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Diagnostic Medical Radiography Program

Are you interested in a career as a radiologic technologist? Harris Health System School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging offers the best education and competitively affordable tuition rates in Texas. Gain real-life experience in Harris Health's award-winning hospitals and clinics. The medical imaging field is a rewarding career that will lead to limitless opportunities.

Beginning in July of each year, the School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging offers an intensive two-year, full-time radiography program. During the two-year program, students are assigned to clinical rotations and have exclusive access to all imaging modalities offered at Harris Health. Students have the opportunity to master the latest high-tech medical imaging technology and the unique experience of applying theories learned in the classroom to demonstrate clinical competency at Ben Taub Hospital, one of only two level I trauma centers in Houston, and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, a level III trauma center.

How To Apply

Important Dates: The last information session will be held Tuesday, Nov. 11, and applications close Sunday, Nov. 30. 


We are excited for you to start your medical imaging career with us.

Information Sessions
Participation in an information session is a mandatory step in the application process. Click here to sign up for an information session: School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging. ​

Applicants must:

  1. ​Be ​18 years of age by July 1 of the year of application.
  2. Have proof of U.S. citizenship or be a permanent resident at the time of application.
  3. Be capable of successfully performing tasks related to the occupation.
    • ​​Patient preparation: Prepare and assist patients for exams
    • Equipment operation: Operate and maintain ultrasound images
    • Image acquisition: Capture quality ultrasound images
    • Patient care: Provide comfort during exams
    • Collaboration/communication: Effectively communicate and work with healthcare professionals for diagnoses​

4. ​​​​Submit official transcripts from all institutions attended to demonstrate the successful completion of at least an Associate's Degree.

    • Must demonstrate a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
    • Must be from an accredited college or university. Alternative qualification includes graduation from an approved U.S. healthcare related program with licensure.
    • Foreign transcripts must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency via Spantran Educational Services and World Education Consultants.
    • A minimum grade of C in the following courses:
      • English/Communication: English, Speech, Composition, or related course (3 or more credit hours)
      • Mathematics: College Algebra, Statistics, or higher course (3 or more credit hours) 
      • Social Science: Psychology, Sociology, or related course (3 or more credit hours) 
      • Human Anatomy/Physiology: (3 or more credit hours) 
      • Arts/Humanities: Art Appreciation, Philosophy, or related course (3 or more credit hours) 
​​​5. ​A completed application packet includes
​6. Submit the completed application packet submitted via email to SDMI@harrishealth.org or in person.​

Applicants who meet the admission requirements are scheduled for an interview with the selection committee. Interviews and consideration for acceptance are granted to individuals who meet or exceed the minimum criteria required on the radiography program application. Please note that requirements for admission are subject to change.

If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony (including conviction of a similar offense in a military court-martial) you will need pre-clearance from The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).​
You are required to report:

  • Criminal charges resulting in convictions that have been stayed, withheld/deferred, set aside or suspended;
  • Any admission of guilt, Alford plea, or plea of no contest (nolo contendere);
  • Court supervision, probation or pre-trial diversion.

The program does not offer advanced placement regardless of previous experience or education.

​If you have questions regarding your application, contact us at:

Phone: 346-426-1530
Email: SDMI@harrishealth.org

Costs
​Tuition costs are subject to change. Tuition does not include books, uniforms, housing, transportation or parking.
All students pay a non-refundable $150 administrative fee at the beginning of the program.
 
Tuition
  • Harris County Resident
    • $2,400/yearly
      • $800/semester
  • Texas Resident (excluding Harris County)
    • $2,550/yearly
      • $850/semester
  • Non-Texas Resident
    • $3,000/yearly
      • $1,000/semester​
Refund Policy
A student who officially withdraws during the first 10 days of the semester will be refunded 100% of the tuition paid. After the tenth day, tuition will not be refunded. 
 
