If you have been searching for online radiology tech programs to enroll in, then you are on the right page. Radiology majors learn to perform diagnostic tests and procedures.
They are trained to take X-rays and CAT scans, administer radiation treatments, and operate specialized instruments. Radiology professionals work closely with physicians, scientists, and patients.
They are largely centered in the healthcare industry. Their positions are also known to extend to clinical research, equipment sale, as well as education and instruction settings.
In this article, we will be looking at online radiology tech programs, types of careers, and the typical salaries within the field of radiology.
What does a Radiation Technologist Do?
Radiation Technologists (“Rad Techs”) are specially trained in the handling and use of radiation imaging equipment – such as X-rays – in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and illnesses.
Radiation science is the study of using complex diagnostic equipment to treat disease and injury. As a technologist, you’ll operate X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, and other similar machines in a healthcare setting.
As a radiation technologist, you’ll need to possess the knowledge, maturity, and good judgement to operate the complex medical equipment properly and to deliver quality patient care.
Day-to-day, you’ll work with other health professionals to gather patient data for diagnosis and treatment of injury and disease.
You’ll be responsible for explaining the procedures to patients, making sure the equipment is working properly, and also preparing the imaging results.
Why Pursue a Career in Radiology?
Careers in radiology are rewarding. Tasked with preparing, performing, and assessing radiologic tests, as well as procedures.
Radiology professionals help their medical colleagues to identify and treat health issues. Radiology jobs also give innovative and analytical thinkers the opportunity to research and even develop new medical tools and treatments.
While explaining treatments and procedures to patients, radiologists can carry out detailed tasks. Their outstanding communication and problem-solving skills help professionals to thrive.
Radiology Career Outlook
As is the case with many healthcare-related jobs, demand is projected to rise in the coming years as an aging population is expected to increase the burden on the healthcare system.
As the population grows older and has more medical needs, there will be an increase in medical conditions that require imaging as a tool for making diagnoses.
A 14% job growth has been projected by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics for the healthcare industry between 2018 and 2028.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of radiologic and MRI technologists is projected to grow from 2019 to 2029.
Specifically, the BLS projects 9% job growth for radiologic technologists over that time period.
According to the BLS, radiology technicians earned an average annual salary of over $63,000 in 2019.
Radiology Career Paths
When choosing online radiology tech programs, it is important to know the existing career paths.
Radiology programs often offer concentrations that allow learners to choose specific radiology career paths.
For example, two years of college may prepare students for careers by covering procedures that rely on MRIs, CAT scans, and X-rays.
Bachelor’s program may allow learners to pursue specializations like nuclear medicine and medical imaging.
Students pursuing master’s degrees may choose from concentrations related to areas like education, management, and specific patient populations.
As a radiology student, the following are several career paths and relevant concentrations for radiology students.
- Medical Imaging
- Nuclear Medicine
- Radiology Education
- Radiology Leadership
Medical Imaging
Undergraduate programs may offer concentrations in specific types of medical imaging.
Students may learn how to operate MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray, and/or radiation therapy equipment.
These programs prepare graduates to work as technicians or continue on to graduate programs.
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine represents the cutting edge of radiology. Graduates can find positions as nuclear radiation technologists or assistants, depending on their degree level.
Many of these programs prepare graduates to sit for certification exams offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board.
Radiology Education
Graduate programs sometimes provide radiology education concentrations to fill the need for radiation educators across the country.
Students take courses in curriculum development, assessment methods, evidence-based education, healthcare leadership, and research methods.
Graduates can work as professors at higher learning institutions or as clinical educators in medical facilities.
Radiology Leadership
Radiology professionals seeking leadership positions can choose this concentration in some graduate programs.
Learners study financial management, resource management, evidence-based administration, and information management.
Graduates can work as managers, chief technologists, and administrators within radiology organizations.
