Online Radiology Tech Programs: Reviewing Top Schools
Hopeful professionals can become radiology techs conveniently by earning their degree from an accredited radiology tech program online. Online programs give students the freedom to study where and when they want while giving them the in-person experience they need to enter the field. Programs typically take two years and culminate in the ARRT exam. Browse today’s best online rad tech programs, get insider info on courses and curricula, and learn how students are funding their online degrees with scholarships and financial aid.
How They Work: Online Radiology Tech Degree Profiles
Individuals interested in studying radiologic technology online can choose from several degree levels to fit their academic needs. While individuals just starting on this professional career path often pick the associate’s or bachelor’s degree to get their foot in the door, those who have worked in the field for several years and want to climb the career ladder may decide to pursue a master’s degree.
Online associate degrees typically take two years and teach students the foundational principles while bachelor’s degrees take twice as long and offer more in-depth topics and specializations. M.S. in radiologic sciences programs often provide concentrations in administrative leadership or educational leadership for individuals looking to take on managerial or teaching positions. Most programs take two to three years to complete, depending on how much time a student can devote. Keep reading to learn more about what these different programs have to offer.
Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology – Gwinnett Technical College
Gwinnett Technical College offers an online Radiologic Technology Associate Degree program that provides training in x-ray equipment, patient positioning, and imaging. Graduates of this program have worked in a variety of clinical environments from hospitals to private practices. The program includes laboratory experiences where students get to work alongside radiologists to create correct imaging for radiologists to then diagnose from. The program is affordable, with tuition at $107 per credit hour plus fees, and offers various financial aid options.
Duration: 79 Credits
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $8,453
Admissions Requirements:
- Complete online application
- High school GPA of at least 2.0
- Send transcripts to the admissions office
- Meet all Technical Performance Standards of cognitive, sensory, and psychomotor performance
Curriculum:
Core Courses: 15 credits in writing, public speaking, psychology, statistics, and humanities
Major Requirements: 64 credits
- Medical Terminology for Allied Health Sciences
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Introduction to Radiography
- Radiographic Procedures
- Radiographic Science
- Radiographic Imaging
- Radiographic Equipment
- Principles of Radiation Biology and Protection
- Clinical Radiography
- Radiographic Technology Review
Best For: Students who want to enter the radiologic technology field as quickly as possible but may want to earn a bachelor’s degree later on.
Bachelor’s Degree in Radiographic Science – Lewis-Clark State College
Lewis-Clark State College offers an online bachelor’s degree in Radiographic Science program that prepares student for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam. The bachelor’s degree requires 120 online credits that will take about four years to complete. The first year of your academics will be preprofessional courses and general education courses. The following years will focus on your major requirements, ARRT exam preparations, and clinical practicum. The program has a number of clinical site affiliations so that students can get experience in small clinics and regional medical centers. Graduates can pursue careers as radiologic technologists, MRI technologists, and diagnostic medical sonographers.
Duration: 120 Credits (4 years)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $61,200
Admissions Requirements:
- Complete online application
- Send official transcripts to the admissions office
- Proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox, tuberculosis, COVID-19
- Complete a criminal background check and drug screen
- Obtain CPR certification from the American Heart Association
Curriculum:
Core Courses: 38 credits in writing, statistics, art, anatomy, chemistry, sociology, and ethics
Major Requirements: 82 credits
- Medical Terminology for Radiographers
- Patient Care in Radiography
- Radiographic Methods
- Quality Assurance and Technical Imaging
- Radiographic Pathology
- Special Procedures
- Applied Radiography
- Simulation, Safety, and Review
- Radiobiology
- Introduction to Computed Tomography
- Statistical Reasoning
- Healthcare Policy and Economics
- Pharmacology for Imaging Professionals
- Capstone
Elective Courses: 12 credits in communication, business, and health skills
Best For: Students who want to reach the entry-level educational requirement for most radiology tech jobs and might want to get a graduate degree in the future.
Master’s Degree in Radiologic Sciences – Northwestern State University
Northwestern State University’s School of Allied Health offers a Master of Science in Radiologic Sciences (MSRS) that prepares radiologic tech professionals to become leader in radiologic sciences. This 100% online program offers two concentrations in either general radiography or ultrasound. To be eligible for this program you must have a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science and hold current credentials in either medical imaging modalities or radiation therapy. Accredited by JRCERT, the program ensures graduates are ready for ARRT certification. The school also offers a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences and various undergraduate certificates.