Additional Costs
  • Books - Books cost approximately $500-$1,500. 
  • Uniforms - The dress regulations for the program requires all students to wear black scrub uniforms and black or white lab coats.
  • Parking - Students are encouraged to explore all options that are available to them for transportation and parking in the medical center. Parking is available through Texas Medical Center (TMC) Parking Operations.
  • Salary/Stipend- Students do not receive a salary or a stipend.
  • Financial Aid- Financial aid is not available through the school.
  • Availability of Part-Time Work- Students may apply for any positions that become available within Harris Health, however, students must not allow work to interfere with scheduled school time or performance.​

Meet the Faculty
​

Student Testimonials

​My experience at Harris Health System’s School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging  has been an incredible journey. I joined because I was fascinated about medical imaging technology. I soon realized Harris Health is not only an educational facility, but a community providing a stepping stone leading to endless opportunities and career options. It is an organization that is heavily networked, allowing anyone to pursue a career that meets their personal goals and aspirations. Radiography has not only been  key in my pursuit for countless 

career opportunities, but it has awoken a passion within me to excel in all of my future endeavors. The ability to put my knowledge into practice in day-to-day hands on clinical rotations helped me evolve into the person I am today. Harris Health will always be a part of me, I not only received an education from knowledgeable professors, but they became my mentors who shaped and guided me through the program and life. They are still doing it today and I appreciate them and will always have respect for them. If I could do it all over again, I would not hesitate to be a part of Harris Health’s School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging again. I encourage any future student to join this program and let it transform your life as it has mine.

Amnah Minhas, Class of 2021

Joining Harris Health System’s School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging has been one of the greatest
choices I’ve made. It helped me grow in so many aspects not only in the didactic/clinical portion but also in the outside world. The instructors and faculty are amazing. They go above and beyond for their students! One of the many memories I have from the program is when I was given my white coat at the end of my first year,  signifying my transition to a senior student. Harris Health’s School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging gave me the pleasure to interact and help people of different cultures. I am grateful that through Harris Health I was able to give back and serve my community. 
Aimee Duran, Class of 2022

When I made the decision to go back to school for radiography, I looked at all the usual schools that people think of. Harris Health System was something I came upon during a search. I had never heard of it, but I read the information on the site, and was intrigued. After going to the information session, I was sold. The decision to attend Harris Health’s School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging has been one of the best decisions I have made. 
The faculty and staff at Harris Health are dedicated to your success. They not only prepare you to pass your registry exam with ease, but they also prepare you to take the knowledge you learn in class and use it in an effective way in the clinical setting. I walked into every clinical situation with confidence because I was prepared for the experience. The faculty will go beyond what is necessary to make sure you know what to expect, and how to manage it. Also, Harris Health provides you with an incredibly unique opportunity. The experience you gain rotating through places like Ben Taub Hospital, a level 1 trauma center, is priceless. You will not find better experience going through any other place, and it prepares you for anything. The best part about Harris Health is the relationships you make. I have made lifelong friends with my fellow classmates, as well as the faculty and staff. I have so many memories of the challenges we endured together, as well as all the fun along the way. I am proud to say I am a graduate of Harris Health System’s School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging.
Jonathan Negri, Class of 2022​

Accreditation/Program Effectiveness


Credentialing Examination: The number of students who pass, on the first attempt, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination, or an unrestricted state licensing examination, compared with the number of graduates who take the examination within six months of graduation. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.​​
​Credentialing Examination Rate
Number passed on first attempt divided by number attempted within 6 months of graduation
​Year
​Results
​Year 1 – 2019
​15 of 16 – 94%
​Year 2 – 2020
​15 of 20 – 75%
​Year 3 – 2021
​15 of 17 – 88%
​Year 4 – 2022
​14 of 20 – 70%
​Year 5 – 2023
​13 of 16 – 81%
​Program 5-Year Average​
72 of 89 – 81%

Job Placement: The number of graduates employed in the radiologic sciences compared to the number of graduates actively seeking employment in the radiologic sciences within twelve months of graduating. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.

