Diploma in Radiography and Imaging
The Diploma in Radiography and Imaging is a three-year medical imaging programme offered by the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) across selected campuses in Kenya. It trains students to perform diagnostic imaging procedures including X-rays, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The programme is accredited by the Radiographers Board of Kenya under the Radiographers Act, 2022.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 122,200 a year at a public institution.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C or above, plus 4 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 3, full-time, with 2 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 95 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Dental Ceramist, at 3 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students begin with foundational sciences in Year 1, covering human anatomy and physiology, medical physics, patient care, and imaging processing technology. Year 2 advances to radiographic anatomy, imaging and therapeutic modalities, imaging equipment technology, pharmacology, and research methodology. Year 3 focuses on image pattern analysis, radiographic pathology, advanced imaging modalities, community health systems, and health systems management.
Clinical practice forms 75 to 85 per cent of the training, with students rotating through national and private hospitals for practical attachments. The programme follows a modular curriculum structure with two semesters per academic year, and each module is examinable on a pass or fail basis with a pass mark of 50 per cent.
Entry requirements are a KCSE mean grade of C (plain), with C (plain) in English or Kiswahili, Physics or Physical Sciences, and Biology or Biological Sciences, plus C- (minus) in either Mathematics or Chemistry. The programme is available at KMTC Nairobi, Mombasa, Manza, Nyeri, Nakuru, Eldoret, Bungoma, Siaya, Kisumu, Kapkatet, and Homabay campuses.
Graduates are registered with the Radiographers Board of Kenya and must also be licensed as radiation workers by the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA) under the Radiation Protection Act. Career opportunities include positions as radiographers in hospitals, diagnostic centres, NGOs, and medical imaging equipment companies, with many graduates also pursuing higher diplomas in specialised imaging fields such as ultrasonography, radiation therapy, CT, and MRI.
The programme was established in 1957 at KMTC Nairobi and has since expanded to meet the growing demand for medical imaging professionals in Kenya and beyond. KMTC graduates are recognised internationally, with over 50 employed in Europe, the United States, and other African countries in recent years.
What you study
10 subjects- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Physics and Chemistry
- Imaging and Therapeutic Modalities
- Image Processing Technology
- Radiographic Anatomy
- Imaging Equipment Technology
- Pharmacology and Radiopharmacology
- Image Pattern Analysis
- Radiographic Pathology
- Research Methodology and Biostatistics
Modules
12 in the programmeAnatomy and Physiology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational human anatomy and physiology with emphasis on structures relevant to medical imaging.
Imaging and Therapeutic Modalities I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to basic imaging modalities and their principles of operation.
Image Processing Technology I
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Fundamentals of image formation, processing, and quality control in radiography.
Medical Physics and Chemistry I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Physics principles underlying radiation, X-ray production, and radiation-matter interactions.
Patient Care
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Principles of patient care, communication, and safety in the radiology department.
Radiographic Anatomy II
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced radiographic anatomy with correlation to imaging appearances on different modalities.
Imaging and Therapeutic Modalities III
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Intermediate imaging techniques including fluoroscopy and specialised radiographic procedures.
Imaging Equipment Technology I
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Construction, operation, and maintenance of X-ray and imaging equipment.
Pharmacology and Radiopharmacology
Year 2Semester 12 creditsCore
Principles of pharmacology with emphasis on contrast media and radiopharmaceuticals.
Image Pattern Analysis
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Systematic interpretation of normal and abnormal imaging patterns across modalities.
Radiographic Pathology II
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced pathology of body systems as demonstrated on medical images.
Community Health Systems
Year 3Semester 22 creditsCore
Role of medical imaging in community health and primary healthcare delivery.
Specialisations
Ultrasonography
Higher diploma specialisation in diagnostic ultrasound imaging.
Radiation Therapy
Higher diploma in therapeutic radiography for cancer treatment.
Computed Tomography (CT)
Specialisation in CT imaging techniques and interpretation.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Specialisation in MRI physics, protocols, and image acquisition.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures on imaging physics or radiographic anatomy with afternoon clinical rotations in the X-ray department, where students practise positioning patients, operating imaging equipment, and processing images under supervision.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| High demand for radiographers in Kenya and internationally, with KMTC graduates widely recognised. | Requires registration with the Radiographers Board and KNRA licensing before practice. |
| Clear progression pathway through higher diplomas in specialised imaging modalities. | Exposure to ionising radiation requires strict adherence to safety protocols throughout the career. |
| Affordable training at KMTC with government subsidised fees for KUCCPS-placed students. | Limited to KMTC campuses, with no private institution offering equivalent training in Kenya. |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 349 health sciences coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
KMTC 122,200 Y1, 118,000 Y2+ self-sponsored (educationnewshub.co.ke). Private: unverified.