Going back to the main reason why you are here; the online radiology tech programs. Here are some programs to choose from:
The List of Online Radiology Tech Programs
- Oregon Institute of Technology
- Pima Medical Institute
- Upstate Medical University
- Boise State University
- Cox College
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
- University of Cincinnati
- IUPUI
- Midwestern State University
- The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- Kettering College
- Ohio State University-Main Campus
- Washburn University
- University of Southern Indiana
- University of New Mexico
- University of Missouri
- Weber State University
- University of Louisiana-Monroe
- Marian University – Wisconsin
- University of Iowa
- Augusta University
- Fort Hays State University
- La Roche College
1. Oregon Institute of Technology
- Annual Tuition: $14,040
- Median Starting Salary: $73,052
- Median Dept: $26,500
The online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science degree completion program at the Oregon Institute of Technology allows practicing registered radiologic technologists to complete a bachelor’s degree, helping them qualify for a master’s program.
The online radiology degree program integrates basic medical science with radiology courses and a general education core.
Their online programs offer continuing education in your profession or coursework in management, advancement or new options in your career, and the bachelor’s degree required for entry into master’s degree programs.
Many of their students go on to advanced degrees in business, education and more.
Students are never required to come to the campus. They hope students will come for their graduation ceremony, but there is no requirement to do so.
Oregon Institute of Technology is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. NWCCU is an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education and/or the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.
2. Pima Medical Institute
- Annual Tuition: $15,076
- Median Starting Salary: $69,505
- Median Dept: $22,316
The online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences degree-completion program at Pima Medical Institute is designed for certified radiologists who are currently working in the field or have recently graduated from a radiography program.
This bachelor’s program is designed for current radiologic professionals looking to complete a bachelor’s degree and advance their existing careers.
Online courses give students the additional skills and knowledge for increased responsibilities and employment opportunities, including but not limited to advanced knowledge of healthcare systems, professional leadership skills and critical thinking.
The program is based on core curriculum guidelines from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).
3. Upstate Medical University
- Annual Tuition: $16,980
- Median Starting Salary: $63,501
- Median Dept: $15,000
The Bachelor of Professional Studies in Medical Imaging Science at Upstate Medical University is a 48-credit degree completion program.
This degree is intended for professionals who are already certified, or eligible to be certified, by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART) and who have already earned an associate degree in imaging or a bachelor’s degree.
The BPS programs for CT and MRI are for associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree prepared Radiographers (X-ray Technologists) to pursue specialty education in CT or MRI.
Both BPS programs take one year (three semesters) and start in the fall.
4. Boise State University
- Annual Tuition: $8,690
- Median Starting Salary: $59,350
- Median Dept: $17,872
The online Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences from Boise State University is a degree-completion program that has been developed specifically for previously credentialed imaging workers.
Boise State’s online curriculum meets the requirements of the American Society of Radiologic Technology (ASRT) standards for undergraduate degrees.
With seven-week courses available, students can complete the program in as few as 12 months!
Earning a bachelor’s degree from Boise State University can help open doors to opportunities and a promising future.
Boise State’s online programs are specifically created for online learning and offer the same support as their traditional degree programs, and were also recently ranked in the near top 15% of online bachelor’s degrees in the country by U.S. News and World Report.
5. Cox College
- Annual Tuition: $12,450
- Median Starting Salary: $58,673
- Median Dept: $17,188
The online Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Imaging is a 120-credit program with several concentrations: computed tomography (CT), interventional radiography (IR), DMS echocardiography, (ECH), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and healthcare leadership.
Their Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Imaging (BSDI) degree is the first of its kind in Missouri.
It’s also one of only a few in the surrounding states. Join in a legacy of success that stretches over 40 years!
Cox College has trained hundreds of specialty imaging professionals who have gone on to rewarding, life-changing careers, and you could be next.
Their imaging candidates come from a wide range of backgrounds. That’s why we offer three enrollment options to fit your experience.
6. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
- Annual Tuition: $32,841
- Median Starting Salary: $58,378
- Median Dept: $19,000
The University of Oklahoma offers an online Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences – Radiation Sciences through the College of Allied Health.
This degree completion program is for clinicians who hold a professional credential in nuclear medicine, radiography, radiation therapy, or sonography.
The degree is a 100% online Bachelor of Science in Radiation Sciences and does not contain a clinical component.
It allows working adults with current credentials to finish their Bachelor’s degree in as little as 18 months.
Interested in the program, but not sure if you have all the prerequisites to apply? Click here to start a transcript review.
