New Central Piedmont Radiography program trains the professionals behind life-saving medical diagnoses

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – As demand for medical imaging professionals continues to rise across the Mecklenburg County region, Central Piedmont Community College has launched a new Associate of Applied Science in radiography program that prepares students for rewarding healthcare careers while helping strengthen Charlotte's healthcare workforce pipeline. 

The program arrives at a time when demand for healthcare professionals continues to grow. The North Carolina Department of Commerce projects nearly 102,000 new jobs in the healthcare and social assistance sector by 2032, with significant growth expected across ambulatory healthcare services. By expanding radiography education locally, Central Piedmont is helping strengthen the pipeline of skilled professionals needed to support patient care throughout the region. 

"Every image captured by a radiologic technologist helps physicians make critical decisions about patient care," said Dr. Heather Hill, provost at Central Piedmont. "Radiography offers a meaningful career path where graduates can make a difference in patients' lives every day. Through hands-on training and clinical experiences, our students are developing the skills and confidence needed to enter the workforce and contribute immediately." 

Radiologic technologists are essential members of a patient’s healthcare team, providing the images physicians rely on to diagnose injuries, monitor disease and guide treatment decisions.

The program prepares students to become registered radiologic technologists through a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory experiences and clinical training with community healthcare partners. Graduates will be equipped to perform diagnostic imaging procedures that are essential to patient care and medical decision-making.

Beyond strong demand, radiography offers graduates a pathway to economic opportunity. Radiologic technologists in the Charlotte region earn starting salaries ranging from approximately $52,700 to $70,600 annually, with opportunities to pursue advanced imaging specialties such as MRI, where salaries can exceed $90,000 per year.

A key component of the program is its emphasis on real-world experience. Students complete clinical training in healthcare settings, working alongside experienced professionals and interacting directly with patients. These experiences help ensure graduates enter the workforce prepared to meet employer expectations and provide high-quality patient care.

For Carmen Hebenstreit, joining Central Piedmont's inaugural radiography cohort represents a significant career transformation. After spending more than 20 years in financial services and earning a bachelor's degree in business management and leadership, Hebenstreit sought a different career path that would allow her to make a direct impact on others. Just weeks into the program, Hebenstreit is already gaining foundational knowledge in patient care, radiologic technology and anatomy while preparing for upcoming clinical rotations.

"I was looking for a career change to something that felt more meaningful and more impactful," Carmen said. "It's demanding, but in a really good way. I feel like the program is doing a great job preparing us to work directly with patients, and I'm excited about the opportunities it opens up for my future in healthcare."

In addition to the degree program, Central Piedmont supports the professional growth of current imaging professionals through continuing education courses in computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and mammography. Offered regularly throughout the year, these courses provide opportunities for radiologic technologists to expand their expertise and pursue advanced certifications.

Through the new radiography program and advanced imaging continuing education offerings, Central Piedmont is creating opportunities for future and current healthcare professionals while helping ensure Charlotte-area providers have access to the talent needed to deliver high-quality care.