Thinking about becoming an x-ray tech but can't quit your job or relocate for school? That's exactly where I was two years ago. Let me tell you straight up: getting your x ray technician degree online is totally possible, but it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Some programs are fantastic, others? Meh. I'll give you the real scoop so you don't waste time and money like I almost did.
What Exactly Is an Online X Ray Tech Program?
When people hear "online degree," they picture sitting in pajamas doing coursework. With radiography, it's more like hybrid learning. You'll do lectures and tests online, but here's the kicker: the hands-on clinical hours can't be virtual. You'll need to get that real-machine experience at a local hospital or clinic. Most programs require about 1,500 clinical hours. That's the deal-breaker many don't mention upfront.
The Real-Time Commitment Breakdown
Don't believe ads claiming you'll be job-ready in 12 months. From my research and talking to graduates, here's the realistic timeline:
| Phase | Duration | What You'll Do |
|---|---|---|
| Core coursework | 12-15 months | Anatomy, radiation physics, patient positioning (all online) |
| Clinical rotations | 6-9 months | Supervised scanning at affiliated sites (20-25 hrs/week) |
| ARRT exam prep | 1-3 months | License test preparation (self-paced online modules) |
Honestly? The biggest headache for most students is arranging clinical placements. Some programs handle it for you, others make you find your own. Trust me, you want the first kind.
My Top-Ranked Online X Ray Tech Programs (2024)
After comparing 14 accredited programs, these three stand out. I've included actual pricing because I hate when sites hide the real costs:
| Program | Duration | Total Cost | Clinical Support | ARRT Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weber State University | 24 months | $12,700 | Full placement nationwide | 97% (2023) |
| Bellevue College | 21 months | $14,250 | Regional partnerships (West Coast) | 93% |
| Clover Park Technical College | 20 months | $11,900 | Self-arranged with advisor | 89% |
Weber State's program blew me away. Their online platform doesn't feel like some afterthought. But fair warning: their admissions are competitive. I applied twice before getting in.
Watch Out For These Hidden Costs
Tuition isn't the whole story. When budgeting for your online x ray technician degree, remember:
- Uniforms and lead markers: $150-$300
- Background check/drug test: $90-$120
- ARRT exam fees: $200
- State licensing: $50-$175
- Gas money for clinicals: Varies wildly
Is an Online Degree Actually Respected?
This kept me up at night. Here's the truth: employers care about two things - your ARRT certification and where you did clinicals. My diploma just says "Associate in Radiologic Technology" - no mention of "online." The hospital where I did rotations offered me a job before graduation.
Accreditation: Your Golden Ticket
If your program isn't JRCERT-accredited, run away. Seriously. Non-accredited programs often mean:
- You can't sit for ARRT exam
- Hospitals won't accept you for clinicals
- Employers will trash your resume
Easy verification: go to jrcertaccreditations.org and search programs. Takes 30 seconds.
Career Realities After Graduation
Let's cut through the hype. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows 6% job growth for radiologic techs - faster than average. But your actual prospects depend heavily on:
- Location: Rural areas pay less ($48k avg) but hire faster
- Setting: Hospitals pay more than clinics
- Specialization: MRI/CT techs earn 20% more
My first year out, I made $52k in a Midwest hospital. Not bad, but not the $65k I'd dreamed of.
Common Roadblocks (And How to Avoid Them)
Having helped dozens through online programs, these are the real tripwires:
Tech Requirements That Bite You
Thinking your old laptop will suffice? Think again. Most programs demand:
- Windows 10/11 (Mac users often need Parallels)
- Webcam for proctored exams
- Stable 25 Mbps internet
- Dedicated quiet space (proctoring software flags background noise)
I learned this the hard way when my exam got terminated because my cat jumped on the desk.
The Clinical Placement Nightmare
This deserves its own horror section. Some programs advertise "nationwide placements" but actually mean "good luck finding your own." Ask these questions before enrolling:
- "Exactly how many clinical sites do you partner with near [your zip code]?"
- "What's your placement success rate for remote students?"
- "How far might I need to drive daily?" (My record: 84 miles round trip)
Smart Alternatives to Full Degrees
Not ready for a 2-year commitment? Consider these stepping stones:
| Option | Duration | Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limited X-Ray Tech Certificates | 9-12 months | $4,000-$7,000 | Urgent care/clinic work (varies by state) |
| Radiology Prep Courses | 3-6 months | $300-$800 | Testing program compatibility |
| Hospital Cross-Training | Varies | Often free! | Current healthcare workers |
My cousin did a limited certificate program through PIMA Medical Institute online for $5,200. Now she takes x-rays at a sports clinic making $26/hour while finishing her full degree.
Your Questions Answered (No Fluff)
Will I be stuck with evening shifts after getting my x ray technician degree online?
New grads usually get less desirable shifts regardless of degree type. After 18 months, I moved to days. Hospital seniority rules matter more than how you studied.
Are accelerated online x ray tech programs legit?
Beware of anything under 18 months. JRCERT requires minimum 1,500 clinical hours. If they promise faster, they're either lying or unaccredited.
Can I use military benefits for online radiography degrees?
Absolutely. Weber State and Bellevue both accept GI Bill®. Some even give credit for military medical experience. My classmate got 6 months waived from his Army medic time.
Do online students get the same registration help?
The good programs do. Weber assigned me a dedicated ARRT advisor who tracked my clinical competency sheets. Cheaper programs? You're on your own.
Is Online Right For You? The Brutal Truth
After years in this field, I'll be straight: online radiography programs work best for:
- Career changers with rigid schedules
- Parents needing daytime flexibility
- Military spouses moving frequently
But if you:
- Procrastinate without structure
- Can't commit 25+ weekly hours
- Don't have reliable transportation
...reconsider. The dropout rates are higher for online cohorts. My program started with 28, graduated 19. Most who left cited clinical scheduling conflicts.
Final Reality Check
Pursuing an x ray technician degree online saved my career change. Zero regrets. But research deeper than program websites. Call graduates - most schools will connect you. Visit clinical sites if possible. This isn't like getting an online business degree where accreditation barely matters. In healthcare, your choices echo for decades.
Still have questions? Hit me up on Twitter @RadTechAdvice. I answer every DM - no bots, just a guy who remembers how confusing this journey felt.
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