A detailed list of requirements that you have remaining will be emailed to you within two weeks.
7. University of Cincinnati
- Annual Tuition: $13,710
- Median Starting Salary: $58,796
- Median Dept: $24,393
The University of Cincinnati offers an online Bachelor of Radiation Science Technology degree-completion program for students who already have a certification and associate degree in medical imaging or radiation therapy.
The program requires 60 online credit hours beyond the associate degree and can be completed full-time or part-time.
The University of Cincinnati’s online Bachelor of Radiation Science Technology program is designed for working professionals ready to become a decision-maker in a growing field.
You’ll learn vital leaderships skills that can lead to management jobs within your organization, as well as the option to enhance your knowledge in two available clinical specializations: Computed Tomography or Mammography.
The program is designed with the working radiologic technologist in mind, as the 100% online program requires no campus visits.
You will learn from experts in the radiation science field while expanding your professional network with fellow students across the nation.
8. IUPUI
- Annual Tuition: $10,500
- Median Starting Salary: $57,554
- Median Dept: $25,558
IUPUI offers an online Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging Technology, instructing students in medical imaging technology principles and procedures, anatomy and pathology, research, advanced diagnostic imaging, medical imaging theory, ethics and health professionals, and more.
This 120-credit program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.
The BS in Medical Imaging Technology is for working professionals who are already certified in a medical imaging related field.
If you are not certified in one of these areas, you are not eligible to apply.
To become certified, you must complete prescribed educational requirements at a two- or four-year college and pass a national professional certification exam.
If you are not eligible for the BS in Medical Imaging Technology, they invite you to explore options such as their BS in Applied Health Science or BS in Health Sciences.
9. Midwestern State University
- Annual Tuition: $8,377
- Median Starting Salary: $56,802
- Median Dept: $21,241
The online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences degree-completion program at Midwestern State University-Texas is designed for accredited radiologists.
The 130-credit program includes 51 general education credits such as history, mathematics, speech, and government; 33 hours of advanced professional courses; and 42 professional certification credits that are granted to students.
The Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS) is a degree completion program that provides lateral and upward mobility for technologists who are unable to attend traditional college on-campus classes on a full-time basis.
While the BSRS Program is not designed as a complete advanced modality program, specific professional elective course options are designed to help prepare technologists for advanced level examinations in specific modalities.
This program is NOT for entry-level students. Students wishing to become radiographers need to pursue the BSRT program.
10. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- Annual Tuition: $24,310
- Median Starting Salary: $55,443
- Median Dept: $19,000
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences offers an online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging Sciences degree completion program.
This degree is for professionals who have completed 35 hours of prerequisites and hold an Associate of Science in Medical Imaging or Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology.
The Radiologic Imaging Sciences program offers two enrollment options: a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging Sciences, and an online Bachelor of Science Degree Completion program for those who hold an Associate’s Degree in the field.
A Short Track Examination Preparation (STEP) track is also available for ARRT eligible technologists who wish to prepare for a specialty examination.
Please refer to the specific program section depending on the enrollment option being considered.
The department has two Traditional program sites: Little Rock and Fayetteville (UAMS Northwest Campus).
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Science degree program requirements qualifies the student to apply for the national certification examination.
Successful completion of the program does not itself ensure certification. The program’s mission, goals, and competencies/ learning outcomes can be found on the department website.
11. Kettering College
- Annual Tuition: $17,280
- Median Starting Salary: $55,964
- Median Dept: $28,954
Kettering College offers an online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree-completion program, with several concentration options that include respiratory care, management, education, sonography, or advanced imaging.
Full-time students typically complete the program in five semesters, while part-time students complete the program in nine semesters or fewer.
Kettering College offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences online completion program designed for those who have obtained an associate degree or its equivalent in the health care.
Join a program that will sharpen your skills and knowledge, but is flexible with your busy work schedule.
Students can complete their degree with an emphasis in advanced imaging, education, management, respiratory care, or sonography.
This program is optimized for the working healthcare professional and is the equivalent to the junior and senior years of a four-year baccalaureate program.
12. Ohio State University-Main Campus
- Annual Tuition:$9,445
- Median Starting Salary: $53,671
- Median Dept: $25,000
The Ohio State University (OSU) offers an online, part-time AS to Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences degree completion program.
