- Colleges that offer traditional radiology programs include the University of Mississippi Medical Center, California State University – Northridge, and Austin Peay State University.
- Colleges that offer online degree programs are the University of Louisiana at Monroe, the University of Missouri at Columbia, the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, and East Tennessee State University.
- Bachelor’s degree holders in radiology may become radiologic technologists, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists, X-Ray technicians, sonographers, or nuclear medicine technologists.
- Traditional degree programs may be more suitable for students seeking initial certification. Meanwhile, online degree programs may be a better option for those who have an associate’s degree and licensure.
Getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Radiology
Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in radiology and radiologic technology, or completing a radiography program learn how to use advanced medical technology. These programs train them to produce diagnostic images and provide competent patient care.
The majors for a radiologic technology bachelor’s program include radiography, radiation therapy, MRI, sonography (ultrasound), and nuclear medicine technology.
To become a registered radiologic technologist (RT), one must complete at least four years of full-time study, including coursework and clinical placements. Students may take on-campus traditional degree programs or online degree programs.
Some states may require RTs to secure licensure to work in the field of radiologic technology. Other states accept graduates from accredited RT programs who have successfully earned a professional credential.
Traditional Degree Programs
| Colleges | Degree Offered | What’s Included? | How Long? | Net Price | Contact |
| University of Mississippi Medical Center | Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS) | Pharmacology, digital image acquisition and display, and radiographic image analysis | 22 months or five semesters | $14,259 | Call (601) 984-2605 or (601) 984-6329 |
| California State University – Northridge | BSRS | MRI, Computed Tomography (CT), Interventional Radiology (IR), cardiac catheterization, mammography | Two and a half years | $12,345 | Call (818) 677-2475 or email hsci@csun.edu |
| Austin Peay State University | Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT) | Radiography, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine technology, and diagnostic medical sonography | Two years | $13,045 | Call (931) 221-7240 or email lebkuechera@ apsu.edu |
University of Mississippi Medical Center
The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMC) offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Radiologic Sciences with two program options.
The first option is a traditional bachelor’s degree program that takes 22 months or five semesters.
This full-time program provides applicants with an opportunity to gain an entry-level radiologic sciences education and clinical experience needed to become registered as a radiologic technologist.
Students must submit an online application for admission to the Office of Enrollment Management, an official statement documenting scores on the American College Test (ACT), and an official transcript of grades[1].
Due to limited student capacity, selection and admission into the program are competitive.
The BSRS degree requires completion of 124 credit hours of coursework. Students must have already completed their first 60 credit hours in the College of Liberal Arts before advancing to the UM Medical Center.
The average net price of admission is $14,259[2].
Aside from the traditional BSRS program, UMC offers an online advanced standing program for registered radiologic technologists. This part-time program can be completed in less than two years.
The advanced standing program courses include Pharmacology, Digital Image Acquisition, and Display, and Radiographic Image Analysis. Master of Science (MS) degrees in MRI and Nuclear Medicine are also offered.
The UMC BSRS program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee of Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)[3].
Prospective students may call the admissions office at (601) 984-2605 or (601) 984-6329 for more information about the program.
California State University – Northridge
California State University – Northridge (CSUN) offers a BSRS program. It takes two and a half years to complete once the prerequisite coursework is completed.
This Radiologic Sciences program includes 12 months of foundational education in radiographic technology and 18 months of study on advanced imaging techniques.
Students must also complete clinical education or internship, which consists of over 2,600 hours of practical experience[4].
The BSRS program involves a variety of radiologic technologies in theory and practice, including MRI, CT, IR, cardiac catheterization, and mammography.
To apply to the program, students must have completed the prerequisite courses at CSUN or another institution with transferable credits.
Applicants must also meet with a BSRS advisor, complete at least 40 hours of job shadowing, take a tour of the clinical placement department, and submit an application by January.
The average net price of admission is $12,345[5].
Aside from the BSRS program, CSUN also offers a completion degree and certificate programs in advanced imaging techniques for medical imaging professionals.
The CSUN BSRS program has received the maximum accreditation (eight years) by the JRCERT[6].
Prospective students may call (818) 677-2475 or email hsci@csun.edu for more information about the program.
Austin Peay State University
Austin Peay State University (APSU) in Tennessee offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Radiologic Technology. It takes two years of full-time study before focusing on RT coursework.
The BSRT degree is designed to provide students with a broad range of skills, including critical thinking, theory, laboratory work, and hands-on clinical experience.
The different majors offered by APSU are radiography, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine technology, and diagnostic medical sonography.
Students complete core general education and science courses, including image production and evaluation, quality control in radiologic technology, and radiographic pathology.
The Radiologic Technology program has a competitive admission, which is based on grade point average and interview scores.
Applicants must have a high school grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or above, a minimum of a C in all prerequisite courses, physical, application, essay, coursework completion, official transcripts, and references[7].
