Radiologic Technologist Schools - Radiology Tech Programs (2024)

Programs in Radiologic Technology

Most radiologic technology programs lead to two-year associate degrees, although some lead to a bachelor’s degree. To become credentialed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)—the predominant credentialing agency in the field—a person must have at least an associate degree from an accredited institution. Please reference the “Accreditation” section for more information on this program approval process.

According to the ARRT, more than 75 percent of American states have laws governing the practice of radiologic technology. Also, ARRT’s exams are used in 35 states for regional licensure including populous states such as California, New York, and Texas. For all aspiring radiologic technologists, it’s crucial to verify regional requirements before planning for licensure. Please check out the “Licensing & Certification” section to learn more about professional credentialing.

Programs and curriculum can vary by state or institution, but all radiologic technologist schools generally feature a combination of didactic coursework and hands-on lab work, as well as supervised clinical experiences.

Associate vs. Bachelor’s Degree in Radiologic Technology

Beginning January 1, 2015, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) began requiring the completion of an accredited educational program (e.g., associate, bachelor’s, or graduate-level) to qualify a person for professional certification. The ARRT recognizes that a four-year bachelor’s degree requires more in-depth coursework and clinical training, and therefore may enhance a person’s earning potential or employment prospects.

Bachelor’s programs may give students more advanced training in specific techniques or technologies such as radiation therapy, MRI, ultrasound, CT, mammography, angiography, or nuclear medicine. Additionally, a bachelor’s degree is necessary for those seeking to enter medical school and become radiologists.

Admissions Requirements for Radiologic Technology School

To be accepted into radiologic technologist school, admissions committees typically call for official secondary school transcripts, a personal statement, a completed application, and a fee. Students may also need to complete specific prerequisite classes (e.g., biology), a physical exam, a background check, or a test (e.g., TOEFL for non-native speakers of English).

Associate Degrees in Radiologic Technology

Bellevue College

Bellevue College, based in Bellevue, WA, offers an associate in arts (AA) degree in radiologic technology that involves eight quarters of classroom work and clinical experiences. During the program, students will acquire over 1,800 hours of clinical education and gain extensive experience at a local premier healthcare facility.

Courses include an introduction to radiologic technology, positioning & related anatomy, principles of radiographic exposure, patient care in radiology, medical terminology, radiographic physics, and advanced radiographic procedures. Students must maintain at least a C in all courses to earn the degree and students should be prepared to sit for the ARRT exam upon completion.

Students may later apply their associate degree toward a bachelor’s of science (BS) in radiation & imaging sciences at the school. A certificate of completion to work as an imaging aide is another education option available at the school.

• Location: Bellevue, WA
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Expected Time to Completion: 23 months
• Estimated Tuition: Resident ($123.58 per credit); non-resident ($317.95 per credit)

Tarrant County College

Tarrant County College, based in Fort Worth, TX, offers an associate of applied science (AAS) degree in radiology technology which is a two-year program with selective admission. Students in this program will be using computerized equipment for producing images of human anatomy, pathology, and physiology. The faculty of the program include caring, dedicated, and knowledgeable professionals who have several years of teaching and clinical experience.

Comprising 64 credits, the program includes courses such as introduction to radiography, basic radiographic procedures, essentials of medical terminology, intermediate radiographic procedures, radiographic imaging equipment, advanced medical imaging, and radiation biology & protection, as well as several clinical practicums.

Clinical hours are required and students must meet pre-screening requirements before participating. To even be considered for admission, two prerequisite coursework in anatomy and physiology need to be completed.

• Location: Fort Worth, TX
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
• Estimated Tuition: $4,096 total

Chaffey College

Chaffey College, based in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, offers an associate degree program that features 105 units of training providing concurrent clinical education to students at facilities that are affiliated with the college. Clinical education includes operating x-ray equipment, processing and exposing the image, positioning of patients & patient care, and applying protective shields.