OSU requires an associate degree or certificate and certification by the ARRT, NMTCB, or ARDMS for admission.
The online 120-credit hour program focuses on administration and management.
Ohio State’s Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences is a degree completion program that can be pursued 100% online and is designed for working technologists and therapists who want to advance their career in administration or management within the medical imaging profession.
Ohio State’s Division of Radiologic Sciences and Therapy is nationally recognized for leadership and innovation in education and research. Students in the Ohio State radiology program will grow their skills in administration and management of radiography, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine technology and sonography.
They will learn from the same top-ranked faculty that are in the classroom and will complete a capstone-like project, implementing quality improvement strategies for their own work place.
Graduates will fulfill a portion of the eligibility requirements for the CRA credential exam and be primed for professional growth opportunities.
13. Washburn University
- Annual Tuition: $12,060
- Median Starting Salary: $52,107
- Median Dept: $18,499
At Washburn University, students can pursue a Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Imaging with a concentration in diagnostic medical sonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or radiation therapy.
These concentrations focus on expanding students’ knowledge of imaging specialties.
Washburn University’s Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) degree curriculum is appropriate for students who have a clinical background and those who are new to health care.
Candidates must have an associate degree or higher in a healthcare program to be eligible for their DMS program.
They offer three options, allowing you to specialize in a specific area of sonography.
You may choose a one-year advanced certificate in general sonography, cardiac sonography or vascular sonography.
All didactic coursework is completed online, followed by clinicals in a facility that is close to your home.
14. University of Southern Indiana
- Annual Tuition: $19,622
- Median Starting Salary: $52,107
- Median Dept:$21,077
At the University of Southern Indiana, the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic and Imaging Sciences degree-completion program offers concentrations in clinical education, MRI and CT, and radiology management.
These programs are designed for certified radiographers who want to expand their existing credentials.
Are you a registered radiographer that would like to complete a bachelor’s degree? Offered by the College of Nursing and Health Professions at USI, the 100% Online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology – Degree Completion Program can help you conveniently advance your career.
Their online program offers the flexibility and affordability working adults need, making courses available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by way of the internet.
With 33 hours of Radiologic and Imaging Sciences major courses and the completion of the University Core 39, you can receive a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic and Imaging Sciences.
15. University of New Mexico
- Annual Tuition: $21,673
- Median Starting Salary: $51,392
- Median Dept: $16,747
The Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences at the University of New Mexico is a degree-completion program for radiology professionals who have a certificate or an associate degree in medical imaging.
In this program, students learn about education, management, imaging research, and public health.
The University of New Mexico School of Medicine offers a Bachelor of Science Degree Completion Program in Radiologic Science online, as a continuation of a certificate or associate degree in medical imaging.
This program offers an opportunity to expand basic medical imaging knowledge and skills into areas such as education, management, research, or public health.
The curriculum is designed to allow continuing students to complete the program on a full or part-time basis.
The BS Radiologic Science degree courses are offered online, and admission to the program is offered each semester.
16. University of Missouri
- Annual Tuition: $17,023
- Median Starting Salary: $52,316
- Median Dept: $24,500
The University of Missouri offers a Bachelor of Health Science in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences with an emphasis in radiology.
This degree-completion program is aimed at imaging professionals who have an imaging certificate or an associate degree.
A bachelor’s degree in radiography from MU will help you teach and serve as a manager in all areas of medical imaging, including patient care, research, sales and marketing.
If you are a certified radiologic technologist and you want to find more job and promotion opportunities in health care, this may be the degree for you.
Mizzou’s online bachelor’s programs ranked among the nation’s finest in two U.S. News & World Report 2022 categories.
17. Weber State University
- Annual Tuition: $8,340
- Median Starting Salary: $49,832
- Median Dept: $12,500
The Bachelor of Science in Advanced Radiologic Sciences degree completion program at Weber State University is designed for people who want careers in the technical, managerial, and educational sectors of the medical imaging field.
Their bachelor’s degrees provide registered radiologic technologists with skills in advanced radiologic sciences specialties, sonography, nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy.
