Bachelor’s in radiology online programs are the top choice for technologists, administrators, and radiographers everywhere. Consider a bachelor completion program for those licensed in radiology, imaging, diagnostics, or sonography! Completion programs are excellent for anyone with an associate’s degree or some college credit who are ready for advancement.
But what are you supposed to look for in a good bachelor of science in radiologic sciences online? Here’s a hint: The best online colleges for radiology have a stellar accreditation status, aligning their curriculum with industry standards. They offer a path to licensure, certification, and well-paid job opportunities in healthcare.
GetEducated has compared 40 bachelor’s in radiology online from 34 regionally accredited schools to create our “Best Buy” list. Below is our editorially independent ranking of the 23 best online radiology programs. Unlike other total-cost ranks, these degrees feature a per weighted semester-based credit cost. This list does not include any quarter-credit schools.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$402
Least Expensive: Georgia Southern University – $199.63
Most Expensive: La Roche University – $782.67
Our data-driven research of public and non-profit colleges creates a genuinely reliable system of scientific rankings. There are no misleading formulas here. We meticulously calculate total full-time tuition—including any fees—for the most accurate total cost. Our rankings cannot be bought, and they factually showcase the cheapest bachelor’s in radiology online programs. The radiologic science bachelor’s degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official 2022 “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average.
Most Affordable Bachelor’s in Radiology Online Completion Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Georgia Southern University | (GA) | $199.63 | All Students |
2 | Weber State University | (UT) | $208.29 $308.66 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | Fort Hays State University | (KS) | $226.88 | All Students |
4 | University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences | (AR) | $290.96 | All Students |
5 | Louisiana State University-Alexandria | (LA) | $291.05 | All Students |
6 | University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences | (AR) | $295.75 | All Students |
7 | Oregon Institute of Technology | (OR) | $296.00 | All Students |
8 | University of Southern Indiana | (IN) | $306.88 $749.81 | In-State Out-of-State |
9 | University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences | (AR) | $307.19 | All Students |
10 | Missouri Southern State University | (MO) | $310.71 | All Students |
11 | University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center | (OK) | $314.94 | All Students |
12 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | (LA) | $320.00 $192.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
12 | Indiana University Online | (IN) | $320.00 $420.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
14 | Morehead State University | (KY) | $330.40 $485.20 | In-State Out-of-State |
15 | Augusta University | (GA) | $334.47 | All Students |
16 | Ohio State University | (OH) | $349.13 $362.47 | In-State Out-of-State |
17 | University of Iowa | (IA) | $360.00 | All Students |
18 | Lewis-Clark State College | (ID) | $377.14 | All Students |
19 | Saint Joseph's College of Maine | (ME) | $379.50 | All Students |
20 | Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | (IL) | $394.05 | All Students |
21 | Boise State University | (ID) | $395.33 | All Students |
22 | University of Nebraska Medical Center | (NE) | $397.25 | All Students |
23 | University of Louisiana at Monroe | (LA) | $400.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Midwestern State University | (TX) | $403.18 $518.18 | In-State Out-of-State | |
East Tennessee State University | (TN) | $412.07 $516.93 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Missouri-Columbia | (MO) | $436.52 $529.82 $415.73 | In-State Out-of-State Military | |
Misericordia University | (PA) | $460.00 | All Students | |
Northern Arizona University | (AZ) | $468.80 | All Students | |
Marian University | (WI) | $480.00 | All Students | |
University of Cincinnati | (OH) | $532.00 $547.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor | (WI) | $545.48 | All Students | |
AdventHealth University | (FL) | $571.92 | All Students | |
Clarkson College | (NE) | $625.00 | All Students | |
Mercy College of Ohio | (OH) | $632.50 | All Students | |
Oak Point University (School Closing) Bachelor of Science in Imaging Technology (Radiography) JRCERT,14 | (IL) | $673.87 | All Students | |
La Roche University | (PA) | $782.67 | All Students |
Accreditation & Program Notes
To qualify for a ranking, a program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table.
14 Options for this program have changed since publication.
JRCERT Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
CAAHEP Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Rankings Note
These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Summer 2022 review of regionally accredited bachelor’s in radiology online completion programs. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the online bachelor degree programs in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules.
