Radiologic technologists operate various medical imaging procedures to help physicians diagnose the disease. The average annual wage of radio technologists is $59,260, with a job outlook of 9%. Thus, it is clear that radiologic tech is a lucrative career option.
After the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) made it compulsory for every radiologic tech to have at least an associate degree from an accredited agency, many radio techs enroll in on-campus and online radiologic tech programs.
For working professionals, online learning is more accessible because it allows the students to complete their coursework online and perform training at the nearest facilities approved by the institute. Since online programs are more flexible, more professionals are attracted to this way of learning.
As more universities and colleges add online radiologic tech programs to their programs list, students feel puzzled about choosing the best one.
Five most economical universities that offer these programs
The University of Louisiana at Monroe – Monroe, LA
- Program: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology
- Credits: 100-120
- Time Length: 2-3 years
- Cost: $400 per credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation by SACSCOC (school), JRCERT (program)
- Admission requirement: ARRT certification
Radio techs who already have ARRT certification can consider the University of Louisiana‘s BS program at Monroe. Admitted candidates receive 38 credits from certification that are counted in a BS degree. Of the remaining credits, 30 must be completed on-campus.
The coursework prepares the enrolled candidates for advanced radiographic work and managerial, administrative roles.
Northwestern State University of Louisiana – Natchitoches, LA
- Program: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology
- Credits: 75
- Time Length: 2-3 years
- Cost: $475 per credit for the first 9 credits, $100 for subsequent credits
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation by SACSCOC (school)
- Admission requirement: ARRT certification
The program is also for those with ARRT certification. The coursework will not train the students to be a radiologic tech. Instead, it covers general education courses. Still, some courses will be related to radiology.
➡LEARN MORE: Free Online Courses with Certificates
East Tennessee State University – Johnson City, TN
- Program: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic science
- Credits: 120
- Time Length: 2 years
- Cost: $19,343 of total program
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation by SACSCOC (school); JRCERT (program)
- Admission requirement: Associate degree
This program is for the radiologic tech who has an associate degree. This coursework helps practicing radio techs make more advancements in the field. Most of the prior degree credits also count in this program.
Students complete the remaining credits with coursework that includes anatomy, physiology, introduction to allied health, introduction to microbiology, and patient care and assessment.
Midwestern State University – Wichita Falls, TX
- Program: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic science
- Credits: 120
- Time Length: 2-3 years
- Cost: $4,690 per semester for resident); $5,665per semester for non-resident
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation by SACSCOC (school)
- Admission requirement: ARRT certification
This program is for the radiologic tech who has an ARRT certification or in the second year of the radiologic science program.
For registered technicians from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board, or the American Registry of Diagnostics Medical Sonography, 42 credits count in this program. The remaining credits will be completed with general education and radiology professional courses.
Minnesota State Community and Technical College – Fergus Falls, MN
- Program: Associate of Applied Science – Radiologic Technology
- Credits: 79
- Time Length: 2 years
- Cost: $199 per credit
- Accreditation by HLC (school) and JRCERT (program)
- Mode: partially online
This program by MSCTC is highly competitive and prepares the students for the ARRT certification exam. This program is specifically for those who want an associate degree and step into diagnostic medical imaging. The curriculum has both on-campus and online coursework.