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Are you a radiologic technologist who wants to go back to school to specialize or get leadership positions? Consider an online radiologic technology degree. 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 of 2023
Read Our Methodology Here
#1 Most Affordable Online Radiology Technology Degrees
Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis
- Indianapolis, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $250
Out-of-State | $350
Credits to Graduate: 120
IUPUI's online bachelor's in medical imaging technology program helps certified medical imaging professionals advance their careers through part-time or full-time studies. The program focuses on building research skills and teaching medical imaging technology procedures using various modalities.
To be eligible, you must complete the two-year or four-year education requirements and pass the national certification exam. IUPUI accepts up to 64 transfer credits from a community college or 90 credits from a four-year institution.
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Most Affordable Online Radiology Technology Degrees
University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center
- Oklahoma City, OK
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $174
Out-of-State | $732
Credits to Graduate: 61
OU features an online bachelor's in medical imaging and radiation sciences for experienced clinicians with a credential in an imaging-related field. You can finish your degree in as few as 18 months or take up to 24-60 months. Over three semesters, you learn health management and law, clinical accreditation and regulation, ethics in film, and instrumentation and safety.
The program admits certified clinicians who hold an associate degree and have completed bachelor's-level general education credits with a minimum 2.5 GPA. There are spring and fall start dates.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
71%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Most Affordable Online Radiology Technology Degrees
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
- Carbondale, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
Avg. Cost per Year:
In-State | $9,638
Out-of-State | $9,368
Credits to Graduate: 120
SIU's online flexible radiologic sciences management education degree — with part-time options and no set class times — trains you for careers in management and education. You learn organizational behavior, problems in radiologic education and management, legal aspects, and teaching strategies. Upon graduating, you're eligible for the master's in radiologic sciences degree or careers in management and education.
The program accepts applicants who hold an associate degree from an accredited college. You also need a credential related to imaging sciences.
Percent Online Enrollment
38%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Most Affordable Online Radiology Technology Degrees
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Houston, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
Avg. Cost per Semester:
In-State | $2,300
Out-of-State | $8,400
Credits to Graduate: 46
MD Anderson features a two-year radiation therapy program that leads to a bachelor's degree with clinical rotations available in border states if you study online. The program functions mostly online with in-person laboratories, research activities, and clinical rotations at affiliations sites in Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. In addition to general education credits, you take courses in patient care in radiation oncology, diversity and cultural competency, radiobiology, medical law, and treatment planning and dosimetry.
The competitive admissions process requires that you complete prerequisites with a minimum 2.5 GPA, two 8-hour clinical site visits, and an interview. Applicants must also pass entrance exams.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
13%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Most Affordable Online Radiology Technology Degrees
Kent State University at Ashtabula
- Ashtabula, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (Radiation therapy concentration only)
Avg. Cost per Year:
In-State | $12,471
Out-of-State | $21,578
Credits to Graduate: 120
KSU's fully online bachelor's in radiologic technology program offers concentrations in computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Concentration courses train you in techniques and procedures to take sectional images of the human body in your chosen specialty. You also take courses in patient management, leadership in medical imaging, and research.
You can apply after completing general education credits and Kent Core courses. You also need an associate degree, national certification, and a minimum 2.75 GPA.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
64%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Most Affordable Online Radiology Technology Degrees
University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College
- Blue Ash, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $578
Out-of-State | $593
Credits to Graduate: 60
UC Blue Ash's online bachelor's in technical and applied studies degree lets you hone your healthcare leadership skills and graduate in two years. This program teaches you the communication and collaborative skills needed to pursue leadership roles in healthcare and offers career placement help. You take courses in team building, financial information for managers, leadership strategies, and complete an allied health internship.
You need an associate degree and a certification or license to apply. You can study part time or full time and choose from three start times. Part-time students can graduate in 10 semesters.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
99%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#7 Most Affordable Online Radiology Technology Degrees
Clarkson College
- Omaha, NE
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $651
Out-of-State | $651
Credits to Graduate: 125
At Clarkson College in Omaha, Nebraska, the bachelor's of medical imaging program emphasizes civic service activities with mandatory service courses. The program allows you to study part time or full time, graduating in about six semesters. You complete externships in pediatrics, CT, MRI, mammography, bone densitometry, vascular interventional, and cardiac interventional.
You can transfer up to 58 previous radiologic tech credits toward your degree. Clarkson College only accepts ARRT-registered technologists who have graduated from an accredited program in radiologic technology.
Percent Online Enrollment
94%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 Most Affordable Online Radiology Technology Degrees
La Roche University
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
Avg. Cost per Semester:
In-State | $15,980
Out-of-State | $15,980
Credits to Graduate: 120
La Roche offers associate and bachelor's radiology technology programs. After completing 67 credits, including 28 courses in radiologic technology and clinicals, you can continue toward an online or in-person bachelor's degree. The associate degree prepares you for the certification exam.
La Roche only admits nine students each year into the associate program. You must be 18 and have a high school diploma or GED certificate with a minimum 2.5 GPA to get accepted.
Percent Online Enrollment
56%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Why Get an Online Degree in Radiologic Technology?
- You can make an average of $22,000 more per year with a bachelor's degree in radiology technology than with an associate degree.
- Bachelor's degrees prepare you for leadership roles as a radiologic technologist.
- Bachelor's degrees offer 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 cost less and you can cut some of the fees associated with in-person learning.
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.
Associate vs. Bachelor's in Radiology Technology
| Associate Degree |
Bachelor's Degree |
- Programs require 70+ credits or about two years.
- Students learn the basics of patient care and radiologic technology.
- Associate degrees cost about $13,000-$43,000 less per year than bachelor's degrees.
|
- Programs require 120+ credits or about four years.
- Students can apply for leadership roles and specialize in one or more areas of radiologic imaging.
- Bachelor's degree holders make about $3 more an hour than those with associate degrees.
|
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.
The cheapest way to get a bachelor's degree in radiology technology is through a public school in your state. The average cost of this option is almost $25,000 less expensive per year than the most expensive option: a private school.
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 $60,000 per year, according to 2021 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Are radiology technologists in demand?
The BLS projects a 6% job growth for radiology technologists between 2021-2031. This equals 14,100 new jobs projected during that time period, which does not include the job openings from current radiology technologists leaving their positions.
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