Chaffey has classes such as anatomy for radiologic positioning, radiographic pathology, human anatomy, human physiology, patient care for radiologic technologists, radiologic science and protection, radiographic imaging, and pharmacology & venipuncture for imaging professionals. The program prepares students for the ARRT board exam

Applicants to the program need to be in good physical health and are required to complete a health examination beforehand. Students also must have completed two biology courses in the five years before enrollment to be eligible for admission.

Graduates of the program can take up roles such as radiologic technologists and technicians, health information technologists, surgical assistants, medical records specialists, medical dosimetrists, and radiation therapists.

• Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JCERT); Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
• Estimated Tuition: $46 per unit

Foothill College

Foothill College, based in Los Altos, CA, offers a 23-month associate degree in radiologic technology. Graduates of this program will gain entry-level competency skills following state and national regulatory agencies and will be able to implement radiation safety for their patients, themselves, and others.

Students start in the summer of their first year and work through eight terms, finishing up in the spring of their second year. In their second year, they are required to complete three practicums and learn about professional development in radiology. Instruction includes lectures, on-campus labs, and supervised hands-on learning experiences.

Made up of 118.5 units, the curriculum includes courses such as introduction to allied health programs, orientation to radiologic technology, fundamentals of radiologic technology, applied radiographic technology, principles of radiologic technology, law & ethics in medical imaging, radiographic pathology, and fluoroscopy. Students should be prepared to take the ARRT test upon graduation and to seek California state licensure.

Graduates of the program will be well-equipped to work in hospitals, imaging centers, health care facilities, physician offices, and mobile imaging companies.

• Location: Los Altos, CA
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), and the California Department of Public Health, Radiation Health Branch (RHB); ACCJC
• Expected Time to Completion: 23 months
• Estimated Tuition: $5,200 total

Greenville Technical College

Greenville Technical College, based in Greenville, SC, offers an associate program in radiologic technology program that comprises of two phases. The first phase requires students to complete all general education coursework, while the second phase includes specialized radiologic technology coursework. The clinical assignments are completed during the second phase and students may be required to work evenings or weekends. Please note that admission into the first phase of the program does not guarantee admission into the second phase.

Consisting of 82 credits, the curriculum includes courses such as medical terminology, anatomy & physiology, introduction to radiography, radiographic procedures, radiographic imaging fundamentals, radiation biology, and radiographic pathology.

Upon completion of the program, students are generally eligible to sit for the ARRT exam. Graduates will be well prepared to become entry-level radiologic technologists or radiologic technicians developing skills in patient-centered care, professional behavior, clinical competence, and effective communication.

• Location: Greenville, SC
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
• Estimated Tuition: In-county ($328 per credit); out-of-county ($353 per credit); out-of-state ($538 per credit)

Metropolitan Community College

Metropolitan Community College, based in Kansas City, Missouri, offers an associate of applied science (AAS) in radiologic technology preparing students for entry-level employment in the diagnostic radiologic technology health care community.

Comprising 78 to 88 credits, the program has classes such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, fundamentals of radiologic technology, principles of radiographic imaging, radiation physics and equipment, digital image acquisition, and cross-sectional anatomy.

Students need to receive a C or better in all their coursework and may be required to travel outside the Kansas City area to complete some of their clinical mentorships. The program prepares students to sit for the ARRT exam upon completion.

• Location: Kansas City, Missouri
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT); HLC
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
• Estimated Tuition: In-district ($121 per credit); out-of-district ($237 per credit); out-of-state ($320 per credit)

Bachelor’s Degrees in Radiologic Technology

University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana (USI) of Evansville provides a bachelor’s degree in radiologic and imaging sciences providing students with advanced knowledge, innovative technologies, and required skills needed for becoming successful radiologic technologists. The program prepares graduates to function effectively as entry-level radiographers.

As part of the program, students will delve into topics such as radiographic exposure, CT-MRI physics & instrumentation, introduction to invasive imaging procedures, radiation biology, radiographic pathology, digital radiography & imaging informatics, and professional development and literacy in imaging sciences.