Duration: 36 credits (2 years)
Mode: Fully Online
Cost: $17,100
Admissions Requirements:
- Complete online application
- Submit two letters of recommendation
- Send undergraduate transcripts to the admissions office
- Submit immunization waiver form
- Bachelor’s degree in radiologic sciences from an accredited program
- Credentials in medical imaging modality or radiation therapy
- An undergraduate GPA of at least 2.0
- Previous statistics or research course
Curriculum:
Core Courses: 24 credits in research, data collection and analysis, and legal issues
Concentration Requirements: 12 credits in either the Radiologic Sciences Administration Concentration or Radiologic Sciences Education Concentration
Best For: A professional radiologic technologist with a bachelor’s degree who would like to move into a leadership position and increase their pay.
Ask Yourself . . .
Before deciding what educational path to take for your radiology degree you will need to decide how long you want to be in school, what you’re willing to commit financially, and you’re your learning style is. We’ve created some questions to help figure out these things.
- What is my career timeline? How long do I want to be in school before I start my career?
- Do I prefer a traditional in-person educational program, or can I handle independent online coursework?
- Do you prefer working with patients directly or working behind the scenes with medical imaging technology?
- Am I interested in working with various complex machines like MRI, CT scanners, and X-rays?
- Am I comfortable working in high-pressure environments where quick and accurate diagnoses are crucial?
Answers to Common Radiology Tech Student Questions
From specialized training to licensing to getting into radiology tech programs, prospective students have a lot of questions. To give you some clarity, we have answered some of the most searched questions from radiology tech students.
What is the shortest radiology program?
The shortest radiology program is a certificate radiology program, which can be completed in as little as 14 months. However, certain states require that you have at least an associate’s degree to be eligible for licensure, which is a degree that takes about two years to complete. Approximately 73 percent of all rad tech have an associate degree, so it is the most common route to become a radiologic technologist.
Can you be a radiologist from home?
Yes: remote radiology, also known as teleradiology, is possible. Despite the many pros of teleradiology, however, it comes with its set of cons. It’s up to you to determine if the advantages outweigh the drawbacks. For example, the flexibility of working remotely may relieve some pressure from the job, but some sub-specializations are not able to be read from a home environment and require an in-person reading. For more of a balance, hybrid teleradiology may appeal to you.
What is the best radiology accreditation?
As the only programmatic accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation for radiology and radiologic technology, JRCERT exists as the arbiter for on-campus and online programs. Prospective students can use JRCERT’s database to find an accredited program.
Which radiology tech gets paid the most?
Radiation therapists make the most. This specialization of radiologic tech focuses on radiation treatments for cancer patients. They get paid anywhere from $72,280 to $136,910 per year. The second highest-paid radiology tech is an MRI technologist who operates magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines to create images for doctors to view and make diagnoses from. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the lowest ten percent earned $61,470 and the top ten percent earned $112,420 as of May 2023 per year.
What state pays rad techs the most?
According to reports of annual mean wages in May 2023 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top-paying states for radiologic technologists and technicians are:
- California ($103,150)
- Massachusetts ($93,270)
- Hawai’i ($92,170)
- Oregon ($90,610)
- Washington ($89,910)
Radiology Program Cost Comparison: Tuition & Fees
Depending on the degree level you pursue, your residency, and your eligibility for scholarships, the costs of attending an online radiology program can vary. Apart from paying tuition, you will also be responsible for paying for books, lab fees, equipment, housing, parking, and more. Before selecting a program, you should research your school’s financial aid opportunities and if there are any outside scholarships from local/national radiographic organizations and private foundations to help you cover the cost.
To give you an idea of what these programs cost we have provided a table of the tuition and fees that you expect for multiple programs. We cut out the costs of room and board to give you the most direct comparison so that you can plan accordingly.
| School Name | Program Type | Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Oconee Fall Line Technical College | AAS | $9,024 |
| Owens Community College | AAS | $23,075 |
| Boise State University | BSRS | $47,400 |
| Midwestern State University | BSRT | $55,200 |
| Marian University | BSRT | $60,000 |
| University of Texas | MSRS | $9,450 |
| Southern Illinois University | MSRS | $16,884 |
Ranking Today’s Best Online Radiology Tech Programs
As more colleges add accredited online radiology tech programs to their offerings, students may feel a bit stressed about picking the right one. Fortunately, EduMed is here to help. We’ve identified the best online schools and programs for aspiring radiologic technologists by analyzing data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Below is a list of the most affordable and comprehensive programs with the accreditation you need to begin a rewarding career in the field, so continue reading to see which schools stand out.
