Researching RADIOLOGY SCHOOLS? GET THE INFO YOU’RE LOOKING For.

Attend radiology school. Become a radiologic tech.

• Author: Audrey Stoffle
• Editor: Laura McPherson
• Expert Reviewer: Charles Sipe

The radiologic technology and medical imaging field includes the disciplines (also known as modalities) of radiography (x-rays and related technologies), sonography (ultrasounds), computerized tomography (CT or CAT scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine technology, and radiation therapy, as well as various subdisciplines such as bone densitometry and mammography. People who work in these disciplines are broadly referred to as radiologic technologists (RTs), though there are specific job titles in each discipline, such as “sonographer” for ultrasound professionals. The education required to become a radiologic technologist is typically an associate’s degree, though there are certificate and bachelor’s programs available.

To help you research education opportunities and prepare for your career, Radiology Schools 411 features information on top radiologic technology schools (commonly referred to by those just learning about this field as “radiology schools,” “radiology technology schools,” or “x-ray tech schools”). We also provide comprehensive resources to help you research degrees, careers, and jobs in the rapidly growing field of medical imaging and radiologic technology.

Table of Contents

• Radiologic Technology School Facts
• What Is Radiologic Technology?
• Radiologic Technology Programs and Certification
• Radiology and Sonography Programs Online
• Radiology Technologist School Information by State
• Best Value Radiologic Technology Schools with On-Campus Programs
• Typical Courses in Radiology Technology
• Additional Resources
• Frequently Asked Questions

Radiologic Technology School Facts

• There are 672 colleges and universities that offer a radiologic technology program.¹
• 250 colleges and universities offer a certificate in radiologic technology.¹
• 514 colleges and universities offer an associate’s degree in radiologic technology.¹
• 161 colleges and universities offer a bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology.¹
• 36 colleges and universities offer an advanced degree in radiologic technology.¹
• Over 700 programs are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).²

For not-for-profit colleges and universities.

What Is Radiologic Technology?

Radiologic technology, sometimes searched for as “radiology technology,” is an area of medicine that uses radiant energy, such as x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasound, to provide diagnostic images of a patient’s body under the supervision of a medical doctor with a specialty in radiology (a radiologist). Radiologic technology also includes the use of these technologies to treat diseases, such as using proton therapy to treat certain cancers. Radiologic technology is, therefore, inclusive of all technologies designed to take medical images of the body.

The differences between radiologic technology, radiology, and the different modalities can be confusing, especially to those who are just learning about these fields. The many synonyms, and their occasional misuses, can add to the challenge. To help you navigate, below we have listed several terms related to radiologic technology, their meanings, and commonly misused terms.

• Radiology: Radiology is the discipline of medicine that uses radiation for diagnoses or intervention. Radiology is a specialty in medicine at the graduate level (MD or PhD); those searching for “radiology technician schools” usually mean radiologic technology schools.
• Radiologist: A radiologist is a medical doctor (MD) who determines which images are to be produced by a radiologic technologist, uses these to diagnose an issue, and determines the treatment plan. Radiologist schools can be used to mean the medical schools that radiologists attend prior to completing the medical residency required to become a board-certified MD.
• Radiologist assistant (RA): “Radiologist assistant” is a specialty in radiologic technology that requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Those who certify in this area have a greater scope of practice and are able–under the supervision of an MD–to perform certain procedures and administer medications that RTs cannot.
• Radiography: Radiography is the practice of taking images using radiation. Formally, radiography includes x-ray, gamma ray, and other technologies, but the term is sometimes used as shorthand for x-ray. The context for the use of radiography is therefore critical. As a program, radiography usually equips future technologists to use x-ray and fluoroscopy (essentially, continuous x-ray).
• Radiographer: A radiographer is a person who uses radiologic technology to produce medical images. “Radiographer” is generally synonymous with radiologic technologist and medical imaging technologist.
• Radiologic technician: Radiologic technician, sometimes searched for as “radiology technician,” is a variation on radiologic technologist, and in both cases is frequently shortened to radiologic tech or RT. “Radiologic technician” is gradually fading out in favor of the term radiologic technologist, which many feel better encompasses the knowledge required to work in this field. Some RTs reserve the term “technician” to refer to someone who works on medical imaging equipment in a support role, though this has not caught on as a general rule of usage.
• Ultrasound technician: An ultrasound technician is an individual certified to use sonography to produce medical images. Ultrasound technicians are also known as sonographers. “Ultrasound technician schools” is commonly used to mean “diagnostic medical sonography schools.” At the same time, most, if not all, schools offering programs in ultrasound offer programs in multiple other radiologic technologies.
• X-ray technician: An x-ray technician is qualified to use x-rays to produce medical images. Excluding ultrasound and sonography programs, most associate degree radiologic technology programs include preparation for using x-ray in the course of study. There are also limited x-ray technician (aka limited medical radiography) programs that, in states where it is permitted, prepare graduates to use only x-ray technology on limited areas of the body.