On successful completion of the program, graduates can take up opportunities at hospitals, outpatient clinics, physicians offices, and other health services facilities. Areas for advancement include ultrasound, radiation therapy, mammography, computed tomography, nuclear medicine, angiography, and magnetic resonance imaging.

• Location: Evansville, IN
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
• Expected Time to Completion: 48 months
• Estimated Tuition: Indiana resident ($280.51 per credit); non-resident ($681.99 per credit)

University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill (UNC) offers a bachelor of science (BS) in radiologic science preparing students to practice effectively and competently as medical imaging professionals in diverse healthcare environments. Students will have the option to choose between the diagnostic medical sonography concentration (DMS) or the diagnostic & interventional radiology concentration (DIR).

With broad-based training in medical imaging, UNC has units in cardiac catheterization studies, vascular imaging, orthopedics, and pediatrics. Specific classes include pathophysiology, leadership in radiologic science, clinical decisions in radiology, research in radiologic science, obstetrics and gynecology sonography, ultrasound principles and instrumentation, and abdominal sonography.

At the end of the program, graduates may be eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).

• Location: Chapel Hill, NC
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
• Expected Time to Completion: 48 months
• Estimated Tuition: NC resident ($34,932); non-resident ($62,325)

Overall, pursuing a bachelor’s degree can augment a student’s preparation in various aspects of radiologic practice, and even prepare a person for one of ARRT’s specialty certifications in areas such as cardiac-interventional radiography, mammography, or vascular sonography, to name a few.

If the ARRT trend continues toward requiring more advanced educational preparation to qualify for professional credentialing, it’s possible that RT certification may someday require a four-year degree.

List of Radiologic Technologist Schools

'20-'21 School Data from IPEDS (Sourced in September, 2023)

Online Programs in Radiologic Technology

While there’s a wealth of accredited educational programs across the country, for students located in more rural regions or with temporal constraints, enrolling in an online or hybrid (i.e., blended online and on-campus) program may be preferable. These flexible programs typically involve the completion of online classes and in-person clinical practicums at approved facilities near a student’s home.

Please note that due to state-based restrictions on distance-based education, residents from some states may not be authorized to receive online instruction from another state. Be sure to ask coordinators of online programs about the school’s “state authorization” status.

For students seeking this convenient learning format, here are some online or hybrid radiologic technologist schools:

Indian Hills Community College

Indian Hills Community College’s hybrid two-year associate program in radiologic technology offers online learning during the second year. Students in this program will demonstrate clinical competence as radiologic technologists, develop communication skills, and possess problem-solving and critical thinking skills. After graduating, students are eligible to sit for the ARRT exam. Between 2016 and 2020, the five-year passing rate among students was an impressive 96 percent.

Comprising 83 credits, the program includes courses such as human anatomy, medical terminology, radiology & medical imaging, positioning & film critique, human physiology, introduction to psychology, diagnostic imaging protection, and radiographic legal and ethical aspects.

To get accepted into the program, prospective students must submit a completed application, a high school transcript or its equivalent, college transcripts, and take one of the following tests: (ACT, SAT, or Accuplacer). Students must pass a criminal background check, drug screen, provide physical and immunization records.

• Location: Ottumwa, Iowa
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT); Higher Learning Commission of Colleges and Schools and a member of the North Central Association
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
• Estimated Tuition: $19,456 total

Southeast Community College

Southeast Community College’s two-year program includes a track for clinical coursework to be completed in Lincoln, but the didactic portion may be learned online or in the classroom. The program helps students develop necessary skills and prepares them to take the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologist) Exam and apply for state licensure where they choose to work. Between 2015 and 2019, the five-year passing rate among students was 84 percent.

The program consists of 68 credits including coursework in principles of patient care, imaging procedures, radiographic physics, advanced imaging, pathology for radiographers, radiation biology, and imaging applications. Students must maintain at least a C+ in all of their program courses and those pursuing the online option must attend a multi-day workshop at the Lincoln campus at their own expense.