Lewis-Clark State College
Lewiston, Idaho
Public
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Public
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
Public
Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls, Texas
Public
Boise State University
Boise, Idaho
Public
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, Louisiana
Public
Friends University
Wichita, Kansas
Private
Marian University
Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin
Private
Doña Ana Community College
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Public
Gwinnett Technical College
Lawrenceville, Georgia
Public
Oconee Fall Line Technical College
Sandersville, Georgia
Public
Owens Community College
Perrysburg, Ohio
Public
Radiology Tech Certification Requirements
Some employers require certification, so it is important to plan to take the certification exam as the final part of your education. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) provides a certification exam as well as 15 different credentials in a range of disciplines from bone densitometry to mammography. Keep reading to learn more about some of the certifications ARRT offers.
Radiologic Technologist State Licensing Exams – Many states use the ARRT exam score to determine if you qualify for a license. To be eligible for the ARRT exam you must have an associate’s degree or higher from an ARRT-approved educational program. You can choose a license in the specific disciplines of radiography, nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapy, and more. The exam fees range from $150 to $175 depending on the discipline you chose to test on. The retake policy for this exam is dependent on the state you intend to practice in. Some states have a three-attempt, three-year policy on retakes. However, to avoid having to retake the exam ARRT has provided study guides to make sure you pass on your first try.
Salary & Career Outlook for Radiology Techs
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $50,020 | $73,410 | $102,380 |
| Alabama | $38,590 | $53,380 | $76,670 |
| Alaska | $65,570 | $82,560 | $108,150 |
| Arizona | $54,320 | $79,770 | $102,160 |
| Arkansas | $44,210 | $58,700 | $79,580 |
| California | $58,120 | $102,230 | $153,390 |
| Colorado | $56,440 | $80,510 | $103,790 |
| Connecticut | $64,140 | $81,330 | $111,190 |
| Delaware | $57,300 | $80,100 | $102,320 |
| Florida | $47,060 | $64,610 | $81,870 |
| Georgia | $47,870 | $64,550 | $90,000 |
| Hawaii | $67,910 | $97,580 | $112,010 |
| Idaho | $56,000 | $71,140 | $93,490 |
| Illinois | $51,790 | $71,280 | $99,280 |
| Indiana | $52,400 | $71,840 | $89,580 |
| Iowa | $49,190 | $61,190 | $79,140 |
| Kansas | $49,510 | $64,210 | $86,900 |
| Kentucky | $47,410 | $62,490 | $80,730 |
| Louisiana | $47,400 | $60,480 | $80,040 |
| Maine | $54,060 | $68,610 | $87,370 |
| Maryland | $59,320 | $77,630 | $100,220 |
| Massachusetts | $62,650 | $89,960 | $123,230 |
| Michigan | $51,870 | $65,920 | $81,920 |
| Minnesota | $61,110 | $78,180 | $97,260 |
| Mississippi | $37,190 | $52,490 | $72,800 |
| Missouri | $49,800 | $64,450 | $84,010 |
| Montana | $51,210 | $68,460 | $85,030 |
| Nebraska | $49,750 | $64,030 | $84,600 |
| Nevada | $49,070 | $78,530 | $118,600 |
| New Hampshire | $61,030 | $78,830 | $102,140 |
| New Jersey | $62,990 | $81,670 | $101,620 |
| New Mexico | $53,120 | $68,680 | $98,270 |
| New York | $55,570 | $83,250 | $108,480 |
| North Carolina | $49,230 | $65,210 | $86,580 |
