Online Radiography Degrees: Curriculum and Program Info
An online radiography degree can lead to a career as a radiologic technologist or radiologic technician. Radiologic technologists and technicians operate machines that take magnetic resolution images of patient’s bones and organs in order to diagnose conditions. In most hospitals, clinics, and private practices, radiologic technologists and technicians maintain the equipment used to take x-rays and magnetic resolution images. Radiologic technologists and technicians may specialize in ultrasound, magnetic resonance, or computer tomography.
Also called radiographers or CT technologists, radiologic technologists and technicians must have a specific set of technical skills as well as well as excellent communication skills, and above average physical strength. To obtain the technical and communication skills needed for a successful radiography career, you must obtain an associate degree or higher in radiography. There are more than 600 accredited radiography programs across the U.S. All have been accredited by the Joint Review on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
Of the more than 600 accredited programs, many offer blended programs (half online and half on campus) while a few may offer most of the program online. Certain courses must be completed in a clinical lab setting under the supervision of an instructor or professor. This means, if you decide to take an online radiography degree program, you should make sure the program offers courses at a facility in your area.
In addition to a degree in radiography, 40 states require licensure to practice in this field. In order to take the licensing exam, students must graduate from a JRCERT-accredited program and pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)-administered exam. To locate online radiography degree programs, all you have to do is search through directories such as Petersons.com. You can also visit the official JRCERT website at www.jrcert.org.
When searching for online radiography degree programs, you should check to make sure the program is accredited by JRCERT. In some cases, programs will carry more than one accreditation. Many online schools have been accredited by one or more of the top accrediting agencies for distance education programs. These include the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), the Distance Education Training Council (DETC), Council on Occupational Education (COE), Accrediting Commission for Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT), and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Feel free to visit the U.S. Department of Education website at Ed.gov for a list of recognized accrediting agencies.
All accredited radiography programs should follow strict admissions guidelines. An accredited online program should ask for a completed admissions application, an admissions essay, official transcripts and test scores, and an application fee. You should also make sure the program follows the traditional course curriculum for radiography degree programs. Courses should cover radiography, medical terminology, medical ethics, pathology, how to use x-ray equipment, patient treatment plans, patient care procedures, performing patient physical assessments, anatomy and physiology, darkroom procedures, how to operate advanced equipment, radiation protection, and technical writing.
After graduating from an accredited radiography degree program and working in the field for several years, radiologic technologists and technicians earn around $50,260 per year. Top earners make around $68,920 per year and entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians start at $32,750 per year. For more information about radiography careers, visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook online at www.bls.gov.
