The 10 online schools below provide students with associate-level degrees in the subject of radiologic technology, as well as other medical diagnostic imaging programs and professions. The online Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science degrees are available in various areas of the discipline, such as sonography and polysomnography.
Students in any one of these programs will learn how to use healthcare technology to perform x-rays, sonograms, tomography, and more. Coursework in online radiologic technology focuses on oral and written communication skills and learning medical terminology in order to ensure that graduates work efficiently as a part of a healthcare team of technicians, nurses, doctors, surgeons, and others.
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Check out our “Things to Consider” section:
What degree do I need to work in Radiology?
In most all states, an associate degree is usually the requirement for working within the field of radiology.
Is there job security in radiology?
Yes, between 2019 and 2029, Radiology and MRI Technicians can expect a job growth rate of 7%, with an expected 16,800 potential jobs available.
What salary can I expect as a Radiologic or MRI Technician?
You can become a Radiologic Technologist or a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist with salaries of $60,510 and $73,410, respectively, as of May 2019.
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Quick Links
Best Online Schools for Associates in Radiologic Technology
METHODOLOGY: OnlineSchoolsCenter.com researchers/writers set forth strict standards when selecting schools for their rankings. The criteria utilized for the Best Online Associate Degrees in Radiology for 2021 included:
- An online Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science in Radiology, Radiologic Technology, or a similar field of medical diagnostic imaging,
- Radiologic Tech schools online that provide students with experiential learning and hands-on opportunities to use radiologic machinery,
- Online schools with notability among respected journalistic resources,
- Retention and graduation rates that reflect student satisfaction and commitment,
- Regional accreditation and/or programmatic accreditation,
- And excellent faculty members who bring a wealth of information to the online classroom related to radiologic technology.
For more information, please visit our Methodology Page.
THE COLLEGE OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
Radiologic Technology Associate’s Degree Online Completion Program
Program Standouts:
This online radiology school provides the only opportunity on this ranking for students to earn a degree completion. The coursework is designed for students who already have a Limited Radiology Certification and builds upon previously learned skills and knowledge. This is a rigorous yet highly successful program that provides students with all of the most crucial, industry-specific information available today. Students learn soft skills such as communication and problem-solving, as well as more intensive radiology skills. As a degree-completion program, there are now general education credit requirements, as they have already been obtained by applicants prior to entering the program. Graduates gain the radiologic technology training to work in trauma and operating rooms performing diagnostic imaging and advanced radiologic imaging. This program can be finished in just over a year when taken full-time.
Campus Location: Houston, TX
Accreditation:
- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
Coursework Sample:
- Radiographic Imaging and Physics
- Interpersonal Communication Skills
- Clinical Practicum I, II, and III
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate:81%
Graduation Rate: 43%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COLLEGE OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS’ ONLINE RADIOLOGY DEGREE
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STATE FAIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE
AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Program Standouts:
While not an online associate in radiology degree specifically, the State Fair Community College online Associate of Applied Science approaches a similar field—sonography. Diagnostic Medical Sonography does not use radiation, but the proper utilization of such machinery and the understanding of its components are very much alike. This program is well-suited to individuals who are scientifically and technologically gifted, and who can develop communication skills to work as a part of a healthcare team. The associate’s degree can be taken in two different concentrations. The Cardiac Track trains students to understand vascular and cardiac systems in particular, while General Track students learn more about sonography as a whole. This program prepares all students for the certification examinations required for Diagnostic Sonographers. Graduates can understand sonographic images, communicate results, and compile reports according to their findings.
Campus Location: Sedalia, MO
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Concentration Options:
- General Track
- Cardiac Track
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 62%
Graduation Rate: 31%
LEARN MORE ABOUT STATE FAIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE IN RADIOLOGY
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BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Associate of Science in Radiology Technology
Program Standouts:
Barton County Community College offers an online Associate’s Degree in Radiology Tech, which is a perfect fit for students who are skilled in the areas of computer science and technology, and who have an interest in healthcare. This major is an excellent entry into the complex world of radiology technology, and introduces students to performing such tasks as MRIs, computed tomography, mammograms, radiation therapy, and more! The program electives allow students to build a degree that suits their interests and skillsets. Individuals work with an advisor who can help them carefully select the right classes that pursue particular radiologic technologist specializations. As an Associate of Science degree, this program is well-suited to those who wish to continue their education in a four-year institution, rather than entering the workforce upon graduation.
