Can You Become a Radiology Tech Online? The Truth About Hybrid Programs

Radiology tech student in scrubs using a tablet near an X ray machine in a simulation lab with instructor and mannequin in background

Demand for radiologic technologists is strong and many students ask whether the path can be completed online. This article examines online and hybrid radiology tech programs, how hands on clinical training works, accreditation and certification, how to compare allied health schools by cost and outcomes, and practical steps to choose the right program.

Understanding online and hybrid radiology tech programs

When you first search for radiologic technology programs, the terms online, hybrid, and campus-based can be confusing. The most important thing to understand is that you cannot become a licensed radiologic technologist through a 100% online program. The career requires extensive, hands-on patient care that can only be learned in a real clinical setting. Programs advertised as “online” are actually hybrid models that blend remote learning with mandatory in-person training. Let’s break down what these formats really mean for you.

A traditional campus-based program is exactly what it sounds like. You attend all your classes, labs, and clinical training in person, following a set schedule on a physical campus. This model offers the most face-to-face interaction with instructors and classmates.

A hybrid program, which is the focus here, splits your education into two distinct parts.

  • Didactic Coursework (Online)
    This is the “book learning” portion of your degree. It includes subjects like anatomy, physiology, patient care, medical ethics, radiation physics, and imaging principles. In a hybrid program, you complete all or most of this coursework remotely through a learning management system.
  • Clinical Training (In-Person)
    This is the hands-on component where you apply what you’ve learned. You will work directly with patients in a hospital or imaging center under the supervision of a licensed technologist. This part is always in person.

Hybrid programs are designed to offer flexibility for the academic portion, but they still demand a significant on-site commitment for labs and clinicals.

Common Degrees and Program Structures

Most entry-level radiography programs lead to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiography, which is the most common path to becoming a registered technologist. These typically take about two years to complete. Some schools offer a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Radiologic Technology, which takes four years and may open more doors to management or education roles later on. For students who already hold a degree in a related health field, certificate or post-baccalaureate programs offer a faster route, often taking 18 to 24 months.

Pacing can vary. Full-time programs usually follow a cohort model, where you progress through a fixed sequence of courses with the same group of students. This builds a strong support network but offers little flexibility. Some programs may offer part-time options, extending the program length but allowing you to balance school with work or family. Accelerated programs are less common for entry-level radiography due to the extensive clinical requirements.

How Online Learning Works in a Hybrid Model

The online coursework in a hybrid program can be delivered in two ways.

Synchronous learning
This requires you to log in at specific times for live, interactive lectures and discussions with your instructor and classmates. It mimics a traditional classroom schedule but allows you to attend from home.

Asynchronous learning
This is more flexible. Instructors post recorded lectures, assignments, and materials, and you complete them on your own schedule before the deadlines. This model is ideal for students who need to fit their studies around an existing job.

Most programs use a mix of both. Your online activities will include watching video lectures, participating in discussion forums, completing case study analyses, and taking quizzes. Some programs use virtual labs and simulation software to help you practice positioning and equipment settings before you go to campus. Exams are almost always proctored, meaning you’ll need to take them at an approved testing center or use special software with a webcam to ensure academic integrity.

Putting It All Together: The Hybrid Schedule

So, what does a week actually look like? A hybrid program organizes its in-person components into scheduled blocks. You might have on-campus intensives, which are multi-day sessions held once or twice a semester for hands-on lab practice in positioning, equipment operation, and patient safety. These sessions are mandatory.

Once you begin your clinical rotations, your schedule becomes much more rigid. A typical week for a hybrid student might look like this:

  • Monday & Tuesday
    Complete asynchronous online coursework. Watch lectures on radiation biology and participate in a discussion board about patient ethics. Study for an upcoming physics exam.
  • Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
    Attend your assigned clinical shift at a local hospital from 8 AM to 4 PM. You’ll work alongside a clinical preceptor, performing X-rays on real patients.
  • Weekend
    Balance studying, personal life, and possibly a part-time job.

The biggest tradeoff with a hybrid program is often mentorship and lab access. While you gain flexibility, you have less spontaneous access to instructors for quick questions and less time to practice in the on-campus lab compared to traditional students. You must be highly self-motivated and organized to succeed.

