Quick answer: The best radiologic technology program for you is one that is accredited (usually by JRCERT), has strong published outcomes (high ARRT pass rates and job placement), offers good clinical sites near you, and fits your budget. Entry-level radiography programs can’t be completed fully online, because hands-on clinical training is required. Hybrid programs put some classes online, and fully online options mainly exist for working technologists who want a bachelor’s degree.
The non-negotiable: accreditation
To sit for the ARRT Radiography exam, you must graduate from a program recognized by ARRT. In practice, most are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT); some are recognized through regional institutional accreditation.
Before anything else, look up the program in JRCERT’s online directory. If it isn’t accredited or recognized, you may not be able to take the ARRT exam, get licensed or get hired.
The three numbers that tell you how good a program is
JRCERT-accredited programs must publish these outcomes, usually on their website:
| Measure | What it means | JRCERT minimum |
|---|---|---|
| ARRT pass rate | Graduates passing the ARRT exam on the first try within 6 months (5-year average) | 75% |
| Job placement rate | Graduates actively looking for work who found a job within 12 months (5-year average) | 75% |
| Completion rate | Students who finish the program | Set by each program |
What to look for: Many strong programs report pass rates and job placement well above 90%. A low completion rate can mean the program is very demanding or not supporting students well, so ask about it.
Types of programs
| Program type | Length | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate degree (community or technical college) | About 2 years | Most new students; usually the lowest cost | Competitive admission and waitlists |
| Hospital-based certificate | About 2 years | Students who already have a degree or college credits | You still need an associate degree or higher for ARRT |
| Bachelor’s degree | 4 years | Students aiming for leadership, education or advanced roles | Higher cost and longer time |
| Hybrid programs | About 2 years | Students who need some flexibility | Clinical hours are still in person and often full time |
| Online degree completion (for R.T.s) | 1–2 years, part-time | Working technologists who want a bachelor’s degree | Not for beginners; you must already be certified |
Online and hybrid programs: what’s really possible
- Fully online entry-level programs don’t exist for radiography. You must learn positioning and patient care on real equipment with real patients under supervision.
- Hybrid programs may put lectures and some courses online, with labs and clinical rotations in person.
- Online bachelor’s completion programs are designed for registered technologists who want a bachelor’s degree for career growth. They’re usually fully online and part-time.
- Be careful with «online X-ray tech» ads promising quick certification. They may be limited-scope X-ray courses, which allow only certain basic X-rays in some states, or programs that don’t lead to ARRT eligibility.
Cost and financial aid
- Community colleges are usually the least expensive path, especially for in-state or in-district students.
- Hospital-based programs can be affordable, and some offer stipends or job commitments.
- Private and for-profit schools often cost much more. Compare total cost, including fees, books, uniforms, background checks and the ARRT exam.
- Financial aid: Fill out the FAFSA for federal grants and loans. Look for hospital tuition assistance and state workforce programs.
Red flags
- Not listed as accredited by JRCERT or recognized by ARRT
- No published pass rate or job placement data, or outdated data
- Pass or placement rates below 75%
- Promises of being «fully online» for entry-level radiography
- Pressure to sign up or pay quickly
- Vague answers about where and how clinical rotations are arranged
Questions to ask before you apply
- What are your ARRT first-time pass rate, job placement rate and completion rate for the last 5 years?
- How many students apply and how many are accepted each year?
- Where are your clinical sites, and how far will I travel?
- What are the clinical hours? Will I be able to work while in the program?
- What is the total cost, including all fees?
- Do you help with job placement, and do local employers hire your graduates?
- Can I get extra experience in CT or other modalities during the program?
Program comparison worksheet
How to use it: Print this table or copy it into your notes, and fill in one column for each program you’re considering.
| What to compare | Program A | Program B | Program C |
|---|---|---|---|
| JRCERT accredited? | |||
| ARRT first-time pass rate (5-yr) | |||
| Job placement rate (5-yr) | |||
| Completion rate | |||
| Length and schedule | |||
| Clinical sites and travel | |||
| Total cost | |||
| Financial aid available |
From the scanner room
[TU EXPERIENCIA: cómo eran tus prácticas clínicas; qué diferencia a un buen centro de prácticas; qué preguntarías tú a un programa; si has supervisado a estudiantes, qué distingue a los de buenos programas.]
FAQ
Can I become an X-ray tech fully online?
No. Classes can be partly online, but you must complete in-person clinical training to be eligible for the ARRT exam.
How do I know if a program is accredited?
Search for it in the JRCERT program directory, and check that it’s recognized by ARRT.
What’s a good ARRT pass rate for a program?
JRCERT requires at least 75% on the first try (5-year average). Many strong programs report 90% or higher.
Are hospital-based programs as good as college programs?
They can be. What matters is accreditation, outcomes and clinical training, plus meeting ARRT’s degree requirement.
Is a bachelor’s degree worth it?
Not required to start, but it can help if you want to move into leadership, education or some specialized roles later. Many technologists finish one online while working.
This article is for general information only. Check each program’s accreditation, outcomes and costs directly before you apply.
Sources
- JRCERT. Accredited program directory; Standards for an accredited educational program in radiography (program effectiveness data).
- ARRT. Educational requirements for the Radiography credential.
- U.S. Department of Education. Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Radiologic and MRI Technologists.
- Example of published JRCERT outcomes: Sacred Heart University, Radiography A.S. program outcomes.