Best Online Radiologic Technology Programs

You know what everyone says about radiologic technicians: They can really see through other people. Radiology technology is the best-kept secret of healthcare careers. Best of all? They don’t need to spend a single minute in med school. They don’t call it RAD tech for nothing.

If you’re ready for your own totally rad healthcare career, here’s how to get the ball rolling on a radiologic technology degree:

Radiology techs are the first line of defense in disease detection. They administer and interpret X-rays, CAT scans, MRI imaging, and other cool, high-tech diagnostic procedures. They also work closely with patients and physicians.

First, a radiology degree is a great way to get into the healthcare industry, where demand is high.

Second, a bachelor’s degree provides you with more specialized training, access to higher pay, and better career opportunities than you would have with just an associate degree.

Third, a bachelor’s in radiology technology sets you up for graduate programs or medical school if you want to become a radiologist.

An online radiologic tech program can be worth it if you’re looking for a way to land a secure healthcare job that doesn’t require an advanced degree.

Rad tech is a good career for people who prefer hands-on learning, like technology, enjoy working with people, and don’t want to sit at a computer all day.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), radiologic and MRI technologists earned a median annual salary of $73,410 in 2023. That’s much more than the median annual salary of $46,310 for all jobs in the U.S.

You can do even better with a four-year degree. A 2022 report from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists found that radiology professionals with a bachelor’s degree made about $7,000 more per year than those with an associate degree.

In March 2024, Payscale reported that professionals with a BS in radiologic technology made an average annual salary of $86,000.

Specific classes, concentrations, and requirements for radiology technology degrees vary by program. However, a typical online bachelor’s in radiology technology program requires 120 credits and takes about four years of full-time study to complete.

*Depending on your program and specialization

A radiology technology program prepares you for healthcare jobs that involve direct patient care. Common jobs in this field include radiology administrator, radiologic and MRI technologist, cardiovascular technician, and diagnostic medical sonographer. Radiology technology graduates work in hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, and physicians’ offices.

Some of these jobs are really cool. For example, as an MRI tech, you’ll get to inject patients with a special dye that the magnetic resonance imaging scanner can detect.

In all radiology tech careers, you’ll be the first stop for doctors who suspect disease in one of their patients and will play a crucial role in helping to figure out what’s wrong.

Yes. The BLS projects rad tech and MRI technologist jobs to grow by 6% from 2022-2032. BLS projections show that healthcare jobs in general will grow much faster than the average growth rate of 3% for all jobs.

One of the highest-paying roles for graduates with a bachelor’s in radiology technology is diagnostic medical sonographer. As of May 2023, the BLS reports that this profession earned a median annual salary of $84,470.

MRI technologists make a similar wage, earning a median annual salary of $83,740 in May 2023. The highest-earning technologists earn six-figure salaries.

In addition to general education and elective classes, you may take courses covering human anatomy, physiology, image creation, and radiation protection. Rad tech programs also provide practical, hands-on training in diagnostic medical image production.

Some radiology technology programs also include clinical practicums, capstones, and internships. These types of professional experiences let you apply theories to real-world situations.