| North Dakota | $54,900 | $65,810 | $84,000 |
| Ohio | $47,470 | $67,560 | $85,070 |
| Oklahoma | $47,170 | $64,720 | $85,900 |
| Oregon | $65,810 | $94,380 | $109,820 |
| Pennsylvania | $49,380 | $66,270 | $92,630 |
| Rhode Island | $58,310 | $82,470 | $107,980 |
| South Carolina | $45,070 | $62,380 | $80,720 |
| South Dakota | $46,410 | $64,760 | $82,130 |
| Tennessee | $46,370 | $61,600 | $81,050 |
| Texas | $49,760 | $74,450 | $95,300 |
| Utah | $49,370 | $73,160 | $99,510 |
| Vermont | $62,500 | $79,520 | $104,730 |
| Virginia | $51,940 | $75,840 | $98,570 |
| Washington | $63,490 | $85,840 | $119,510 |
| West Virginia | $49,030 | $62,490 | $81,900 |
| Wisconsin | $56,280 | $73,000 | $91,680 |
| Wyoming | $52,360 | $69,520 | $100,420 |
Source: Radiologic Technicians, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 222,800 | 235,000 | 12,200 | 5.50% | 13,100 |
| Alabama | 4,200 | 4,400 | 200 | 4.80% | 240 |
| Alaska | 330 | 370 | 40 | 12.10% | 20 |
| Arizona | 4,140 | 5,120 | 980 | 23.70% | 340 |
| Arkansas | 2,440 | 2,690 | 250 | 10.20% | 160 |
| California | 20,000 | 23,500 | 3,500 | 17.50% | 1,480 |
| Colorado | 3,860 | 4,520 | 660 | 17.10% | 280 |
| Connecticut | 2,660 | 2,900 | 240 | 9.00% | 170 |
| Delaware | 780 | 890 | 110 | 14.10% | 50 |
| District of Columbia | 770 | 800 | 30 | 3.90% | 40 |
| Florida | 14,560 | 16,430 | 1,870 | 12.80% | 990 |
| Georgia | 6,960 | 7,970 | 1,010 | 14.50% | 490 |
| Idaho | 1,060 | 1,260 | 200 | 18.90% | 80 |
| Illinois | 7,920 | 7,920 | – | 0.00% | 410 |
| Indiana | 5,230 | 5,450 | 220 | 4.20% | 300 |
| Iowa | 2,940 | 3,260 | 320 | 10.90% | 190 |
| Kansas | 2,460 | 2,540 | 80 | 3.30% | 140 |
| Kentucky | 3,810 | 3,970 | 160 | 4.20% | 220 |
| Louisiana | 3,900 | 4,140 | 240 | 6.20% | 230 |
| Maine | 1,060 | 1,060 | – | 0.00% | 60 |
| Maryland | 3,070 | 3,290 | 220 | 7.20% | 190 |
| Massachusetts | 1,780 | 1,900 | 120 | 6.70% | 110 |
| Michigan | 6,980 | 6,990 | 10 | 0.10% | 360 |
| Minnesota | 4,280 | 4,510 | 230 | 5.40% | 250 |
| Mississippi | 2,540 | 2,670 | 130 | 5.10% | 150 |
| Missouri | 4,670 | 5,020 | 350 | 7.50% | 290 |
| Montana | 790 | 910 | 120 | 15.20% | 60 |
| Nebraska | 1,790 | 1,950 | 160 | 8.90% | 110 |
| Nevada | 1,890 | 2,180 | 290 | 15.30% | 140 |
| New Hampshire | 1,040 | 1,110 | 70 | 6.70% | 60 |
| New Jersey | 5,990 | 6,450 | 460 | 7.70% | 370 |
| New Mexico | 1,300 | 1,510 | 210 | 16.20% | 90 |
| New York | 15,140 | 19,200 | 4,060 | 26.80% | 410 |
| North Carolina | 7,600 | 8,830 | 1,230 | 16.20% | 550 |
| North Dakota | 820 | 900 | 80 | 9.80% | 50 |
| Ohio | 10,390 | 10,530 | 140 | 1.30% | 560 |
| Oklahoma | 4,060 | 4,140 | 80 | 2.00% | 220 |
| Oregon | 2,550 | 2,810 | 260 | 10.20% | 170 |
| Pennsylvania | 9,660 | 9,990 | 330 | 3.40% | 540 |
| Rhode Island | 1,000 | 1,060 | 60 | 6.00% | 60 |
| South Carolina | 3,670 | 3,990 | 320 | 8.70% | 230 |
| South Dakota | 1,010 | 1,130 | 120 | 11.90% | 70 |
| Tennessee | 4,180 | 4,580 | 400 | 9.60% | 270 |
| Texas | 18,790 | 22,390 | 3,600 | 19.20% | 1,430 |
| Utah | 1,720 | 2,180 | 460 | 26.70% | 150 |
| Vermont | 530 | 570 | 40 | 7.50% | 30 |
| Virgin Islands | 70 | 60 | -10 | -14.30% | – |
| Virginia | 5,240 | 5,520 | 280 | 5.30% | 310 |
| Washington | 3,890 | 4,350 | 460 | 11.80% | 310 |
| West Virginia | 1,860 | 1,900 | 40 | 2.20% | 100 |
| Wisconsin | 4,630 | 5,050 | 420 | 9.10% | 290 |
| Wyoming | 440 | 480 | 40 | 9.10% | 30 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
