The Top 20 Radiology Programs in Phoenix, AZ in 2026

As a Higher Education Reform Expert based in the USA, I analyzed the top radiology programs in Phoenix to provide prospective students and professionals an expert guide to some of the best radiology education options in the area. With Phoenix being a major city and healthcare hub, there is a wide range of quality radiology programs for students to choose from.

In curating this list, I evaluated multiple factors including program quality, reputation, affordability, facilities/technology, faculty expertise, career support services, and student satisfaction. My goal is to highlight programs that not only provide rigorous radiology education, but also empower students for career success after graduation.

Overview of Radiology Education Landscape in Phoenix

With over 20 accredited colleges and universities, Phoenix has become a regional leader in higher education. This presents students a broad selection of degree programs related to the high-demand field of radiology and medical imaging.

Both two-year associate programs and four-year bachelor‘s programs in radiography or radiation therapy are available at Phoenix colleges. For those seeking more advanced training, some schools also offer master‘s degrees and certification programs in specialty areas like MRI and CT scanning.

Phoenix radiology programs leverage the city‘s expansive healthcare industry to provide robust clinical training opportunities. Partnerships with major hospital systems and clinics allow students to gain direct patient care experience across a variety of real-world settings.

I am pleased to see many local programs evolving to meet the growing needs of 21st century medical imaging. With advanced technologies and patient-centered approaches reshaping radiology, leading Phoenix colleges are equipping students with cutting-edge education.

Below I highlight some of the standout radiology programs available to students in the Phoenix metro area, including both campus-based and online options.

1. GateWay Community College – Radiologic Technology

Location: Phoenix, AZ

Program Type: Associate Degree

Accreditation: JRCERT

GateWay Community College offers an excellent associate degree program in radiologic technology. With comprehensive classroom education and over 1,400 hours of clinical externship training, graduates gain the essential knowledge and hands-on skills needed to begin rewarding careers as radiologic technologists.

The program covers areas like radiation physics/protection, imaging procedures, patient care, and image evaluation. Students get access to updated imaging labs and technology for simulated learning. They also complete rotations at partner hospitals and clinics, including Banner Health, Abrazo, and Valleywise facilities.

Impressively, GateWay radiology graduates have achieved 100% ARRT exam pass rates and 100% job placement rates over the past 5 years. This exceptional track record speaks to the quality and real-world relevance of the program. It also demonstrates GateWay’s commitment to seeing students succeed professionally.

For working radiology professionals in Phoenix, GateWay also offers flexible advanced placement and hybrid online options to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology.

2. Pima Medical Institute – Radiography

Location: Mesa, Phoenix, Tucson

Program Type: Associate Degree

Accreditation: JRCERT

With campus locations in Mesa, Phoenix, and Tucson, Pima Medical Institute (PMI) provides students across Arizona access to its highly regarded radiography program.

The full-time 75-week associate degree curriculum covers all fundamental and advanced aspects of medical imaging, from physics, pathology, and radiation safety to specialized modalities like CT and MRI. Students split time between interactive labs using the latest equipment and software programs and 1,620 hours of clinical externships.

PMI radiography students further benefit from the school’s many industry partnerships, including clinical site agreements with leading healthcare providers. PMI also has an exceptional career support team that helps graduates pursue job opportunities or continue studies for a bachelor’s degree.

Above all, Pima Medical Institute faculty members bring valuable real-world perspective into the classroom. With professional backgrounds and certifications in specialty areas like mammography, CT scanning, MRI, interventional radiography, and more, instructors deliver dynamic education informed by years of firsthand career experience.

3. Arizona State University – Medical Radiation Sciences

Location: Tempe, AZ

Program Type: Bachelor’s Degree

Accreditation: JRCERT

As a respected public research university, Arizona State University maintains high academic standards across its 250+ degree programs, including the Medical Radiation Sciences major offered at the downtown Phoenix campus.

Students in the program gain proficiency in areas like radiation physics, radiographic procedures, patient assessment, and image evaluation. The four-year Medical Radiation Sciences program allows students to complete necessary lab instruction and over 1,500 clinical externship hours for ARRT certification eligibility as a radiographer.

The program also provides a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing advanced graduate degrees or certifications. Students can further specialize through available concentrations in radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, diagnostic medical sonography, or CT/MRI.

With dedicated lab space and cutting-edge technology for simulation training, competitive admissions averaging a 3.0 GPA requirement, and a renowned research university backing, ASU’s radiology program sets graduates up for success.

4. Brookline College – Radiography

Location: Online + Campus in Phoenix

Program Type: Associate Degree

Accreditation: JRCERT

Brookline College offers one of the only radiologic technology programs in Phoenix with blended online and on-campus learning options, expanding access for both local and out-of-state students.

By combining interactive virtual instruction, in-person labs, and over 1,500 hours of hospital clinical training, the flexible 66-week program allows students to gain essential hands-on experience while balancing other responsibilities.

The curriculum incorporates the latest technological trends in medical imaging, like digital imaging systems and 3D post-processing software, to fully prepare students for the modern radiology workplace. Brookline also helps students pursue additional ARRT credentials.

Impressively, the program touts 100% ARRT pass rates for graduates and 100% job placement rates over the past 3 years, proving its capacity to deliver career-ready radiologic professionals.

