Many colleges offer Radiology programs, and selecting one can become a herculean task. To help you make your decision without having to go through so much stress.
Radiologists require a significant amount of formal education before they become qualified to practice. Meanwhile, the discipline is a subdiscipline under the broader discipline – Medical Imaging.
This field includes radiography (x-rays), sonography (ultrasound), computerized tomography (CT or CAT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as radiation therapy.
Colleges and universities offer Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Associate degree programs for radiology. Therefore, your selection of radiology school would also depend on your preferred level of study.
One thing that is very important for you to consider is to ensure that your radiology program has been accredited.
Meanwhile, before we show you the affordable radiology programs you can take, join us for some relevant background information.
Let us look at the table of content below.
Table of contents
What is Radiology?
Radiology is an area of medicine that uses radiant energy to provide diagnostic images of a patient’s body. The modern-day practice of radiology requires several different healthcare professions working as a team.
The radiologist is a medical professional with appropriate post-graduate training. He interprets medical images, communicates these findings to other physicians, and performs medical procedures with the images.
Meanwhile, the radiologists usually work personally with a radiographer. This professional uses sophisticated technology and positioning techniques to produce medical images for the radiologist and nurse to interpret.
You will find that radiologists and radiographers are often used interchangeably. This is because they almost specialize in the same thing. They need each other to work effectively.
Radiology Training
Of course, the radiologist is in the medical field and must attend medical school. However, after graduating from medical school, an aspiring radiologist must complete four years of a radiology residency. The residency combines specialty medical education with paid on-the-job training.
Aspiring radiologists complete clinical rotations in different radiology subspecialties, attend lectures and conduct research. They may then go on to complete additional training for specialization purposes.
An example of this is interventional radiology. The doctor must undergo additional 1-2 years of fellowship training. After the training, the doctors learn to use catheters, wires, and other probes for imaging procedures.
Furthermore, the continuing emergence of new technologies requires radiologists to undergo extra training. This will enable them to use equipment safely and accurately. Besides, it’s common for even advanced radiologists with many years of practice to take specialized training programs occasionally.
License, Certification & Salary
You must have a license to practice as a radiologist. You must pass the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Exam (COMLEX) to earn these medical licenses.
In addition to passing these exams, you must meet other state requirements. Meanwhile, these licenses will need periodic renewals.
Furthermore, you’ll have to get certification from the American Board of Radiology (ABR) or the American Osteopathic Board of Radiology (AOBR).
According to salary.com, the average Radiologist salary in the United States in 2020 is $405,290. However, the range falls between $352,290 and $468,790.
Which are the affordable radiology programs you can take in 2024?
Again, to make this decision, you’ll have to consider accreditation and mode of study. Radiology is not a course you’ll want to study at just any university. You’ll need to attend a college with radiology accreditation for your radiology degree to be respectable.
Also, you’ll have to consider how long you wish to study and the mode of study. If you are practicing and need to top up your field knowledge, you’ll be considering an online radiology program. You’ll still consider this option if you wish to study abroad but can’t be there physically.
However, if you reside in the US and can experience personal, face-to-face education, you’ll consider an on-campus study.
Our list of affordable radiology programs comprises on-campus and online radiology programs. Also, our compilation covers only bachelor’s and master’s radiology programs.
List of affordable radiology programs you can take in 2023
Here is the list of some places you can find radiology programs at an affordable rate. Do take your time to go through.
#1. Midwestern State University – $10,644
This accredited university offers an online radiology program for Master’s and Bachelor’s degree students. There are currently a total of 5 available radiology programs run at the university – 4 Masters and 1 Bachelors.
Midwestern State University, however, is the only public liberal arts institution in Texas. It records a total enrollment of 6,000 students annually as well as ranks as one of the “Top 10 Public Schools with the Cheapest Out-of-State Tuition.”
The online BS in Radiologic Sciences will qualify you to become a registered imaging technologist. Meanwhile, you’ll take between 120 to 130 credit hours, depending on how much specialization you want.
Furthermore, this online bachelor’s and masters in radiology program offer in-state tuition to all students. Thus making it the most affordable radiology school.
Accreditation:
This online radiology degree has regional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACS COC).
Tuition:
Midwestern University’s tuition for radiology bachelor’s and master’s degrees is $10,644 annually.
Program Link
#2. Ohio State University, Main Campus – $10,726
This accredited university offers on-campus and online radiology program for Bachelor’s degree students in Radiologic Science and Therapy.
Here, you can choose to major in Radiography, Radiation Therapy or Sonography/Vascular Therapy. You can as well complete all three in a blended format.
