Accredited Online Radiologic Technology Programs
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According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), radiologic technologists (RTs) operate x-rays, CT scans, and other equipment to assist physicians in making accurate diagnoses. Some choose to specialize in a field such as sonography, which uses high-frequency sound wave devices; or nuclear medicine, which uses radiopharmaceuticals and special cameras to view difficult-to-detect physiological phenomena, among other subfields of this growing career.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2022) reported that there were 215,820 radiologic technologists earning an average annual wage of $70,240, a generous wage considering that this career typically requires only two years of postsecondary education. Also, according to the BLS, there was expected to be a 6 percent increase in positions for radiologic technologists between 2021 and 2031—an addition of 14,100 jobs—which is slightly faster than the BLS’s average growth anticipated across all U.S. occupations during that time period (5 percent).
So how does a person become a radiologic technologist? In January 2015, the ARRT—the main credentialing organization for these professionals—began requiring candidates to have at least an associate degree from an accredited program. The predominant accreditation organization is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), and the ARRT offers a comprehensive breakdown of all qualifying accrediting agencies.
While many aspiring RTs choose to enroll in traditional, on-campus educational programs, there’s a growing array of accredited distance-based programs. These allow students to complete their core coursework online while completing in-person training at approved facilities close to their homes. While not all students will thrive in this type of setting, online programs allow for more scheduling flexibility, which can be attractive to working professionals, those with familial responsibilities, or people who live in rural regions.
This guide explores online radiologic technologist programs, including the typical coursework, tuition, and other relevant information.
Admissions Requirements for Online Radiologic Technologist Programs
To gain admission to an online radiologic technologist program, the requirements mirror those of their on-campus counterparts. Derived from real online RT programs, applicants are typically expected to submit:
- Completed application and fee
- Official secondary school transcripts with competitive grades in science and math courses
- Proof of prerequisite coursework (e.g., chemistry, biology, etc.)
- TOEFL scores for non-native speakers of English
- A personal statement (500-600 words)
- Proof of health insurance and/or immunizations
Some programs have additional requirements, including candidate interviews, a resume, a background check, or letters of recommendation.
Curriculum & Specializations in Radiologic Technology
Not all online radiologic technologist programs offer identical curricula, but students who aspire to study this subject should expect to take courses on the following topics:
- Diagnostic imaging
- Imaging modalities
- Radiographic procedures
- Medical procedures for radiologic technologists
- Radiation biology
- Medical terminology
- CT imaging
- Specialized imaging
- Anatomy and radiographic positioning
- Pathophysiology
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Patient care
- Radiation physics
Aspiring students should also note that they also will be required to complete clinical hours in a healthcare setting, learning the hands-on applications of the discipline.
Some programs—particularly at the bachelor’s degree level—allow students to specialize in areas such as:
- Sonography
- Nuclear medicine technology
- Magnetic resonance technology
- Radiation therapy
- Medical dosimetry
- Mammography
- Bone densitometry
- Cardiovascular-interventional radiography
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Clinical management
- RT Education
Featured Online Radiologic Technologist Programs
Before applying to any of the below programs, students are encouraged to ensure that they’re eligible based on their state of residence. State authorization information is typically readily available on program websites, or can be retrieved from program coordinators to ensure eligibility.
Please note that associate degree programs generally take two years, and bachelor’s degree programs take four. Also, most online bachelor’s degree programs are open to working radiologic techs who wish to deepen their expertise.
Students can pursue an online associate of applied science (AAS) degree in radiologic technology in this JRCERT-accredited program. The program allows students to combine scientific principles with creative art by taking radiographic images to aid with the diagnosis of injuries and illnesses. Students in this distance-based track will do their clinical at pre-approved hospitals outside Lincoln and will take their courses online.
Made up of 68.5 credits, the program includes courses such as principles of patient care; imaging procedures; radiographic physics; advanced imaging; pathology for radiographers; radiation biology; and imaging applications.
Upon completion, graduates will have the necessary skills needed to succeed in this scientific field of radiology. They will be prepared to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist Exam and apply for state licensure where they choose to work.
- Location: Lincoln, NE
- Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT); Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four semesters
- Estimated Tuition: $10,289.50
This school offers a hybrid AAS degree in radiologic technology and is JRCERT-accredited. The program includes a mix of online and daytime courses with some weekend and evening clinical rotations. Working closely with staff members and radiology physicians, students in this program will be instructed in proper positioning skills of anatomical body parts, the current radiation safety standards, and basic patient care techniques.
Comprising 78 credits, the program includes instruction in anatomy and positioning; the fundamentals of radiography; radiation biology and protection; an introduction to sectional anatomy; radiation physics and quality control; clinical radiography; and imaging pathology, among other subjects.
Graduates will be prepared for entry-level employment as radiologic technologists and will be eligible to take the national certification examination of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
- Location: White Bear Lake, MN
- Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT); Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Six semesters
- Estimated Tuition: $182.49 per credit
Indian Hills Community College
This school provides a two-year hybrid associate of applied science degree program in radiologic technology where only the second year of the program is offered online. While more than half of this program will occur at clinical radiology departments or hospitals, students must be ready for an in-depth, hands-on experience. Activities include assisting physicians with procedures, providing emotional and physical patient care, and producing diagnostic radiographs.
Consisting of 83 credits, the program includes courses such as medical terminology; radiology and medical imaging; diagnostic imaging protection; radiographic legal and ethical aspects; radiologic pathology; advanced radiographic procedures; digital imaging; and RT positioning.
