The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6,000 new radiologic technologist jobs by 2032, with median pay at $65,140. But if you search for a fully online radiology degree, you're going to hit a wall almost immediately—because accreditation standards and state clinical requirements mandate hands-on patient contact that no amount of video lectures can replace. That's not a reason to give up on the idea; it's a reason to understand exactly what you're signing up for before you pay a dime.
This guide breaks down what a radiology degree online actually looks like, which program types are legitimate, what they cost, and whether the career math works out in your favor.
What "Online" Actually Means for a Radiology Degree Online
No program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)—the body whose stamp of approval you need to sit for the ARRT certification exam—can be fully online. Period. Radiologic technology requires clinical rotations: real patients, real equipment, real radiation safety protocols. Most accredited AS programs mandate 1,800 or more supervised clinical hours.
What "online" legitimately means in this context:
- Didactic coursework online: anatomy, patient care, radiation physics, image analysis, positioning theory—all delivered asynchronously or via live video sessions.
- Simulated lab components online: some programs use virtual simulation software (like Clarius or Synapse 3D) for positioning practice before clinical placement.
- Clinical rotations local to you: the program arranges or approves affiliate sites (hospitals, imaging centers) near your home address. You do your hours there, not on campus.
The practical implication: you need to live within reasonable commuting distance of an approved clinical site. Programs usually list affiliate sites by state. If you're in a rural area with no nearby imaging center, this becomes a real logistical problem regardless of how "online" the program markets itself.
Types of Online Radiology Degree Programs
There are three distinct program types you'll encounter, and they serve very different student profiles.
Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology (Entry-Level)
This is the traditional pathway for someone entering the field with no prior credentials. Programs run 20–24 months, combine online theory with local clinical rotations, and qualify graduates to sit for the ARRT radiography (R) exam. Fully online associate programs are rare—most require some campus attendance for lab skills assessment. Institutions like Midwestern State University and Washburn University offer hybrid AS programs with online didactics, but confirm JRCERT accreditation before enrolling.
BS in Medical Imaging Sciences (Completion Programs)
These are designed for already-certified RTs (R), not people starting from scratch. If you've passed your ARRT exam and hold an RT credential, a BS completion program can be done almost entirely online in 12–24 months. The University of Arizona, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and Boise State University all offer this format. These programs focus on leadership, quality management, advanced imaging modalities, and healthcare administration—useful if you're angling for a supervisory or management role.
Advanced Modality Certificates (Stackable Credentials)
CT, MRI, mammography, and interventional radiology all have their own ARRT specialty exams. Post-primary certificates are available from accredited programs and can sometimes be completed with a heavier online component than entry-level degrees, since you already have demonstrated clinical competency. These don't replace a degree but add earning power: MRI specialists earn a median $77,000+ annually, versus $65,140 for general radiographers.
Accreditation and Certification: Non-Negotiables
This is where prospective students most often make expensive mistakes. Before you enroll anywhere, verify two things:
- JRCERT accreditation: Check the JRCERT directory at jrcert.org. Do not rely on the school's marketing copy. The program must be listed there with "accredited" status (not "candidate" or "applied").
- State licensure requirements: 39 states require radiologic technologists to hold a state license in addition to ARRT certification. Your clinical hours must be completed in your state for them to count toward licensure. An otherwise excellent program with no clinical affiliates in your state is functionally useless to you.
The ARRT itself is clear: to be eligible for the primary-pathway radiography exam, you must graduate from a JRCERT-accredited program. Programs accredited only by regional bodies (HLC, SACSCOC, etc.) don't meet this requirement, regardless of what their admissions reps tell you. Several for-profit institutions have marketed "online radiologic technology programs" that produce graduates who are ineligible to sit for ARRT. Don't be one of those graduates.
What Does an Online Radiology Degree Cost?
Costs vary significantly by program type:
- AS in Radiologic Technology (hybrid): Community college programs run $4,000–$12,000 total. Private institutions or for-profit schools charging $30,000–$50,000 for the same credential require serious scrutiny—check job placement rates and ARRT first-time pass rates before signing anything.
- BS completion programs: Typically $10,000–$20,000 total for 30–60 credit hours. University of Arizona's online program runs approximately $545/credit hour. Boise State's is around $350/credit hour for in-state students, more for out-of-state.
- Advanced modality certificates: $2,000–$8,000 depending on modality and institution.
Financial aid, including federal loans and Pell Grants, applies to accredited degree programs. Some employers—especially large hospital systems—offer tuition reimbursement for RT employees pursuing a BS completion. If you're already working in imaging, check your HR policy before self-funding.
One cost students consistently underestimate: the clinical phase. Even when the didactic component is online, you'll still pay for uniforms, dosimetry badges, background checks, drug screenings, CPR certification, and in many cases, liability insurance. Budget an extra $500–$1,500 for these.