Red Flags to Watch For

When evaluating programs, be cautious. The quality of hybrid programs varies widely. Here are some common red flags.

  • Vague Clinical Placement Information
    The program should be transparent about how and where you will complete your clinical hours. If they say you are responsible for finding your own clinical site, that is a major warning sign. Reputable programs have established partnerships with healthcare facilities.
  • Lack of JRCERT Accreditation
    Your program must be accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Graduation from a JRCERT-accredited program is required to sit for the ARRT certification exam. You can verify a program’s status on the JRCERT website.
  • Promises of a “100% Online” Degree
    As mentioned, this is not possible for an entry-level radiography degree. Such claims are misleading and likely indicate a program that is not legitimate or is intended for already-certified technologists advancing their education.

A well-structured hybrid program can be a fantastic pathway into radiography, offering a blend of flexibility and rigorous, hands-on training. The key is to do your research and understand that while your classes may be online, your most critical learning will happen in person.

How clinical training works in hybrid programs

The single most important part of any radiologic technology program is the clinical training. It’s where theory meets practice, and it’s a non-negotiable requirement for becoming a certified technologist. While you can learn anatomy, physics, and patient care principles from online lectures, you cannot learn to position a trauma patient or operate a C-arm in surgery through a webcam. This hands-on experience is essential for developing the technical skill, critical thinking, and professional judgment needed to work safely and effectively with patients. It simply cannot be replicated remotely.

Hybrid programs organize this crucial component through structured clinical rotations. These are not casual internships; they are intensive, supervised learning experiences that take place in real-world healthcare settings. Students are assigned to one or more clinical sites, which can include:

  • Hospital Radiology Departments. This is the most common setting, exposing students to a wide variety of exams, from routine chest X-rays to complex fluoroscopic studies.
  • Outpatient Imaging Centers. These facilities focus on scheduled, non-emergency procedures and offer a different pace and patient population.
  • Emergency Departments. Here, students learn to work quickly and adapt to unpredictable situations, performing portable X-rays on trauma patients.
  • Specialty Clinics. Rotations in orthopedic offices, surgical suites, or cancer centers provide experience with specific patient needs and advanced imaging procedures.

During these rotations, your learning is guided by two key figures. The preceptor is a registered technologist employed by the clinical site who provides direct, day-to-day supervision and feedback. The clinical instructor is a faculty member from your college who oversees your overall progress, conducts periodic evaluations, and ensures you are meeting the program’s educational objectives.

Your goal is to master a specific list of procedures mandated by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). This involves performing a required number of exams on actual patients, covering everything from pediatric to geriatric cases and various parts of the anatomy. Your skills are assessed through competency evaluations. You’ll first observe a procedure, then perform it with direct supervision, and finally, perform it independently (under indirect supervision) to prove your competence. Every procedure you complete is meticulously documented in a logbook, which serves as the official record of your clinical education.

For the online learner, the logistics of clinical placement are a major consideration. How you get your clinical spot is one of the most important questions to ask an admissions advisor. Some programs have a network of established, affiliated clinical sites. They handle the placement process for you, though your assigned location might require a significant commute. Other programs, particularly those marketing to a national audience, may require you to find and secure your own clinical site. This can be a huge challenge, as many hospitals are hesitant to create new affiliation agreements for a single student. Before enrolling, you must have a clear, written confirmation of your clinical placement. You should ask very specific questions before you enroll:

  • How are students assigned to clinical sites? Do students have any input?
  • If you are an out-of-state student, does the program have clinical affiliations near you, or will you be required to relocate?
  • What is the typical weekly schedule for a clinical rotation?

Do not assume you can complete your hours at your local hospital; the school must have a formal affiliation agreement in place.

The process is also time-consuming. Securing a spot involves background checks, drug screening, and proof of immunizations and health insurance. You will also need professional liability insurance, which is often included in your tuition. Schedules are typically demanding, mirroring a full-time work week. You should expect to work 35-40 hours per week during the day, but some rotations may require evening or weekend shifts to expose you to different types of cases. Balancing this with an outside job is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for most students.