If you already have certification in a specialized modality, they may award you credit hours upon review of your credentials to obtain a bachelor’s degree.
Read more about their Bachelor’s Completion program.
18. University of Louisiana-Monroe
- Annual Tuition: $12,000
- Median Starting Salary: $50,439
- Median Dept: $21,500
The University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology program.
The program is designed for registered radiologic technologists with an ARRT certification, helps them expand on their existing radiology skills by offering courses on management, advanced imaging procedures, and specialized medical imaging modalities.
19. Marian University – Wisconsin
- Annual Tuition: $14,100
- Median Starting Salary: $50,320
- Median Dept: $25,000
The Marian University online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology degree completion program offers the opportunity to minor in business administration, management, history, marketing, or health care administration.
This program can be completed part-time or full-time, and is designed for certified radiologists.
20. University of Iowa
- Annual Tuition: $10,110
- Median Starting Salary: $49,425
- Median Dept: $24,850
The University of Iowa offers an online RT to Bachelor of Science in Radiation Sciences degree-completion program for registered radiologic technologists and nuclear medicine technologists.
Students in the program may choose a specialty such as cardiovascular interventional (CVI), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or breast imaging (BI).
The RT to B.S. is an online program designed for registered radiologic technologists and nuclear medicine technologists who wish to earn a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in radiation sciences by distance education.
After admission students choose an online modality: cardiovascular interventional (CVI), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), breast imaging (BI), or a multi-modality plan.
A clinical internship is not required for the degree, nor is one provided. Students interested in completing the clinical competency requirements to sit for the advanced ARRT certification exam should contact one of the partnering institutions or seek your own opportunities.
21. Augusta University
- Annual Tuition: $28,378
- Median Starting Salary: $49,270
- Median Dept: $25,000
Augusta University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences with a major in Nuclear Medicine Technology for Military-Trained Nuclear Medicine Technologists.
This degree-completion program combines computer technology, medicine, physics, and chemistry.
The Bachelor of Science Degree Completion Bridge program in Radiologic Sciences with concentration in Nuclear Medicine Technology for military personnel is designed for students who are trained in Nuclear Medicine Technology in the armed forces of the United States of America and have successfully completed Phase I and Phase II of military NMT training.
ARRT-N or CNMTB certification is not required for these individuals. In addition to Phase I and Phase II military NMT training, these individuals also have completed core curriculum for a Bachelor’s degree as stated by the Board of Regents for Georgia Colleges, and prerequisite courses specific to the major with a grade of C or greater.
The program is online and allows nuclear medicine technologists stationed in any military or domestic clinical site the opportunity to take advanced level coursework in the discipline in three semesters.
The program requires students to complete 30 hours of professional credit with the university.
22. Fort Hays State University
- Annual Tuition: $7,033
- Median Starting Salary: $48,432
- Median Dept: $22,000
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Medical Diagnostic Imaging, instructing students in a wide range of imaging procedures and general medical practice, and more.
This degree-completion program requires 124 credits for graduation, including courses on human biology, lab experience, bioethics, anatomy and physiology, sectional pathology, etc.
23. La Roche College
- Annual Tuition: $29,470
- Median Starting Salary: $47,930
- Median Dept: $17,859
The online Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging at La Roche University is a degree-completion program for students who have already completed hospital programs in radiography, MRI, nuclear medicine, and ultrasound.
Students will take health services and academic core courses, along with liberal arts courses such as business communications, psychology, and public speaking.
This major is meant to prepare students for a career in Medical Imaging, including, but not limited to, radiography, MRI, nuclear medicine and ultrasound.
A student must have already completed an approved hospital program in one of these areas.
FAQS
How Do I Switch My Career to Radiology
To transition into a career in radiology, professionals must earn a degree that is accredited by ARRT, JRCERT, or ARMRIT.
However, depending on their educational and professional backgrounds, practicing healthcare workers may be able to switch careers by earning a certification in a specific aspect of radiology.
Information technologists, engineers, and computer professionals can also transition to a career in radiology by completing specialized coursework and gaining practical experience.
Where Can You Work as a Radiology Professional?
