Tempe, Ariz., August 3, 2026 — To meet the increasing demand for diagnostic imaging technologists across Arizona, Maricopa Community Colleges is expanding its Radiologic Technology (Rad Tech) program. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited new programs at Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) and Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC). Both colleges will welcome their first cohorts in Fall 2027, while GateWay Community College (GWCC) will receive upgrades to its existing facilities.
“Maricopa is a catalyst for regional workforce development,” said Dr. Steven Bloomberg, Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor. “The expansion of our Radiologic Technology programs helps address Arizona’s need for highly-skilled imaging professionals, while providing affordable, accessible learning environments for students throughout the Valley.”
Why It Matters
Arizona’s rapid population growth and an aging population have significantly increased the demand for diagnostic imaging. At the same time, the state lacks enough training programs to meet employer needs. According to workforce data from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), the overall imaging workforce vacancy rate in the Mountain Region, which includes Arizona, is 21.6%.
Program Expansion and Facility Upgrades
To help close the workforce gap, Maricopa Community Colleges’ Rad Tech program is being expanded to two new locations to better serve interested students in the West Valley at EMCC and the Northeast Valley at PVCC, and modernizing GWCC’s existing program. All three colleges will have state-of-the-art radiologic technology laboratories designed to increase educational capacity, reduce wait times for students, and strengthen Arizona’s healthcare workforce.
The enhanced facilities provide students with hands-on training using industry-standard technology and expanded learning opportunities in specialized imaging modalities, including Interventional Radiology, CT, Mammography, and MRI. These projects will comply with current industry standards, improve instructional consistency, and increase access to high-quality clinical and simulation-based learning across the three colleges.
The Rad Tech expansion demonstrates Maricopa Community Colleges’ ongoing commitment to preparing skilled professionals for Arizona's healthcare sector and providing students with pathways to in-demand careers. Maricopa Community Colleges remains Arizona’s most extensive integrated healthcare education system, offering over 70 healthcare programs across its 10 colleges and skill centers.
What Leaders Are Saying
“Our new Radiologic Technology program brings another vital tool to keeping the ever-growing West Valley healthy,” said Dr. Rey Rivera, EMCC President. “Creating this opportunity for the next generation of healthcare providers to be trained and work in their own community perfectly embodies Estrella Mountain Community College’s mission."
“GateWay has been the home of Maricopa’s Radiologic Technology program since 1972,” said Dr. Amy Diaz, GWCC President. “The expansion to our sister colleges reflects GateWay’s longstanding commitment to excellence in the medical imaging field. We look forward to partnering with our sister colleges as we work to scale Radiologic Technology offerings to support the Valley’s growing workforce.”
“Expanding Radiologic Technology to Paradise Valley Community College reflects our commitment to increasing access to career pathways that directly impact the health of our communities,” said Dr. Jana Schwartz, PVCC President. “This program creates new opportunities for students in the Northeast Valley while strengthening the region’s ability to meet the growing demand for medical imaging professionals.”
Learn more at maricopa.edu.
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Media Contacts:
Lindsey Wilson, [email protected], (480) 703-8378
Mel Valenzuela, [email protected], (480) 298-5364
About Maricopa Community Colleges
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is one of the largest community college systems in the nation, serving approximately 140,000 students annually across 10 colleges. MCCCD offers affordable, high-quality education through associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, industry-recognized certificates, and workforce training programs. For more information, visit www.maricopa.edu.