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Radiology technologists create images of patients' bodies using special medical diagnostic equipment. These professionals work in various healthcare settings, from hospitals to diagnostic labs.
Radiology technologists can specialize in certain types of images or patient populations. Typically, you need an associate degree and licensure to work as a radiology tech.
In this guide, we introduce the best accredited online radiology tech programs and explain the biggest benefits of entering this popular field.
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The Best Radiology Tech Programs Online
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#1 Best Online Associate in Radiology Tech Programs
Ball State University
Muncie, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $468
Out of State | $1,439
Credits to Graduate: 60
Ball State's online associate in radiology degree offers a pathway in 26 months to pass the national certification exam. You'll gain technical knowledge and skills through 11 courses that combine radiographic procedures and principles with immersion experiences.
The first phase of this Indiana-based program requires classroom instruction, and the second phase offers clinical experience at IU Health Methodist Hospital, IU Health Methodist Medical Plaza, or Hendricks Regional Health Hospital. With a radiologic tech degree, you can work for private practice, imagining centers, and education and management companies.
Applicants must complete a separate application. You must also meet all math and science prerequisites, hold a minimum 2.5 GPA, and submit proof of CPR certification.
#2 Best Online Associate in Radiology Tech Programs
Santa Fe College
Gainesville, FL - 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $106.63
Out of State | $382.89
Credits to Graduate: 77
Santa Fe College offers an online associate in radiology tech degree that focuses on building leadership and supervisory skills. The curriculum includes in-person and online learning in biology, patient care, physics, and radiographic techniques and procedures.
Earning an associate in radiology tech takes 20 months — five semesters — and requires full-time study in a cohort from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On-campus lessons take place in Gainesville, Florida.
To get admitted, you must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and at least a C grade in all math, social and behavioral sciences, and humanities and fine arts courses.
#3 Best Online Associate in Radiology Tech Programs
Southeast Community College Area
Lincoln, NE - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $102
Out of State | $123
Credits to Graduate: 68.5
Southeast Community College's online associate in radiology tech degree takes four semesters to complete. Courses in advanced imaging, principles of patient care, radiographic physics, and clinical rotations prepare you to pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Exam. Graduates will train for careers at hospitals, clinics, outpatient imaging centers, and doctor's offices.
Online learners can access 24/7 tutoring through Smarthinking, career services, and writing help at the SCC Essay Center — just like campus-based students.
Admitted students begin in the fall. Eligible applicants need CPR certification, at least a 2.75 GPA in anatomy and physiology courses, and a 2.5 GPA for general education credits.
What Degree Do You Need to Become a Radiology Tech?
In general, you need at least an associate degree to become a radiology technologist (also called a radiologic technologist or radiologic technician).
Most states require radiology techs to be licensed. To get licensed, you must graduate from an accredited radiology tech program and pass an exam. Many employers prefer radiology techs to be certified, even if the state you work in does not require it.
After becoming a radiology tech, you can advance your career by earning a bachelor's or master's degree. A higher degree can help prepare you for teaching positions, management, or advanced medical work.
Can You Attend a Radiology Tech School Online?
While many schools offer online radiology tech programs, you should expect some on-campus requirements as well.
Most accredited online radiology tech programs have laboratory and clinical requirements that you'll have to complete in person, either on campus or at a local facility.
Still, you can take plenty of classes online, including general education courses, medical terminology, anatomy, fundamentals, and procedures.
As an online student, you can enjoy a flexible schedule. Online coursework is often asynchronous, allowing you to take classes and study when it best suits you.
Did You Know?
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We can expect a projected 14,100 new radiology tech jobs between 2021 and 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). -
Radiology techs work in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, doctor's offices, and outpatient care centers. -
According to a 2022 AMN Healthcare Services survey, 85% of healthcare facilities have a shortage of allied healthcare professionals, including radiology techs.
How to Find Accredited Online Radiology Tech Programs
When comparing online radiology tech programs, look for two types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic.
All schools you consider should have institutional accreditation from one or more accrediting agencies recognized by either the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the Department of Education.
The best online radiology tech programs will also hold programmatic accreditation from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
How Much Do Online Radiology Tech Programs Cost?