​Job Placement Rate
​Number of employed divided by number of actively seeking employment within 12 months of graduation
​Years
​Results
​Year 1 – 2019
​13 of 15 – 87%
​Year 2 – 2020
​​13 of 16 – 81%
​Year 3 – 2021
14 of 14 – 100%
​Year 4 – 2022
​13 of 14 – 93%
​Year 5 – 2023
13 of 15 – 87%
​Program 5-Year Average
​66 of 74 –​ 89%

Program Completion: The number of students who complete the program within the stated program length. The annual benchmark established by the program is 75%.​

​Program Completion Rate
​Number graduated divided by number started the program
​Year
​Results
Year – 2023
16 of 17
​Annual Completion Rate
​94%
​​
The radiography program is accredited by the
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
312-704-5300
Email: mail@jrcert.org 

The program's current accreditation award is five years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found here.​

Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

Goal 1: Students will be clinically competent.
  • Students will perform entry-level imaging procedures.
  • Students will demonstrate entry-level patient care skills.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of 'as low as reasonably achievable' (ALARA).

Goal 2: Students will demonstrate professionalism and lifelong learning.
  • Students will display professional behavior.
  • Students will pursue higher education.

Goal 3: Students will communicate on a professional level.
  • Students will demonstrate effective oral communication.
  • Students will demonstrate effective written communication.

Goal 4: Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills.
  • Students will critique images to determine image quality.
  • Students will perform unfamiliar exams with appropriate supervision.

Non-discrimination and Americans with Disabilities Statements 
It is the policy of Harris Health System School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging to provide equal educational opportunities for all applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin or disability or other legally protected characteristic.

Students who have documented learning, psychological or physical disability may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact admissions. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. All requests are referred to Human Resources for consideration. The program will not waive essential skill or requirements of a course.​

Program Information
​Are you interested in a career as a radiologic technologist? Harris Health System’s School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging provides top-tier education with competitive and affordable tuition rates, making it an exceptional choice for students. Gain real-life experience in Harris Health's award-winning hospitals and clinics. The medical imaging field is a rewarding career that will lead to limitless opportunities.

Program Mission
The mission of Harris Health’s School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging is to educate the next generation of competent entry-level imaging professionals.

Program Overview
Harris Health's School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging offers a rigorous two-year, full-time radiography program starting in July each year. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in all imaging modalities at Harris Health. The program provides unique exposure to trauma care dynamics at Ben Taub Hospital, one of Houston's three level I trauma centers, and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, a level III trauma center.

Students participate in didactic classes held at Fournace Place in Bellaire, while their clinical education takes place at various Harris Health facilities.
  • ​Ben Taub Hospital
  • Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital
  • Smith Clinic
  • Community health centers
The program starts in July each year. Program hours are Monday - Friday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. and excludes weekends and holidays. Students spend time in the classroom, lab and clinical rotations.

Students are required to attend school for no more than 40 hours per week.

The radiography program spans approximately two years, divided into six semesters. In cases where a student needs to retake coursework, the program's completion time can be extended, but it must not exceed three years unless approved by the advisory committee.

Curriculum

Semester
​Course
​Credit Hours
​



First Semester (Summer I)
Introduction to Radiologic Technology
3
​​Introduction to Patient Care
​3
Introduction to Radiographic Procedures I 
​3
​Radiographic Procedures I – Lab
​2
​Semester Total
​11
​
​





Second Semester (Fall I)
​Methods of Patient Care
​2
Principles of Radiographic Exposure I
​3
Radiographic Pathology with Introduction to Cross-Sectional Anatomy
​2
​Radiographic Procedures II
​3
​Radiographic Procedures II – Lab
​2
​Competency-Based Clinical Education I
​2
​Semester Total
​​14
​​
​




​Third Semester (Spring I)
​​Principles of Radiographic Exposure II
​3
Radiation Physics
​3
Radiographic Procedures III
​3
Radiographic Procedures III – Lab 
​2
Competency-Based Clinical Education II​
​​2
​Semester Total​
​​13
​​​
​