Career Outcomes After Earning Your Radiology Degree Online
Here's the career math, based on BLS 2023 data:
- Radiologic technologist (general RT-R): $65,140 median. 10th percentile: $45,000. 90th percentile: $97,000.
- MRI technologist: $77,100 median. Adding the MRI specialty credential typically requires 1 year post-primary experience plus a specialty exam.
- Nuclear medicine technologist: $88,900 median. Separate degree/credential pathway.
- Radiation therapist: $89,530 median. Different program entirely (JRCERT-accredited radiation therapy programs, not radiography).
The entry-level RT role has a stable floor. Hospitals in high cost-of-living areas (California, New York, Washington state) consistently offer $85,000–$105,000 for experienced RTs, especially in specialty modalities. Travel RT positions—short-term hospital contracts—often pay $2,500–$4,000 per week, though benefits vary and the lifestyle isn't for everyone.
The BS completion degree by itself doesn't dramatically move your starting salary. Its value is supervisory—lead tech, imaging supervisor, and department manager roles consistently require or prefer the bachelor's credential, and those positions add $10,000–$20,000 annually over staff RT pay in most markets.
Top Courses to Build Radiology Knowledge
While full degree programs require enrollment in accredited institutions, online courses can build foundational knowledge before you start or fill gaps during your program. One worth noting:
Anatomy and Pathology in Dento-MaxilloFacial Radiology (DMFR) – The Art & Science of Good Reporting
An EDX course rated 8.5/10 covering imaging interpretation in the dento-maxillofacial region—useful for students rotating through dental or head-and-neck imaging and for any RT looking to understand the reporting side of radiology rather than just image acquisition. The emphasis on pattern recognition and pathology identification transfers to broader radiographic interpretation skills.
For foundational anatomy and physiology, Khan Academy's medical library and Coursera's healthcare specializations provide solid background before or during an AS program. These won't substitute for accredited clinical education, but students who arrive at clinical rotations with strong anatomy grounding consistently perform better on ARRT exams—first-time pass rates are tracked publicly by JRCERT and should be a selection criterion when comparing programs.
FAQ
Can I get a radiology degree completely online without any in-person requirements?
No accredited radiologic technology program can be 100% online. JRCERT accreditation—which is required for ARRT exam eligibility—mandates supervised clinical hours in real healthcare settings. Any program claiming to be fully online and still JRCERT-accredited is misrepresenting itself; verify directly on jrcert.org.
How long does it take to earn a radiology degree online?
An AS in Radiologic Technology takes 20–24 months full-time in a hybrid format. BS completion programs for already-certified RTs take 12–24 months depending on how many transfer credits apply. Part-time schedules extend both timelines. Accelerated options exist but are uncommon at the AS level due to clinical hour minimums.
What's the ARRT exam, and do I have to take it?
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) administers the national certification exam for radiologic technologists. Passing the primary-pathway exam (radiography) and meeting ethics requirements earns you the "R" credential (RT(R)). While some states don't require ARRT certification by law, most employers treat it as a de facto hiring requirement. Most states that issue RT licenses require ARRT certification as the basis for that license.
Is a radiology degree online worth it compared to a traditional campus program?
For the AS, the hybrid format is worth it if it's from a JRCERT-accredited program with clinical affiliates in your area. The didactic content is the same; you're saving commuting time to a campus, not avoiding clinical work. For BS completion, the fully online format is generally excellent—you already have clinical competency, and the coursework is management-focused content that translates well to online delivery.
What's the difference between radiologic technology and radiology?
Radiologists are physicians (MDs or DOs) who complete medical school, a diagnostic radiology residency (4 years post-MD), and often a fellowship. They interpret images and make diagnoses. Radiologic technologists (RTs) operate the equipment, position patients, acquire the images, and ensure image quality. They work under radiologist supervision. The degrees, timelines, and pay scales are entirely different. An "online radiology degree" in the context of this article refers to the technologist pathway, not the physician pathway.
Can I work as an RT while doing a BS completion program online?
Yes, and this is the intended design of most BS completion programs. They're structured for working RTs—asynchronous coursework, 8–16 week terms, and no additional clinical requirements since you're already ARRT-certified. Many students complete the degree while working full-time, using employer tuition reimbursement to offset costs.
Bottom Line
A radiology degree online is a real option if you go in with clear eyes: the "online" part covers theory and lecture, not the clinical hours that actually make you competent and certifiable. For someone entering the field, a JRCERT-accredited hybrid AS program is the right starting point—verify the program's ARRT first-time pass rate (JRCERT publishes this publicly) before committing. For credentialed RTs looking to move into supervisory roles, a BS completion program is worth the investment, and the fully-online format works well for that population.
The financial case is reasonable. Entry-level RT salaries are stable, specialty credentials add meaningful earnings, and the demand curve points upward for the next decade. What kills candidates isn't the online format—it's enrolling in programs that lack JRCERT accreditation or have no clinical affiliates in their state. Spend thirty minutes on jrcert.org before you spend tuition money anywhere.