Tuition rates can vary depending on your online associate in radiology tech program.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, public two-year schools cost an average of $3,900 in tuition and fees in 2020-2021, whereas private nonprofit two-year schools cost around $18,000.
While you likely won't have to pay any campus fees as an online student, you will have to consider books and materials, as well as any travel fees for on-campus labs and clinical placements.
Thankfully, you can get help to cover some or all of these costs, including federal financial aid and private scholarships like those from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.
How to Become a Radiology Tech in 5 Steps
By following the steps below, you can become a successful radiology tech in no time.
Step 1: Research Accredited Radiology Tech Programs
Start by identifying accredited schools with in-person or online radiology tech programs. Highlight those that feature the most feasible on-campus and clinical requirements.
You should also look for JRCERT-accredited radiology tech programs. Consider other factors, too, such as tuition rates, coursework, graduation and retention rates, and overall program reputation.
Step 2: Take All Required Courses
Online associate radiology tech programs typically include courses in general education, foundational sciences, medical terminology, and anatomy.
Examples of core courses you might take include:
- Radiologic principles and procedures
- Pharmacology
- Digital imaging
- Healthcare ethics
- Radiologic technology
Courses with heavy practical components may require on-campus lab use.
Step 3: Complete Clinical Requirements
All accredited online radiology tech programs feature clinical requirements, which may qualify you for certification with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and/or state licensure.
For ARRT certification, your clinical requirements must cover the following skills:
- 10 patient care procedures
- 36 mandatory imaging procedures, including chest, lower extremities, geriatric patients, and pediatric patients
- 15 elective imaging procedures, including one from head section and two from fluoroscopy studies
You typically need to complete these requirements as part of a practicum with live patients, but clinical simulations may be acceptable in some cases.
Step 4: Apply for State Licensure
According to ARRT, more than three-fourths of U.S. states require licensure for the radiologic technology field. Confirm your state's licensing requirements before enrolling in a radiology tech program.
Generally, to be eligible for a state license, you must have an associate degree, complete professional ethics training, and pass a state licensure exam.
In some states, such as in California, ARRT develops and runs the exam. California's radiology tech licensing exam covers the following subjects:
- Patient care
- Safety
- Image production
- Procedures
Most licensure exams cost a fee, which can range from around $50-$200.
Step 5: Get Certifications
After passing your state's licensure exam, you may choose to pursue ARRT certification. This typically requires the completion of another exam.
ARRT certification, while optional, can help you land better-paying jobs and impress potential employers, as many employers prefer candidates to have certification.
How Much Can You Make With an Associate Degree in Radiology Tech?
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
$61,370 | 6%
Median Annual Salary | Job Growth Rate (2021-2031)
Source: BLS, May 2021
MRI Technologists
$77,360 | 7%
Median Annual Salary | Job Growth Rate (2021-2031)
Source: BLS, May 2021
Expect to earn around $60,000-$80,000 working as a radiology tech. That said, salary expectations can vary significantly depending on your state, education level, experience, and employer.
In May 2021, the top 10% of radiology techs earned more than $94,880 — that's over $33,000 higher than techs' median annual salary.
Radiology techs in California earned a median annual salary of $95,170, compared to just $49,880 in Mississippi, the lowest-paying state for radiology techs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Radiology Tech Programs
According to the BLS, radiology techs make the most money in California (median annual salary: $95,170), Hawaii ($84,100), and Massachusetts ($79,360).
The highest-paying industry for radiology techs is scientific research and development services, which paid a median annual salary of $78,990 in May 2021.
While you may have no problems succeeding in a radiology tech program online, these programs can present unique challenges. You'll study complex terminology and sciences while building a specialized skill set.
On a positive note, the practical focus of the program allows you to put your learning into action regularly.
The amount of math involved in your online radiology tech program can vary. In general, you may encounter math in general education classes, such as algebra. In the core training, there's some math in radiation physics and radiology technology courses.
Whether you think becoming a radiology tech is worth it will ultimately depend on your skills, interests, and goals. Many radiology techs have exciting and rewarding careers, making great contributions to our healthcare system.
According to the BLS, this in-demand career offers higher-than-average wages, with about half of radiologic techs making $60,000 or more a year.