Modern programs often use simulation labs and virtual reality tools to help you prepare for the clinical environment. These on-campus or intensive lab sessions allow you to practice positioning on mannequins and use energized equipment in a controlled setting before you ever touch a real patient. Simulation is an excellent tool for building confidence and muscle memory. However, its role is strictly supplementary. The ARRT places firm limits on how many clinical competencies can be completed through simulation. It is meant to enhance, not replace, direct patient contact. Always verify a program’s policy on simulation and how many hours count toward your clinical requirements. You can check a program’s status and affiliations through resources like the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

If you are a non-local student, you face extra hurdles. If the program requires you to find your own clinical site, start the process months in advance. Network with local imaging managers and be prepared to present information about your program’s accreditation and curriculum. For mandatory on-campus intensives, you’ll need to budget for travel and short-term housing. The clinical phase is the most demanding part of your education, but it’s also where you truly become a radiology technologist.

Accreditation certification and state licensure explained

Navigating the world of radiologic technology programs can feel like learning a new language, with terms like accreditation, certification, and licensure thrown around. Understanding these three pillars is not just important; it is the absolute foundation of your career. They determine whether you can take your board exam, get a job, and legally practice as a radiologic technologist. For students considering a hybrid program, where you’re not physically on a campus every day, being extra diligent about these credentials is your best defense against a dead-end investment of time and money.

Program accreditation is a formal review process by an outside agency to ensure a school and its program meet established educational standards. Think of it as a seal of quality. In the world of radiography, the most important accrediting body is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Graduating from a JRCERT-accredited program is a non-negotiable prerequisite for being eligible to sit for the national certification exam. It also qualifies you for federal financial aid, like Pell Grants and federal student loans. Employers overwhelmingly prefer, and often exclusively hire, graduates from accredited programs because it guarantees a certain level of competency. You can and should verify any program’s status directly on the JRCERT website using their Find a Program tool. This database provides real-time information on a program’s accreditation status, length, and any public notices.

After successfully completing your accredited program, the next step is national certification. This is handled by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Earning the “(R)” for Radiography after your name signifies you have met the national standard for the profession. The ARRT has three primary requirements. First, you must have completed a JRCERT-accredited educational program. Second, you must pass an ethics review; this involves answering questions about any past criminal convictions or disciplinary actions to ensure you meet the ARRT Standards of Ethics. Third, you must pass the ARRT certification examination. Your program will notify the ARRT of your graduation, after which you’ll have a specific window of time to apply for, schedule, and pass the exam. This certification is what most employers look for as the primary credential for practice.

While ARRT certification is the national standard, it is not a license to work. That authority comes from individual states. State licensure is the legal permission granted by a state government to practice a profession. Requirements vary significantly across the country. Some states have their own licensing exam, while most accept the ARRT certification as the primary qualification. Some states have no licensure requirements at all for radiologic technologists, though this is becoming less common. It is critical to research the specific rules of the state where you intend to work, ideally before you even enroll in a program. If you attend a hybrid program based in one state but plan to do clinicals or work in another, you must confirm that your program meets the educational requirements for licensure in both states. Some states offer reciprocity, allowing a technologist licensed in one state to more easily get a license in another, but this is never guaranteed.

The consequences of choosing a non-accredited program are severe. You will not be eligible for the ARRT exam, which means you cannot become a certified technologist. This effectively closes the door to employment at nearly all hospitals and imaging centers. Credits from non-accredited institutions are also rarely transferable to accredited schools, meaning you would have to start over if you decided to pursue a different degree later. Furthermore, program outcomes are a direct reflection of quality. Accredited programs are required to publish this data, often as a five-year average. Look for a consistently high ARRT exam pass rate (a rate above 85% on the first attempt is strong), a high job placement rate (above 90% within six or twelve months of graduation is a good benchmark), and a strong program completion rate. These figures show that a program effectively prepares students for the profession and is valued by employers.