The average net price of admission is $13,045[8].
Prospective students may call (931) 221-7240 or email lebkuechera@apsu.edu for more information about the program.
Online Degree Programs
| Colleges | Degree Offered | What’s Included? | How Long? | Net Price | Contact |
| University of Louisiana at Monroe | Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT) | Methods of patient care, imaging equipment and radiation production, and advanced radiographic procedures | 120-125 credit hours | $10,787 | Call 318-342-3145 or email onlinedegrees@ulm.edu |
| University of Missouri at Columbia | Bachelor of Health Sciences in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences (BHS) | Clinical ethics, CT physics and procedures, MRI physics and procedures, public health principles and practice, radiologic pharmacology, and sectional anatomy | 120 credit hours | $12,502.10 | Call (818) 677-2475 or email hsci@csun.edu |
| University of Arkansas – Fort Smith | Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences (BSIS) | Research in the health sciences, patient information management, and risk management | Up to 40 credit hours | $10,809 | Call 479-788-7845, fax 479-424-6845, or email angie.elmore@ uafs.edu |
| East Tennessee State University | Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS) | Radiographic equipment, radiographic imaging and quality assessment, radiation in biology, and radiation protection | 120 credit hours | $13,926 | Call 855-590-3878 or email online@etsu.edu |
University of Louisiana at Monroe
The University of Louisiana (ULM) at Monroe offers a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT) for those who already have their associate’s degree.
This Bachelor of Science program can be accomplished online at the student’s own pace with either full-time or part-time study.
ULM’s BSRT program accepts up to 38 transfer credits based on coursework earned in an associate degree in radiology or allied health fields. It also acknowledges American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification.
The curriculum consists of 11 core credits in radiologic technology, 14 electives, and a capstone course.
Distance learners, students who take courses remotely, must also complete a minimum of 30 credits through ULM in allied health professions and leadership, radiographic pathology, information management, and digital imaging.
The topics included in the curriculum are methods of patient care, imaging equipment and radiation production, and advanced radiographic procedures.
Since the curriculum is a degree completion program for ARRT-registered technologists, applicants must already have prior education and experience as a radiographic technologist.
They should also complete college-level English and mathematics courses at their previous institution to meet the general education requirements[9].
The average net price of admission is $10,787[10].
Prospective students may call 318-342-3145 or email onlinedegrees@ulm.edu for more information about the program.
University of Missouri at Columbia
The University of Missouri at Columbia offers a Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHS) in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences with an emphasis in Radiologic Sciences.
This degree completion program requires 120 credit hours of coursework for ARRT-certified radiologic technologists.
Students can meet education requirements through semester-based and self-paced classes.
The online semester-based courses start and end on the same dates as on-campus courses. Self-paced classes provide the flexibility to start and finish any time, which may take six weeks to six months.
The course work covers clinical ethics, CT physics and procedures, MRI physics and procedures, public health principles and practice, radiologic pharmacology, and sectional anatomy.
To apply for this radiology degree, applicants should earn a JRCERT-accredited certificate or complete an associate degree program. Meanwhile, transfer students need to only finish 30 credit hours.
Students may also receive several types of financial aid, including loans, grants, and scholarships. The University of Missouri has a 10% tuition reduction for community college graduates, veterans, military service members, and their dependents.
The average net price of admission is $12,502.10[11].
Prospective students may call 573-882-2491 or email MizzouOnline@missouri.edu for more information about the program.
University of Arkansas – Fort Smith
The University of Arkansas (UA) – Fort Smith offers a Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences (BSIS). This degree completion program is focused on leadership and management in the RT field.
The BSIS integrates liberal and imaging education to foster critical thinking, human diversity, written and oral communication, and leadership in a collaborative and interdisciplinary mode in students[12].
The courses include research in the health sciences, patient information management, and risk management.
UA Fort Smith also offers related on-campus degrees, such as Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiography and a BSIS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Students must complete 35 credit hours of the state-mandated general education core, plus nine additional general education credit hours as stipulated by the UA Fort Smith for a baccalaureate degree.
Transfer credit is accepted for previous radiography courses and general education courses. Clinical experiences are completed in the student’s local geographical area and include a leadership practicum.
The average net price of admission is $10,809[13].
Prospective students may call 479-788-7845, fax 479-424-6845, or email angie.elmore@uafs.edu for more information about the program.
East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University (ETSU) offers a Bachelor of Science degree for students who have already completed an Associate of Applied Science in Radiography Science.
The degree helps students prepare for career advancement within the field of radiologic sciences and allied health services[14].
The Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS) requires 120 credits of post-secondary coursework. Students learn about health care management, patient information and management, and health care law and compliance.
The courses in this online degree completion program include radiographic equipment, radiographic imaging and quality assessment, radiation in biology, and radiation protection.
