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:
Explore this page to determine whether this path is the right choice for you.
Check out the top-ranked online radiology tech programs, as well as our sponsored programs.
Request more information from schools you're interested in to find the best fit for you.
Top Online Radiologic Tech Programs
Best Online Radiologic Tech Programs
What Is Radiologic Technology?
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.
Why Should I Get an Online Radiologic Technology Degree?
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.
Reasons to Get Your Radiologic Technology Degree Online
Save time and money.
You don't need to relocate.
Avoid a commute to campus.
Study on your own schedule.
Fit school into your life.
Specialize in high-demand areas.
Is a Bachelor's in Radiologic Technology Worth It?
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.
Benefits of a Bachelor's in Radiologic Technology Degree
Improve patient care by contributing to accurate diagnoses.
Work in cool settings, like imaging centers, hospitals, emergency and operating rooms, critical care units, and labs.
Work with cutting-edge technology.
Specialize in a niche area you love.
Enjoy a competitive salary and roles that come with good employee benefits.
Get a hands-on job where you can stay active and work with people.
What Salary Can I Make With a Bachelor's in Radiologic Technology?
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), radiologic and MRI technologists earned a median annual salary of $78,980 in 2024. That's much more than the median annual salary of $49,500 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 $98,000.
How Much Does a Radiologic Technology Degree Cost?
Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Bachelor's Degree (2022-23)
Public Institution
$9,750
Private Institution
$35,248
Total Average Net Cost of Four Years of College
Public Institution
$54,880
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$106,080
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor's Degree in Radiologic Technology Online?
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.
Required Course Credits
120*
Field Study Requirements (Y/N)
Yes
*Depending on your program and specialization
What Can You Do With a Bachelor's in Radiologic Technology Degree?
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.
Everything Else You Need to Know About Online Radiologic Tech Programs
Yes. The BLS projects rad tech and MRI technologist jobs to grow by 6% from 2023-2033. BLS projections show that healthcare jobs in general will grow much faster than the average growth rate of 3% for all jobs.