Campus Location: Great Bend, KS
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Coursework Sample:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Principles of Phlebotomy
- Fundamentals of General Chemistry
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 59%
Graduation Rate: 32%
LEARN MORE ABOUT BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S RADIOLOGY DEGREE ONLINE
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MINNESOTA STATE COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE
AAS in Radiologic Technology
Program Standouts:
Minnesota State Community and Technical College’s radiology technician online degree is an Associate of Applied Science that approaches areas of diagnosis, treatment, and diagnostic medical imaging. Students will delve into the principles, standards, and ethics of radiologic technology, as well as all of the proper practices and communication techniques necessary in working directly with patients and healthcare staff. This well-accredited, professional program prepares students to enter into prominent, entry-level positions of employment in any applicable healthcare environment. Students learn from expert radiologic technology faculty members who have years of experience. The program website provides a wealth of information about this online radiologic technologist program from a well-known and popular online school.
Campus Location: Fergus Falls, MN
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
Coursework Sample:
- Principles of Radiobiology
- Radiographic Imaging
- Radiologic Technology Registry Review
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%
Graduation Rate: 36.1%
LEARN MORE ABOUT MINNESOTA STATE COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE’S ONLINE RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST PROGRAM
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INDIAN HILLS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
AAS in Radiology Technology
Program Standouts:
This radiology technician school online provides an excellent AAS degree in radiology that approaches all of the most critical areas of the discipline, from manipulating radiologic technologies to working with patients. The coursework includes topics in both standard and emergency radiologic imaging, and students will learn to work in high-pressure environments like emergency rooms and hospitals. Indian Hills Community College maintains outstanding job placement (100%) and examination pass (92%) rates, which is a sign of the superb quality of the curriculum. Graduates have high-levels of skill in working with radiologic machinery and are ready to take on positions of employment in any healthcare environment. Students have already made valuable networking contacts in their communities through the clinical and lab courses, and are ready to enter the profession.
Campus Location: Ottumwa, IA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
Coursework Sample:
- Radiographic Legal and ethical Aspects
- Computer Essentials
- Advanced Radiographic Procedures
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 57%
Graduation Rate: 36.3%
LEARN MORE ABOUT INDIAN HILLS COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ONLINE RADIOLOGY TECHNICIAN PROGRAM
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AMARILLO COLLEGE
AAS in Radiation Therapy
Program Standouts:
Amarillo College supplies distance education students with a Radiation Therapy Associate’s Degree Online, wherein experiential learning is a crucial part of students’ education. This is an Associate of Applied Science degree, which means that it is geared toward students entering the workforce upon graduation, rather than a bachelor’s degree program of some kind. Students exit Amarillo College with all fo the necessary knowledge to start a career in Radiology. Throughout the online radiology degree, students will learn how to use x-ray radiation technologies and work alongside a healthcare team of doctors, surgeons, and nurses. The curriculum is guaranteed to give students the information necessary to become radiology technicians, as well as other foundational knowledge in human anatomy, which makes for an incredibly well-rounded program.
Campus Location: Amarillo, TX
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
Coursework Sample: Sectional Anatomy for Medical Imaging
- Quality Assurance in Radiation Therapy
- Dosimetry I and II
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 27.9%
LEARN MORE ABOUT AMARILLO COLLEGE’S RADIATION THERAPY ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE ONLINE
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SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Radiologic Technology, AAS
Program Standouts:
At Southeast Community College, the online radiology associate’s students participate in clinical studies and lab classes in their local hospitals, clinics, or diagnostic imaging facilities. That way, they start networking in their own communities right away! The coursework in this online associate’s degree in radiology includes an emphasis on communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving while working in a team and as a leader. This degree program is well-accredited and has excellent recommendations from former online radiology students. As an Associate of Applied Science, there is a significant portion of the curriculum that is focused on job readiness and making sure that students are capable of obtaining entry-level positions of employment upon exiting the program. It is not intended for students seeking to further their education in a bachelor’s degree.
Campus Location: Milford, NE
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
Coursework Sample:
- Radiographic Physics I and II
- Imaging Procedures with Lab I and II
- Imaging Applications
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 62%
Graduation Rate: 34.4%
LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S RADIOLOGY TECH ONLINE ASSOCIATE DEGREE
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OREGON INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
AAS in Polysomnographic Technology
Program Standouts:
The Oregon Institute of Technology provides online students with a degree that is in the same healthcare field among online radiology technician programs. This degree, however, is focused on sleep studies. These professionals work with sleep patients in many healthcare settings and environments, such as clinics, hospitals, dental offices, and more. Students learn how to utilize sophisticated machinery, similar to those used in radiology degrees. They learn to compose reports and communicate results to colleagues. The coursework prepares students to take applicable certification examinations to become a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist through the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists. Oregon Tech’s online program was the first of its kind in the United States and continues to be the leader in sleep disorder education. Graduates from the program have a 95% pass rate for the national exam, which vastly exceeds the national average.