However, whichever way you want it, you’ll be prepared for professional careers in clinical practice, administration, education, and research.
Meanwhile, you must have a 2.5 GPA or higher and 8 hours of documented patient contact experience to study this program.
Accreditation:
This online radiology degree has regional accreditation by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
Tuition:
The Ohio State University-Main Campus tuition for a radiology bachelor’s degree is $10,726 yearly.
Program Link
#3. Missouri Southern State University – $11,568
This accredited university offers an online radiology program for Bachelor’s degree students in Health Science – Radiology.
Although this college was established as a junior college, it now functions as a public four-year university. Its radiology degree program is a 124 credit-hour program that allows you to transfer in to complete your degree.
However, you’ll hone your skills at radiologic position and analysis through this radiology school online curriculum. Also, the school includes four surrounding states to enjoy in the cheap in-state tuition. These states are Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and certain counties in Illinois.
Accreditation:
This online radiology degree has regional accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition:
Missouri Southern State University tuition for a radiology bachelor’s degree is $11,568 annually.
Program Link
#4. Morehead State University – $13,426
This accredited university offers an online radiology program for Bachelor’s degree students in Imaging Science – Leadership in Medical Imaging.
This radiology degree program offers a flexible learning platform for workers in medical imaging. You will also learn advanced topics, including administration and health care law. This will thus prepare you for a managerial role in the medical imaging community.
However, this program requires you to have some educational experience in radiography, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine.
Accreditation:
This online radiology degree has regional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACS COC).
Tuition:
Morehead State University tuition for a radiology bachelor’s degree is $13,426 annually.
Program Link
#5. ECPI University Online – $15,051
The East Coast Polytechnic Institute offers an online bachelor’s degree program in Radiologic Sciences.
This accelerated Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (B.S.R.S.) program provides you the knowledge to advance in the radiology profession. It also builds you to be a leader, educator, and/or administrator in the field.
The program also presents higher advanced skills of Radiologic Sciences for optimum patient care in advanced modalities.
In addition, this accredited radiology program provides a broader knowledge base and skill set beyond the entry-level radiographer. The beauty of ECPI’s program is that you can earn the B.S.R.S degree in less than one year.
Accreditation:
This online radiology degree has regional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACS COC).
Tuition:
ECPI Online University tuition for a radiology bachelor’s degree is $15,051 annually.
Program Link
#6. University of Arkansas Fort Smith – $15,608
This accredited university offers an on-campus radiology program for Bachelor’s degree students in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. It also offers a bachelor’s degree in Imaging Sciences Leadership.
The Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences (BSIS) program is a two-track completion program. It prepares you for a professional career in a dynamic health care environment.
It also provides the educational foundation for registered radiographers to expand their career opportunities. Furthermore, you will be groomed to provide the community with quality health care in the imaging sciences.
Accreditation:
This online radiology degree has regional accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition:
The University of Arkansas Fort Smith tuition for a radiology bachelor’s degree is $15,608 yearly.
Program Link
#7. Clarion University – $15,636
This accredited university offers an online radiology program for Bachelor’s degree students in Medical Imaging – Radiologic Technology.
Meanwhile, this radiology degree program is a 120-credit program that offers two concentrations – radiologic technology or ultrasound. It also produces graduates proficient in performing all imaging exams to meet ARRT requirements.
However, the hybrid version of the program only accepts students who are already radiologic technologists with credentials. It also accepts sonographers, nuclear medicine technologists, radiation therapists, and medical dosimetrists.
Accreditation:
This online radiology degree has regional accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition:
Clarion University tuition for a radiology bachelor’s degree is $15,636 annually.
Program Link
#8. Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences – $15,953
This accredited university offers an on-campus radiology program for Bachelor’s degree students in Medical Radiologic.
The curriculum of this accredited radiology program includes a strong science foundation with courses specific to the practice of medical radiography. However, the number of courses, credit hours, and course content may change from time to time to meet ARRT, ASRT and/or JRCERT measurements.
Meanwhile, the radiology degree currently requires 122 credit hours to complete the program successfully.
The program requires course work in classroom and laboratory environments as well as clinical experience in leading-edge departments throughout Tennessee and Mississippi.
Accreditation:
This online radiology degree has regional accreditation by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
Tuition:
The Baptist Memorial College of Health Science tuition for a radiology bachelor’s degree is $15,953 yearly.
Program Link
#9. Nebraska Methodist College – $15,980
This accredited university offers an online radiology program for Bachelor’s degree students in Imaging Sciences, It also offers a Bachelor’s degree in Computed Tomography and in MRI.