Radiologic Technology Programs and Certification

The types of radiologic technology that technologists can use depend on their education and training. Typically, a radiologic tech will complete an associate’s degree in the type of radiologic technology they wish to practice (though this varies based on the modality and previous educational attainment), pass the required exam(s) for their state, and apply for a license to practice. RTs who later wish to add a discipline or modality can typically do so by completing additional education and passing the exam(s) for the new modality.

In addition to completing an appropriate educational program, prospective RTs must pass licensing exams for their desired discipline(s). Some states use their own exams, while others use the credentialing exams and education guidelines for the major RT disciplines developed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The ARRT also offers a different set of exams that allow RTs to earn voluntary professional credentials. Though voluntary certification alone will not always meet state licensing requirements, some states do consider ARRT credentials as part of the licensing process.

There are five areas that are generally recognized as “primary pathways” to certification for radiologic technologists (note, however, that some states may have more or fewer pathways). A primary pathway is the specific education and testing that an RT completes to earn initial licensure or certification. The major modalities are listed below, in order of the number of programs leading to certification via a primary pathway.

Radiography

Radiography programs (which are frequently synonymous with “radiologic technology programs,” even though the programs discussed below are also radiologic technology programs) prepare graduates to use core radiologic technologies such as x-ray and fluoroscopy and become licensed or certified as radiologic technologists or radiographers. Radiography programs are typically found as associate’s degrees, although bachelor’s degrees and certificate programs are also common. There are 412 colleges and universities that offer programs in radiologic technology and radiography.¹

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy programs, sometimes called radiotherapy programs, are focused degree programs that prepare graduates to become radiation therapists, using high doses of radiation as a cancer treatment (typically using an external beam of energy, as in x-ray or proton therapy). Radiation therapy programs are commonly found as bachelor’s degree programs as well as one- to two-year certificate programs for those who already have an associate’s degree in radiologic technology. There are 281 colleges and universities that offer programs in medical radiologic technology and radiation therapy.¹

Sonography

Medical sonography programs, also known as diagnostic medical sonography programs (and colloquially, as “ultrasound schools”) lead to ultrasound technician or sonographer careers. Students in these programs learn how to use ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves) to produce images of internal body structures. Medical sonography programs are most commonly found as associate’s degrees, although there are some bachelor’s degree programs in sonography. It is also possible to earn a certificate in a specialty in this field, typically after completing an associate’s degree or higher in sonography. There are 220 colleges and universities with programs in diagnostic medical sonography/ultrasound.¹

Nuclear Medicine Technology

Nuclear medicine technology (NMT) is the discipline of radiologic technology that uses radiopharmaceutical-based diagnosis and treatment. A degree in nuclear medicine technology prepares the graduate to become licensed as a nuclear medicine technologist (NMT) who uses radiopharmaceuticals–small amounts of radioactive materials introduced into the body–to produce medical images using technologies like gamma cameras and CT/CAT scans. Nuclear medicine technology programs are usually found at the undergraduate level, with bachelor’s degrees being the most common. There are 94 colleges and universities offering programs in NMT.¹

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) programs, sometimes searched for as “MRI technologist schools,” are designed to lead to certification in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). As a technology, MRI uses the interactions of strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate images of organ tissues and other internal structures. MRI programs can be found as focused associate’s degrees as well as post-degree undergraduate certificates for those who already have a degree in another radiologic technology. There are 46 colleges and universities with programs in MRI.¹

Limited X-Ray

Limited x-ray technician programs, also known as limited medical radiography programs or x-ray tech programs, are certificate programs designed to lead to limited scope x-ray technician licensure. This limited scope is not recognized in all states, but in states where it is recognized, it allows the technician to use basic x-ray imaging to produce internal images from select areas of the body. Limited x-ray technology programs are most commonly undergraduate certificates that take a year to complete.