Campus Location: Klamath Falls, OR
Accreditation:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Coursework Sample:
- Physiology of Sleep
- Clinical Polysomnographic Technology A, B, and C
- Basic ECG Recognition and Testing
Acceptance Rate: 61.4%
Retention Rate: 79%
Graduation Rate: 62.2%
LEARN MORE ABOUT OREGON INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY’S ONLINE RADIOLOGIST DEGREE
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BALL STATE UNIVERSITY
Associate of Science in Radiography
Program Standouts:
Ball State University’s accredited radiology program online is offered as an Associate of Science in Radiography. These students get hands-on experience working with tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, mammography, and more! Supplied through the Department of Nutrition and Health Science, this radiography degree online pulls from numerous disciplines to create a well-rounded program. Students learn how to work with the machinery, with patients, and with other members of the healthcare delivery team. Other radiography responsibilities emphasized in this program include understanding safety requirements and procedures, patient care as well as basic nursing care, and writing radiographic reports that can be communicated to other healthcare professionals such as doctors and surgeons. Graduates from Ball State University have an excellent pass rate for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Radiography Credentialing Exam at almost 100%!
Campus Location: Muncie, IN
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
Coursework Sample:
- Introduction to Medical Imaging and Patient Care
- Radiographic Procedures
- Computed Tomography
Acceptance Rate: 62.1%
Retention Rate: 78%
Graduation Rate: 59.4%
LEARN MORE ABOUT BALL STATE UNIVERSITY’S RADIOGRAPHY ASSOCIATE DEGREE ONLINE
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GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Radiologic Technology Pathway, A.S.
Program Standouts:
At Georgia State University, online Associate in Radiologic Technology students completes their coursework in cooperation with one of two health science facilities—the DeKalb Medical School or the Grady Health System School—both of which specialize in radiologic technology. Georgia State students work with cutting edge technologies and experts in the field. The curriculum involves the study of x-rays for both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes, and individuals learn all of the most effective methods to do so. Students work in their local hospitals for clinical and experiential learning opportunities, many of whom then go on to obtain positions of employment at the same healthcare facility. Other graduates have gone on to work in diagnostic imaging centers, physicians’ offices, and extended care facilities. The coursework gives students all of the knowledge necessary to pass national exams in radiology.
Campus Location: Atlanta, GA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Coursework Sample:
- Radiographic Procedures
- Principles of Radiographic Imaging and Exposure
- Patient Care I, II, and III
Acceptance Rate: 69.8%
Retention Rate: 83%
Graduation Rate: 53.1%
LEARN MORE ABOUT GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE RAD TECH PROGRAM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How important is accreditation when choosing an Online Associate in Radiologic Technology degree program?
While traditional, brick-and-mortar schools are commonly picked by students seeking to earn an Associate in Radiologic Technology degree, distance learning is increasingly becoming the choice of students, particularly those who seek to complete their coursework while staying on top of their work and personal schedules.
A critical factor for choosing an online school offering an Associate in Radiologic Technology program is the school’s accreditation status. With an accredited online school, you can be sure of credit transferability and federal financial aid options. Most grants, loans, and scholarships are offered exclusively to students of accredited online schools.
Choose an online college or university that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and regional or national accrediting agencies. Regional or national accreditation also ensures that the online school consistently meets academic standards.
What are the duties of Radiologic Technologists?
As holders of an online Associate in Radiologic Technology degree, professionals are qualified to do these specific tasks at work:
- Operate and maintain imaging equipment and other computerized devices
- Follow imaging procedures for patients, including taking a patient’s medical history
- Provide patients with protective gear to ensure that only their parts for imaging are exposed and the rest are shielded
- Assist the patient during the imaging process
- Keep each patient’s record
Where do Associate in Radiologic Technologists usually work?
With fundamental training in radiologic technology, an online Associate in Radiologic Technology degree holders become entry-level practitioners in public and private hospitals, clinics, health care facilities, urgent care centers, and physicians’ offices. Roughly 59% of Radiologic Technology professionals are employed in hospitals.
To succeed in the workplace, what ideal qualities must entry-level Radiologic Technologists possess?
The work of Radiologic Technologists requires professionals to be detail-oriented so they get the physician’s instructions and the patient’s record right. They must have technical skills that enable them to operate complex machinery. Interpersonal skills are a must as well because they will be working closely with patients and fellow professionals.
Do Radiologic Technology jobs expose professionals to radiation?
Radiologic technologists use imaging equipment that exposes them to radiation. They also work in radiation areas. While the radiation-exposure is an apparent hazard that comes with the job, professionals are required to wear protective gear and shielding devices such as gloves and lead aprons that are provided by their employer. Radiologic technologists also wear badges to measure radiation levels and monitor their exposure to radiation.