- Location: Ottumwa, IA
- Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT); Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
- Estimated Tuition: Iowa residents and online students ($195 per credit); out-of-state and international students ($255 per credit)
Ball State University offers a 26-month hybrid associate in science program in radiography, which is JRCERT-accredited. Clinical hours in this program must be completed at specific centers in Indiana, such as the IU Health Methodist Hospital or Hendricks Regional Health. Graduates of this program will be prepared with the environments and educational experiences needed for becoming successful entry-level radiographers demonstrating the highest level of academic, clinical, and technical competence and professionalism in serving their customers, patients, community, and the profession.
Divided into two phases, this associate degree program is offered in cooperation with IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and can be completed in 26 months. The first phase of the program includes prerequisite courses that take place on the Ball State campus, while the professional concentration phase takes place in Indianapolis, where technical, clinical, and medical courses are taught at IU Health Methodist Hospital.
Requiring 60 credits, the program’s curriculum includes courses such as radiographic procedures; introduction to medical imaging and patient care; radiographic principles; clinical radiography; fundamentals of the human anatomy; conceptual physics; and quantitative reasoning.
- Location: Muncie, IN
- Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT); Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 26 months
- Estimated Tuition: In-state ($326 per credit); out-of-state ($1,085 per credit)
University of Cincinnati’s online bachelor of radiation science technology (BRST) program is open to applicants who have at least an associate degree with a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA. Applicants must also have current certification in at least one of the following: radiologic technologist – RT(R); registered radiologist assistant – RRA; nuclear medicine technologist – RT(N); radiation therapy technologist – RT(T); certified nuclear medicine technologist – CNMT; diagnostic medical sonographer – RDMS; vascular technologist – RVT; diagnostic cardiac sonographer – RDCS; or registered musculoskeletal sonographer – RMSKS.
This online degree program also includes an internship that allows students to focus on either education or management. The radiation science internship ensures that students are ready for the real world and provides them with networking opportunities and valuable experiences.
The program comprises 60 credits and includes courses such as diversity in medical imaging; pathophysiology for health professions; computed tomography science and procedures; foundations of imaging modalities; ethical and legal issues in radiation science technology; research and writing in the health professions; leadership strategies in healthcare; healthcare delivery systems; and applied administrative practices in health care.
- Location: Cincinnati, OH
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 to 48 months
- Estimated Tuition: Resident ($532 per credit); non-resident ($547 per credit)
St. Joseph’s College of Maine offers an online bachelor of science program in radiologic science administration. In addition to a general health administration knowledge base, this program emphasizes radiologic sciences. The program is ideal for students who have recently completed a radiography program or currently working radiologic technologists. Notably, students can fast-track to the school’s master’s of health administration program upon completing this degree.
Students can transfer up to 50 approved semester credits from an accredited radiography program. Requiring 120 credits, the program includes courses such as healthcare informatics; emergency preparedness; leadership in healthcare administration; aging in America; aging policy & politics; aging, spirituality, and senior health care; and legal aspects of healthcare administration. Students will also be required to complete a three-credit senior project specifically focused on radiological science administration.
This online program prepares radiologic science professionals for opportunities in outpatient medical centers, physician offices, digital imaging system manufacturers, and research centers.
- Location: Standish, ME
- Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
- Estimated Tuition: $26,460
University of Louisiana–Monroe
At the University of Louisiana–Monroe, students can pursue an online bachelor of science (BS) degree in radiologic technology. Applicants must be registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to qualify. They may be awarded 38 credits for their certification. A total of 120 credits are required to complete this bachelor’s degree. To receive the BS degree, students must complete at least 32 hours through the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
As part of the program, students will delve into topics such as computed tomography; vascular/interventional procedures; advanced imaging; radiologic operations; advanced radiographic procedures; and research methods and information literacy.
- Location: Monroe, LA
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
- Estimated Tuition: $400 per credit
Santa Fe College offers a hybrid associate in science program in radiography which is JRCERT-accredited. Courses in this 20-month program are delivered online, on-campus, and virtually. The program’s purpose is to educate and develop professional and competent radiographers with a high degree of adaptability in changing technology and are proficient in all facets of radiography. Graduates will receive the required entry-level skills to perform quality radiologic procedures and provide patients with the best possible care.
Made up of 77 credits, the program includes courses such as radiologic technology and patient care; radiographic techniques; radiographic procedures; radiologic physics; radiation biology; radiographic pathology; special imaging modalities; and advanced radiologic clinical education.
- Location: Gainesville, FL
- Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
- Estimated Tuition: Florida resident ($106.77 per credit); non-Florida resident ($382.90 per credit)
East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University offers an online bachelor of science degree completion program in radiologic sciences designed particularly for working radiologic professionals with an associate of applied science degree in radiography science. Graduates of the program will be equipped with supervisory and entry-level management supervisory skills related to the allied health disciplines.
This 120-credit program includes courses such as introduction to allied health; patient care and assessment; radiation biology and protection; radiographic equipment; radiographic procedures; radiographic imaging and quality assessment; radiographic pathology; digital imaging; and professional transition to radiography.
- Location: Johnson City, TN
- Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
- Estimated Tuition: $493 per credit
Pima Medical Institute offers an online bachelor of science program in radiologic sciences specifically designed for current radiologic professionals looking to earn a bachelor’s degree and advance their careers. With personalized attention from faculty members who are experts in their field and have several years of experience, students in this program can advance their careers in radiography and confidently prepare for leadership or management roles.
While this is a 100 percent online program, students must still complete a professional capstone project. Comprising 120 credits, the program includes courses such as advanced sectional anatomy; patient information and management; critical thinking; introduction to evidence-based practice; health care law and compliance; and pathophysiology.
Notably, Pima Medical Institute also offers an online radiography-bridge associate degree program that includes coursework in medical law and ethics; principles of exposure; radiography; radiographic biology; and advanced radiographic imaging and special procedures.
- Location: Tucson, AZ
- Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT); Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 to 48 months
- Estimated Tuition: BS ($23,378); AS ($31,428)
