%
- **Accreditation term:** 8 years
- **Alternative learning:** None
- **Key clinical sites:** Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Sumner Regional Medical Center, TriStar Skyline Medical Center

## Tennessee Radiography Program Comparison Table

The table below covers all 15 JRCERT-accredited radiography programs. Tuition shown is for in-state residents where two rates apply. Sort by the column most relevant to your priorities.

| Institution | Length | Resident Tuition | Completion Rate | ARRT Pass Rate | Placement Rate | Accreditation | Evening/Weekend |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Austin Peay State University | 24 mo. | $10,110 | 92% | 87% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Baptist Health Sciences University | 20 mo. | $19,203 | 86% | 87% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Baptist Health Sciences University | 48 mo. | $15,000 | 67% | 85% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Chattanooga State CC | 12 mo. | $7,546 | 79% | 91% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Chattanooga State CC | 24 mo. | $7,277 | 85% | 100% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Columbia State CC | 22 mo. | $7,939 | 88% | 91% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Concorde Career College – Memphis | 21 mo. | $24,822 | 71% | 78% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| East Tennessee State University | 20 mo. | $10,994 | 94% | 99% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Fortis College – Cookeville | 23 mo. | $49,640 | 90% | 76% | 93% | 8 Years | No |
| Jackson State CC | 24 mo. | $6,928 | 82% | 100% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Methodist University Hospital/Methodist Healthcare | 24 mo. | $7,000 | 77% | 80% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Nashville General Hospital at Meharry | 24 mo. | $7,250 | 92% | 85% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Roane State CC | 22 mo. | $6,614 | 100% | 94% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| South College – Knoxville | 18 mo. | $29,300 | 84% | 76% | 100% | 5 Years | No |
| South College – Nashville | 18 mo. | $29,300 | 83% | 88% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| University of Tennessee Medical Center at Knoxville | 24 mo. | $15,970 | 100% | 93% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Volunteer State CC | 24 mo. | $8,516 | 96% | 90% | 100% | 8 Years | No |

[Vanderbilt University Medical Center](//www.mc.vanderbilt.edu) 1211 22nd Avenue North Nashville, TN 37232-2102 (615) 322-5000

[University of Tennessee Medical Center](//www.utmedicalcenter.org) 1924 Alcoa Highway, Box 81 Knoxville, TN 37920-6900 (865) 305-9000

[Methodist Hospitals of Memphis](//www.methodisthealth.org) 1265 Union Avenue Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 516-7000

[Ballad Health — Johnson City Medical Center](https://www.balladhealth.org/hospitals/johnson-city-medical-center) 400 North State of Franklin Road Johnson City, TN 37604-6094 (423) 431-6111

[Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge](//www.mmcoakridge.com) 990 Oak Ridge Turnpike Oak Ridge, TN 37830-6976 (865) 835-1000

[Erlanger Medical Center](https://www.erlanger.org/) 975 East 3rd Street Chattanooga, TN 37403 (423) 778-7000

[Ballad Health — Holston Valley Medical Center](https://www.balladhealth.org/hospitals/holston-valley-medical-center) 130 West Ravine Street Kingsport, TN 37660 (423) 224-4000

[Baptist Memorial Hospital](//www.baptistonline.org) 6019 Walnut Grove Road Memphis, TN 38120-2173 (901) 226-5000

## Radiologic Technologist Salaries in Tennessee

According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, Tennessee employs 4,660 radiologic technologists and technicians (SOC 29-2034). The median annual wage is $64,630, with a mean of $68,990. Entry-level technologists at the 10th percentile earn $50,540. The 25th percentile sits at $59,610, the 75th at $78,700, and the top 10% earn $90,790 or more.

Tennessee’s cost of living runs below the national average in most of its metro areas. Knoxville and Chattanooga rank among the more affordable mid-sized cities in the Southeast, which makes a $64,630 median wage stretch considerably further than the same figure in Nashville or Memphis. The Nashville metro has seen notable wage pressure in recent years as the healthcare sector has expanded, so technologists working for large health systems like Vanderbilt or HCA tend to cluster toward the upper quartile of that range.