KMTC offers limited internal scholarships. Government-sponsored students placed through KUCCPS receive subsidised fees. HELB loans are available for eligible students.
Funding options
HELB Loan
KUCCPS Government Placement
Scholarships
3 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at KMTC.
KUCCPS Government Subsidy
SubsidyKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students placed by KUCCPS receive subsidised tuition fees at KMTC.
KMTC/Beyond Zero Scholarship
ScholarshipKsh 238,200Kenyan
Selected candidates from ASAL counties and vulnerable groups for specific programmes.
Scholarships you could apply for
1 usable where it is taught- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Holders of a Certificate in relevant fields with at least two years working experience may apply for upgrading.
When it next starts
Taught at 95 institutionsIncluding Kenya Medical Training College - Mbooni Campus, Kenya Medical Training College - Nyeri - Mukuruweini Satellite Campus, Kenya Medical Training College - Port Reitz Campus.
Including Kenya Medical Training College - Mbooni Campus, Kenya Medical Training College - Nyeri - Mukuruweini Satellite Campus, Kenya Medical Training College - Port Reitz Campus.
Including Kenya Medical Training College - Mbooni Campus, Kenya Medical Training College - Nyeri - Mukuruweini Satellite Campus, Kenya Medical Training College - Port Reitz Campus.
How you are assessed
3 componentsEnd of Semester Module Examinations
Written examination50% of the mark
Each module is examinable on a pass or fail basis with a pass mark of 50 per cent, assessed by internal and external examiners.
Clinical Practice Rotations
Practical assessment30% of the mark
Continuous assessment of clinical competencies during hospital rotations, forming 75-85 per cent of the programme.
Research Project
Project20% of the mark
Independent research project presented to internal and external examiners.
Accreditation
Radiographers Board of Kenya
ProfessionalRequired
KMTC is the primary accredited institution for radiography training in Kenya. The programme is recognised under the Radiographers Act, 2022.
Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority
RegulatoryRequired
All radiographers must be licensed as radiation workers before practising.
Accredited by the Radiographers Board of Kenya under the Radiographers Act, 2022. Graduates must also be licensed as radiation workers by the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA) under the Radiation Protection Act. KMTC is the primary training institution recognised by the Board.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesRadiographer III
High demandKsh 480,000 to Ksh 720,000
Entry-level radiographer performing diagnostic imaging examinations in hospitals and health centres.
Sonographer (after higher diploma)
High demandKsh 600,000 to Ksh 1,200,000
Performs ultrasound examinations after completing a higher diploma in ultrasonography.
CT/MRI Technologist (after higher diploma)
Moderate demandKsh 720,000 to Ksh 1,500,000
Operates advanced CT and MRI equipment after specialised training.
Radiography Educator
Moderate demandKsh 600,000 to Ksh 900,000
Teaches radiography at KMTC or other training institutions after gaining experience.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates are in high demand in hospitals, diagnostic centres, and NGOs across Kenya and internationally, with over 50 employed abroad in recent years.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Dental CeramistHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- Occupational Therapist AssistantHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- PsychologyHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- Dental ProsthetistHealth Sciences4Low exposure
- Dental Laboratory TechnicianHealth Sciences5Low exposure
- General DentistHealth Sciences5Low exposure
- Veterinary PathologistHealth Sciences5Low exposure
- Community Health NurseHealth Sciences6Low exposure
Tools you will learn
GE X-ray Systems
EquipmentPrimary
Siemens Imaging Equipment
Equipment
Philips Imaging Systems
Equipment
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Radiography is only about taking X-rays.
Modern radiography encompasses ultrasound, CT, MRI, fluoroscopy, mammography, and interventional procedures, making it a highly diverse diagnostic and therapeutic field.
Radiographers face dangerous radiation levels daily.
Strict radiation safety protocols, protective equipment, and monitoring devices ensure that occupational radiation exposure remains well within safe limits established by the KNRA.
A diploma limits career progression compared to a degree.
Diploma graduates can pursue higher diplomas in specialised modalities (ultrasound, CT, MRI, radiation therapy) and conversion programmes to Bachelor of Technology degrees at select universities.
Radiography graduates cannot work abroad.
Over 50 KMTC radiography graduates have been employed in Europe, the United States, and other African countries in recent years, with the diploma widely recognised internationally.