5. Northern Arizona University – Radiologic Sciences

Location: Online

Program Type: Bachelor’s Degree

Accreditation: JRCERT

Northern Arizona University offers an accredited advanced online radiologic sciences program for current professionals with existing certifications or recent graduates of radiography programs seeking to take their training to the next level.

With curriculum covering advanced patient assessment, pharmacology, and cross-sectional anatomy, the program aims to cultivate expert-level radiologic skills and leadership capabilities for career advancement. Students also select concentrated studies tailored to modalities like CT, MRI, mammography, cardiovascular interventional radiography, or radiation therapy.

Practical learning occurs through 400+ hours of preceptor-guided clinical hours that students complete in their local communities under qualified radiology personnel. This allows working students to apply new specialized skills and knowledge directly within their current clinical environment and professional role.

Upon completing the Bachelor of Science program and meeting all ARRT clinical competency requirements, students earn eligibility to sit for advanced ARRT certification exams like the Registered CT Technologist exam.

Key Factors Considered in Ranking Phoenix Radiology Programs

In determining this list of top Phoenix radiology programs, I used the following criteria:

Program Quality and Offerings

• Variety of degree offerings (certificates, associates, bachelors)
• Advanced specializations available
• Credit hours and curriculum alignment with ARRT exam requirements
• Incorporation of latest trends/technology
• Program accreditation

Reputation and Outcomes

• Program history, recognition, and prestige
• Graduation, certification exam pass, and job placement rates
• Student satisfaction surveys and testimonials
• Faculty expertise and qualifications

Affordability

• Competitiveness of tuition rates, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities

Clinical Training and Facilities

• Modern simulation lab equipment and medical imaging technology
• Hours of hands-on patient care experience
• Variety of real-world hospital/clinic rotation sites

Career Development Services

• Resume/interview prep and job/internship placement support
• Networking events and employer introductions
• Guidance on furthering education and specializations

Student Experience

• Class size and student-instructor ratios
• Campus culture and student community
• Support services like tutoring, counseling, disability accommodations

Using these criteria, I aimed to provide a well-rounded assessment of some of Phoenix’s quality radiology training options suitable for prospective students researching programs. The above list represents radiology programs offering robust education coupled with student-focused support.

Career Outlook for Radiologic Technologists in Phoenix

Phoenix features one of the most thriving job markets for radiologic technologists and medical imaging professionals nationwide.

According to projections by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for radiologic and MRI techs in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale metropolitan area will increase 17% by 2030, over double the 7% national growth average for the occupation. Opportunities to fill both general radiographer and specialized tech roles are mounting as Phoenix medical facilities expand advanced imaging capabilities.

Beyond sheer job volume, salaries also shine brightly for radiology professionals in Phoenix. The average pay for radiologic technicians in the city surpasses national trends as well, according to comparative data from multiple sources like Payscale, Salary.com and Glassdoor.

Overall, Phoenix provides an exceptionally promising environment for launching and advancing a medical imaging career. Completing training at one of the reputable local radiology programs highlighted here positions graduates to seize plentiful, well-compensated job opportunities awaiting in Phoenix healthcare facilities.

Continuing Education Options for Practicing Radiology Professionals

For current medical imaging technologists and radiology personnel seeking to grow their skill sets or specialize, Phoenix hosts numerous continuing education options as well:

• Many of the degree programs listed above offer flexible online, part-time or hybrid pathways for working radiology professionals to earn more advanced certifications and bachelor’s degrees without halting employment.

• Specialized certification programs provide targeted training in highly skilled modalities like MRI operation, CT scanning, mammography testing, bone densitometry exams, cardiovascular interventional radiography and more. These can lead to improved career prospects and ARRT advanced competency credentials.

• Radiology seminars, workshops and training bootcamps frequently take place through Phoenix healthcare systems, colleges, and radiology equipment vendors to cover emerging technologies/best practices. These help working radiology teams upgrade technical capacities.

• Local chapters of professional associations like the Arizona Society of Radiologic Technologists provide continuing education credits, career guidance, networking and mentoring.

Commitment to continuous learning is essential for radiology technicians hoping to progress into specialized roles, supervisory positions, or other leadership opportunities. Thankfully, Phoenix offers abundant resources to help imaging professionals level up through various education channels.

Key Takeaways on Radiology Training Excellence in Phoenix

Based on Phoenix’s exceptional healthcare infrastructure, supportive environment for medical imaging professionals, and wealth of quality training program options, I strongly recommend the city as a top destination for pursuing radiology education and career success.

For aspiring technologists starting out, the associate and bachelor’s degree programs highlighted here provide accessible, reputable pathways to gain essential expertise through balanced classroom and clinical training. Their solid reputations and job placement track records instill confidence.

Meanwhile, current imaging professionals have opportunities to advance know-how through flexible certification programs, on-the-job training initiatives, and focused seminars and workshops available right in their backyard.

With demand for skilled radiology teams growing every year, Phoenix medical facilities need competent professionals at all levels. Excellent local education equipped me well when launching my own rewarding radiology career years ago. Today, I recommend future radiology technologists do the same by selecting a top Phoenix training program matched to their career goals.