HICKORY, N.C.— Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) is launching the first Limited Practice Radiographer (LPR) program in the state of North Carolina, made possible by a $500,000 grant from the North Carolina Community College System. The college plans to enroll its first cohort in Fall 2026. The three-semester diploma program is designed to be short-term, affordable, and workforce-focused. At the current tuition rate of $76 per credit hour, students can complete the program for approximately $3,600. Each semester includes 10–13 credit hours covering patient care, image production and quality, radiation protection, and radiographic procedures, along with hands-on clinical experience.

In medical imaging, ionizing radiation must be used carefully and precisely to produce diagnostic images while also minimizing exposure to patients and healthcare workers. The LPR pathway—now included in House Bill 590 and Senate Bill 415—helps elevate professional standards, enhance patient safety, and align the state with national best practices. Prior to this initiative, there were no defined curriculum or career pathways for Limited Practice Radiographers in North Carolina. North Carolina is currently one of only four states that does not require licensure for professionals administering ionizing radiation.

“This program represents a significant step forward for healthcare education in North Carolina,” said Robin Cornett, Dean of the School of Health Education at CVCC. “By establishing a structured, standardized pathway for limited practice radiographers, we are strengthening patient safety, expanding access to imaging services—particularly in rural communities—and creating new opportunities for healthcare professionals to advance their careers.”

“The CVCC LPR program will continue to raise the standards and expectations for personnel who administer ionizing radiation in urgent care and select outpatient settings,” states Scott Vandervander, CVCC Department Head for Radiography, Computed Tomography and Mammography. “It also creates an alternative pathway for individuals seeking licensure as Radiologic Technologists.”

The Limited Practice Radiographer (LPR) diploma provides an entry point into the imaging profession, with graduates able to continue seamlessly into the CVCC Associate in Applied Science in Radiography program to complete their two-year degree. With projected growth in medical imaging and ongoing workforce shortages, the LPR program represents a timely and strategic investment in North Carolina’s healthcare future.

For more information, visit cvcc.edu/programs/health-education/radiography/.