The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

A smiling woman with shoulder-length dark hair, wearing a black cardigan over a striped top, with a softly blurred natural background lit by warm sunlight.
Author: Kathleen Curtis
Kathleen Curtis is a researcher and writer with more than 75 articles published on EduMed. She's collaborated with dozens of college, career, and healthcare professionals on features across nursing, allied health, college success, and financial aid. Kathleen's work has been featured in Forbes, USA TODAY, and U.S. News & World Report. She holds a master's degree in history.
Areas of Expertise
Check HealthcareEditorialNursing
HealthcareEditorialNursing
Editor: Wes Ricketts
Wes Ricketts has created award-winning content in higher education and healthcare for nearly 20 years. He founded EduMed in 2018 to give future college students a go-to resource for information on degree programs in nursing and allied health. Wes’s research and writing interests include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as caregiving for loved ones with degenerative conditions. Wes holds a master’s degree in history from Western Washington University, where he also led workshops focused on historical research and longform writing skills.
Areas of Expertise
Check EditorialSenior CareDementia Care
EditorialSenior CareDementia Care

Online Radiology Tech Programs: Finding the Right School

Online rad tech programs give you the freedom to study where and when you want, while facilitating or providing the in-person experiences you need to enter the field. Programs typically take two years to complete and culminate in the ARRT exam. But how much do they cost? And how much will you earn after graduation? Let EduMed guide you through the process from start to finish.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

A smiling woman with shoulder-length dark hair, wearing a black cardigan over a striped top, with a softly blurred natural background lit by warm sunlight.
Author: Kathleen Curtis
Kathleen Curtis is a researcher and writer with more than 75 articles published on EduMed. She's collaborated with dozens of college, career, and healthcare professionals on features across nursing, allied health, college success, and financial aid. Kathleen's work has been featured in Forbes, USA TODAY, and U.S. News & World Report. She holds a master's degree in history.
Areas of Expertise
Check HealthcareEditorialNursing
HealthcareEditorialNursing
Editor: Wes Ricketts
Wes Ricketts has created award-winning content in higher education and healthcare for nearly 20 years. He founded EduMed in 2018 to give future college students a go-to resource for information on degree programs in nursing and allied health. Wes’s research and writing interests include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as caregiving for loved ones with degenerative conditions. Wes holds a master’s degree in history from Western Washington University, where he also led workshops focused on historical research and longform writing skills.
Areas of Expertise
Check EditorialSenior CareDementia Care
EditorialSenior CareDementia Care

FIND THE PROGRAM FOR YOU

  1. Take our quiz
  2. Match with schools
  3. Connect with favorites

Take our 4-step quiz to match with top schools in your field. Review options and connect with your favorites.

I want my
In

Before You Begin…

Before your rad tech journey begins, you need to weigh your options in a few important areas, including degree program length, financial aid, learning style, and occupational wants and needs. We’ve included five simple questions to help you get started.

  1. What is my career timeline? How long do I want to be in school before I start my career?
  2. Do I prefer a traditional in-person educational program, or can I handle independent online coursework?
  3. Do you prefer working with patients directly or working behind the scenes with medical imaging technology?
  4. Am I interested in working with various complex machines like MRI, CT scanners, and X-rays?
  5. Am I comfortable working in high-pressure environments where quick and accurate diagnoses are crucial?

How They Work: Online Radiology Tech Degree Profiles

If you’re just starting your rad tech journey, you have a wide range of programs to choose from. For example, associate degrees take two years to complete, and give students a solid foundation from which to grow. Bachelor’s degrees take four years and offer more in-depth topics and specializations.

Online learning has made earning a degree in radiologic sciences more convenient. Although hands-on work is required, most (if not all) academic courses can be taken fully online. To see how these hybrid rad tech programs work, review the school profiles below.

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 work alongside radiologists to create patient images. The Gwinnett 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 who may want to earn a bachelor’s degree later on.

FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:

Bachelor’s Degree in Radiographic Science – Lewis-Clark State College

Lewis-Clark State College offers an online bachelor’s degree in Radiographic Science 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 focuses on pre-professional courses and general education courses. The following years concentrate on 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 has 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.

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 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 $64,910 and the top ten percent earned $121,420 in 2024.

What state pays rad techs the most?

According to the BLS, the top-paying states for radiologic technologists and technicians are:

  1. California ($103,150)
  2. Massachusetts ($93,270)
  3. Hawai’i ($92,170)
  4. Oregon ($90,610)
  5. Washington ($89,910)

Radiology Program Cost Comparison

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, 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.

Radiologic Technologist 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 ExamsMany 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 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. To avoid having to retake the exam, ARRT has provided study guides to make sure you pass on your first try.

EduMed’s Best Online Radiology Tech Programs

As more colleges add online radiology tech programs, you may stress over picking the right one. Fortunately, 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.

