Online radiology tech programs are designed for working radiologic techs who already have an associate degree and active radiologic certification to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Radiology.
A radiology technician, also known as a radiographer, is an allied healthcare professional who operates imaging and scanning equipment for diagnostic purposes. They use specialized equipment to perform their jobs, such as CT scanners, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or X-ray machines.
If your career goal is to become a radiology technician, you can choose from three pathways: a certificate program, an associate degree program, or a Bachelor of Science in Medical Radiology degree program.
It is important to remember that many employers prefer to hire radiology techs with a higher level of education. Higher education also increases your opportunities for career advancement in your field and better overall compensation.
This article will cover the best online radiology tech programs across the country and share essential information you need to know about each program!
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), radiologic technologists in 2022 earned a median annual income of $67,180 per year or $32.30 per hour. |
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An online radiology tech program is for students who wish to become a radiology tech without attending in-person classes or for working radiologists who want to advance their education with a bachelor’s degree.
Online radiology technician programs vary—some online programs are for entry-level students who wish to earn an associate’s degree. However, most bachelor’s degree programs are for working radiology professionals with an associate’s degree. Online radiology tech programs typically take about two years to complete.
Additional requirements for online radiology tech programs may include:
- Direct experience working as a radiology technician
- Must have an active registry with:
Keep in mind that in most states, a minimum of an associate degree is required to work as a radiologic technologist. However, some states may only require a certificate program to become certified or licensed.
Your career aspirations, work schedule, and available time for school are all important factors when considering an online radiology tech program.
Choosing an online radiology tech program is a huge decision that requires careful consideration. The good news is that Nurse.org put a list together of some of the best online radiology tech programs in the country!
Our ranking system considers accreditation, certification pass rates, graduation rates, post-graduation employment rates, and student-faculty ratio.
1. Midwest State University, Wichita Falls, Texas
Midwest State University provides an online bachelor’s degree in radiologic sciences (BDRS) for working radiology professionals who cannot attend traditional in-person college. This program is not for entry-level students.
All BDRS students take the same seven core professional courses and also select four additional four elective courses. Fall and spring semesters are 15 weeks long.
2. University of Oshkosh, Wisconsin
The University of Oshkosh provides online pathways for working professionals to earn a bachelor’s degree in medical imaging in one of two fields: radiologic science and sonography. Candidates must have an associate’s degree in applied science or radiologic science, certification, and licensure to practice.
This university offers courses in an accelerated, seven-week format, and all classes are 100% online. In addition, classes in the program are stackable, which helps students complete their degrees faster.
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
- Tuition: $220 or $295 per credit, depending on the level of course
- Accreditation: JRCERT
- Contact Phone Number: (920) 424-0234
- Email Information: oce@uwosh.edu
3. University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
The University of Cincinnati offers a 100% online Bachelor of Radiation Science Technology degree. This program is for working professionals who already have an associate’s degree and want to further their careers with more advanced education.
Most students work full-time in their program. In addition, students can choose between a management or education-focused radiation science internship.
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admission (three start dates per year)
- Tuition:
- Resident: $532 per credit
- Non-resident: $547 per credit
- Accreditation: JRCERT
- Contact Phone Number: (513) 558-0236
- Email Information: cahs.admissions@uc.edu
4. Cox College, Springfield, Missouri
Cox Colleges’ bachelor of science in diagnostic imaging (BSDI) degree is one of only a few programs in the surrounding states. The school offers several online tracks, including diagnostic medical sonography (DMS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT), just to name a few.
The university reports that its mentoring facility will help guide students through the online curriculum while students complete clinical experiences through a local healthcare network. The school also boasts a 99% first-attempt licensure exam pass rate.
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
- Tuition: $365 per credit hour
- Accreditation: JRCERT
- Contact Phone Number: (417) 269-3401
- Email Information: admissions@coxcollege.edu
5. Boise State University, Boise, Idaho
Boise State University, Boise’s online Bachelor’s in Imaging Sciences degree program is entirely online and designed for working professionals. Candidates must already possess an associate’s degree. The university offers seven-week courses, and students can complete their program in as quickly as 12 months!
- Application Deadline: July 15th and December 1st
- Tuition: $395 per credit (33 total credits)
- Accreditation: JRCERT
- Contact Phone Number: (208) 426-5921
- Email Information: imagingsciences@boisestate.edu
6. Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
Augusta University offers a Bachelor of Science degree in radiation therapy for students with an imaging science associate’s degree. This program requires that students first have 60 credit hours of general college requirements. Then, they complete the radiation therapist core courses over the next two years at Augusta.
The university website reports that the programs are flexible and designed to accommodate busy lifestyles. Students may complete clinical experience in several locations throughout Georgia.
- Application Deadline: May 1st
- Tuition: $295.47 per credit
- Accreditation: JRCERT
- Contact Phone Number: (706) 721-2621
- Email Information: cahs@augusta.edu
7. Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas
Washburn University offers an online bachelor of health science (BHS) degree in medical imaging for students who have or plan to complete an advanced certificate in one of the following areas:
- Diagnostic medical sonography (DMS)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or
- Radiation therapy
Students can enroll in this program from anywhere in the United States. Upon completion of an advanced certificate, students continue to complete their bachelor’s degree requirements online. The university website also reports that students may attend the program full-time or take as few as three credits per semester.
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
- Tuition: $402 per credit hour
- Accreditation: JRCERT
- Contact Phone Number: (785) 670-2170
- Email Information: allied-health@washburn.edu
8. University of Louisiana, Monroe, Louisiana
The University of Louisiana offers an online pathway for working professionals to earn a bachelor of science in radiologic technology. Candidates must already have a hospital-based certificate or associate’s degree and possess ARRT credentials.
Students can progress through the 100% online program at their own pace.
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
- Tuition: $400 per credit hour
- Accreditation: JRCERT
- Contact Phone Number: (318) 342-3145
- Email Information: Onlinedegrees@ulm.edu
9. University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
The University of New Mexico offers a 100% online bachelor of science degree completion program in radiologic science. Candidates must have a certificate or associate degree in medical imaging and a valid radiology license.
Students can complete the program on a full-time or part-time basis. New programs start every semester.
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
- Tuition: $264.20 per credit
- Accreditation: JRCERT
- Contact Phone Number: (505) 272-5254
- Email Information: raddpt@unm.edu
10. Marian University, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Marian University is one of Wisconsin’s first schools to offer a bachelor of science in radiologic technology. Students with an RT license and a certificate or associate’s degree can earn their bachelor’s degree 100% online.
Courses are in an accelerated, 7-week format. The school offers six start dates per year.
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
- Tuition: $577 per credit
- Accreditation: JRCERT
- Contact Phone Number: (800) 262-7426
- Email Information: Request information page
Online
Some radiology tech programs offer online lectures and coursework that students may complete remotely. However, all radiology tech programs have clinical requirements that students must complete in person.
In-person
Most radiology tech programs are on a university or hospital campus where students attend in-person classes. However, many in-person programs have a “hybrid” component and offer some online coursework.
Bridge
Bridge programs allow working associate’s degree-trained radiologic professionals to earn a BSN more quickly. Many radiology bridge programs are also online, so students have the flexibility to continue working during their studies.
Accelerated
Accelerated radiology techprograms allow students to stack classes to complete their studies more quickly than through a traditional program.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in radiology, check out these other radiology resources:
