Written by: Staff Writer
Last updated: May 2020
Pursuing an online accredited radiology technician program gives graduates the qualifications needed to pursue meaningful and lucrative roles in the field. Radiologic technologists create diagnostic images, including x-rays, that help healthcare professionals assess the need for additional procedures or medications. They can work with patients of all ages.
Finding affordable online radiology courses allows degree-seekers to meet educational requirements while balancing their personal and work lives. When looking for online radiology tech programs, learners should ensure they maintain proper accreditation. This helps with transferring credits and obtaining licensure/certification. View our ranking methodology and check out the top affordable radiology degrees for 2020.
What to Expect From an Affordable Online Bachelor's in Radiology Program
Affordable online radiology programs typically require 120 credits and take approximately four years of full-time study to complete. Many degrees offer internship components to help students learn practical skills before graduating. Common courses include digital imaging and informatics, management principles for imaging professionals, issues and trends in the imaging arena, and case studies in healthcare. Some programs allow students to select electives to individualize their degrees.
Most require individuals working as radiologic technicians to hold either licensure or certification. To receive credentials, each professional must possess a degree from an accredited program and pass an examination. Credentialing requirements vary by state, so interested students should contact their local board of licensing/certification to learn about specifics.
Featured Online Schools
Career Outlook for Radiologic Technologists
Radiologic technologists work in many different professional settings, including state, local, and private hospitals; medical and diagnostic laboratories; physician's offices; and outpatient care centers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that these professionals earned median annual salaries of $62,280 in 2019, while those in the top 10% of earners brought home salaries around $101,580 during the same period.
Outpatient care centers tend to offer the highest average salaries, while physicians' offices and hospitals offer the lowest. The BLS projects roles for radiologic technologists to grow by 9% from 2018-28, which is faster than the national average for all occupations.
Affordable Online Bachelor's in Radiology Programs 2020
1. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
This member of the University of Louisiana System has gained recognition for its student-centered associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. Its electronic campus division, eNSU, offers 40 affordable online programs with no additional fees for out-of-state students.
The radiologic technologist (RT) to bachelor of science in radiologic sciences (BSRS) degree provides an individualized plan of study to accommodate working technologists who hold American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification. The RT-to-BSRS program accepts up to 45 credits in transfer, enabling most distance learners to complete the online radiology degree within 18-24 months, taking 1-5 courses each semester.
Courses include cultural and ethical influences on healthcare, transition into professional radiologic sciences, sectional anatomy, and special imaging.
NSU has established articulation agreements with several Louisiana community colleges and universities to facilitate the transfer of credits from an associate degree to fulfill some requirements for the bachelor of science.
The BS in radiologic sciences is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Average Net Price: $10,448
2. Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
IUPUI grew out of the 1969 merger of the Purdue Indianapolis Extension Center and Indiana University at Indianapolis. This urban public research university enrolls over 29,000 students in 450 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
The university's online bachelor of science in medical imaging technology only admits certified professionals in radiography, radiation therapy, diagnostic medical sonography, or nuclear medicine. The program delivers fully online radiology courses using a consortial model with instructors from IUPUI, IU Kokomo, IU Northwest, and IU South Bend campuses.
This affordable online radiology degree, designed for working technologists who have already earned their associate degree, comprises 120 credits with a minimum of 30 credits completed through IUPUI.
Distance learners may attend full or part time and must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA throughout their studies. The curriculum focuses on medical imaging technology principles and procedures, anatomy and pathology, and research in medical imaging technology.
IUPUI is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Average Net Price: $9,371
3. Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health
Founded in 1891 in Omaha, Nebraska, this private nursing and healthcare college administers 42 certificate, undergraduate, and graduate degrees in affiliation with the Nebraska Methodist Health System.
NMC offers a bachelor of science in imaging sciences as an online degree-completion program for radiologic technologists who hold an associate degree and current American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) licenses. Depending on the number of transfer credits, this affordable radiology degree takes 18-24 months to complete.
The curriculum features coursework and clinical experiences that cover healthcare fundamentals, cross-sectional anatomy, applied statistics and research, and radiographic procedures and positioning labs. Distance learners specialize in computed tomography, mammography, or magnetic resonance imaging.
In addition to ARRT certification, each applicant must document a minimum 2.5 GPA in previous college-level courses and a composite ACT score of 20 or higher. The program also requires prospective students to complete an observational experience in a diagnostic radiology clinical setting.
NMC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Average Net Price: $24,802
4. East Tennessee State University
Established in 1911 as a training school for teachers, ETSU acquired university status in 1963. As part of the State University and Community College System of Tennessee, this public university offers affordable undergraduate and graduate programs at its main campus in Johnson City, along with satellite locations and online.
ETSU has created an online degree-completion program for licensed radiologic professionals seeking career advancement who already possess an associate of applied science degree. The bachelor of science in radiologic sciences requires 120 credits. Transfer students must complete 50 credits at a four-year college or university, and 25% of their total credits at ETSU.
In addition to fulfilling general education requirements, including coursework in anatomy and physiology, statistics, and psychology, each enrollee must complete 79 credits in major requirements. These courses explore healthcare management, patient information and assessment, radiographic procedures, and digital imaging.
The online radiology degree is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Average Net Price: $11,062
5. University of Louisiana at Monroe
ULM, as a part of the University of Louisiana System, enrolls over 9,000 students across five schools and colleges. This public university offers over 35 online degrees, charging the same tuition rate to out-of-state enrollees and Louisiana residents.
The university's fully online bachelor of science in radiologic technology provides a pathway for American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)-registered technologists to complete their degree. Unlike other bachelor programs that do not accept allied health courses from community colleges, this affordable online radiology degree accepts up to 38 credits based on coursework earned in an associate degree in radiology or allied health fields and ARRT certification.
The curriculum follows the registered technologist education plan, consisting of 11 core credits in radiologic technology, 14 electives, and a capstone course. Distance learners must complete a minimum of 30 credits through ULM in allied health professions and leadership, information management, radiographic pathology, and digital imaging.
The bachelor's in radiologic technology is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Average Net Price: $9,455
6. AdventHealth University
Founded by the Seventh Day Adventist church in 1913, Florida-based Adventist Health University has pioneered online healthcare education, establishing AHU Online in 2001. The university currently administers five online programs, including a bachelor of science in imaging science.
This online radiology degree offers an affordable and convenient degree-completion option for certified imaging technologists who possess an associate of science degree from Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology- or Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs-accredited program in radiography, radiologic technology, nuclear medicine, or diagnostic medical sonography.
Depending on the number of credits accepted in transfer, distance learners may finish all degree requirements in 18-24 months. Degree-seekers must complete 24 credits in general education requirements, 27 credits in cognate courses, 15 credits in core courses, and 12 hours in a specialty.
The program offers specialty tracks in imaging leadership, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, vascular interventional, and sonography.
AHU Online is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Average Net Price: $17,145
7. Missouri Southern State University
Sitting in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, this small, public university enrolls 5,000 students in more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs. The bachelor of science in health sciences, radiologic technology option at MSSU offers a traditional four-year degree and a degree-completion option. The pathways to health science credit option provides a convenient pathway to a bachelor's degree for working professionals who have already earned an associate degree in radiology and hold licensing.
The fully online degree requires a total of 120 credits, earned at MSSU or through transfer credits. The curriculum requires 57 radiology credits, including clinical experiences.
Courses include principles of radiographic exposure, medical terminology, radiographic positioning, image critique, and quality management in radiology.
MSSU keeps online tuition affordable, offering in-state tuition rates to distance learners from Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and many counties in Illinois.
The BS option in radiographic technology is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Average Net Price: $9,446
8. Midwestern State University
Founded in 1922 as Wichita Falls Junior College, MSU is one of four independent public universities in Texas. The university claims to offer the first distance education programs in radiologic sciences in the United States.
MSU currently offers a fully online bachelor of science in radiologic technology (BSRT) for entry-level students seeking ARRT certification, along with a bachelor of science in radiologic sciences (BSRS) degree-completion option for certified radiology professionals who have earned their associate degrees with cumulative 2.0 GPAs.
The BSRS program awards up to 42 credits to degree-completion students who have acquired valid professional certifications in radiology, nuclear medicine, or diagnostic medical sonography.
Both the BSRT and BSRS options require 120 credits. Students must take 73 credits in major coursework, including 12 credits in one of the following specialty tracks: computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, mammography, and quality management and administration.
The radiologic science programs are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Average Net Price: $10,395
9. Presentation College
Founded in 1951 in Aberdeen, South Dakota, this private, coeducational Catholic college offers professional-focused undergraduate and certificate programs in health and natural sciences, nursing, and social and behavioral sciences. PC began offering distance learning programs in 2000.
The fully online bachelor of science in radiologic technology prepares graduates for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam and provides a solid foundation for professional positions and advanced graduate study. PC also offers a degree-completion option for ARRT-certified radiologic technologists that awards 50 credits after students complete program progression requirements.
Distance learners complete the 123-credit online radiology degree in four semesters and one summer session, including 12 months of clinical experiences at locations in South Dakota and Minnesota. Each student must complete 68 credits in courses, such as medical terminology; radiologic procedures; and image formation, processing, and display.
The BS degree is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Average Net Price: $21,067
10. University of Iowa
As the oldest university in the state, UI is a public research institution with an enrollment of over 32,000 in 12 colleges. The Carver College of Medicine offers an online bachelor of science in radiation sciences, designed for radiologic technologists (RTs) and nuclear medicine technologists who seek a bachelor's degree as a pathway to career advancement.
The online RT-to-BS degree-completion option typically takes two years to finish, based on the acceptance of 60 credits from an associate degree and full-time attendance. Distance learners must earn a minimum of 30 credits through UI. The online radiology degree offers students the choice of three specialties: cardiovascular intervention, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, or a multi-modality plan.
This selective program only admits students who hold ARRT certifications and have earned an associate degree of science with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
The RT-to-BS program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Average Net Price: $15,817
11. Kettering College
Based in suburban Dayton, Ohio, this Seventh-day Adventist-sponsored private college awards undergraduate and graduate degrees in eight healthcare fields. Through its affiliation with the Kettering Medical Center, KC offers a bachelor of science in health sciences with certifications in advanced imaging.
Open only to working technologists who already possess an associate degree, this degree-completion program prepares graduates for advanced certification in either sectional or vascular imaging. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum 2.5 GPA from an accredited associate program and certification in radiologic technology, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, or sonography.
The curriculum for this online radiology degree integrates foundational courses in health sciences with advanced imagery certificates in computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, vascular interventional technology, and cardiovascular interventional technology. Students can focus on a specific modality or combine modalities to align with their career goals.
All advanced imaging modalities meet the structural educational requirements for ARRT certification and registration. KC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Average Net Price: $19,037
12. University of Southern Indiana
USI opened in 1965 as a regional campus of Indiana State University in Evansville and became a separate public state university in 1985.
As one of 12 academic programs administered by the college of nursing and health professions, the highly rated department of radiologic and imaging sciences and respiratory therapy offers an affordable radiology degree in a traditional track for first-year students, along with a degree-completion track for American Registry of Radiologic Technologists-credentialed radiologic technologists.
The traditional track takes four years to complete, including six clinical experiences. The degree-completion option, designed for working technologists who already possess an associate degree, requires 33 credits of advanced coursework in the major.
Students select a specialization in magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, clinical education, or radiology management. Distance learners may complete required clinical experiences at their current places of employment.
The bachelor of science in radiologic and imaging sciences is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Average Net Price: $12,587
13. Marian University
This coeducational Catholic university, founded by the Sisters of Saint Anthony in 1936, offers academic programs online and at its camps in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Marian's fully online bachelor of science in radiologic technology completion program provides a fast track for working radiologic technologists who have completed their associate degrees and licensing requirements.
This accelerated degree awards the equivalent of 60 upper-division credits for students who hold ARRT certification, enabling online learners to complete all degree requirements in two years. Degree-seekers can also pursue minors in business administration, marketing, management, healthcare administration, and psychology.
