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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:

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Author: Kathleen Curtis
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Kathleen Curtis Arrow up right
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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.
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Check Healthcare Education Editorial Nursing
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Editor: Wes Ricketts
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Wes Ricketts Arrow up right
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.
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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)

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.

Programs that might interest 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.

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.

School NameProgram TypeTuition & Fees
Oconee Fall Line Technical CollegeAAS$9,024
Owens Community CollegeAAS$23,075
Boise State UniversityBSRS$47,400
Midwestern State UniversityBSRT$55,200
Marian UniversityBSRT$60,000
University of TexasMSRS$9,450
Southern Illinois UniversityMSRS$16,884

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 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 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.

Salary & Career Outlook for Radiology Techs

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Area ↕︎ 10th Percentile ↕︎ Median ↕︎ 90th Percentile ↕︎
U.S. $55,980 $80,110 $118,660
Alabama $41,060 $60,700 $80,300
Alaska $74,210 $98,920 $126,860
Arizona $61,510 $89,200 $123,410
Arkansas $46,810 $63,640 $94,180
California $70,210 $121,260 $165,460
Colorado $63,270 $87,760 $111,730
Connecticut $68,070 $91,970 $122,760
Delaware $61,770 $84,210 $108,980
District of Columbia $59,130 $102,770 $128,120
Florida $51,390 $76,750 $99,020
Georgia $49,730 $74,550 $102,840
Hawaii $39,150 $101,700 $115,440
Idaho $60,540 $80,080 $103,580
Illinois $59,350 $79,930 $104,210
Indiana $51,090 $77,640 $99,580
Iowa $54,360 $65,930 $86,520
Kansas $50,940 $76,070 $98,320
Kentucky $51,740 $69,670 $99,170
Louisiana $50,030 $63,680 $82,830
Maine $62,210 $80,080 $102,640
Maryland $68,140 $85,890 $106,260
Massachusetts $75,350 $103,620 $131,940
Michigan $55,450 $76,420 $97,250
Minnesota $67,080 $83,400 $106,100
Mississippi $40,740 $59,300 $78,090
Missouri $50,810 $73,080 $97,150
Montana $55,750 $77,070 $91,650
Nebraska $54,410 $72,860 $98,300
Nevada $65,710 $82,910 $121,700
New Hampshire $64,620 $84,910 $106,370
New Jersey $71,770 $95,000 $118,410
New Mexico $59,560 $79,940 $104,120
New York $67,540 $98,470 $129,310
North Carolina $52,860 $74,450 $99,210
North Dakota $60,600 $67,790 $93,870
Ohio $60,360 $78,320 $98,450
Oklahoma $49,920 $74,160 $96,880
Oregon $70,760 $102,290 $124,810
Pennsylvania $56,430 $76,050 $97,740
Rhode Island $65,840 $85,330 $109,640
South Carolina $51,860 $69,600 $96,020
South Dakota $48,730 $65,240 $89,710
Tennessee $50,540 $64,630 $90,790
Texas $48,550 $78,630 $102,630
Utah $48,150 $81,000 $108,070
Vermont $66,960 $94,540 $125,230
Virginia $60,000 $80,670 $106,170
Washington $66,570 $102,090 $132,060
West Virginia $56,270 $74,150 $95,510
Wisconsin $61,870 $79,140 $99,420
Wyoming $56,750 $77,860 $104,790

Source: Radiologic Technologists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025

Data does not reflect school-specific information.

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Area ↕︎ Curr. Jobs ↕︎ Proj. Jobs ↕︎ New Jobs ↕︎ Growth % ↕︎ Avg. Ann. Openings ↕︎
United States 228,000 237,800 9,800 4.3% 12,900
Alabama 3,940 4,180 240 6.2% 230
Alaska 360 400 40 11% 20
Arizona 4,880 5,700 820 16.8% 350
Arkansas 2,250 2,520 270 12% 150
California 20,900 24,400 3,500 16.7% 1,510
Colorado 3,990 4,750 750 18.9% 300
Connecticut 2,780 2,940 170 6% 160
Delaware 610 700 90 14.2% 40
District of Columbia 530 560 30 6% 30
Florida 15,550 17,550 2,000 12.8% 1,040
Georgia 6,970 7,780 810 11.6% 460
Hawaii 740 790 50 6.5% 40
Idaho 1,420 1,720 300 21.4% 110
Illinois 7,910 8,650 740 9.4% 500
Indiana 5,330 5,500 170 3.2% 290
Iowa 2,740 2,980 240 8.7% 170
Kansas 2,240 2,290 50 2.1% 120
Kentucky 3,940 4,300 360 9.2% 250
Louisiana 3,730 3,770 30 0.9% 190
Maine 1,190 1,300 100 8.5% 70
Maryland 3,340 3,540 200 6% 200
Massachusetts 5,140 5,170 30 0.6% 270
Michigan 7,460 7,940 480 6.5% 440
Minnesota 4,420 4,760 340 7.7% 270
Mississippi 2,470 2,720 250 10% 160
Missouri 5,320 5,570 260 4.9% 300
Montana 940 1,020 70 7.7% 60
Nebraska 1,840 1,970 120 6.8% 110
Nevada 1,560 1,910 360 22.9% 120
New Hampshire 1,150 1,260 110 9.3% 70
New Jersey 6,500 7,180 680 10.4% 420
New Mexico 1,260 1,350 90 7.4% 80
New York 14,770 15,740 980 6.6% 880
North Carolina 8,320 9,070 750 9% 520
North Dakota 670 730 60 9.3% 40
Ohio 9,730 9,790 60 0.6% 500
Oklahoma 4,080 4,140 60 1.5% 220
Oregon 2,800 3,060 260 9.4% 180
Pennsylvania 9,300 9,520 230 2.5% 500
Rhode Island 870 890 20 2.7% 50
South Carolina 3,680 3,930 250 6.8% 220
South Dakota 1,000 1,120 120 11.9% 70
Tennessee 4,390 4,540 160 3.6% 240
Texas 18,990 22,360 3,370 17.7% 1,390
Utah 1,710 2,110 400 23.4% 140
Vermont 510 520 0 1% 30
Virginia 5,310 5,580 280 5.2% 310
Washington 4,280 4,920 650 15.2% 360
West Virginia 1,910 2,180 280 14.4% 130
Wisconsin 4,840 5,110 270 5.5% 280
Wyoming 460 510 50 11.9% 30

Source: Projections Central, 2024-2034

EduMed’s Best Online Radiology Tech Programs

About the Ranking
1
1

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Best for: hospital-connected students
Online Enrollment 80%
Avg. Net Price $13,134
2
2

University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne

Best for: hybrid learners
Online Enrollment 72%
Avg. Net Price $18,654
3
3

Valencia College

Best for: career changers
Online Enrollment 78%
Avg. Net Price $11,111
4
4

South College

Best for: self-paced learners
Online Enrollment 81%
Avg. Net Price $17,588
5
5

Stellar Career College

Best for: accelerated learners
Online Enrollment 100%
Avg. Net Price $25,959
6
6

Carl Sandburg College

Best for: online-only students
Online Enrollment 65%
Avg. Net Price $5,374
7
7

Northwest Career College

Best for: career-focused students
Online Enrollment 100%
Avg. Net Price $16,576
8
8

Concorde Career College-Aurora

Best for: part-time students
Online Enrollment 100%
Avg. Net Price $16,648
9
9

Howard College

Best for: accelerated learners
Online Enrollment 51%
Avg. Net Price $6,491
10
10

University of St Francis

Best for: clinical-first learners
Online Enrollment 64%
Avg. Net Price $14,045

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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
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