When you speak with admissions officers, be prepared with specific questions about these critical areas. Your goal is to be an informed consumer of your education. Here are some things you should ask:

  • Can you confirm your program is currently accredited by the JRCERT, and can you provide a link to your program’s listing on their website?
  • What have been your program’s ARRT exam pass rates, job placement rates, and graduation rates for the past five years? Where is this data published?
  • How does the program support students in states with different licensure requirements, especially if I plan to work outside of the program’s home state?
  • What specific documentation will I receive upon graduation to provide to the ARRT and state licensing boards?

A transparent and high-quality program will have ready answers to these questions and should be able to provide documentation to back up their claims. This due diligence is the most important step you can take to ensure your educational path leads to a successful and legally compliant career as a radiologic technologist.

Common questions prospective students ask

Are hybrid programs cheaper than traditional on-campus programs?
Not always. While you might save money on daily commuting to a campus and housing if you can study from home, the tuition for hybrid programs is often comparable to their on-campus counterparts. Furthermore, you must factor in other costs:

  • Travel expenses to and from your assigned clinical site.
  • Fees for technology, labs, and clinical tracking software.
  • Costs for uniforms, textbooks, and liability insurance.
  • Expenses for background checks, drug screening, and required immunizations.

Always ask for a detailed breakdown of the total estimated cost of attendance, not just the tuition per credit hour. This will give you a much more accurate picture for comparison.

How does financial aid work for hybrid programs?
Financial aid works the same way as it does for on-campus programs, as long as the school is accredited and approved to participate in federal student aid programs. You will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal grants, work-study, and student loans. Many schools also offer institutional scholarships. Contact the financial aid office of any school you are considering to discuss your options. Ask them specifically about aid that can be applied to hybrid programs and if there are any scholarships for students in allied health fields.

Does it matter if I attend a for-profit versus a nonprofit institution?
It can. Nonprofit institutions (public and private) are generally mission-driven, reinvesting revenue back into the school. For-profit institutions are businesses accountable to shareholders. While excellent programs exist in both sectors, for-profit schools sometimes have higher tuition costs and credits that are less likely to transfer to other universities if you decide to pursue a higher degree later. Regardless of the school’s tax status, your due diligence remains the same. Scrutinize the program’s JRCERT accreditation, five-year outcome data (ARRT pass rate, job placement), total cost, and clinical placement process. A strong, accredited program with proven graduate success is a good choice, whether it is for-profit or nonprofit.

Final considerations and next steps

You’ve navigated the complexities of hybrid radiologic technology programs, and now it’s time to turn that knowledge into a concrete plan. Making the right choice requires a systematic approach, weighing the critical factors that determine a program’s quality and its fit for your life. Before you start filling out applications, let’s synthesize what matters most. Your decision should balance six key areas: the program’s accreditation status, the reality of its clinical placement support, its ability to make you eligible for the ARRT exam and state licensure, its proven student outcomes, the total cost, and the flexibility of its schedule.

With these factors in mind, you can move from researching to decision-making. This checklist is designed to guide you through that process methodically, ensuring you don’t miss a crucial step.

  1. Start with Accreditation.
    This is non-negotiable. Your first action should be to visit the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) website. Use their Find a Program tool to create a preliminary list of accredited hybrid or online-accessible programs. If a program is not on this list, cross it off yours. Accreditation ensures the program meets national standards and makes you eligible for the ARRT certification exam, which is the gateway to your career.

  2. Create a Program Comparison Spreadsheet.
    Information overload is real. Organize your findings in a simple spreadsheet to compare your top 3-5 programs side-by-side. Your columns should include:

    • Program Name & Location
    • Total Estimated Cost (Tuition + Fees + Books + Uniforms)
    • Prerequisite Courses Required
    • Application Deadline
    • Program Length (in months)
    • ARRT Exam Pass Rate (5-year average)
    • Job Placement Rate (within six or twelve months of graduation)
    • Graduation Rate

    You can find most of this data on a program’s “Program Effectiveness Data” or “Consumer Information” page, which accredited schools are required to publish.

