The Top Radiology Programs in Dallas, TX in 2026

Dallas has become a major hub for healthcare education and services in Texas. As a result, the city boasts numerous high-quality radiology programs that prepare students for rewarding careers as radiologic technologists. With a strong job market and excellent faculty, facilities, and hands-on training opportunities, Dallas radiology programs provide a direct path to entering this critical medical imaging field.

This guide examines the top radiology programs in Dallas, including detailed profiles of the leading schools, comparisons between programs, application tips, career outlooks, and certification requirements. Whether you’re just starting your college search or ready to enroll, use this resource to discover the Dallas radiology program that best matches your academic and career goals.

Overview of Top Dallas Radiology Programs

The major colleges and universities offering radiologic technology degrees and certificates in Dallas include:

• Dallas College – Part of the Dallas County Community College District, Dallas College operates seven campuses in the city. The Mountain View, Cedar Valley, Brookhaven, and Richland campuses have radiography programs.

• The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center – Both the main UT Southwestern campus and the UT Southwestern Richardson/Plano location offer radiologic technology training programs, student externships, and continuing education.

• Concorde Career College – This private career school has a respected Dallas campus providing associate degrees and training in diagnostic medical sonography, radiology technology, and other healthcare fields.

• The College of Health Care Professions (CHCP) – CHCP is a large career college with an acclaimed radiology program at its Dallas campus, offering an Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiography.

These schools maintain strong relationships with Dallas medical facilities to coordinate clinical training opportunities for students. Program graduates are consistently hired by leading hospitals, imaging centers, and clinics in the metro area.

In-Depth Profiles of the Top Programs

While Dallas hosts several quality radiology programs, a few standout schools offer exceptional hands-on training, career support services, and investment value.

Dallas College Mountain View Campus

The radiologic technology program through Dallas College’s Mountain View Campus qualifies students to use radiation to produce internal images of patients’ bodies. Students split time between labs, lectures, and clinical experiences to build real-world skills.

Some details of note include:

• Associate of Applied Science Degree – The 73-credit AAS degree program spans five consecutive semesters, including summers. Students graduate prepared for ARRT certification and state licensing.

• Impressive Facilities – The radiology program utilizes updated on-campus medical labs outfitted with equipment matching field standards. Students train on CR/DR digital imaging systems and other emerging technologies.

• Practical Clinical Rotations – During their final three semesters, radiology students complete clinical hours across Dallas medical facilities, including hospitals, trauma centers, and clinics. This real-world experience is invaluable.

• Excellent Career Support – An embedded career specialist helps radiology students update their resumes, practice interview skills, and connect with potential employers. Job placement rates are excellent.

With small classes, experienced faculty, and intensive hands-on training, Dallas College’s Mountain View radiology program is a top choice. Graduates consistently find employment with prestigious Dallas healthcare providers.

Dallas College Cedar Valley Campus

Also part of Dallas College, the Cedar Valley Campus in Lancaster offers its own high-quality radiologic technology program tailored to full-time students. Key advantages include:

• Digital Radiography Focus – The curriculum concentrates on digital image capture, equipping students on the latest industry-standard technologies and techniques for medical imaging and radiation therapy.

• ARRT Exam Prep – Students take a comprehensive review course to prepare for the ARRT radiography certification exam. Cedar Valley graduates have excellent first-time pass rates.

• Diverse Clinical Placements – External clinical experience enhances classroom instruction. Students are placed across TI hospitals, clinics, trauma centers, and specialty practices to gain technical skills.

• Small Class Sizes – With a low student-to-instructor ratio, the radiology program provides individualized attention and mentoring. Students receive support to excel academically and clinically.

For affordable tuition combined with personalized instruction, Dallas College’s Cedar Valley Campus deserves consideration among the top Dallas radiology programs.

UT Southwestern Medical Center

Both the main UT Southwestern campus and its satellite location UT Southwestern Richardson/Plano offer radiologic technology degrees or certificates affiliated with a top medical school.

As a whole, UT Southwestern radiology programming includes:

• Associate Degree – Through the main campus, students can complete a competitive 2-year Associate of Applied Science program with a summer start date. This includes lab instruction and clinical rotations.

• Certificate Programs – The Richardson/Plano campus has a 1-year radiography certificate program, in addition to separate vascular sonography and computed tomography certificates.