• Location: Lincoln, NE
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT); Higher Learning Commission
• Expected Time to Completion: four semesters
• Estimated Tuition: $10,289.50 total

College of Health Care Professions

The College of Health Care Professions offers an online Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology educating and preparing students in performing radiographic examinations, providing quality patient care, and assisting the radiologist with diagnostic procedures. The program prepares students for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification exam in Radiography.

Comprising eight modules, the program includes courses such as radiographic imaging and physics, patient care and pharmacology, advanced positioning and anatomy, radiology pathology, fluoroscopy, and introduction to psychology.

Graduates of the program have several job opportunities as entry-level radiologic technologists in areas such as interventional radiology, radiation therapy, mammography, nuclear medicine, magnetic resonance imaging, and travel radiologic technologist.

• Location: Houston, TX
• Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
• Expected Time to Completion: 58 weeks
• Estimated Tuition: $25,300

St. Joseph’s College

St. Joseph’s College’s online bachelor of science (BS) in radiologic science administration program may be ideal to advance the careers of aspiring leaders in the field. The program provides students with the management expertise and related knowledge and skills needed for becoming leaders of their departments.

This flexible online program does not require on-campus residencies. The faculty of the program includes experienced professionals who have real-world practical experience in health administration.

The program consists of 120 credits. Designed to prepare supervisors and educators, this unique online program has classes in human resource management, ethics in health administration, healthcare informatics, introduction to long-term care administration, legal aspects of healthcare administration, emergency preparedness, and quality in healthcare administration. SJC also offers the option to “fast track” to a master of health administration degree program.

The program prepares professionals for opportunities in outpatient medical centers, physician offices, digital imaging system manufacturers, and research centers.

• Location: Standish, ME
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: 48 months
• Estimated Tuition: $378 per credit hour

Oregon Tech Online

Oregon Tech Online offers another online bachelor of science degree. Oregon Tech’s distance-based program focuses more on the practice of radiologic science (as opposed to the administration). It integrates radiology with basic medical science courses allowing students to complete the program entirely online without ever coming to the campus.

The program provides advanced instruction in patient care, physics of medical imaging, radiographic positioning, contrast media procedures, imaging techniques, radiation protection, equipment operation & maintenance, and a hands-on radiographic science externship at an approved facility. Please note that students must already be ARRT registered radiologic technologists to qualify for admission.

• Location: Klamath Falls, OR
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• Expected Time to Completion: 36 to 48 months
• Estimated Tuition: $10,002 per term

Core & Elective Courses in Radiologic Technology Programs

According to the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians (ARRT), there are several core competencies that students must demonstrate before receiving their licensure. As of January 1, 2015, aspiring radiologic technologists must have at least an associate degree to pursue the nationally recognized ARRT-certification. In the past, a certificate was sufficient to qualify students for the ARRT board exam. Degree programs are specially designed to expose students to the didactic and clinical experiences which will prepare them for the national ARRT exam and state licensing procedures.

In addition to general education requirements, associate degree programs in radiologic technology may offer the following preparatory courses:

• Basic radiographic procedures
• Anatomy & radiographic positioning
• Medical procedures for radiologic technologists
• Imaging modalities
• Medical terminology
• Radiation biology & protection
• Radiographic pathology
• Radiographic imaging equipment
• Specialized imaging
• Radiation physics
• Patient care

Bachelor’s degrees in radiologic technology typically feature the following:

• Patient professional interaction
• Radiographic legal & ethical aspects
• Radiographic exposure
• Physics in medical imaging
• Radiologic pathophysiology
• Radiographic technique
• Physics of radiation protection
• Advanced patient assessment & treatment
• Introduction to CT
• Introduction to MRI
• Introduction to mammography
• Procedures in imaging
• Anatomy & radiation biology

In addition to field-specific coursework, students need to gain hands-on experience through supervised instruction sessions known as practicums or clinicals.

This training typically occurs in the latter half of programs after students have developed their skills and knowledge of a healthcare setting. Clinicals allow students to put their newfound abilities into practice in a real-world environment while working under the supervision of a skilled professional.