Furthermore, this radiology school in Nebraska also offers you the option to study on-campus. Also, the radiology degree program has multiple points of entry – the dual degree option (3-year degree) and the degree completion for associate degree graduates.
In addition, the school’s curriculum provides a strong liberal arts foundation and courses that will prepare you with the technical skills to excel in the field.
Accreditation:
This online radiology degree has regional accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition:
Nebraska Methodist College tuition for a radiology bachelors degree is $15,980 yearly.
Program Link
#10. McNeese State University – $17,408
This accredited university offers an on-campus radiology program for Bachelor’s degree students in Radiologic Science.
This radiology degree educates you in anatomy, physiology, positioning, and radiographic techniques and provides you basic and advanced knowledge of patient care.
Also, the program allows you to apply for the primary certification examination. In various areas, you will achieve partial or complete documentation for post-primary certification examinations.
Accreditation:
This online radiology degree has regional accreditation by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
Tuition:
McNeese State tuition for a radiology bachelor’s degree is $17,408 yearly.
Program Link
#11. The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse – $17,765
This accredited university offers an online radiology program for Master’s degree students in Medical Dosimetry.
In this field, you’ll learn to measure and calculate the dose for the treatment of cancer patients. You’ll also use your physics, anatomy, and radiobiology knowledge to provide clinical solutions. You’ll develop an optimal arrangement of radiation portals to spare normal and radiosensitive tissues while applying a prescribed dose to the targeted disease volume.
Interestingly, UW-La Crosse sponsors the only Medical Dosimetry Program in the nation.
Furthermore, this online degree for dosimetry students uses the Desire2Learn E-learning course management system.
Accreditation:
This online radiology degree has regional accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition:
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse tuition for a radiology master’s degree is $17,765 yearly.
Program Link
#12. The University of Southern Indiana – $18,626
This accredited university offers an online radiology program for Bachelor’s degree students in Radiologic Technology – Degree Completion.
This accredited radiology program offers you the option of either completing the BS in Radiologic and Imaging Sciences or attending the degree completion program.
Whichever is your choice, you’ll have the chance to specialize in one of CT/MRI, Clinical Education, or Radiology Management.
In addition, the ultimate beauty of this radiology degree in Southern Indiana is the certification pass rate. The school records 95% pass rate in the radiology program certification exam in the last five years.
Accreditation:
This online radiology degree has regional accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition:
The University of Southern Indiana tuition for a radiology bachelor’s degree is $18,626 yearly.
Program Link
#13. The Northwestern State University of Louisiana – $18,710
This accredited university offers an online radiology program for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students.
The school’s bachelor’s in radiography are in Radiologic Sciences. However, the masters in radiology are in Radiologic Science for Administration or Education.
While the accredited radiology program at the university offers you degree options, it also features fast-track classes through eNSU Global Campus. This means that your online courses will last 8 weeks during the fall and spring. Thus providing optimal flexibility to complete your degree.
Accreditation:
This online radiology degree has regional accreditation by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACS COC).
Tuition:
The Northwestern State University of Louisiana tuition for a radiology bachelor’s and master’s degree is $18,710 yearly.
Program Link
#14. The University of Iowa – $20,365
This accredited university offers on-campus and online radiology program for Bachelor’s degree students in Radiologic Science and Nuclear Medicine Technology.
You’ll cover radiologic technology, sonography, MRI, CT, and radiation therapy programs for Radiation Sciences.
However, both programs will prepare you for professional practice through intellectual, professional, and social learning opportunities. You will also work alongside faculty members and instructors.
Accreditation:
This online radiology degree has regional accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition:
The University of Iowa’s radiology bachelor’s degree tuition is $20,365 yearly.
Program Link
#15. Concordia University, Wisconsin – $28,600
This accredited university offers an on-campus radiology program for Bachelor’s degree students in Radiologic Technology.
You’ll learn anatomy, patient positioning, examination techniques, radiation safety, and basic patient care in this program.
Also, this CUW bachelor’s degree is a two-plus-two program. You’ll spend the first two years on Concordia’s campus and the next two learning practically in the clinic. However, this is a competitive program, thus, there is no guarantee of acceptance.
Accreditation:
This online radiology degree has regional accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition:
Concordia University Wisconsin tuition for a radiology bachelor’s degree is $28,600 yearly.
Program Link
Conclusion
Radiology is an area of medicine that uses radiant energy to provide diagnostic images of a patient’s body.
To be able to practice thIS profession, you’ll have to acquire licenses and certification. But one step at a time.
The first step to acquiring a radiology degree is selecting the right program, the right mode of study, and the right school. I believe with this, our enlisted programs, you’re covered.
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