### Career Progression and Wage Growth

MRI technologists in Tennessee show what earnings can look like after you specialize. BLS May 2025 OEWS data places MRI technologists (SOC 29-2035) at a median of $78,610 statewide, with 1,350 employed. The 25th percentile is $67,630 and the 90th percentile reaches $97,870. That is roughly a $14,000 median jump over general radiography, achievable by adding an ARRT post-primary credential in MRI after two or more years of clinical experience. Radiation therapy is another pathway; programs for that specialty are noted in the related programs section below.

## Tennessee Licensing Requirements for Radiologic Technologists

Tennessee requires radiologic technologists to hold a state license before practicing. The Tennessee Department of Health, Division of Health Related Boards oversees licensure through the Board of Medical Examiners. The key requirements are:

- **Graduation from an accredited program:** Applicants must have completed a radiography program accredited by JRCERT or an equivalent body recognized by the board.
- **ARRT certification:** Passing the ARRT radiography examination is a prerequisite for licensure. Tennessee accepts current ARRT certification as proof of competency.
- **Application and fee:** A completed application and the applicable fee must be submitted to the Tennessee Health Related Boards. According to the [Tennessee Radiologic Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board of Examiners FAQ](https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/healthprofboards/xray/FAQ.pdf), the total cost for either a full or limited license is $110.
- **Background check:** Tennessee requires a criminal background check as part of the initial licensure application.
- **Continuing education:** License renewal requires [20 hours of radiological-related continuing education biennially (every two years)](https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/xray-board/xray-board/frequently-asked-questions.html), with 2 of those hours specifically covering Tennessee statutes, rules, regulations, and ethics (including ARRT Standards of Ethics for fully certified licensees).

Technologists licensed in other states can apply for licensure by endorsement rather than re-taking the ARRT exam, provided their existing credentials meet Tennessee’s standards. Always confirm current requirements directly with the Tennessee Department of Health before applying, as administrative rules can change between publication dates.

## What to Look for in a Tennessee Radiography Program

With 15 programs to choose from, the decision comes down to more than location. Here is what actually matters when comparing programs in this state.

### ARRT Exam Pass Rate

This is the most direct measure of how well a program prepares students for the licensing exam they must pass to work. Among Tennessee’s programs, pass rates range from 76% to 100%. Programs at Chattanooga State, Jackson State, and East Tennessee State University have all achieved 99-100% pass rates in recent JRCERT reporting. That gap between the lowest and highest pass rate in the state is 24 percentage points – a meaningful difference when your eligibility to work depends on passing that exam.

### Completion Rate

Completion rate tells you how many students who start a program actually finish it. Roane State and the University of Tennessee Medical Center both report 100% completion. Concorde Career College in Memphis reports 71%, the lowest in the state. A lower completion rate can reflect a demanding selection process, financial barriers, or attrition from clinical demands – worth asking programs directly about the primary reasons students leave.

### Tuition vs. Return on Investment

Tennessee’s community college programs offer the clearest cost advantage. Roane State charges $6,614 in resident tuition, Jackson State $6,928, and Chattanooga State $7,277. At the other end, Fortis College in Cookeville charges $49,640 – roughly seven to eight times as much for a program of similar length. Given a statewide median salary of $64,630, the payback period on a $49,000 program versus a $7,000 one is a decision that deserves serious financial comparison before you enroll.

### Clinical Site Diversity

Programs with a wider range of clinical sites expose students to more imaging environments: trauma centers, pediatric hospitals, outpatient orthopedic clinics, VA facilities, and cancer centers. East Tennessee State University’s 18 clinical sites include the VA Medical Center at Mountain Home and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. Baptist Health Sciences University reaches across the tri-state Memphis area into Mississippi and Arkansas. Broader clinical exposure generally means better preparation for the variety of settings you may work in after graduation.

### Program Length and Schedule Fit

Most Tennessee radiography programs run 22 to 24 months. South College’s two campuses offer 18-month programs for students who want a faster path to the credential. ETSU and South College Nashville also offer distance education components, which can matter for students in rural East Tennessee or those managing other commitments. Confirm how much of the didactic coursework is online versus on-site before selecting a program based on geography alone.

### Accreditation Term Length

JRCERT grants accreditation for either 5 or 8 years based on its review findings. South College Knoxville holds a 5-year term; all other Tennessee programs hold 8-year terms. An 8-year term reflects a higher level of sustained compliance with JRCERT standards. That does not mean a 5-year program is unacceptable, but it is a data point worth factoring into your comparison.