Bachelor completion rankings, like this one, feature a per weighted semester-based credit cost. Some programs require a minimum of an associate’s while others simply require a diploma, certification or some college. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note
Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers a bachelor’s degree that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest online schools for radiologic science may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the best bachelor’s in radiology online for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Career Guide: Bachelor’s in Radiology Online
There are many specialties in the medical industry. This complex sector requires a vast variety of professionals, including people trained in technologies like X-rays and MRI machines. With a bachelor’s in radiology online, you’ll have access to many of the top jobs at hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centers.
What to Expect from a Bachelor’s in Radiology Online
Radiology is the use of imaging technologies to diagnose disease and injury. In some cases, it can also be used to treat diseases, although diagnosis is usually the most common application. X-rays, one of the most common radiology tools, are used to discover whether bones are broken. Ultrasound machines can be used to discover whether a heart is functioning properly. CT scans can be used to evaluate head injuries. These are just a few examples of the countless diagnostic uses for radiology.
Radiology instruments include:
• X-rays machines
• CT scanning devices
• Ultrasound machines
• Echocardiography machine
• MRI machines
While diagnosis is more common, radiology can be used as a direct treatment. For example, radiology tools can be used to remove blood clots or combat cancer.
If you enroll in a bachelor of science in radiologic sciences online, you’ll be educated on many of the top instruments in this field. These four-year degrees give you a strong understanding of the healthcare industry and specific radiology techniques.
Because these are bachelor’s degrees, you’ll need to complete a variety of general education courses that may include writing, math, literature, art, foreign languages, and history. Eventually, you’ll be trained in medical and radiology topics, which may include medical terminology, patient care, and statistical methods.
The classes will include education in specific radiology subjects, which may include radiographic pathology, applied radiography, and radiographic methods.
Once complete, a bachelor of science in radiologic sciences online will prepare you for many outstanding careers in the rewarding, fast-paced, ever-changing medical profession.
Best Careers after a Radiology Degree
Radiologic Technologist
- Salary: $61,980
- Education: Associate’s degree
- Experience: None
Also known as radiographers, these professionals perform X-rays and other diagnostic procedures. Some specialize in X-rays, although you can also specialize in technologies like CT scans or mammography equipment. Responsibilities may include caring for the equipment, following precise instructions from doctors, preparing patients, and operating computerized equipment.
Although an associate’s degree is the minimum education for this career, a technologist with a bachelor’s degree is positioned for higher pay and more career opportunities. The top 10% in this profession earn over $100,000; you’ll have a better chance at reaching this salary if you have a bachelor’s over an associate’s.
Radiation Therapist
- Salary: $82,790
- Education: Associate’s degree
- Experience: None
While a radiologic technologist is involved in diagnosing issues, a radiation therapist is directly involved in the treatment of patients. They administer doses of radiation to patients who have cancer and other serious diseases. Duties will include the operation of machines that deliver concentrated radiation therapy to a specific area. Their work may also include communicating with patients, calibrating machines, explaining treatment plans, and monitoring a patient for unusual reactions to treatment.
A bachelor of science in radiologic sciences online will give you a strong foundation for this career, but you will likely need additional training in radiology therapy. With this training, you can expect a lucrative career, as the top 10% earn over $128,000 annually.
Additional Requirements for Radiologic Science Careers
Safe, responsible use of radiology equipment, whether for diagnostic purposes or direct treatment, is critical. Therefore, you can expect licensing and certification requirements for any position that involves X-rays, MRIs, therapy treatments, CT scans, or any other radiology tools.
As a radiological technologist, you will need to pass a certification exam or secure certification from a credentialing organization. Groups like the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) provide certification and additional training for radiology professionals. Even if the state does not require it, employers prefer candidates who have this certification. In most cases, you’ll also need certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic life support (BLS).
Radiation therapists also need licensing, but the requirements vary by state. Most will need to pass an exam or earn certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
While specific education and certification are required, you won’t need prior experience to work in these positions. With the right degree, you can move immediately from the classroom to a healthcare facility and start your important career as a radiology professional!