Radiographers in South Carolina (SC) are responsible for the operation of x ray equipment to produce diagnostic images to assist radiologists and physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Radiographers are also known as radiology technologists/technicians, rad techs and x ray technicians/techs.
We will most frequently use the terms radiology tech schools in South Carolina and/or x ray tech schools in South Carolina on this page to mean the same thing.
Top Schools for Radiology Tech Training South Carolina
Radiology tech programs in South Carolina are usually accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and/or approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Below is a list of the top 12 schools and colleges in South Carolina that offer accredited or approved radiology tech programs and degrees.
| College | City | Degree | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| AnMed Health Medical Center | Anderson | Certificate | JRCERT, ARRT |
| Technical College of the Lowcountry | Beaufort | Associate | JRCERT, ARRT |
| Trident Technical College | Charleston | Associate | JRCERT, ARRT |
| Midlands Technical College | Columbia | Associate | JRCERT, ARRT |
| Florence-Darlington Technical College | Florence | Associate | JRCERT, ARRT |
| Aiken Technical College | Graniteville | Associate | JRCERT, ARRT |
| Greenville Technical College | Greenville | Associate | JRCERT, ARRT |
| Piedmont Technical College | Greenwood | Associate | JRCERT, ARRT |
| Horry-Georgetown Technical College | Myrtle Beach | Associate | JRCERT, ARRT |
| Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College | Orangeburg | Associate | JRCERT, ARRT |
| York Technical College | Rock Hill | Associate | JRCERT, ARRT |
| Spartanburg Community College | Spartanburg | Associate | JRCERT, ARRT |
Radiology Tech Requirements in South Carolina
To begin your career as a radiology tech in South Carolina, you will need to graduate from an accredited program and fulfil licensing requirements before obtaining employment.
- Obtain an Associates Degree in Radiology: To become a radiology tech in South Carolina you will need to have completed a recognised radiology program at an accredited school. Employers will usually have a preference for an associates degree at a minimum.
- ARRT Exams: An associates degree is also a minimum requirement for to apply to sit the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exams which are required for licensing in most states. The ARRT exams are computer based and are administered at Pearson VUE testing centres throughout South Carolina.
- Nuclear Medicine Techs: If you wish to specialise in nuclear medicine technology you will need to sit and pass the specialist exams set by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB).
- Licensing Requirements: To work as a radiology tech in South Carolina requires licensing. Once you have successfully passed the ARRT (or NMTCB) exams you can apply for a license in your state.
- Limited License Options: Candidates can also apply for a limited license. A limited license allows the holder to take x-rays of select parts of the anatomy while under supervision. Examples of limited license include chest, dental, orthopaedic, podiatric, etc.
- Continuing Education Requirements: You will need to renew your license regularly. License renewal typically requires the completion of continuing education hours.
For more information on licensing, certification, and continuing education requirements, you can contact the South Carolina Radiation Quality Standards Association.
State Board: South Carolina Radiation Quality Standards Association
Website: https://scrqsa.org
Phone: (803) 771-6141
Radiology Tech Salaries in South Carolina
| Salary | $57,450 |
| # Employed | 3,770 |
| Hourly Pay | $27.62 |
| Top 10% | $76,590 |
| Bottom 10% | $38,420 |
The average annual salary for radiology techs in South Carolina is $57,450. This equates to an hourly wage of $27.62 per hour.
Over the past five years, salary levels for radiology techs in the state have grown by 10.1%, or $5,280.
Radiology techs in South Carolina earn 13.6% less than the national average of $66,490 for the profession.
Salary levels within the state will vary depending on your metro area, years of experience, and place of employment.
- The bottom 10% of earners (entry-level) made just $38,420 whilst the top 10% made $76,590 per annum.
- Those located in Charleston-North Charleston earned some of the highest salaries in the state at $60,270 per annum, whilst those in Columbia earned some of the lowest average salaries at $55,810 per annum.
See the table below for salaries and employment by metro area in South Carolina.
| Metro Area | Average Salary | # Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston-North Charleston | $60,270 | 710 |
| Columbia | $55,810 | 950 |
| Florence | $57,020 | 200 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin | $55,930 | 680 |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort | $59,520 | 120 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach | $57,650 | 260 |
| Spartanburg | $60,050 | 290 |
| Sumter | $59,730 | 80 |
Radiology Tech Employment in South Carolina
There are currently 3,770 people working as radiology techs in South Carolina (2021). The employment of radiology techs in South Carolina experienced a growth of 4.7%, or 170 jobs, since 2016.
Going forward the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment growth of 6% nationwide between 2021 and 2031. This is around the same as for all other professions.
Related careers in South Carolina
The table below compares radiology tech income and employment in South Carolina with other closely related careers.
| Salary | Employment | |
|---|---|---|
| Radiology Tech | $57,450 | 3,770 |
| Ultrasound Tech | $71,010 | 860 |
| MRI Tech | $65,950 | 450 |
| Cardiovascular Tech | $59,800 | 1,060 |
| Nuclear Med Tech | $77,340 | 250 |