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.
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EduMed’s Best Online Radiology Tech Programs
Grayson College
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $1,603 Avg. Aid Amount
- 33% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Grayson College
- The Radiologic Technology dual credit program offers an extra point advantage for high school students applying, enhancing their acceptance chances into Grayson College’s program.
- Full or partial tuition waivers are available for dual credit students participating in free or reduced lunch programs, reducing financial barriers.
- The program includes a hybrid curriculum with online and face-to-face labs on campus, providing flexible learning combined with hands-on experience.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $1,603 Avg. Aid Amount
- 33% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
University of Mississippi
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $11,408 Avg. Aid Amount
- 68% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Mississippi
- The Radiologic Sciences program at UMMC offers an advanced standing bachelor's degree option fully online, allowing registered technologists to enhance their education part-time with flexibility.
- The program provides intensive, five-semester full-time study combining scholarly education and comprehensive clinical competency training to prepare students thoroughly for registration as radiologic technologists.
- UMMC’s Radiologic Sciences program emphasizes a scholarly environment focused on maximizing student potential in both technical knowledge and hands-on clinical skills within its School of Health Related Professions.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $11,408 Avg. Aid Amount
- 68% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $7,583 Avg. Aid Amount
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health
- The Methodist Radiology Tech program offers clinical education through multiple sites in Shelby and DeSoto counties, providing diverse hands-on experience in real healthcare environments.
- The program has established articulation agreements with Saint Joseph’s College of Maine and Arkansas State University, enabling students to seamlessly pursue Associate’s or Bachelor’s degrees after completion.
- All didactic education is conducted at Methodist Healthcare facilities, ensuring instruction by experienced healthcare professionals and direct exposure to current clinical practices.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $7,583 Avg. Aid Amount
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
University of Iowa
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $8,745 Avg. Aid Amount
- 74% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Iowa
- The Radiology Tech program offers five specialized online modality tracks—breast imaging, cardiovascular interventional, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or multi-modality—none of which require an internship, providing flexibility and convenience for working professionals.
- The program accepts transfer credits from prior radiologic technology or nuclear medicine certification, awarding 60 semester hours credit, significantly accelerating degree completion for certified technologists.
- Students benefit from optional practicum opportunities at University of Iowa Health Care, offering potential hands-on clinical experience with employer partnerships, though acceptance is not guaranteed.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $8,745 Avg. Aid Amount
- 74% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Bluefield State University
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $6,366 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Bluefield State University
- Bluefield State University’s Radiologic Technology program offers block credit of 38 semester hours toward an Associate of Science degree for registered technologists, facilitating faster completion for certified professionals.
- The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) with an 8-year accreditation award, ensuring high educational standards and eligibility for ARRT certification.
- Bluefield State’s Bachelor of Science in Imaging Science is offered 100% online, tailored for working professionals, with advanced certifications available through articulation agreements, supporting career advancement into supervisory and specialized imaging roles.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $6,366 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Midwestern State University
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $5,692 Avg. Aid Amount
- 46% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Midwestern State University
- The BSRS program offers online modality elective courses preparing students specifically for advanced registry exams in CT, MRI, and mammography.
- The entry-level BSRT program at MSU Texas has no TEAS or HESI exam requirement for admission, simplifying entry for qualified applicants.
- Faculty in the BSRT program demonstrate strong personal commitment to student success, providing individualized support throughout the educational journey.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $5,692 Avg. Aid Amount
- 46% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Boise State University
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $6,629 Avg. Aid Amount
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Boise State University
- Boise State’s Radiology Tech program offers 100% online coursework with clinical experiences available locally, allowing students to complete hands-on training near their homes.
- The program features expert faculty with advanced degrees and leadership roles in professional societies, ensuring high-quality instruction and professional networking opportunities.
- Boise State has received national recognition, ranking in the top 11% of online bachelor’s degrees and eighth nationally for online imaging sciences, enhancing graduate credibility and career prospects.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $6,629 Avg. Aid Amount
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $7,206 Avg. Aid Amount
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Louisiana at Monroe
- ULM's Radiologic Technology program guarantees 100% job placement for graduates within 12 months, demonstrating strong career support.
- Students gain diverse clinical experience through rotations at eight affiliate hospitals and private imaging centers, ensuring broad practical training.
- The program offers opportunities for advanced certification in specialized radiology fields such as MRI, mammography, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $7,206 Avg. Aid Amount
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
University of Southern Indiana
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,124 Avg. Aid Amount
- 50% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Southern Indiana
- The Radiologic Technology program at USI offers a 100% online degree completion format designed specifically for working adults, providing maximum flexibility to balance study with professional and personal responsibilities.
- Students may receive up to 51 semester hours of block credit for prior accredited radiologic or allied health certifications, accelerating degree completion and reducing overall cost and time.
- The program includes distinct specialty tracks like Clinical Education, Radiology Management, MRI, and CT, preparing graduates for advanced career opportunities and enhancing professional differentiation.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,124 Avg. Aid Amount
- 50% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $5,314 Avg. Aid Amount
- 45% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- The Radiology Tech program at NSU offers two distinct concentration options including the region's first Ultrasound program, allowing students to specialize in high-demand diagnostic imaging fields.
- Students benefit from strong statewide clinical partnerships and networking opportunities that facilitate hands-on experience and career connections essential for employment in healthcare settings.
- The program is affordable with flexible delivery formats and provides high-quality education that prepares graduates with professional skills employers value, supporting career readiness without financial burden.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $5,314 Avg. Aid Amount
- 45% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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:
- California ($103,150)
- Massachusetts ($93,270)
- Hawai’i ($92,170)
- Oregon ($90,610)
- 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.
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.
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 Name | Program Type | Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Oconee Fall Line Technical College | AAS | $9,024 |
| Owens Community College | AAS | $23,075 |
| Boise State University | BSRS | $47,400 |
| Midwestern State University | BSRT | $55,200 |
| Marian University | BSRT | $60,000 |
| University of Texas | MSRS | $9,450 |
| Southern Illinois University | MSRS | $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 Techs.
U.S.
$80,110
Alabama
$60,700
Alaska
$98,920
Arizona
$89,200
Arkansas
$63,640
California
$121,260
Colorado
$87,760
Connecticut
$91,970
Delaware
$84,210
District of Columbia
$102,770
Florida
$76,750
Georgia
$74,550
Hawaii
$101,700
Idaho
$80,080
Illinois
$79,930
Indiana
$77,640
Iowa
$65,930
Kansas
$76,070
Kentucky
$69,670
Louisiana
$63,680
Maine
$80,080
Maryland
$85,890
Massachusetts
$103,620
Michigan
$76,420
Minnesota
$83,400
Mississippi
$59,300
Missouri
$73,080
Montana
$77,070
Nebraska
$72,860
Nevada
$82,910
New Hampshire
$84,910
New Jersey
$95,000
New Mexico
$79,940
New York
$98,470
North Carolina
$74,450
North Dakota
$67,790
Ohio
$78,320
Oklahoma
$74,160
Oregon
$102,290
Pennsylvania
$76,050
Rhode Island
$85,330
South Carolina
$69,600
South Dakota
$65,240
Tennessee
$64,630
Texas
$78,630
Utah
$81,000
Vermont
$94,540
Virginia
$80,670
Washington
$102,090
West Virginia
$74,150
Wisconsin
$79,140
Wyoming
$77,860
Data reflects national numbers, not school-specific information.
United States
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virgin Islands
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Data reflects national numbers, not school-specific information.
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