Pearl River Community College is helping address Mississippi’s growing demand for radiologic technologists by expanding access to training for students who may not be able to attend traditional daytime classes.
At its Forrest County Campus, PRCC recognized two critical challenges: local healthcare providers needed more qualified radiologic technology professionals, and many prospective students were unable to pursue the program because of work and family commitments that prevented daytime attendance. Workforce projections and application data confirmed strong interest in the field, but expanding capacity required specialized equipment and additional instructional support.
With support from AccelerateMS, PRCC launched an evening Radiologic Technology program designed to meet both workforce and student needs. Funding provided essential training equipment, including an overhead x-ray system and a portable x-ray machine, while also supporting the first-year salary of a new instructor. These investments gave the college the resources needed to establish a high-quality evening cohort and increase opportunities for students across the region.
The results have been significant. By the second year of the project, PRCC increased enrollment capacity by 30%, growing from 48 to 68 available seats. The program’s graduating class also expanded by 32%, increasing from 21 to 31 graduates. Those additional graduates are helping fill critical healthcare positions throughout Mississippi and strengthening the talent pipeline for hospitals, clinics, and imaging centers.
Beyond the numbers, the evening program has opened doors for students who otherwise may not have had access to a healthcare career pathway. Many participants are working adults, parents, or individuals pursuing a second career who need the flexibility of an alternative schedule.
Clinical partners have praised the program’s impact. Shane Fradella, Clinical Instructor at Ochsner Slidell, noted that the evening cohort attracts mature students who bring valuable critical-thinking skills and adaptability to the profession. Other healthcare leaders have highlighted the program’s ability to create a larger and more diverse hiring pool while allowing students to gain additional clinical experience through employment as student technologists.
The community impact is clear. Without this expansion, 21 fewer students would be enrolled in radiologic technology training this year—21 fewer future professionals available to serve Mississippi patients and healthcare providers.
Building on this success, PRCC is continuing to innovate. The college recently led statewide efforts to add advanced imaging pathways to the radiologic technology curriculum, including mammography and computed tomography. Launched in 2026, these programs will make PRCC the first community college in Mississippi to offer these advanced credentials, giving students the opportunity to complete specialized imaging training without leaving the state.