# School Name Online Enrollment Tuition Students w/ Aid
1
1
66% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
75% Students w/ Aid
2
64% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
73% Students w/ Aid
3
72% Online Enrollment
$$$ Tuition
97% Students w/ Aid
4
4
59% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
70% Students w/ Aid
5
56% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
92% Students w/ Aid
6
40% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
69% Students w/ Aid
7
38% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
68% Students w/ Aid
8
27% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
86% Students w/ Aid
9
39% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
94% Students w/ Aid
10
35% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
71% Students w/ Aid

Salary & Career Outlook for Radiology Techs

Show entries
Search:
Area 10th Percentile Median 90th Percentile
U.S. $52,360 $77,660 $106,990
Alabama $39,470 $56,790 $79,060
Alaska $71,300 $85,870 $113,880
Arizona $60,580 $84,480 $106,270
Arkansas $40,030 $60,430 $82,060
California $63,300 $107,670 $164,550
Connecticut $65,450 $85,370 $122,130
Delaware $64,530 $84,570 $106,290
District of Columbia $70,680 $99,080 $120,960
Florida $50,080 $71,190 $92,910
Georgia $50,530 $67,270 $101,690
Hawaii $37,740 $99,670 $110,900
Idaho $45,030 $78,000 $97,450
Illinois $57,850 $77,890 $101,940
Indiana $54,190 $76,600 $95,070
Iowa $51,800 $64,350 $83,390
Kansas $50,840 $68,740 $94,970
Kentucky $47,700 $64,840 $84,080
Louisiana $49,050 $62,760 $80,870
Maine $57,390 $77,750 $100,010
Maryland $63,920 $79,630 $104,110
Massachusetts $64,030 $99,910 $128,990
Michigan $53,460 $68,480 $88,010
Minnesota $65,020 $80,960 $102,290
Mississippi $36,170 $53,340 $76,170
Missouri $50,400 $67,120 $93,270
Montana $53,940 $75,280 $91,020
Nebraska $53,590 $68,520 $94,190
Nevada $60,050 $88,120 $121,660
New Hampshire $62,190 $82,010 $102,480
New Jersey $67,620 $85,520 $105,440
New Mexico $53,980 $74,060 $101,280
New York $60,570 $91,520 $124,400
North Carolina $51,040 $67,150 $91,270
North Dakota $55,130 $63,850 $95,950
Ohio $49,300 $75,480 $93,710
Oklahoma $49,160 $66,610 $87,150
Oregon $70,350 $99,530 $120,680
Pennsylvania $52,280 $68,010 $94,470
Rhode Island $63,910 $84,630 $113,400
South Carolina $48,360 $65,100 $84,350
South Dakota $47,080 $66,320 $86,300
Tennessee $48,450 $63,940 $82,830
Texas $51,040 $76,800 $100,170
Utah $46,320 $80,080 $104,280
Vermont $62,480 $85,450 $108,940
Virginia $56,710 $79,670 $103,590
Washington $63,880 $93,920 $126,980
West Virginia $51,340 $66,780 $87,360
Wisconsin $60,320 $76,200 $96,270
Wyoming $55,550 $77,350 $102,590

Source: Radiologic Technologists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.


Show entries
Search:
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.

Kathleen Curtis AUTHOR

Kathleen Curtis is a researcher and writer with more than 75 articles published on EduMed. She's collaborated with dozens of college, career, and healthcare professionals on features across nursing, allied health, college success, and financial aid. Kathleen's work has been featured in Forbes, USA TODAY, and U.S. News & World Report. She holds a master's degree in history.

Read More About Kathleen Curtis

Wes Ricketts EDITOR

Wes Ricketts has created award-winning content in higher education and healthcare for nearly 20 years. He founded EduMed in 2018 to give future college students a go-to resource for information on degree programs in nursing and allied health. Wes’s research and writing interests include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as caregiving for loved ones with degenerative conditions. Wes holds a master’s degree in history from Western Washington University, where he also led workshops focused on historical research and longform writing skills.

Read More About Wes Ricketts
Logo of EDUMED, featuring a stylized graduation cap forming the letter 'M' in a monochromatic orange, with the rest of the letters in purple on a green background.
Privacy Settings

When you visit the EduMed website, we store cookies on your browser to collect information. This information may pertain to you, your preferences, or your device and is primarily used to ensure the site functions as expected and to deliver a more personalized experience. You can choose to disable certain types of cookies; however, this may affect your experience on the site and limit the services we can provide. Click on the different category headings to learn more and customize your settings. Please note that you cannot opt out of our First Party Strictly Necessary Cookies, as these are essential for the proper functioning of the website (e.g., displaying the cookie banner, remembering your preferences, logging into your account, redirecting upon logout, etc.).