Online Radiology Bachelor and Master Degree Programs

Online Radiology Bachelor and Master Degree Programs
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Why Earn A Radiology Degree Online?

Distance Education (DE) is a good option to complete a degree. It makes it easier for busy working adults to continue their education and not have to worry about attending classes around a busy schedule to earn a degree that may be necessary to progress in their career field.

Degrees in the field of radiology are no different from any other programs, since they too can be completely done online. Earning a radiology degree online is possible, but it may take more than a few quick searches on the Internet to find available programs.

Radiology Schools and Degrees

Female Doctor (by Sura Nualpradid)

Going to a radiology school and earning a degree can be beneficial. Many of the radiology schools and degree programs that do exist require in-class attendance, especially when wanting to pursue a master’s degree. Other schools that offer a certificate, associates, or bachelor’s degree often have less requirements and have available a self-study program. They also may offer their courses online. A few quick searches on the Internet will reveal many educational options.

* Note: It is rather hard to find a school that offers a master’s degree in radiology that is online. Most schools that do have such a program normally offer less than a bachelor’s degree. There are, however, a few schools that do offer the program not only online, but at the master’s level.

  1. Northwestern State University (NSU) - has an online master’s degree program in Radiologic Science. Students interested in the grad program will need to select a concentration in either administration or education. In addition, those who take part in this degree program are required to travel to the school’s campus twice per semester. Tuition costs vary, so it’s necessary to check with the school.

* Note: NSU is accredited by the commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS-COC).

  1. Thomas Jefferson University (Jefferson School of Health Professions - JSHP) - has a Master of Science in Radiologic and Imaging Sciences. The degree involves in-class attendance (which is required only one weekend a month), online interaction and independent study. Tuition costs vary, so it’s necessary to check with the school.

* Note: JSHP is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians, and by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs, Inc. (AAHRPP).

Besides NSU and JSHP, there are other alternatives, such as…

  1. The American College of Radiology (ACR) offers an online educational activity (ePI-CME: Electronic Performance Improvement - Continuing Medical Education) for a maximum of 20 _AMA PRA Category 1 Credits_™. Cost: ACR Members - $350 | Non-members - $700. In addition, ACR offers campus online video lectures, with which an individual can earn up to 73.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ at the following costs: ACR Members - $695 | Non-Member - $1,495 | Member-in-Training - $475. ACR also offers Self Assessment Modules (SAMs) that are too online. For each educational activity, an individual can earn a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ and 1 SAM credit. Cost: ACR Members - $20 | Non-members - $40 | Member-in-Training - $10. And finally, ACR offers a Systems-Based Practice Module (which is also an online activity). With this, an individual can earn a maximum of 3 AMA _PRA Category 1 Credits_™ and 2 SAM non-clinical credits in an ABR core competency. Cost: ACR Member: $79 | Non-Member: $99 | Member-in-Training: $39, or for NO CME/SAM CREDIT, it will cost: ACR Member: $35 | Non-Member: $45 | Member-in-Training: $15.

* Note: ACR is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

  1. Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences (FHCHS) offers an Advanced Imaging Online CT and/or MRI Certificate (in addition to their Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences - Distance Education Online Program. This certificate could benefit those individuals who need this experience. Costs: Tuition is $290/credit hour for the 2009-2010 school year plus $290/trimester matriculation fees.

* Note: FHCHS is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

  1. Quinnipiac University offers a Radiologist Assistant Master’s Degree Program (but it’s on campus), an online Master of Science Degree Program in Occupational Therapy, and online certificates in Health Care, Occupational Therapy, and one for an Examiner. The tuition depends on the program, so check out the school’s Web site for details.

* Note: The school has received accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Education and Job Outlook for a Radiologist

“Formal training programs in radiography range in length from 1 to 4 years and lead to a certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree. Two-year associate degree programs are most prevalent. Technologists also may advance, with additional education and certification […] Employment of radiologic technologists is expected to increase by about 15 percent from 2006 to 2016, faster than the average for all occupations.” [1]

The expected pay?

Some radiologists make $50,000 or less, while others make much more than this amount. Expected salary depends on the amount of education,

X Ray Films (by arztsamui)

experience, and job as a radiologist (and/or specialties of Medical Imaging).

The expected work?

As a radiologist, you will likely work in the following areas: in the emergency trauma center, surgery area, and even in the intensive care units.

Why earn a Master’s Degree in Radiology?

Having more education usually means more money and more knowledge. Therefore, plan on obtaining a master’s degree in radiology. Such a degree is suitable for those radiologists who want to become radiology technicians, administrators, educators and radiology assistants.

Image credits: Female Doctor (by Sura Nualpradid, FreeDigitalPhotos.net) and X Ray Films (by arztsamui, FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

Sources and Schools

Sources

[1] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos105.htm

Schools

Northwestern State University (NSU): https://ensu.nsula.edu/

Thomas Jefferson University (Jefferson School of Health Professions - JSHP): https://www.jefferson.edu/JCHP/di/msris.cfm

American College of Radiology: https://www.acr.org/default.aspx

Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences (FHCHS - Advanced Imaging CT/MRI): https://www.fhchs.edu/

Quinnipiac University: https://www.quinnipiac.edu/x3567.xml