Accreditation of Radiologic Technology Schools & Programs

As mentioned in the overview of radiologic technology programs, students are encouraged to verify the accreditation status of their educational programs. The process of accreditation ensures that a school or program is meeting certain standards of quality concerning curricula, student outcomes, and facilities. Furthermore, to qualify for professional certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), a person must have graduated from an accredited associate, bachelor’s, or graduate-level program.

One of the popular accreditation organizations in this field is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). According to its website, JRCERT is the only agency that is recognized by the US Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to accredit traditional and online learning programs in magnetic resonance, medical dosimetry, radiation therapy, and radiography. Its website lists the full set of standards used when deciding whether to grant accreditation to a school, as well as a handy search tool to organize radiologic technologist programs by state and degree level.

Search results include information on the type of degree awarded, program length, contact person, the website for the program, tuition per year, next scheduled accreditation review, and the program capacity.

While JRCERT is one program-approval option to qualify for credentialing in the field, the AART provides a full list of recognized accrediting agencies for radiologic technologist schools, including programmatic, regional, national, and faith-related institutions.

Career Outlook

As mentioned in the introduction, the outlook is bright for radiologic technologists. By illustration, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2022) predicts that openings for radiologic technologists will increase 6 percent between 2021 and 2031, just slightly faster than the average growth projected across all occupations during that period (5 percent). With the expected addition of 17,000 positions in this field, there’s a bright outlook for aspiring radiologic technologists.

The BLS (2022) adds that a majority of radiologic technologists work in hospitals (57 percent), followed by medical & diagnostic laboratories (18 percent), and the offices of physicians (14 percent).

Furthermore, the salary prospects are also promising, particularly for a career that requires a two-year degree. The BLS (May 2022) found that radiologic technologists make an average annual salary of $66,490 with the following percentiles:

• 10th percentile: $46,850
• 25th percentile: $48,900
• 50th percentile (median): $61,370
• 75th percentile: $77,290
• 90th percentile: $94,880

In a recent survey on compensation, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT 2019) found that the annual average salary of radiologic technologists was $69,266, a 5.3 percent increase. The highest paying specialty disciplines in this field were medical dosimetry ($114,891) and registered radiologic assistance / RPA ($108,494). More recent data from 2022 is available to ASRT members.

Not surprisingly, there were also regional differences in the ASRT survey. Radiologic technologists in California earn the highest annual compensation at $101,699, followed by those in Hawaii ($89,497).

Notably, the BLS (2022), found slightly lower averages in these regions—$95,170 and $84,100, respectively—but this may be due to the nature of data collection and the different time frames.

Licensing & Certification of Radiologic Technologists

Radiologic technologists need to be professionally credentialed to practice in their field. The most common credentialing agency is the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), which has both generalized and specialized registration exams. There are several types of certification available through the ARRT, including nuclear medicine technology, magnetic resonance imaging, sonography, radiography, and radiation therapy.

Candidates have three attempts to pass one of the computer-based tests, and once they have received certification can use the credentials RT (radiologic technologist) after their name.

There are several types of primary certifications and registrations available, including radiography, nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapy, MRI, and sonography. To qualify for primary category certification and registration through the ARRT, candidates must graduate from an accredited college program (associate degree or higher), pass an ARRT examination, and pay a fee.

There are also post-primary (i.e., specialty) certifications available, including bone densitometry, breast sonography, cardiac-interventional radiography, cardiovascular-interventional radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammography, quality management, sonography, vascular-interventional radiography, and vascular sonography. To qualify, candidates must hold a primary certification, complete 16 hours of structured specialty education, show documentation of clinical experience, and pay a fee.

Finally, these certifications must be renewed and maintained following the completion of qualifying continuing education (CE) credits every two years and continuing qualifications requirements (CQR) every ten years. Please check out the ARRT continuing education requirements page to learn more about what’s required to maintain specific credentials.