Radiologic and MRI technologists play a vital role in healthcare settings. They operate X-ray, MRI, and other medical imaging devices to help doctors diagnose illness or injury. The career also requires strong interpersonal and communication skills, as professionals spend much of their day interacting with patients.
Starting a career as a radiologic or MRI technologist requires at least an associate degree. This degree meets your state's licensure or certification requirements, if applicable. The best online radiology tech programs also require clinical rotations, providing many opportunities for hands-on training.
Why Earn Your Radiology Tech Degree Online?
- Qualify for the same institutional financial aid as on-campus students.
- Save money by not paying for on-campus housing, transportation, or a meal plan.
- Complete in-person clinical rotations.
- Take online courses led by experts in the field.
Best Online Radiology Tech Programs
Why Accreditation Matters for Radiologic Technology
Accreditation matters for radiologic technology programs for many reasons. Degree-seekers attending a school without proper institutional accreditation do not qualify for federal grants and loans, even if their FAFSA results show financial need.
Beyond institutional accreditation, online radiology tech programs should also hold programmatic accreditation from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiology Technology (JRCERT). JRCERT assesses undergraduate and graduate programs on their:
- Accountability
- Institutional commitment
- Instructor quality
- Curriculum
- Health and safety guidelines
- Learning outcomes
Programs must renew their accreditation every 1.5-8 years.
Most colleges and universities feature a dedicated accreditation page on their website. Contact enrollment advisors if you cannot locate this information or have questions about accreditation.
What Do You Learn in Radiology Tech School?
Online radiology tech programs offer a core curriculum emphasizing:
- Human anatomy
- Medical terminology
- Applied radiographic technology
You may also take courses in allied health and equipment maintenance. These courses may require some in-person experience, such as labs you complete at a local community college.
You'll start clinical rotations once you complete most major courses. Rotations expose you to the career's day-to-day responsibilities. You'll also learn from professionals with many years of experience.
You round out your education with humanities and English courses. These courses fulfill your school's graduation requirements and prepare you to enroll in a bachelor's-completion program.
Specializations Within Radiology Tech
- Mammography
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Cardiac or vascular interventional radiography
- Nuclear medicine
Is an Online Radiology Tech Program Worth It?
$77,660
Median salary for radiologic techs (2024)
+4%
Projected job growth (2024-2034)
As of 2024, the median annual wage for radiologic techs is over $27,000 more than the median salary for all occupations. This figure suggests that associate in radiology technology programs offer a good return on investment (ROI). You can reduce the amount of time necessary to achieve a positive ROI on your education by attending an affordable in-state public college and applying for allied health scholarships.
Beyond salary, calculating your potential ROI also involves considering the projected growth rate for radiologic technologists. Four percent projected growth suggests a strong job market for recent graduates and experienced professionals.
You can boost your job hunt by focusing on employers hiring the largest number of radiologic technologists. Top industries include physicians' offices, hospitals, and diagnostic laboratories.