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

JRCERT-accredited radiography programs require a minimum of 1,800 clinical hours for completion. Tennessee programs typically integrate clinical rotations across the full program length rather than concentrating them at the end. This means students begin patient contact in the first year, rotating through different departments – general radiography, fluoroscopy, surgical imaging, and specialty areas – before completing a larger block of advanced rotations in year two.

The ARRT Radiography examination covers radiation protection, equipment operation and quality control, image production, radiographic procedures, and patient care. Programs use a mix of classroom instruction, laboratory simulations, and clinical hours to build competency in each of these areas. Some programs also require students to pass internal comprehensive exams before they sit for the ARRT, which is one reason completion rates and ARRT pass rates do not always move in parallel.

Students graduating from Tennessee programs should confirm their ARRT application timeline with their program director. ARRT eligibility requires graduation, an ethics review, and submission of the program director’s attestation. Tennessee’s board requires ARRT certification before it issues a state license, so there is a defined sequence: graduate, apply to ARRT, pass the exam, then apply to the state board.

## Related Imaging and Therapy Programs in Tennessee

For radiographers looking to specialize after earning their primary credential, two Tennessee institutions offer JRCERT-accredited programs in radiation therapy. These are distinct from radiography and are listed here as career-progression options only.

### [Baptist Health Sciences University](https://www.baptistu.edu/medical-radiography) – Radiation Therapy (Memphis)

- **Program type:** Radiation Therapy
- **Program length:** 48 months
- **Tuition (resident / non-resident):** $15,000 / $15,000
- **Completion rate:** 67%
- **ARRT exam pass rate:** 85%
- **Job placement rate:** 100%
- **Accreditation term:** 8 years
- **Key clinical sites:** St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (Memphis), West Cancer Center (Germantown), Baptist Memorial Hospital Memphis Campus

### Chattanooga State Community College – Radiation Therapy (Chattanooga)

- **Program type:** Radiation Therapy
- **Program length:** 12 months
- **Tuition (resident / non-resident):** $7,546 / $12,678
- **Completion rate:** 79%
- **ARRT exam pass rate:** 91%
- **Job placement rate:** 100%
- **Accreditation term:** 8 years
- **Key clinical sites:** Erlanger Medical Center (Chattanooga), Thompson Cancer Survival Center (Knoxville), Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at TriStar Centennial (Nashville)

Radiation therapists work directly with oncology patients to deliver prescribed radiation treatments. The role requires separate ARRT certification in radiation therapy. MRI technologists, as noted above, earn a Tennessee median of $78,610 according to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, and the path to that credential begins with a primary radiography license.

## Professional Organizations

The primary professional organization for radiologic technologists in the state of Tennessee is the [Tennessee Society of Radiologic Technologists](http://tsrt.org/) (TSRT). This society is the state affiliate of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). The TSRT organizes annual meetings to allow its members to network with other radiologic technology professionals. Joint review committee meetings for continuing education credits are also held. Membership in the TSRT is open to all radiologic technology professionals who meet certain academic and experience requirements. The TSRT also offers certification review courses, which can be taken online or through in-person programs at various locations throughout Tennessee. There is no better way to stay up to date on the latest developments in the field of radiologic technology than by joining the TSRT.

## 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 — https://www.arrt.org/
- Austin Peay State University — https://www.apsu.edu/programs/undergraduate/rad-tech-radiography.php
- Baptist Health Sciences University — https://www.baptistu.edu/medical-radiography
- Concorde Career College – Memphis — https://www.concorde.edu/diagnostic-programs/radiologic-technology/memphis
- East Tennessee State University — https://catalog.etsu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=58&poid=17010
- Fortis College – Cookeville — https://www.fortis.edu/campuses/tennessee/cookeville/radiologic-technology.html
- South College – Knoxville — https://www.south.edu/program/certificate-in-computed-tomography-ct/
- Ballad Health — Johnson City Medical Center — https://www.balladhealth.org/hospitals/johnson-city-medical-center
- Erlanger Medical Center — https://www.erlanger.org/
- Tennessee Radiologic Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board of Examiners  — https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/healthprofboards/xray/FAQ.pdf
- Tennessee Society of Radiologic Technologists — http://tsrt.org/

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