X-ray technician programs teach you much about the human anatomy and radiography. Learn more about the kinds of programs available, online study options, common course topics and career prospects.
What Online X-Ray Technician Certification Programs are Available?
Online x-ray technician or radiography programs are often available as hybrid programs. You can select a program at the undergraduate or graduate level, including certificates, associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs. If you're just starting your education, one of the undergraduate programs could be perfect for you. As part of the associate's or bachelor's degree program, you will complete general education courses in addition to the major core courses. Be sure to select a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), licensing requirements differ from state to state (www.bls.gov). Voluntary certification is available from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists for graduates of an accredited program who pass an exam. Most graduate programs do not require the completion of general education classes. To be eligible for a hybrid master's degree program, you must have a bachelor's degree, preferably in radiography, from an accredited school and have an up-to-date certification in radiography.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Programs Available</b></td><td> Certificate, associate, undergraduate, graduate, hybrid</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Admission Requirements</b></td><td> Bachelor's degree for hybrid master's program, preferably in radiography <br/> Valid certification</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Options</b></td><td> Yes, but limited; short clinical or on-campus residencies may also be required</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Medical imaging health laws, trends in radiography, administering radiography</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Opportunities</b></td><td> X-ray technician</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 7% growth (<i>for all radiologic technologists</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---HowDoTheOnlineProgramsWork">How Do the Online Programs Work?</h3><p>Due to the hands-on nature of x-ray technician programs, not all of the courses are available entirely online. While many schools offer the general education courses entirely online, not all of the radiography courses are available in a distance-learning format, and those that are may also have some in-person requirements, such as clinical or on-campus residencies. The residencies can usually be completed over short periods of time, such as on a weekend. You can complete the clinical requirements at a hospital or medical facility near you that has been approved by the school.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3><p>As part of the radiography program you will take a variety of courses in health care and the sciences. These include things like anatomy and physiology and human growth and development. Some topics covered in x-ray technician and assistant courses include:
</p><ul><li>Medical imaging health laws
</li><li>Trends in radiography
</li><li>Administering radiography
</li><li>X-raying extremities, including the spine and skull
</li><li>Conducting ultrasounds and MRIs
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithThisMajor">What Can I Do With this Major?</h3><p>After completing the degree program and passing the certification exam, you can find a job working at a hospital or other medical facility as an x-ray technician or technologist. According to the BLS, the most common level of education for this career is an associate degree. The mean annual salary for radiologic technologists in 2020 was $64,840, per the BLS.</p>
