How to Get Your Radiologic Technologist License in South Carolina (2026)

How to Become a Licensed Radiologic Technologist in South Carolina

South Carolina requires radiologic technologists to hold a state license issued by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), Bureau of Radiological Health. The state's growing population and expanding healthcare infrastructure — particularly in the Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach markets — have created strong, sustained demand for licensed radiologic technologists. This guide covers all 2026 requirements for obtaining and maintaining your SC RT license.

Step 1: Complete a JRCERT-Accredited Program

South Carolina applicants must graduate from a radiologic technology program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). In-state JRCERT-accredited programs are offered at Florence-Darlington Technical College, Greenville Technical College, Midlands Technical College, Trident Technical College (Charleston), and hospital-affiliated programs at major health systems. These programs typically take two years to complete, awarding an Associate of Applied Science degree. The curriculum covers radiation physics, positioning and procedures, radiographic image evaluation, patient care techniques, and clinical education at supervised healthcare facilities. JRCERT accreditation is required for ARRT eligibility and SCDHEC license application.

Step 2: Earn Your ARRT Certification

After program completion, apply to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to sit for the Radiography (R) exam. The exam is 200 questions, computer-adaptive, administered at Pearson VUE testing centers. Candidates must document clinical competencies from their training program and clear ARRT's ethics review process. South Carolina SCDHEC requires a current, valid ARRT R credential as part of the state license application. Maintain your ARRT credential in good standing after initial certification, as any disciplinary action from ARRT will trigger review by SCDHEC.

Step 3: Apply for Your South Carolina License

Submit your application to SCDHEC Bureau of Radiological Health. The application requires ARRT certification documentation, official program transcripts, a completed SCDHEC application form, and a licensing fee of approximately $50–$75. SCDHEC offers both initial licensure by examination (for new ARRT holders) and licensure by endorsement (for practitioners already licensed in comparable states). Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks for complete applications. South Carolina licenses are renewed biennially. The SCDHEC online portal handles both initial applications and renewals. Keep copies of all submitted materials and confirmation documentation.

Continuing Education Requirements

South Carolina radiologic technologists must complete 24 continuing education credits per two-year renewal cycle. SCDHEC's CE standards align with ARRT's framework, so CE completed for ARRT renewal applies toward the state requirement. Accepted CE formats include online courses approved by ASRT or ARRT, professional conferences, hospital in-service training, and accredited academic coursework. There are no currently mandated topic-specific CE requirements beyond the 24-credit general total in South Carolina. The ASRT Learning Center, vendor-provided CE programs, and state professional association events are popular sources for South Carolina RT practitioners.

Radiologic Technologist Specializations in South Carolina

South Carolina's healthcare market supports a range of RT specializations, with demand concentrated in the Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville-Spartanburg markets. CT and MRI are the highest-demand advanced credentials at hospital systems and outpatient imaging centers. MUSC (Medical University of South Carolina) creates demand for advanced subspecialty imagers including vascular-interventional, neuro-radiology support, and cardiac imaging technologists. Mammography credentialing is in high demand statewide given an aging and growing female population. South Carolina's tourism-driven coastal economy also supports mobile imaging and rural healthcare demand along the Grand Strand and in the Lowcountry region south of Charleston.

South Carolina Salary Ranges

Radiologic technologists in South Carolina earn between $50,000 and $74,000 annually, with median compensation around $59,000–$63,000. Charleston (the highest-wage market in the state) and Greenville are the strongest markets, with experienced CT and MRI technologists at MUSC and Prisma Health reaching $68,000–$74,000. Columbia and the Upstate region are competitive mid-tier markets. South Carolina's relatively low cost of living gives these wages strong purchasing power. Travel RT positions in South Carolina pay $38–$54/hour, with Myrtle Beach and coastal positions particularly active during high-season hospital demand spikes.

Top Employers

South Carolina's major radiologic technologist employers include:

• MUSC Health (Medical University of South Carolina) — South Carolina's only academic medical center, located in Charleston; offers the broadest advanced imaging program in the state.
• Prisma Health — The state's largest not-for-profit health system, formed from the merger of Greenville Health System and Palmetto Health; operates hospitals and imaging centers across the Upstate and Midlands.
• Bon Secours — Operates St. Francis Health System and Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital in Greenville and surrounding communities.
• AnMed Health — Anderson-based integrated system serving the northwest corner of South Carolina.
• Tidelands Health / Grand Strand Health — Coastal systems serving the Myrtle Beach Grand Strand area, with active RT hiring to support tourism-season demand surges.