• State-of-the-Art Hospital Training – Degree and certificate students complete clinical experiences across UT Southwestern’s university hospitals and clinics on advanced imaging equipment.

• Expert Instructors – Taught by certified radiologic technologists with years of real-world experience, the programs deliver top-tier education and career preparation.

As a whole, UT Southwestern offers premier radiology programs in Dallas boasting strong medical school integration, clinical partnerships with elite hospitals, and connections to exceptional career opportunities post-graduation.

Comparing Dallas Radiology Programs

While the schools profiled excel in radiology education, there are some differences across programs to weigh while selecting the best option for your goals:

Program Length and Format

School	Degree/Certificate Awarded	Length	Format
Dallas College – Mountain View	AAS Degree	5 semesters	Full-time
Dallas College – Cedar Valley	AAS Degree	6 semesters	Full-time
UT Southwestern – Dallas	AAS Degree	6 semesters	Full-time
UT Southwestern – Richardson/Plano	Certificate	1 year	Full-time

Tuition Costs for Residents

School	Total Estimated Tuition
Dallas College	$9,000-$10,000
UT Southwestern Certificate	$12,500
UT Southwestern AAS	$15,000

Clinical Placement Sites

All programs partner with major hospitals across Dallas for clinical rotations, including Parkland Memorial Hospital, Baylor University Medical Center, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, and Clements University Hospital.

Job Placement Support

The community college programs offer dedicated career placement services to connect graduates with employment opportunities. UT Southwestern leverages its medical school connections.

Compare program characteristics like these to determine which Dallas school best fits your situation. Reach out with any questions on academics, training quality, or career preparation!

Tips for Applying to Dallas Radiology Programs

When applying to competitive radiology programs in Dallas, follow these tips to stand out:

• Meet all listed admission requirements related to prior coursework, GPA, and standardized test scores. Prerequisites vary but often include biology, anatomy, algebra, and physics.

• Highlight relevant healthcare work experience such as volunteering, job shadowing, or patient care technician roles on your application, resume, and interviews. This demonstrates genuine interest.

• Prepare an excellent personal statement explaining why you are passionate about medical imaging and radiology. Convey strengths like communication, collaboration, and analytical skills.

• Request strong recommendation letters from science instructors, academic advisors, or healthcare supervisors who can endorse your abilities and potential.

• Once enrolled, apply for scholarships and financial aid early and investigate work study programs. Radiology students may also qualify for tuition reimbursement programs from employers like hospitals.

With selective admission, taking these proactive steps will boost your chances of acceptance.

Bright Career and Salary Outlook for Graduates

According to projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), radiologic technologist job opportunities nationwide are expected to grow 7% between 2021-2031 – faster than average across all occupations. Open positions outpace qualified technicians.

This strong outlook mirrors trends across Texas:

• Texas employs approximately 17,080 radiologic techs with average salaries of $60,660 per year as of 2021.

• Dallas metro area salaries range from $55,000 – $70,500 annually.

• Regional demand is robust – from 2021-2026, Dallas radiology technician job growth is projected at 15% (Texas Workforce Commission).

Graduates from Dallas radiology programs readily find employment with generous wages from the city’s major healthcare systems – very promising career prospects.

Understanding Radiology Certification Exams

To practice as radiologic technologists, graduates must pass certification exams and apply for state licensing:

• The ARRT Radiography exam is the main national credential. Dallas programs help prepare students for attempting this exam.

• Texas administers its own Medical Radiologic Technologist state licensing through the Texas Medical Board. Having an ARRT certificate expedites the licensing process.

• Many specializations like MRI and sonography require additional ARRT certifications beyond the core radiography exam.

Top programs produce students ready to pass these tests – another reason Dallas colleges are ideal for launching radiology careers.

Enroll in a Top Dallas Radiology Program Today!

With excellent facilities, instructors, and career support, Dallas’s vibrant medical community offers premier radiology programs to start your technology career.

Whether pursuing a Dallas College associate degree, UT Southwestern’s respected training, or a shorter certificate, you will gain theoretical knowledge and extensive clinical experience using industry-leading equipment.

Our city’s working healthcare partnerships then ensure graduates securing good jobs.

Reach out with any questions about exploring these exceptional Dallas radiology program options in more detail!