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 2023) reported that there were 221,170 radiologic technologists earning an average annual wage of $75,250, a generous wage considering that this career typically requires only two years of postsecondary education. Also, according to the BLS (2024), there was expected to be a 5 percent increase in positions for radiologic technologists between 2022 and 2032—an addition of 12,200 jobs—which is faster than the BLS’s average growth anticipated across all U.S. occupations during that time period (3 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 and other relevant information.
Admissions Requirements for Online Radiologic Technologist Programs
The requirements for admission to an online radiologic technologist program mirror those of their on-campus counterparts. Derived from real online RT programs, applicants are typically expected to submit the following:
- 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 will be required to complete clinical hours in a healthcare setting, where they will learn the discipline’s hands-on applications.
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 programs below, 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 clinicals at pre-approved hospitals outside Lincoln and will take their courses online.
The program, which is 68.5 credits long, includes courses such as principles of patient care, imaging procedures, radiographic physics, advanced imaging, radiographic pathology, 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
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.
The program, which comprises 78 credits, 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
Indian Hills Community College
This school provides a two-year hybrid associate of applied science degree program in radiologic technology, with only the second year 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.
The program, which consists of 83 credits, 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
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.
This associate degree program, divided into two phases, is offered in cooperation with IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and can be completed in 26 months. The first phase 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.
The program’s curriculum, which requires 60 credits, includes courses such as radiographic procedures, an introduction to medical imaging and patient care, radiographic principles, clinical radiography, fundamentals of 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
The Department of Clinical Sciences at Georgia Southern University’s Waters College of Health Professions offers an online radiologic sciences bridge program. This is a degree completion program for radiation therapists, radiographers, nuclear medicine, and sonography technologists. If students are certified by credentialing agencies such as ARRT, NMTCB, CCI, or ARDMS, then they may qualify to complete a bachelor of science in radiologic sciences degree. Georgia Southern University offers a wide variety of mechanisms for therapists, sonographers, and technologists to advance professionally.
The bridge program has two track options: clinical track and non-clinical track. The non-clinical track is fully online, while the clinical track is composed of didactic classwork (which is fully online) and a clinical education component (which must be completed at an accredited healthcare organization).
Courses include research methodologies; introduction to research in health professions; radiologic sciences; advanced imaging modalities; clinical writing for the health professions; clinical writing for the health professions; and management of health information.
- Location: Savannah, GA
- 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
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 are currently working as 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. The program requires 120 credits and includes courses such as healthcare informatics, emergency preparedness, leadership in healthcare administration, aging in America, aging policy and politics, aging, spirituality, and senior health care, and legal aspects of healthcare administration. Students must also 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
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 explore 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
Santa Fe College offers a hybrid associate of science program in radiography that 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 who are proficient in all facets of radiography and highly adaptable to changing technology. Graduates will receive the required entry-level skills to perform quality radiologic procedures and provide patients with the best possible care.
The program, which is made up of 77 credits, includes courses such as radiologic technology and patient care, radiographic techniques, 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: 20 months
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
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 complete a professional capstone project. The program, which comprises 120 credits, includes courses such as advanced sectional anatomy, patient information and management, critical thinking, introduction to evidence-based practice, healthcare 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: 16 to 48 months
