How to Get Your North Carolina Radiologic Technologist License in 2026

How to Become a Licensed Radiologic Technologist in North Carolina

North Carolina requires radiologic technologists to hold a current state license administered by the North Carolina Radiation Protection Section of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). No person may legally perform radiologic imaging procedures on North Carolina patients without holding a valid NC license. North Carolina's Research Triangle region — anchored by Duke, UNC Health, WakeMed, and Rex Hospital — is one of the Southeast's strongest imaging job markets, with additional demand across the Charlotte (Atrium, Novant) and Triad (Cone Health, Wake Forest Baptist) metros. This guide covers the complete licensing process for 2026.

Step 1: Complete a JRCERT-Accredited Program

North Carolina requires graduation from a JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program. The state has a strong network of accredited programs at its community colleges and universities:

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology — the dominant entry pathway. Programs at Forsyth Technical Community College (Winston-Salem), Cabarrus College of Health Sciences (Concord), Johnston Community College (Smithfield), Pitt Community College (Winterville), Coastal Carolina Community College (Jacksonville), and numerous other North Carolina community colleges offer JRCERT-accredited two-year programs with hospital-based clinical rotations.
• Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT) — available through BSRT completion programs at Winston-Salem State University and several online degree-completion platforms for AAS-credentialed RTs seeking advancement.

Verify JRCERT accreditation at jrcert.org before enrolling. The NC Radiation Protection Section will not accept applications from graduates of non-accredited programs.

Step 2: Earn Your ARRT Certification

ARRT certification is a mandatory prerequisite for North Carolina state licensure. Key steps:

• Primary credential: R.T.(R) — Radiographer. ARRT exam fee is approximately $225.
• Ethics review: ARRT screens for criminal history and prior disciplinary actions during the application process.
• Clinical competencies: Documented throughout your JRCERT program and submitted to ARRT.
• Continuing education: 24 CE credits every two years to maintain ARRT certification. North Carolina's renewal cycle aligns with this ARRT standard.
• Specialty credentials to prioritize in North Carolina: CT (R.T.(CT)) is in high demand at Research Triangle Level I trauma centers and major Charlotte-area hospitals. MRI (R.T.(MR)) is sought at academic programs (Duke, UNC, Wake Forest Baptist). Mammography (R.T.(M)) is valued at breast imaging centers throughout the state. Interventional (R.T.(VI)) is needed at cardiac and vascular programs at major NC medical centers.

Step 3: Apply for Your North Carolina State License

After earning ARRT certification, apply to the NC Radiation Protection Section for your state radiologic technologist license:

1. Obtain the current NC radiologic technologist license application from the NC Radiation Protection Section (a division of NC DHHS).
2. Submit proof of current ARRT certification — ARRT ID and official verification letter or ARRT verification printed from the ARRT website.
3. Pay the initial licensure fee. North Carolina fees currently fall in the $50–$75 range; verify the exact current amount on the NC Radiation Protection Section fee schedule before submitting payment.
4. Provide official transcripts from your JRCERT-accredited program if required by the Section.
5. Renew your license biennially (every two years), documenting completion of 24 CE credits.

The NC Radiation Protection Section typically processes complete applications within 3–5 weeks. Apply 4–6 weeks before your expected start date. Confirm current temporary permit availability directly with the Section — policies can change.

Continuing Education Requirements

North Carolina radiologic technologists must complete 24 CE credits per two-year renewal cycle. Qualifying activities include:

• ARRT-recognized online CE modules from ASRT, RSNA, manufacturer-sponsored programs, and academic publishers
• National and regional imaging conferences (RSNA Annual Meeting, ASRT Annual Conference, NCART state meeting)
• Hospital-based in-service education meeting state CE standards
• Academic coursework in radiologic sciences or related clinical disciplines

North Carolina's CE requirement mirrors ARRT's biennial continuing qualification standard exactly. One set of 24 CE credits simultaneously satisfies the state renewal and the ARRT biennium. Retain CE completion certificates for at least three years.

Radiologic Technologist Specializations in North Carolina

North Carolina's diverse healthcare market spans world-class academic centers, major regional systems, and rural critical-access hospitals:

• CT (R.T.(CT)): High-volume trauma and emergency imaging at Duke University Medical Center (Level I), UNC Medical Center (Level I), WakeMed (Level I), and Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. Research Triangle CT techs are in strong and consistent demand.
• MRI (R.T.(MR)): Research and academic imaging programs at Duke, UNC, and Wake Forest Baptist Health (Winston-Salem). North Carolina's academic medical complex is one of the Southeast's most active MRI markets.
• Mammography (R.T.(M)): Breast imaging programs across the state's growing population centers, particularly the Charlotte metro, Raleigh-Durham, and Greensboro-Winston-Salem corridor.
• Nuclear Medicine (R.T.(N) or NMTCB): Active oncology and cardiology programs at Duke, UNC, and major Charlotte-area health systems.
• Rural North Carolina: Eastern NC, the mountain region (Asheville-area Mission Health), and the rural Piedmont all have critical-access and community hospitals that regularly recruit travel and permanent RTs.

North Carolina Salary Ranges

North Carolina radiologic technologist compensation is competitive for the Southeast, with the Research Triangle and Charlotte metro offering the strongest wages in the state:

• General radiography (R.T.(R)): $55,000–$78,000 per year. Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) and Charlotte positions pay at the higher end of this range. Rural NC positions typically start lower but may include retention bonuses.
• CT and MRI specialists: $70,000–$90,000. Duke and UNC Health academic center positions, and major Atrium/Novant campuses in Charlotte, approach the upper end for experienced specialty techs.
• Travel radiologic technologists: $45–$62 per hour. Rural NC, eastern NC, and mountain-region critical-access hospitals are consistent travel RT recruiting markets.
• Lead/supervisory roles: $82,000–$98,000 at major NC academic and urban medical centers.

Top Employers

North Carolina has a mature healthcare market anchored by world-class academic medical centers and major regional systems:

• Duke University Health System (Durham) — Duke University Medical Center is a Level I trauma center and globally recognized academic medical center with one of the Southeast's largest and most advanced imaging departments.
• UNC Health (Chapel Hill and statewide) — UNC Medical Center (Level I trauma) anchors a multi-hospital system serving the Triangle and beyond. Strong research imaging programs.
• Atrium Health (Charlotte and Carolinas region) — one of the Southeast's largest health systems; Carolinas Medical Center is the flagship Level I trauma center. Dozens of hospital and outpatient imaging campuses across the Carolinas.
• Novant Health (Winston-Salem and Charlotte metro) — major multi-state health system with a strong NC footprint including Forsyth Medical Center and multiple Charlotte-area hospitals.
• WakeMed Health & Hospitals (Raleigh) — major Research Triangle employer; WakeMed Raleigh Campus is a Level I trauma center with an active imaging department.
• Wake Forest Baptist Health / Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist (Winston-Salem) — academic medical center in the Piedmont Triad; strong imaging and research programs.
• Cone Health (Greensboro) — major Triad health system serving Guilford County and surrounding communities.