

The Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology program is designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills necessary to pursue a career in the field of radiologic technology. This program prepares individuals to become competent and professional radiologic technologists who can perform diagnostic imaging procedures with precision and compassion.
Throughout the program, students will gain a strong foundation in medical sciences, radiation physics, and imaging techniques. They will learn to operate sophisticated imaging equipment. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication with patients, physicians, and other healthcare professionals.
The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, including anatomy, physiology, patient care, radiation safety, image analysis, and radiographic positioning. Students will learn to assess patient needs, position them correctly, and apply appropriate radiation protection measures. They will also acquire knowledge to take diagnostic images that will be used by doctors and radiologists for interpretation.
Hands-on clinical experience is a vital component of the program, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world healthcare settings. Under the supervision of experienced radiologic technologists, students will engage in clinical rotations in hospitals, medical clinics, and imaging centers. These clinical experiences provide an opportunity for students to refine their technical skills, develop professional ethics, and gain exposure to various specialties within radiologic technology. (See if there is an existing externship site in your local area.)
Program highlights:
The Radiologic Technology Associate of Science degree prepares students to become an entry-level professional in radiography. Students will:
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to take the national certification examination offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Certification is a requirement for employment in most healthcare facilities and ensures that graduates meet the standard of competence and professionalism in the field.
Distance = Synchronous video & asynchronous online learning.
See our eLearning page for details on our exciting and innovative course delivery methods.
Total tuition for an associate’s degree in Radiologic Technology at ANU is only $39,480. Large online colleges with course-based programs are 13% – 127% higher and do not include fees or textbooks.(1) ANU tuition includes all fees (application, course, technology, graduation, etc.), textbooks, and lab equipment (where applicable).
94 credit hours required. All courses are 4 credit hours, unless otherwise stated
Program Core (Required) 58 total credit hours required
RTA101 Introduction to Medical Imaging & Radiologic Sciences and Health Care
4 Credit Hours
This course will introduce students to the imaging sciences and provide a comprehensive overview of the profession while also focusing on professionalism.
RTA103 Ethics & Law in Medical Imaging and Radiologic Sciences
4 Credit Hours
This course is an overview of ethics, ethical issues and dilemmas, and medical law within medical imaging radiologic sciences. Ethical professional conduct and adherence to the Code of Ethics set forth by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists is expected of every member. By the end of the course, students will be able to describe the basis of ethics and characteristics of ethical behavior, list ethical dilemmas and ethically complex areas of health care and medical imaging, discuss the basis of law and major legal concerns in health care and explain the types of consent, as well as the conditions and documentation of consent.
RTA105 Safety and Protective Practices
4 Credit Hours
This course prepares students to apply current safety techniques to promote personal and patient safety. Students will also learn how to recognize traumatic injuries and respond to other medical emergencies and monitor patient health.
RTA121 Pharmacology and Venipuncture for Radiologists
4 Credit Hours
This course introduces students to pharmacological nomenclature, drug classifications, pharmacokinetics, and drugs used in imaging. It also reviews diagnostic contrast agents, along with drug administration procedures, emergency responses to drug reactions, and legal and ethical aspects of medication administration.
RTA123 Radiographic Procedures
4 Credit Hours
The Radiographic Procedures course provides students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills necessary to perform a variety of radiographic procedures with accuracy, efficiency, and patient-centered care. This course focuses on understanding the principles, techniques, and positioning required for obtaining high-quality diagnostic images in various anatomical regions. Students will develop the foundational skills essential for success as radiologic technologists in clinical settings.
RTA125 Radiographic Pathology
4 Credit Hours
This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the pathological conditions and diseases that can be visualized through radiographic imaging. This course focuses on the correlation between radiographic findings and various pathological processes occurring within the human body. Students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and interpret radiographic images, identify pathological conditions, and understand the implications for patient care and treatment planning.
RTA201 Radiation Physics & Instrumentation
4 Credit Hours
This course will help students develop the radiography skills needed to produce high-quality images. The course will cover imaging principles, describe exposure techniques, and how to acquire, process, and display digital images.
RTA203 Image Production
6 Credit Hours
This course is designed to help students master the critical thinking needed to produce quality radiographs. Students will learn the steps of how to carefully evaluate an image, how to identify the improper positioning or technique that caused a poor image, and how to correct the problem.
RTA205 Radiation Biology and Health Physics
4 Credit Hours
This course is an overview of radiation biology and health physics within medical imaging radiologic sciences. As medical imaging professionals, protection of self and patients is a priority when using ionizing radiation. By the end of the course, students will be able to recognize the various health effects of radiation exposure and explain the variations in cell radiosensitivity and response. Students will be able to describe basic cellular biology and the molecular effects of ionizing radiation. Students will be able to list the units and measures used to evaluate radiation exposure and discuss the agencies and regulations involved in radiation safety. Students will be able to outline the elements of a personnel monitoring program, identify radiation protection tools and methods, and apply personnel and patient radiation protection techniques when using ionizing radiation.
RTA221 Clinical Practice
4 Credit Hours
This course will help students to develop a better understanding of diagnostic imaging of soft tissue and the human skeleton.
RTA223 Imaging Concentrations
4 Credit Hours
This course will help students compare and contrast various concentrations in radiology. Students will be introduced to equipment and technology used outside of standard imaging.
RTA298 Certification Exam Review
4 Credit Hours
The Radiological Technology Career Development and Certification Preparation course is designed to equip students pursuing a career in radiologic technology with the essential knowledge, skills, and resources needed to excel in their professional journey. This course focuses on providing comprehensive guidance and preparation for national certification examinations, as well as fostering career development and success in the field of radiologic technology.
RTA299 Radiology Externship
4 Credit Hours
Students in this course will perform competencies in a supervised, clinical setting.
COM151 The Microsoft® Office
4 Credit Hours
This is an introductory course that provides a comprehensive study of The Microsoft® Office. This course is a combination of lecture and hands-on training.
Electives (Required) Select 3 | 12 credit hours required | Students may only take a total of 2 COM classes
General Education: Select 6 | At least 1 from each discipline required | 24 total credit hours required
Written and Oral Communication
Mathematics, Statistics, and Logic
Arts and Humanities
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Physical/Natural Science
For all courses: See course description for applicable prerequisites.
(1) Online tuition pages on the internet at:
833.388.1100
1813 East Main Street,
Salem, VA 24153