Other Radiologic Technology Programs

In addition to the five primary pathways, there are secondary or limited pathways that may be an option for some students. There are various radiologic technologies that are either included in one of the major degree areas discussed above or commonly pursued as an add-on certification via a certificate program. Such add-on certifications are commonly known as “postprimary pathways.” Technologies that fit into one or both of these categories include:

• Bone densitometry
• Breast sonography
• Cardiac interventional radiology
• Computed tomography (CAT/CT scans)
• Fluoroscopy
• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
• Mammography
• Positron emission tomography (PET scan)
• Radiologist assistant
• Vascular interventional radiography
• Vascular sonography

Radiology and Sonography Programs Online

Radiologic technology uses potentially dangerous technologies in a controlled manner to produce beneficial results. Because x-rays and other technologies based on radioactive materials can be harmful if used improperly, hands-on learning is critical for prospective radiologic technologists. As a result, while you may be able to find hybrid or partially-online radiologic technology programs, you should plan to attend courses in-person for at least part of your program.

That being understood, there are some online radiologic technology programs and online sonography programs that are designed to help those who have an associate’s degree in their field earn a bachelor’s degree in their field. These programs do not often include additional certifications in new modalities (which would generally require at least some hands-on work), but they can be a great way to build the skills and knowledge needed to move into advanced RT careers in supervision and management.

Radiology Technologist School Information by State

We have researched radiologic technologist schools by state that offer programs in the various areas of radiologic technology and science. In addition, we have featured some of those programs with program summaries and have also included information on whether programs are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT, for the areas of radiography, radiation therapy, and magnetic resonance), the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, for sonography), and the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT, for nuclear medicine technology). You can read more about the different accreditations and what they mean on our radiologic technology degree guide.

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Best Value Radiologic Technology Schools with On-Campus Programs

We researched all schools in the US with on-campus associate’s degrees in radiologic technology to compile our best values table below. In creating our list, we only considered schools with a combination of a high graduation rate (60% or higher) and a low net price (less than $22,000 per year). A high graduation rate at a college or university is a traditional marker of student success and affordability is important when making such a long-term investment. In the table below, we have included these as well as other quality markers, including JRCERT accreditation status, retention rate, transfer-out rate, and student loan default rate.

See Table Notes and References at bottom of page.

Typical Courses in Radiology Technology

The courses that you can expect to take in a rad tech program will vary based on the modalities you plan to study. For example, if you are seeking to become certified as an ultrasound technician, you will mostly take courses related to sonography. The courses you take will also vary based on the degree level. In an associate degree program for entry-level careers in rad tech, you can expect to take basic courses in biology, anatomy, patient care, and radiation physics. A bachelor’s degree program will include more advanced courses in these disciplines, and will commonly also include courses designed to prepare graduates for management and administration careers. Below is a list of classes that are typically offered in radiologic technology programs:

• Advanced Imaging Procedures
• Abdominal Sonography
• Clinical Seminar in Radiography
• Diagnostic Ultrasound
• Echocardiography
• Introduction to Radiologic Technology
• Medical Ethics
• Medical Terminology
• Neurosonography
• Obstetric Sonography
• Patient Care and Management Fundamentals
• Radiation Biology
• Radiation Physics
• Radiation Protection and Safety
• Radiographic Anatomy, Physiology, and Positioning
• Radiographic Pathology
• Radiologic Physics and Equipment
• Sonographic and Ultrasound Physics
• Sonography Equipment

Additional Resources

• The Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging (Image Gently Alliance): A professional alliance promoting standards of care for medical imaging in pediatric environments.
• The American Board of Radiology (ABR): Medical specialty board (part of the American Board of Medical Specialties) that certifies radiologists (MDs).
• The American College of Radiology (ACR): An association for radiologists and radiological physicians (MDs) in the US and Canada.
• The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT): Offers voluntary credentialing exams for residents of all US states and administers licensing exams for select states.
• American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT): The leading professional association for RTs in all disciplines, offering continuing education, equipment discounts, and more.
• Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiologic Sciences, Inc. (AEIRS): A member-driven organization specifically for medical imaging and radiologic science educators.
• Aunt Minnie: Provides medical imaging news, forums, and more.
• Radiological Society of North America (RSNA): Offers continuing education, networking opportunities, grants, and other professional benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the education requirements to become a radiology tech?