Transfer students must complete 50 credits at a four-year college or university and 25% of their total credits at ETSU. Aside from fulfilling general education requirements, students must also complete 79 credits in major requirements.
At the end of the program, students are eligible to take the certification exam from the ARRT to become a registered radiologic technologist.
The average net price of admission is $13,926[15].
Prospective students may call 855-590-3878 or email online@etsu.edu for more information about the program.
Career and Salary
Aside from being a radiologist, radiologic technician or radiologic technologist, there are other career opportunities for radiology tech school graduates.
They may also be radiation therapists, MRI technologists, CT technologists, X-Ray technologists or technicians, sonographers, and nuclear medicine technologists.
In 2019, the national median salary in the United States for RTs and MRI technologists was $62,280[16]. However, average salaries may vary by state and modality.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the highest mean salaries were recorded in California ($86,120), Hawaii ($82,680), and Washington DC ($79,430)[17].
The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) also found in a survey that bachelor’s degree holders in radiology tend to make more than associate degree holders[18].
Additionally, the ASRT reported that 47% of RT employers provide some tuition assistance to professionals seeking to continue higher education.
Conclusion
Different colleges across the United States offer traditional or online bachelor’s degrees in radiology. These programs help students pursue a career in the field of radiologic technology.
Traditional bachelor’s degree programs may take two years of full-time study before focusing on the radiologic technology coursework. Meanwhile, online degree programs typically require 120 credit hours.
When choosing a radiology school or program, degree-seekers should ensure that the program has proper accreditation and meets their educational requirements. Accredited programs are helpful with transferring credits and obtaining certification or licensure.
Due to the hands-on nature of radiologic technology, a traditional degree program may be more suitable for students seeking initial certification.
For those who already have an associate’s degree and licensure, an online degree program may be a better option.
An associate’s degree is the most common degree for radiology. However, earning a bachelor’s degree may lead to better career opportunities.
- The University of Mississippi Medical Center. (Accessed 2020). Radiologic Sciences. Retrieved from: https://www.umc.edu/shrp/Radiologic%20Sciences/Radiologic-Sciences.html
- Best College Reviews.org. (2020). 15 Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Radiology 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.bestcollegereviews.org/top/online-bachelors-degrees-in-radiology/
- Joint Review Committee of Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). (2015). Accredited Program Details. Retrieved from: https://portal.jrcertaccreditation.org/accredited-educational-programs/details/77883b6d-412a-e511-b73b-000c293b0761
- California State University – Northridge. (Accessed 2020). BS Radiologic Science Information Packet. Retrieved from: https://www.csun.edu/sites/default/files/BSRS%20Information%20Packet%208-6-2019.pdf
- College Factual. (Accessed 2020). Find Out the Total California State University – Northridge Costs. Retrieved from: https://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/california-state-university-northridge/paying-for-college/net-price/.
- Joint Review Committee of Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). (2015). Accredited Program Details. Retrieved from: https://portal.jrcertaccreditation.org/accredited-educational-programs/details/035efb3f-034c-4358-a9eb-3415c14fbee1
- Austin Peay State University. (Accessed 2020). Radiography. Retrieved from: https://www.apsu.edu/rad-tech/radiography/
- College Simply. (Accessed 2020). Austin Peay State University Tuition & Cost. Retrieved from: https://www.collegesimply.com/colleges/tennessee/austin-peay-state-university/price/.
- University of Louisiana Monroe. (Accessed 2020). Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology. Retrieved from: https://www.ulm.edu/onlinedegrees/bs_rt.html
- Ibid.
- Mizzou Online University of Missouri. (Accessed 2020). Radiologic science: Online bachelor’s degree completion. Retrieved from: https://online.missouri.edu/degreeprograms/health-professions/clinical-diagnostic-sciences/radiologic-science/bachelors/financial.aspx
- University of Arkansas Fort Smith. (Accessed 2020). College of Health Sciences Imaging Sciences Leadership. Retrieved from: https://health.uafs.edu/programs/imaging-sciences-leadership.
- College Simply. (Accessed 2020). UAFS Tuition & Cost. Retrieved from: https://www.collegesimply.com/colleges/arkansas/university-of-arkansas-fort-smith/price/
- East Tennessee State University. (Accessed 2020). Radiologic Science. Retrieved from: https://www.etsu.edu/online/undergraduate-degrees/radiologic-science.php
- College Simply. (Accessed 2020). ETSU Tuition & Cost. Retrieved from: https://www.collegesimply.com/colleges/tennessee/east-tennessee-state-university/price/
- American Society of Radiologic Technologists. (2016). Radiologic Technologist Wage and Salary Survey. Retrieved from: https://www.asrt.org/docs/default-source/research/radiologic-technologist-wage-and-salary-survey-2016.pdf
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (May 2019). Occupational Employment and Wages, Radiologic Technologists. Retrieved from: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292034.htm
- Ibid.