As one of Marian's MPath Flexible Programs, this online radiology degree features convenient points of entry throughout the academic year. The degree offers custom completion plans with courses delivered asynchronously in 7-week formats.
The BS in radiologic technology is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Average Net Price: $21,175
14. University of New Mexico
Established in 1962 in Albuquerque, the UNM school of medicine provides students with affordable healthcare education programs in fields like emergency medicine, dental hygiene, occupational therapy, and radiologic sciences.
UNM offers a bachelor of science degree-completion program in radiologic science online with full- and part-time study plans. This post-licensure degree, available only to students who already hold valid radiology certifications, accepts credits earned in associate radiology programs. Distance learners must complete at least 30 credits through UNM.
The program features two concentrations. The medical imaging specialty emphasizes computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, while the nuclear medicine concentration provides training in advanced diagnostic procedures.
Admission requires an associate degree in medical imaging with a cumulative 2.5 GPA or higher. Each applicant must be certified or eligible to complete certifications for radiographers, nuclear medicine technologists, radiation therapists, magnetic resonance imaging technologists, or sonographers.
The BS in radiologic science is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Average Net Price: $11,620
15. Oregon Institute of Technology
Oregon Tech, the only public institute of technology in the Pacific Northwest, offers in-demand degrees in applied technologies, applied sciences, engineering, healthcare, communication, and business.
The online bachelor of science in radiologic science, designed as a degree-completion program for credentialed professionals, builds on credits transferred from an associate degree and through American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification. Certified technologists may transfer up to 89 credits to fulfill degree requirements. Students must complete at least 45 credits through Oregon Tech to earn their degree.
The curriculum comprises 46 credits in general education and 46 credits in professional coursework that provides training in the advanced modalities of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, cardiovascular interventional technology, and mammography. Distance learners should hold a radiologic position or have access to a laboratory with imaging equipment for clinical experience.
Oregon Tech is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Average Net Price: $16,670
16. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
This Catholic college, established by the Sisters of Mercy in 1912 just outside of Portland, offers on-campus and online degrees in liberal arts and sciences, education, and business, and healthcare.
The online bachelor of science in radiologic science administration at SJC provides a flexible degree-completion pathway for working radiological technologists and clinicians who want to advance into leadership positions. Depending on the number of transfer credits, distance learners can take courses in four 12-week terms each year.
Students entering the program may receive up to 50 credits for prior clinical and general education courses earned through an accredited associate radiography degree.
The 128-credit degree integrates training in radiologic sciences with studies in healthcare administration. Each distance learner must complete 42 general education credits, 24 credits in radiologic sciences, and six electives. The curriculum requires a three-credit senior capstone project.
SJC is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Average Net Price: $27,221
17. Concordia University Wisconsin
Sponsored by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, CUW is one of the nine colleges and universities that make up the Concordia University System. Based in Mequon, the university currently enrolls 8,000 students in six academic divisions.
CUW offers more than 50 online degrees, including an affordable radiology degree designed solely for working professionals who hold the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification. The bachelor of science in radiologic technology completion program requires a total of 126 credits but accepts up to 84 credits in transfer from previous training.
Most students finish all degree requirements in 18 months. An academic advisor works with each incoming student to develop a plan of study and determine the exact number of credits accepted in transfer. The fully online degree offers flexible options to accommodate the needs of working technologists, with courses offered in 6-8 week terms.
The radiologic technology completion degree is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Average Net Price: $24,803
18. Weber State University
The school of radiologic sciences at Utah's WSU has offered certificate programs, associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in medical imagery fields for over fifty years. The bachelor of science in radiologic sciences features specialties in advanced radiologic sciences, diagnostic medical sonography, nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy.
The program offers a fully online independent study format open to working radiologic technologists seeking a bachelor's degree for career advancement. Applicants to this degree-completion track must already hold American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification and full-time employment in their modality.
Professionals who enter the program with certifications in more than one modality may receive credit for each area. Depending on the plan of study, coursework focuses on biology, anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology, radiation safety, and patient care.
