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Bachelors Degree Facts
Time To Complete
2 to 4 Years
Common Degree Names
Radiologic Technology
Radiologic Sciences
Imaging Sciences
Health Science / Radiography
Radiologic Science Management
Admission Requirements
High School Diploma (4 yr.), or Associates & RT Certification (2 yr.)
Bachelors X-Ray Technician Degree
A bachelors level x-ray technician program is often called a bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology (RT) or a Bachelor’s of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT) degree.
Program Requirements
The admissions process for bachelor’s level x-ray tech programs typically takes one of two forms, (1) a traditional four year degree program, or (2) a two year program for students who already have an associates degree.
To be admitted to a four-year x-ray tech degree program, prospective x-ray technicians must complete adequate pre-requisite high school level science and math courses. Additionally, for most x-ray technician programs, applicants will need to complete a pre-admission test such as the ACT or SAT. Often, these bachelor’s level degree programs are competitive, and not all applicants will be admitted, so extracurriculars and previous work experience can be important.
For students who already have an associates degree, a two year bachelor’s program in radiologic sciences may be an option. These programs are often called x-ray tech bachelors completion programs. For such programs, universities accept transfer credits previously earned and apply them toward a student’s x-ray technician bachelor program. Often, these two-year bachelors x-ray tech programs require that the previous associates degree have been completed in radiologic sciences, and that the student have previously obtained RT certification. Others have no specific requirements for the previous associate’s degree needed to qualify for the x ray tech bachelors completion program.
Curriculum
Bachelors level degree programs typically prepare students in a wider range of radiographic equipment than would an associates program, and typically include classes pertaining to management and leadership. Specialized equipment covered often includes advanced technology such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Ultrasound, CT and Sonography equipment. Some programs also allow students the ability to specialize in a particular modality.
Online Options
Online undergraduate degrees in radiologic technology range from fully online curriculum, to a blend of online learning and face-to-face clinical work. Typically, those which enable students to specialize in a specific modality (e.g. MRI or ultrasound) or which do not require that the student previously have an RT credential, have a significant in-person clinical component in addition to online coursework.
Salary Statistics
The median annual salary for all x ray techs was $61,980 in 2021 which translates to $29.80 per hour. The highest paid 10% of x-ray technicians earned over $100,870, whereas the lowest paid 10% earned $59,110. Hourly, that translates to an hourly pay range of $28.42 to $48.50 for the lowest and highest 10% of xray techs respectively, and $29.80 per hour for the median x-ray technologist.
Unfortunately statistics do not differentiate between certificate, associates and bachelors degree level x ray technologists. However, as many leadership and specialized x ray technician positions are reserved for people with bachelor’s degrees, one might assume that bachelors x-ray tech salaries are at the upper level of the salary range. (source: BLS.gov – 2021)
Bachelors Degree Common Career Paths
Graduates of a bachelors level radiologic technology program have a wide range of career options. The most common of which include: Radiologic Technologist, CT Technologist, MRI Technologist, Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Radiographer, and Radiology Technologist (RT)
- Radiologic Technologist
- CT Technologist
- MRI Technologist
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist
- Radiographer
- Radiology Technologist (RT)
- Radiology Technician
- Sonographer
- Ultrasound Technician
- X-Ray Machine Operator
- X-Ray Technician (X-Ray Tech)
Best Online X-Ray Tech Programs
X Ray Tech programs include certificate, associates, and bachelors degree programs. For students interested in pursuing an online x-ray tech degree program, the following accredited schools offer such options: