How to Get Your Radiologic Technologist License in Alabama (2026)

## How to Become a Licensed Radiologic Technologist in Alabama Radiologic technologists in Alabama perform X-rays, fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, mammography, and nuclear medicine imaging across hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and specialty clinics throughout the state. Alabama requires both ARRT certification and a state license before you can legally practice. Here is what the path looks like from start to finish. ### Step 1: Complete a JRCERT-Accredited Radiologic Technology Program Your first step is graduating from a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Most students enter a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology offered at community colleges and hospital-based schools across Alabama. A Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT) is also available and is increasingly preferred for candidates pursuing CT, MRI, or department management roles. All JRCERT programs include supervised clinical rotations. During clinicals you must complete a set of required competency evaluations — positioning, exposure technique, image evaluation, and patient care — before you are eligible to sit for the ARRT exam. Programs in Alabama include those at Wallace State Community College, Jefferson State Community College, and several hospital-affiliated schools in the Birmingham and Huntsville markets. ### Step 2: Earn Your ARRT Certification The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) administers the national credentialing exam that every radiologic technologist must pass. The primary credential is R.T.(R) — Radiographer — which covers general X-ray and fluoroscopy. Key ARRT exam details: - Fee: approximately $225 per attempt - Format: computer-based, approximately 3 hours - Eligibility: requires completion of a JRCERT-accredited program and passing an ethics review Once you hold R.T.(R), you can add specialty credentials: R.T.(CT) for computed tomography, R.T.(MR) for MRI, R.T.(M) for mammography, and R.T.(NM) for nuclear medicine. Each adds market value and qualifies you for higher-paying positions. ARRT requires 24 continuing education (CE) credits every two years to maintain your registration. This is mandatory regardless of what state you work in. ### Step 3: Apply for Your Alabama License Alabama is one of the states that mandates a state license in addition to ARRT certification. The licensing authority is the **Alabama Board of Radiologic Technology**. You must obtain your state license before beginning unsupervised practice. Application steps and requirements: - Submit a completed application to the Alabama Board of Radiologic Technology - Pay the licensure fee (typically in the $50–$100 range; verify the current fee on the Board's official website) - Provide proof of graduation from a JRCERT-accredited program - Provide proof of ARRT certification (primary R.T.(R) credential) - Authorize a criminal background check - Some positions — particularly in fluoroscopy-heavy environments — may require additional documentation for specific procedures Your license must be renewed on a regular cycle as determined by the Board. Keep your renewal current to avoid a lapse in practice authority. ### Continuing Education Requirements Alabama aligns with ARRT's 24 CE credits per two-year cycle, so satisfying ARRT's CE requirement generally satisfies the state requirement as well. CE credits can be earned through ASRT online courses, vendor webinars approved by ARRT, state society conferences, and JRCERT-approved workshops. Confirm current CE details with the Alabama Board of Radiologic Technology, as requirements can be updated through rule-making without notice. ### Radiologic Technologist Specializations in Alabama Alabama's imaging market supports the full range of modality specializations: - **CT Technologist (R.T.(CT)):** The highest-volume advanced modality in most Alabama hospitals. Emergency imaging, trauma, and oncology drive strong and consistent demand. - **MRI Technologist (R.T.(MR)):** Strong demand in Birmingham and Huntsville urban markets. Orthopedic and neurology practices generate outpatient volume. - **Mammography (R.T.(M)):** Women's health centers and screening programs throughout the state. Predominantly a female-workforce modality with strong part-time scheduling options. - **Interventional Radiology (IR):** Cath labs and IR suites at major health systems pay at the top of the RT salary range. Procedural skill is at a premium. - **Nuclear Medicine (R.T.(NM)):** Cancer centers and large hospital systems. PET/CT is growing with oncology treatment expansion. ### Alabama Radiologic Technologist Salary Ranges Salary varies by modality, setting, and years of experience: - **General radiographer (R.T.(R)):** $52,000–$68,000 in most Alabama markets - **CT technologist:** $65,000–$82,000 - **MRI technologist:** $68,000–$88,000 - **Interventional radiology tech:** $72,000–$95,000+ - **Travel/contract RT:** $45–$65 per hour; travel demand in Alabama's rural markets is consistently strong Alabama wages sit modestly below the national median but cost of living in cities like Huntsville and Birmingham offsets the gap considerably. ### Top Employers for Radiologic Technologists in Alabama Alabama's major health systems and imaging employers include: - **UAB Health System (Birmingham):** One of the largest academic medical centers in the Southeast; strong CT, MRI, IR, and nuclear medicine volumes - **Children's of Alabama (Birmingham):** Pediatric imaging demand including specialty MRI and fluoroscopy - **Huntsville Hospital / Huntsville Hospital Health System:** Dominant employer in the Tennessee Valley; significant imaging department across multiple campuses - **DCH Health System (Tuscaloosa):** Regional health system with active imaging department - **Infirmary Health (Mobile):** Gulf Coast market employer with full imaging services - **Outpatient imaging centers:** RadNet-affiliated sites, regional radiology group outpatient centers, and free-standing imaging centers across Alabama - **VA Medical Centers:** Birmingham VA is a steady employer for credentialed techs; federal pay scales with strong benefits - **Mobile imaging companies:** Provide imaging services to long-term care facilities; flexible scheduling, growing market