Radiology professionals are known to work in most facilities where medical care is provided. A lot of radiologists practice in hospitals, others practice in physician’s office, diagnostic centers, outpatient care facilities, and research centers.
Job availability largely depends on a woker’s location. For examplelarge cities may house several hospitals that need many radiology professionals.
Careers in business and consulting, research and development, and administrative services, depending on your interests and goals are what graduates with a degree in radiology can pursue.
Is radiology a good career?
According to the BLS, radiologic technologists earn an annual median salary of $60, 510. This position is expected to experience significant job growth between 2018 and 2028 like we stated earlier.
Pursuing a career in radiology is a great decision, many of these professionals earn more than $300,000 per year.
How do I start a career in radiology?
Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in radiology and a license will open many doors to entry-level positions.
Workers who take advantage of continuing education and professional development opportunities can pursue advanced careers with a radiology degree.
What kind of jobs can you get with a radiology degree?
Entry-level radiology professionals work as technicians and technologists. They are known for their ability to master multiple tools and technologies.
Specialized careers in radiology include diagnostic medical sonographer, radiation therapists, and radiation oncologist.
Is radiology tech hard?
From research, the subjects matter involved in an X-ray technician program are all generally challenging. You will need a firm understanding of the human body, as well as how to use imaging equipment.
During your programs, topics such as medical terminology, radiologic science, image production, radiographic physics, psychology, anatomy and physiology are discussed.
How Long Will It Take to Become an X-Ray Technician?
To become an X-ray technician, attending a college or a University is very important. Afterwards, you will need to perform hands-on training during your time at school through a clinical externship. This will help you to further enhance your skills and give you confidence for your career.
Can radiologists work from home?
The answer is a resounding yes. Thanks to smart, remote radiology reporting systems like PACS, RIS/PACS, and teleradiology software, radiologists can effectively work from home.
It’s clearer than ever that remote radiology has proven to improve radiologists’ productivity and reduce costs for organizations.
Is radiology residency stressful?
Compared to other medical subspecialties, radiology residents have been known to experience high burnouts.
85% of the trainies are feeling emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and decrease feelings of personal accomplishments.
Several factors including counterproductive administrative tasks such as procedure logs and training modules, continuous and long clinical shifts, demanding call schedules, technical issues and lack of feedback and social interactions, according to the authors contribute to radiology resident burnout.
What Are the Careers in the Radiology Field?
- Diagnostic medical sonographer: These professionals use sound wave technology to perform gynecological, abdominal, and cardiac assessments of patients, including prenatal health screenings for pregnant women. Ideally, sonographers should possess strong social skills so they can put patients at ease by walking them through each procedure.
These professionals earn median salaries of $70,380 per year, and the field is expected to grow very fast at 17% through 2029.
- MRI technologist: MRI technologists specialize in using MRI machines to create images and may also work with a physician to interpret the results.
MRIs are used to diagnose everything from joint pain to tumors. Like sonographers, MRI techs benefit from high emotional intelligence so they can calm patients who dislike the noisy, immersive MRI procedure.
These jobs pay a median salary of $63,710 per year, with the field expected to grow 7% by the end of the decade.
- Nuclear medicine technologist: Nuclear medicine can help radiology professionals take more accurate images, and nuclear medicine technologists are experts in administering and explaining this medicine to patients.
They follow radiation protection procedures for radiopharmaceuticals, including their disposal.
Nuclear medicine techs earn relatively high median annual salaries for radiologic technologists, at $79,590.
However, their 5% job growth outlook is lower than other radiology professionals.
- Radiation therapist: These professionals use radiation to treat disease rather than diagnose medical issues.
They follow rigorous safety protocols to prepare patients for focused doses of radiation that can shrink tumors.
Radiation therapists command the highest median salaries at $86,850 of any radiology discipline that doesn’t require an M.D.
The job outlook is also good, with 7% growth expected through the end of the decade.
- X-ray or CT technologist: These technologists take X-ray images for physicians to analyze and interpret.
CT scans involve the use of several X-rays to harvest a three-dimensional image of an internal section of the patient’s body, and their images are often made clearer with the use of an ingested or injected contrast agent.
Like MRI techs, these professionals earn median wages of $63,710 per year, and available jobs are projected to increase by 7% through 2029.