  3. Interrogate the Clinical Placement Process.
    This is the most critical part of evaluating a hybrid program. The glossy brochure will say they assist with placements; you need to find out exactly what that means. Schedule a call with both an admissions advisor and, if possible, the clinical coordinator. Ask pointed questions:

    • Do you have existing clinical site agreements in my specific city or region?
    • What is the process if a student cannot find a placement? Is a refund offered? Does the student have to pause their studies?
    • How many students are you currently placing in my area? What is your ratio of students to available clinical slots?
    • Will I be responsible for securing my own clinical site affiliation agreement? If so, what support do you provide?
    • Who is my direct supervisor at the clinical site, and how often does a faculty member from the school visit or check in?

  4. Plan Your Finances.
    Start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what federal grants, loans, or work-study programs you qualify for. Then, look for scholarships. Many organizations, like the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), offer scholarships specifically for imaging students. Ask the financial aid office at each school about institutional grants or payment plans. Remember to factor in costs beyond tuition, such as background checks, drug screenings, lab fees, and transportation to your clinical sites.

  5. Map Your Timeline.
    Work backward from the application deadline. Note when you need to have prerequisite courses completed. If you have to take anatomy and physiology or medical terminology, register for those courses well in advance. Plan for any entrance exams like the HESI or TEAS. Your timeline should also account for gathering letters of recommendation and writing your personal statement.

A common crossroads for aspiring techs is choosing between an Associate of Science (A.S.) and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. The best choice depends entirely on your career goals. An associate degree is the fastest and most direct path to becoming a registered technologist. It focuses heavily on the essential clinical skills and knowledge needed for entry-level practice. If your primary goal is to start working as a radiographer as soon as possible, this is an excellent and efficient option.

A bachelor’s degree, on the other hand, builds a foundation for future growth. While it also prepares you for the ARRT exam, it includes a broader education in communication, leadership, and research. This path is ideal if you envision yourself moving into roles like a lead technologist, department manager, clinical instructor, or pursuing advanced modalities like MRI, CT, or mammography, where a B.S. is often preferred or required.

Feeling ready to take the next step? Here is what you can do this week to build momentum.

  • Action 1: Finalize Your Shortlist. Use the JRCERT program finder to identify three accredited hybrid programs that seem like a good fit.
  • Action 2: Conduct a Prerequisite Audit. Pull up your unofficial college transcripts. Compare the courses you’ve taken with the prerequisite requirements for each of your three chosen programs. Identify any gaps you need to fill.
  • Action 3: Draft Your Inquiry. Write a professional email to the admissions department of your top-choice school. Introduce yourself and ask one or two of your most critical questions about their clinical placement process or admissions criteria. This opens a line of communication and shows your genuine interest.

By following these steps, you transform a daunting decision into a manageable project. You are now equipped not just with information, but with a framework for action. Your career in radiologic technology is within reach; the key is to move forward with diligence and purpose.

Sources

  • Discover Top Online Radiology Tech Programs — Online radiology tech programs can train you for a well-paying job. Explore the best associate degrees offering a career-aligned curriculum.
  • Top 10 Online Radiology Tech Programs 2026 — This article will cover the 10 best online radiology tech (x-ray tech) programs across the country, including tuition, application deadlines, accreditation, …
  • Most Popular Online Radiology Degrees 2025 | 11 Answers — (1) Online degrees in radiologic sciences are a good fit for students who learn best at their own pace. Students need to select an accredited …
  • Radiologic Science Technology — The radiologic science technology associate degree program at COTC combines extensive classroom, laboratory and clinical learning situations.
  • 20 Best X-Ray Tech/Radiology Tech Schools in 2025 — Between 2019 and 2023, graduates had a 93% pass rate on the professional certification exam and a 99% job placement rate. The college hosts …
  • Radiologic Technology — Meridian's full-time Radiologic Technology program prepares adults to become Radiologic Technologists, blending technical skills with essential qualities.
  • Radiology Technology Degree Program — Start today with our online and on-campus Radiology Technology program to gain relevant x-ray skills for your future career.
  • Radiography Associate Degree Program — This associate degree program includes coursework, instruction and hands-on learning that will prepare you to work as a professional entry-level radiologic …
  • Find a Program — Find a Program. Program Name, Accreditation Status, Accredited Applicant, Type of Program, Radiography, Radiation Therapy, Magnetic Resonance, Medical …