Fourth Semester (Summer II)
​Comprehensive Review and Evaluation I
​3
​Radiation Protection
​3
Competency-Based Clinical Education III
​3
​Semester Total
​9
​​
​





​Fifth Semester (Fall II)
​Comprehensive Review and Evaluation II
​3
Radiographic Procedures (Specials) IV
​3
Radiobiology
​​2
​Advanced Imaging Equipment
​2
​Competency-Based Clinical Education IV
​3
​Semester Total
​13
​
​​




​Sixth Semester (Spring II)
​Comprehensive Review and Evaluation III
​3
​Evaluation of Radiographs
​2
​Introduction to Quality Assurance/Quality Control
​2
​Competency-Based Clinical Education V​​3
​Semester Total
​10
​ 
​​
​
​Total
​70

Salary/Employment Outlook
The median annual wage for radiologic technologists and technicians was $65,140 in May 2022. The lowest 10% earned less than $47,760, and the highest 10% earned more than $97,940. Overall employment of radiologic technologists is projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
*Numbers taken from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A Career in Radiology
Here are examples of various career paths:
  1. ​Diagnostic radiologic technologists operate X-ray equipment to create images of the body for diagnostic purposes, aiding physicians in diagnosing injuries and illnesses.
  2. Cardiovascular-interventional technologists assist physicians during cardiac catheterization procedures and other minimally invasive cardiovascular interventions, helping diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel conditions.
  3. Mammographers specialize in performing mammograms—X-ray images of the breasts to screen for and diagnose breast cancer and other breast abnormalities.
  4. Computed tomography (CT) technologists operate CT scanners to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body, aiding in diagnosing medical conditions and guiding treatment plans.
  5. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists use MRI scanners to produce detailed images of organs, tissues, and other structures within the body, assisting in diagnosing medical conditions without using radiation.
  6. Nuclear medicine technologists administer radioactive drugs to patients and use specialized cameras to create images of the body's internal structures, helping physicians diagnose and treat various conditions, such as cancer and heart disease.
  7. Radiation therapists administer radiation treatments to patients with cancer, following precise treatment plans developed by radiation oncologists to target and destroy cancerous cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.​​
(revised in November 2025)​​

FAQs
Thank you for your interest in the Harris Health System’s School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging. We are excited to hear from you and look forward to answering your questions.

Please note: due to a high volume of inquiries, it may take up to two-to-three business days for a response. We appreciate your patience.
 
Frequently Asked Questions:
  • ​What type of uniforms are required? 
    • ​Black scrubs
  • ​What programs are offered?
    • ​Sonography (Ultrasound)
    • Radiography (X-Ray)
    • MRI Fellowship
    • CT Fellowship
  • ​What are the program requirements (prerequisites)?
    • Minimum of an Associate’s Degree
    • Courses:
      • ​Sonography: Physics and Medical Terminology
      • Radiography: Speech, Humanities, College Algebra, Anatomy and Physiology I and II
      • MRI: Completion of Sonography or Radiography programs
      • CT: Completion of Radiography program
  • ​What is the schedule?
    • ​Sonography and Radiography:
      • ​The program start date is the beginning of July.
      • The program is 22 months
      • Monday through Friday7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    • ​CT and MRI:
      • ​The program start date is beginning of September.
      • The program is nine months
      • Wednesday evenings
      • 5 – 9 p.m.
  • ​How much is the tuition?
    • ​$800/semester - Harris County
    • $850/semester - outside of Harris County
    • $1,000/semester -  out of state
  • ​Is financial aid available? 
    • Yes, for veterans only. Submit approved status VA form to us, and we will then forward it to the VA via our portal. The VA will respond by either disbursing payment directly to you or to the school, depending on the type of service you are enrolled in.
Upon receipt of the complete application packet, which includes the application form, transcripts, and payment, the processing time can be up to three weeks. Given that we receive over 100 applications annually, we appreciate your patience as we diligently review each submission.