Radiography (RAD)

Our Radiography associate degree program is designed to prepare you for an entry-level career as a radiologic technologist in approximately 24 months. Through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on lab work and clinical externships, you will build the imaging skills and patient care techniques needed to work confidently alongside physicians from day one. This program covers essential topics, including anatomy and physiology, radiographic positioning and examination techniques, radiation safety and protection, medical law and ethics and methods of patient care.

Upon graduation, you will be prepared to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam, the nationally recognized credential required by most employers and states.

Program objective. To develop in students the personal and professional skills needed to perform as competent entry-level radiologic technologists. Students will be presented with information in anatomy and physiology, methods of patient care, medical terminology, radiographic techniques, and communications.

Core skills you’ll develop.

• Positioning: Accurately positioning patients to produce quality diagnostic images
• Imaging: Applying radiographic techniques and exposure principles to capture clear diagnostic images
• Safety: Practicing radiation safety and protection protocols for patients and staff
• Anatomy: Applying anatomy and physiology knowledge to imaging exams
• Pathology: Recognizing pathological conditions that appear in diagnostic images
• Patient Care: Delivering professional, compassionate care throughout exams

Continuing your education. At Pima Medical Institute, we offer an online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences. This degree gives ARRT-registered professionals the skills needed to move up within their field, with the flexibility of virtual instruction.

For those looking to pursue an additional imaging modality, our Computed Tomography (CT) program offers a focused path to work toward CT certification, for those located in select states.

Interested in breaking into leadership or healthcare administration? We offer an online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration.

About Pima Medical Institute. Pima Medical Institute started changing lives in 1972, when Richard L. Luebke, Sr., and his wife, JoAnn, opened the first campus in Tucson, Arizona. Over 175,000 graduates have since advanced their education, and many are serving their communities through meaningful health care careers. The school’s mission is to improve the quality of people’s lives by providing the best value in medical career education.

Eligibility requirements.

• Possess a high school diploma or recognized equivalency
• Additional requirements may apply by campus

Program-specific requirements. In addition to the Admissions requirements listed in the Prospective Students section of this catalog, an interview with the program director and/or faculty is required. Refer to the program specific Prospective Student Handout for more information.

High school verification. Proof of valid high school completion or equivalent must be submitted (high school diploma or transcript, GED report and certificate, or an official associate or bachelor’s degree transcript). Pima Medical Institute does not enroll ability-to-benefit students, and applicants under the legal age must have written approval of a parent or legal guardian.

Entrance exams. Applicants for degree programs, excluding Nursing, are required to take the Wonderlic SLE and receive a minimum score of 20. Applicants for associate degree programs are also required to take a math admission test and receive a minimum of 80% (24 out of 30 correct); a calculator is allowed, the time limit is 45 minutes, and the test can be taken up to 3 times. The exam may be waived for applicants who submit official transcripts that document completion of an associate degree or higher.

Background check, drug testing and vaccinations. Depending on the program, a background check and/or drug screening may be required prior to enrollment, during the program, and/or prior to externship/clinical training; the cost of the background check/drug screen is an out-of-pocket expense. The cost of required vaccinations and titers is also an out-of-pocket expense, and students are required to follow all clinical experience vaccination requests and policies.

At a glance. Course length: 24 Months (approximate); Total credits: 66.5-69.5; Lab hours: 68; Class hours: 655-700; Externship hours: 1,680. Hybrid education options not available at all campuses. Credit totals and hours vary by location.

El Paso, Houston, San Antonio and Albuquerque campuses. The 2026 tuition price list shows 80 semester credits and 2,378 clock hours over 90 weeks, including 36 externship credits (1,680 hours).

El Paso class times. Morning classes 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Monday through Friday; afternoon classes 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday; night classes 5:40 PM - 10:00 PM, Monday through Thursday.

Houston class times. Morning classes 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, late morning classes 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM and afternoon classes 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday; night classes 5:50 PM - 10:10 PM. Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Dental Assistant, Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Technology and Diagnostic Medical Sonography externships are 40 hours per week.

San Antonio class times. Morning classes 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM and afternoon classes 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday; night classes 5:40 PM - 10:00 PM, Monday through Thursday. Degree program class schedules vary; refer to the schedules provided by the program.

Hybrid learning options. For students who need more flexibility in their schedules, hybrid learning options are available at select campuses. Hybrid learning combines in-person instruction with online learning. Students can engage with course materials at times and in environments that suit their individual circumstances, such as balancing employment, family responsibilities or geographic constraints. However, externship hours must be completed entirely in person because hands-on clinical experience is essential for developing the practical skills and confidence needed for real-world patient care.

• Certification: Graduates are eligible to apply to sit for the Registered Technologist in Radiography (R.T.(R)) certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Students take RAD 299, a dedicated ARRT review course.*
• Entry-level roles: Radiologic technologist, X-ray technologist, or other specialty roles in hospitals, physicians' offices, clinics, diagnostic imaging centers and outpatient care centers.
• Career advancement: After passing the ARRT registry exam, techs can pursue additional training in specialty modalities such as ultrasound, sonography, CT, mammography, cardiovascular imaging, nuclear medicine or radiation therapy.

Certification and state registration requirements vary.

Careers. The Radiography associate degree program prepares students to apply for roles and other related career opportunities including:

• Radiologic technologist
• X-ray technologist
• Fluoroscopy technologist
• Radiographer – emergency and trauma imaging
• Radiographer – orthopedic and sports medicine imaging
• Radiographer – outpatient and ambulatory care

These careers exist in a variety of environments, including but not limited to hospitals and health systems, diagnostic imaging centers, physicians' offices and specialty clinics, outpatient and ambulatory care centers, urgent care and emergency care facilities, orthopedic and sports medicine practices, government health facilities and mobile imaging service providers.

Job outlook. 5% Growth — The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this occupation to grow faster than average over the next 10 years with a median pay of $81,390 per year. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Radiologic and MRI Technologists, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm (visited August 27, 2026).

Career Services. When you’re a Pima Medical Institute student, you get access to our Career Services team—here for you when you need extra help with finding the right job opportunities, building a resume, strengthening your interview skills or just looking for general guidance.

Clinical externships. At Pima Medical Institute, most programs allow students to work in their field through clinical externships—a chance to be mentored by full-time professionals and interface with real patients.

In addition to real-world experience, clinical externships offer students resume-worthy opportunities, letters of recommendation from supervisors and sometimes job placement directly after graduation.

Student Services. Our team of student service professionals are on hand to see students through the challenges they might face during their academic career. We offer guidance and resources to ultimately help build employable medical professionals.

Application process.

• Submit the form below. A few quick details so we can get to know you before we connect.
• Chat with our team. They'll ask about your goals, your background, and what's drawing you to healthcare. From there, they'll help you find the right program and campus for where you are in life right now.
• Attend your campus tour. Experience Pima Medical in person and picture yourself in a career that matters. We'll walk you through programs and what to expect.
• We help you complete your application. Our team guides you through every step, including enrollment and financial services, so nothing stands between you and getting started.