How a Bachelor’s Degree Can Advance Your Radiologic Tech Career

How Pursuing a BSRS Can Help Advance Your Career Journey

While an associate degree meets minimum licensure requirements in California, some employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree while others may require additional certifications for more specialized skills.
Common reasons radiologic technologists pursue a BSRS include:

• More in-depth and diversified coursework, which can make it easier to pursue work in specific specializations or advanced modality positions (positions that require use of a variety of specialized imaging equipment)
• Increased eligibility for lead technologist or supervisory roles
• Preparation for education, management, or informatics careers
• Long-term career sustainability as technology and regulations evolve
• The ability to stand out from other radiologic tech job candidates
• A strong foundation for pursuing a graduate degree or moving into another healthcare field in the future

Some common areas of RT specialization as listed by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) include:

• Computed tomography (CT)
• Cardiac intervention radiography
• Vascular intervention radiography
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Mammography
• Bone densitometry (DEXA scans)
• Nuclear medicine
• Sonography
• Radiologist assisting

Earning a more advanced degree can help you take advantage of specialized career opportunities. It may also help position you to meet evolving needs within the healthcare landscape, especially with demand for imaging services rising due to growth of the aging population, general population growth, technological advancements, and changes in patient access to imaging services.

Support for Specialization and ARRT Postprimary Credentials

ARRT certification remains the cornerstone of professional practice, but a BSRS may help strengthen your ability to pursue and maintain specialty roles in complex healthcare environments.

Bachelor-level coursework often expands on topics such as:

• Advanced imaging principles and modalities (CT, MRI, etc.)
• More in-depth training in cross-sectional anatomy and pathophysiology
• Insights into health data collection and research methods
• Factors that impact patient care such as cultural diversity
• Healthcare operations, management, and compliance

This broader foundation aligns with American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) postprimary certifications, helping technologists move beyond task-based imaging into more specialized or strategic roles.

When choosing a radiologic sciences bachelor’s degree program, look for one that offers coursework for the specific ARRT postprimary pathway you’re interested in pursuing. For example, the BSRS program at American Career College (ACC) has courses that satisfy the ARRT education requirements for graduates to sit for postprimary exams in MRI, CT, mammography, and interventional radiography.

Continuing Education, Licensure, and Professional Standing in California

California radiologic technologists must continue to meet ongoing regulatory requirements regardless of degree level. These requirements include:

• Renewal of the professional’s California Radiologic Technology Certificate every two years through the CDPH Radiologic Health Branch
• Completion and reporting of 24 approved continuing education credits (CECs) every two years (Different types of radiologic techs have different requirements for what types of continuing education credits they should complete. See the CEC breakdown for RTs in California.)
• Maintenance of ARRT certification and ethical standards

A BSRS can make continuing education more meaningful by connecting CE topics to broader clinical, administrative, or research-based perspectives rather than isolated technical updates.

Is It Hard to Earn a BSRS While Working as a Radiologic Tech?

Going to school while working may be a challenge, but it can be manageable for students who choose flexible programs that are designed for working RTs. You may want to consider an online program that gives you more control over how and when you complete your studies.

Some of the benefits of a flexible online BSRS program include:

• The freedom to complete your coursework from wherever you choose
• The flexibility to fit your schoolwork around your work shifts (in programs with flexible lecture times)
• No time spent on commuting when you already have a busy schedule

How Long Does It Take to Complete a BSRS Program?

Most bachelor’s degrees take about four years to complete. However, if you’re already a licensed radiologic technologist, this can potentially speed up your time to completion.

Some programs may allow licensed radiologic techs to earn your bachelor’s in radiologic sciences in one to two years. For example, American Career College’s online BSRS program for licensed RTs can be completed in less than 15 months.

Achieve Your Goals With An Online BSRS Program At ACC

The Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science program at ACC is 100% online. The curriculum is asynchronous with no set lecture times. This 15-month program, which is offered through ACC’s campus in Ontario, California, is designed for licensed radiologic techs who already have an associate degree and ARRT certification, or those who have an associate degree from completing an MRI program.

If you’ve mastered entry-level RT practice and are looking for growth or specialization opportunities, a BSRS may be the credential that helps you move forward with confidence in evolving imaging landscapes. With a flexible online BSRS program like the one at ACC, the path to professional advancement may be more attainable than you think.

Learn more about ACC’s online BSRS program and apply today.