An associate’s degree is typically the minimum education required to become certified and find work as a radiologic technician or technologist. If you already have an associate’s degree in a field outside of radiologic science, you may be able to attend radiologic technologist school to complete an add-on certificate program in radiologic technology or a second, accelerated associate degree program that recognizes your previously completed general education. Another option for those who already have an associate’s degree is a bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology. Check with your state’s radiologic science licensing board and the ARRT for the most up-to-date education guidelines in your desired practice area.

Are there online radiology tech schools?

Because both lab-based work and clinical experience are required to earn initial certification or licensure, colleges that offer radiology technician programs at the associate degree level are typically based on on-campus study with limited options for online coursework. However, once you have your associate’s, there are many online bachelor’s in radiologic technology degrees designed as transfer programs. These programs can sometimes include certification in additional modalities and typically include coursework that supports career advancement to supervisory and management roles.

What careers can x-ray technician school qualify graduates for?

Technologists working in x-ray, which is professionally known as radiography, are frequently called radiographers. Depending on the program you complete, you may be eligible for certification or licensure as a radiologic technologist using x-ray imaging, contrast imaging, and fluoroscopy. This usually requires an associate’s degree in radiography or radiologic technology or an associate’s degree in another discipline plus an appropriate educational program in radiography. There are also rad tech schools offering undergraduate certificate programs that, in some states, can lead to careers as a limited scope x-ray technician. Limited scope x-ray technicians are only qualified to operate x-ray machines on certain areas of a patient’s body and may not perform other radiographic imaging or assistive duties unless they are licensed in another area of practice.

Can I attend x-ray technician school via online classes?

If you already have a limited scope x-ray tech license, there are online x-ray tech programs that are known as “bridge” programs that can supply the education needed to qualify for full-scope radiologic technologist careers. These bridge programs typically accept transfer credits from your initial certificate program and lead to an associate’s degree in radiography or radiologic technology. Note that while most courses may be online, at least some in-person lab work or clinical experiences are commonly required.

If I attend ultrasound technician school, can I later become certified in another modality?

The education requirements for licensure in each modality in radiologic technology are set by the state. In some cases, it may be possible to attend ultrasound technician school to become licensed as a sonographer and then add other modalities by completing clinical experience and a certificate program. However, the ARRT (which administers licensing exams in many states and offers voluntary credentialing for RTs in all states) requires that those who initially certified in ultrasound complete a second associate’s degree in radiography (or the desired modality) in order to qualify for other radiologic technologies, except for MRI. See the ARRT Postprimary Eligibility Pathway Handbook for eligibility pathways for medical sonography programs and supporting disciplines.

What is the difference between a degree in radiology and a degree in radiologic technology?

A radiologist is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats illness using radiologic technologies. A radiologic technologist is a professional who assists radiologists and other medical doctors by taking the radiologic images on which diagnosis and treatment will be based (and in some cases, administering select radiation treatments under supervision). As such, radiology programs take place at the master’s and doctoral levels, while radiologic technology degrees take place at the undergraduate level (with some overlap into master’s degree programs).

What is the difference between radiation therapist programs and x-ray tech programs?

Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, commonly uses ionizing radiation as part of cancer treatments. X-ray technology, by comparison, is based on using electromagnetic radiation to produce images used in diagnosing illness and disease. Because radiation therapy involves more sophisticated technologies and applications, radiation therapist programs are generally found as bachelor’s degrees. X-ray tech programs are commonly found as certificates and associate’s degrees.

What careers can CT tech school prepare me for?

CT, or computed tomography, is a subdiscipline of radiologic technology. While there are CT certificate programs offered by some schools, CT technology is commonly included in associate degree programs that also prepare students for other careers in radiography. Similarly, while there are focused MRI technician programs, MRI is commonly included in a well-rounded course of study with other technologies.

Table Notes:
All data is based on undergraduate statistics.
*The retention rate is the percentage of first-time, full-time students who continued to a second year of study at the same institution.
**The transfer-out rate is the percentage of first-time, full-time students who transferred their credits to another institution within 150% of the normal time to complete their degree.

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), Accredited Educational Programs: https://www.jrcert.org/find-a-program/