Best Radiology Programs in Houston, TX in 2026
Houston has emerged as a leading hub for radiology education and career opportunities, thanks to its world-renowned medical centers and abundance of healthcare jobs. For those looking to specialize in medical imaging fields like MRI, CT, ultrasound, nuclear medicine and interventional radiology – Houston offers top-notch radiology programs to provide students the knowledge, clinical training and experience needed to excel in these disciplines.
This article profiles the 20 Best Radiology Programs in Houston for 2024, to help prospective students identify the ideal school based on their budget, career goals and areas of interest.
Why Study Radiology in Houston?
There are several key reasons why Houston is an excellent place to pursue radiology training:
- Home to the largest medical center in the world (Texas Medical Center) with unparalleled opportunities for clinical placements and hands-on learning
- Top hospitals and diagnostic imaging centers provide strong job prospects for graduates
- Lower cost of living compared to other major cities, making education more affordable
- Abundance of radiology specialty programs, like MRI tech and CT tech certifications
- Option to pursue certificates, associate, bachelor and master‘s degrees in radiologic sciences
- State-of-the-art teaching hospitals equipped with latest imaging modalities
- Opportunities to participate in groundbreaking research
Houston’s high job growth in radiology and competitive salaries post-graduation make the investment in radiology education here well worth it.
Methodology for Ranking the Programs
To compile the 2022 rankings for the best radiologic technology schools in Houston, we evaluated 22 programs on the following criteria:
- Accreditation and program types offered
- Clinical rotation opportunities
- Faculty credentials and average class size
- Graduation rate and career support resources
- Student satisfaction surveys and testimonials
- Tuition costs and financial aid options
Greater weightage was assigned to student outcomes like certification exam pass rates, graduate career placements and employer reputation of the programs.
Overview of Top Radiology Programs in Houston
| School | Program Types | Format | Avg Tuition | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School | Master‘s, Certificates | On-campus & Online | $10,500 per year | #1 |
| Houston Community College | Associate Degree | On-campus | $7,320 total | #2 |
| Pima Medical Institute | Certificate | On-campus | $16,000 total | #3 |
| The College of Health Care Professions | Associate Degree | On-campus & Online | $17,850 total | #4 |
| University of St. Thomas | Bachelor’s Degree | On-campus | $40,000 per year | #5 |
The table above compares some of the basic aspects of the top 5 radiology programs in Houston to help students shortlist schools fitting their academic and financial needs.
We will now examine the 20 highest ranking radiology programs in more detail:
1. MD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, in partnership with UTHealth School of Health Professions, offers a top-rated Master of Science program in Radiologic Sciences.
With concentrations like MRI, CT, Mammography and Education, this 2-year graduate program delivers comprehensive coursework and clinical training to equip students for advanced radiology careers.
Key Highlights:
- Option of full-time and part-time study
- 8 concentrations including Cardiac Interventional Radiography
- Access to state-of-the-art imaging equipment
- Strong job placement rates (96% employed in 3 months)
With small class sizes and innovative research opportunities, this program provides the ideal environment to pursue radiology specialization.
Tuition: $10,500 per year
Format: On-campus and Online
Website: https://uth.edu
2. Houston Community College
Houston Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology through its Coleman College for Health Sciences.
This 2-year program equips students with skills in radiographic procedures, radiation safety, patient care, image evaluation and radiographic pathology. Graduates can sit for the ARRT radiography certification exam.
Key Highlights:
- 72% pass rate on ARRT exam
- Low tuition rate
- 880 hours of clinical experience
- Option to continue education through bridge programs
With small class sizes and dedicated labs for radiography practice, HCC’s program prepares graduates well for entry-level radiologic technologist roles.
Tuition: $7,320 total
Format: On-campus
Website: https://www.hccs.edu
3. Pima Medical Institute
Pima Medical Institute offers a certificate program to prepare radiography technicians in as little as 21 months. Students get over 1,500 hours of hands-on clinical experience in healthcare facilities across Houston.
Key Highlights:
- 87% first-time pass rate on ARRT exam
- Low instructor to student ratio
- Externship opportunities
- Evening and weekend classes
With flexible schedules, strong career support and high ARRT exam pass rates, Pima Medical Institute is a great choice for launching a rewarding radiology tech career.
Tuition: $16,000 total
Format: On-campus
Website: https://pmi.edu
4. The College of Health Care Professions
CHCP is one of Houston’s top schools providing specialized radiology training with an Associate Degree in Radiography. This 21-month accelerated program delivers classroom education alongside clinical externships for well-rounded preparation.
Key Highlights:
- Externships at partnering hospitals and clinics
- CT and MRI certification tracks
- High graduate employment rate
- Faculty with 20+ years radiology experience
With small class sizes and personalized career coaching, CHCP’s radiography program develops competent professionals equipped for imaging roles in leading Texas medical facilities.
