Are you interested in a career in the radiology field? Are you a would-be or practicing radiologic technologist who wants to go back to school to specialize or prepare yourself for leadership positions? Consider an online bachelor's degree in radiologic technology. Online degrees allow you to create a flexible study schedule, so you can study around your work and earn a degree that prepares you for the next step in your career.
Find out more about the most affordable online radiology technology degrees, what you can do with them, and why you should get your bachelor's degree in radiology technology.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Most Affordable Online Radiology Technology Degrees
How We Rank Schools
At CollegeChoice, we use reliable data from trusted sources like the U.S. Department of Education to rank schools based on their academic quality, affordability, and return on investment. When determining a program's value, we consider metrics such as student debt, graduation rate, and average student earnings after enrolling. This ranking is from 2023. To learn more, review our ranking methodology.
Why Get an Online Degree in Radiologic Technology?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), radiologic technologists earn a median annual wage of $73,410. Technologists who hold bachelor's degrees are more likely to command a higher salary.
Bachelor's degrees prepare you for leadership roles in the radiology field.
Bachelor's degrees offer career specializations in mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology, and computed tomography (CT) scanning.
With an online degree program, you can study at your own pace and fit your schedule into your lifestyle.
Online degrees often cost less than traditional in-person programs.
What Can You Do With a Degree in Radiology Technology?
Thanks to the many diagnostic technologies available, you can pursue a variety of specialties and careers with an online radiology technology degree.
The most common diagnostic imaging includes mammograms, CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays. But there are also a variety of specific imaging tests for less common issues. With a number of these programs, you can select specific techniques to specialize in.
Radiologic technologists perform various tasks that involve interacting with patients and other healthcare workers. They position patients for accurate imaging, operate the machinery, and provide proper documentation for doctors.
What Online Radiology Technology Degree Should You Get?
While radiologic technologists only need an associate degree to begin working in the field, to have the highest earning potential, you might want to consider earning a bachelor's degree. Plus, many states also require licensure or certification for radiologic technologist jobs.
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How Much Does a Degree in Radiology Technology Cost?
The cost of your radiology technology degree depends on whether you get an associate or bachelor's degree, whether you apply for in-state tuition, and whether your school is public or private.
Typically, the least-expensive way to enter this field is with a two-year associate degree. For bachelor's degrees, in-state public schools tend to offer the most affordable options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Degrees in Radiologic Technology
What are the highest-paying jobs for radiology technologists?
The highest-paying jobs for radiology technologists are in the federal government, outpatient care centers, medical and diagnostic laboratories, federal, state, and local hospitals, and physicians' offices.
What's the difference between radiology technology vs. nursing?
The main difference between radiology technology and nursing is that radiologic technologists perform X-ray and diagnostic imaging exams on patients. Nurses can help with diagnostic exams, but they have more responsibilities and a larger scope of practice.
Nurses collaborate with other healthcare professionals to create and implement a care plan, give medications and treatments, and report changes in the patient to the rest of the healthcare team.
Is becoming a radiology technologist worth it?
Becoming a radiologic technologist could be worth it if you want a relatively quick way to enter the healthcare field. As a radiologic technologist, you can find opportunities for advancement and specialization and earn over $70,000 per year, according to current BLS.
Are radiology technologists in demand?
Yes. The BLS projects a 6% annual job growth for radiology technologists between 2022-2032. This equals 15,400 new jobs projected during that time period.