The radiologic sciences program meets national professional standards established by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. WSU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Average Net Price: $10,951
19. Mt. San Antonio College
This public community college, located in Walnut, California, offers affordable tuition rates and transfer-friendly programs for students planning to enroll in four-year institutions after completing their associate degree.
Mt. SAC has partnered with Southern Illinois University to offer radiologic technology students a pathway to a bachelor of science in radiologic sciences education and management. Upon completion of the Mt. SAC associate of science degree in radiologic technology, graduates take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam and apply for admission to the Southern Illinois University program.
This fully online program, designed for ARRT-certified radiologic professionals, features specialties in radiologic technology, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance and computed tomography imaging, and radiology management/education.
Students transferring from Mt. SAC may also apply to the bachelor of science in healthcare management, which provides career training in healthcare administration and policy. This option combines online coursework with an in-person internship requirement.
Mt. SAC's radiology program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Average Net Price: $4,484
20. Colorado Mesa University
CMU offers liberal arts, professional, and technical programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. This regional public university provides several distance learning options for working professionals and returning students.
Students may choose from two online radiology programs: an entry-level bachelor of science in radiologic science degree (BSRS) that requires some in-person components, and a fully online bachelor of applied science in radiologic sciences (BAS RS) open to registered radiologic technologists.
The four-year BSRS program features courses in an online format and face-to-face classes at the CMU campus. The program prepares graduates for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certifying examination.
The entirely web-based BAS RS, for working radiology professionals with an associate degree in radiologic technology, provides distance learners with the opportunity to acquire additional certifications in magnetic resonance and computed tomography.
The radiologic sciences programs are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Average Net Price: $14,403
21. University of Missouri Columbia
The flagship of the four-campus University of Missouri System, this land-grant institution enrolls 30,000 students in over 300 academic programs. As a national leader in distance education, Mizzou offers more than 125 online degree programs.
The fully online bachelor of health science in clinical and diagnostic sciences with an emphasis in radiologic science only admits radiologists who have completed an American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certificate or associate degree program. The length of time to complete the 120-credit program depends on the number of credits previously earned, as transfer students typically need only 30 credits to finish their degree requirements.
Distance learners may pursue this affordable online radiology degree through both semester-based and self-paced classes. The online semester-based courses require the same specific start and end dates as on-campus courses. Self-paced classes provide the flexibility to start and finish anytime, taking from six weeks to six months.
This program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Average Net Price: $17,833
22. La Roche University
Formerly known as La Roche College, this Pennsylvania-based Catholic school's online bachelor of medical imaging degree-completion program prepares graduates for careers in radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, and sonography.
This program only admits registered technologists (RT) or registered diagnostic medical sonographers (RDMS). Program applicants should have completed up to 45 college credits in medical imaging science or hold current RT or RDMS certification.
Designed for working professionals, this affordable online radiology program accepts up to 90 transfer credits for previously earned college coursework and certification training, leaving only ten courses to complete through LaRoche University. The curriculum includes 21 credits in liberal arts and 21 in general electives. The health services component focuses on management and leadership in health services, healthcare policy, and finance in health services.
The medical imaging degree is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Average Net Price: $21,720
23. University of Cincinnati Blue Ash
The first regional college within the University of Cincinnati, UC Blue Ash currently serves an enrollment of approximately 5,000 in more than 50 degree and certificate programs. UC Blue Ash, recognized for its quality education at an affordable tuition, offers a web-based bachelor of radiation science technology degree.
Designed exclusively for nationally certified professionals who have earned an associate degree in medical imaging or radiation therapy, the program awards credits for previous educational experience in radiologic science and equivalent courses taken at accredited schools.
The 121-credit radiology degree delivers all coursework online, without any on-campus requirements. The degree-completion program offers students the opportunity to add to their certification by choosing a specialty clinical track in mammography or computed tomography. The curriculum features courses in applied administrative practices, ethical and leadership issues, imaging informatics and modalities, and healthcare delivery systems.
This BS in radiation science technology is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.