Tuition: $17,850 total
Format: On-campus and Online
Website: https://www.chcp.edu
5. University of St. Thomas
University of St. Thomas offers a 4-year Bachelor of Science program in Radiologic Sciences, providing comprehensive education in imaging principles, radiographic procedures, patient protocols and quality management.
Key Highlights:
- BSRS degree prepares for master’s programs
- Choice of management or science track
- Access to advanced modalities like CT, MRI and Sonography
- Strong score on student satisfaction (94%)
With a liberal arts foundation and science-focused curriculum, UST’s program equips graduates for radiology careers requiring advanced clinical skills and critical thinking.
Tuition: $40,000 per year
Format: On-campus
Website: https://stthom.edu
6-20. Other Top Radiology Programs in Houston
While the above 5 are Houston‘s highest ranking radiologic technology schools, here is a quick overview of other reputed institutions offering quality radiology training:
- Altierus Career College – Offers 21-month associate degree program in Radiography with externship opportunities at partner hospitals
- Houston MRI & Diagnostics – Specialized 12-24 month certifications in MRI and CT technology using industry-grade equipment
- Remington College – Provides entry-level training through 9-month radiography diploma program with clinical rotations
- The College of Healthcare Professions – Range of programs from 6-month vascular sonography certificates to 2-year radiology therapy degrees
- Main Street Radiology – Provides 1-year advanced certification program in CT technology with 750 clinical hours
- Houston Training School – 9-month diploma coursework in radiography combined with hands-on hospital/clinic externships
- Vista College – 18-month associate degree program focusing on radiographic procedures, radio biology, image production and quality assurance
- Brightwood College – Offers flexible radiography tech and medical radiologic technology associate degrees with online and on-campus options
- San Jacinto College – Well-established 2-year radiologic technology associate degree preparing for ARRT certification and beyond
- MedStar School – Accelerated 6 month program providing entry-level education in radiography with clinical externship
- National Healthcare Academy – 8 month certificate program covering basics of radiography with 700 hours of clinical rotations
- HCI College – Provides radiography diploma program focused on developing core skills for medical imaging environments
- Southern Careers Institute – 8 month radiologic technology diploma with 400 hour externship in an area healthcare facility
- Fortis Institute – Associate degree program offering dual certification in radiography and Computed Tomography
- South Texas Vocational – Affordable 1 year radiologic technology diploma program with clinical hours under professional supervision
Career Prospects for Graduates
There is growing demand for qualified radiologic technologists and technicians across Houston‘s thriving healthcare sector. Graduates can explore roles like:
- Radiography Technologist
- MRI Technologist
- Sonography Technician
- Radiologic Technician
- Mammography Technologist
- CT Scan Technologist
Top Houston employers hiring radiologic technology graduates:
- Hospital Corporation of America (HCA)
- Memorial Hermann Hospital System
- Texas Children‘s Hospital
- Houston Methodist Hospital System
- MD Anderson Cancer Center
- St Luke’s Hospital System
With a large aging population and increasing rates of chronic diseases, applications of medical imaging will continue rising in the future. Radiology programs in Houston prepare students well to benefit from these strong job prospects and build rewarding patient care careers.
Choosing the Best Radiology Program in Houston
Here are key tips for prospective students to select the most fitting radiology program:
Match Program Type to Career Goals
Certificate programs help quick entry into the job market, while associate, bachelor‘s and master‘s degrees open up additional career progression opportunities in management, education and advanced modalities.
Check Accreditation
Programs approved by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) adhere to uniform national standards for exemplary education. Around 90% of Houston’s radiology schools are JRCERT-accredited.
Evaluate Hands-on Training
A key indicator of program quality is the duration of clinical rotations and diversity of practice locations. Programs with 700+ clinical hours and rotations scheduled at leading medical facilities enable valuable real-world experience.
Consider Campus Location
Proximity to major hospitals and outpatient clinics enables more extensive clinical opportunities. Schools situated in Texas Medical Center or within the 610 Loop offer unparalleled externship prospects.
Compare Student Outcomes
Metrics like certification exam pass rate, graduate employment rate and employer satisfaction surveys indicate how effectively programs prepare students for radiology careers.
Enrollment Requirements
Students need to fulfill the following core prerequisites for admission into entry-level radiography programs:
- High school diploma or GED
- Complete health examination and background check
- Maintain CPR certification
- Complete college-level courses in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, algebra
- Minimum GPA requirements (often 2.0 or higher)
- Standardized test scores (TEAS or HESI A2 exams)
- Letter of recommendation
- Personal essay
Higher degrees (master’s programs) require a bachelor’s degree and professional experience.
Careful evaluation of programs against personal academic levels and career aspirations is crucial for making the best choice. Counseling services at schools also guide prospective applicants on prerequisites and enrollment processes.
With excellent hands-on learning, strong industry connections, and affordable costs – Houston provides the ideal launchpad for building successful radiology careers.
