Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Virginia

The colleges and universities in Virginia offer many options for earning a degree or certificate in radiologic technology. This overview of radiologic technologist and technician schools in the state provides key information so that you can find the right school for your interests and career aspirations. As an alternative to traditional on-campus programs, online programs in radiologic technology may be a suitable match for your schedule, interests, and learning preferences. Read about the difference between radiology technologists and radiology technicians on our Careers page. Learn more about radiologic technologist and technician schools in Virginia and careers for radiologic techs by reading below, where you will find a table of rad tech programs, employment and salary projections, and more.

Quick Facts

• There are 13 not-for-profit colleges and universities with radiologic technology degree programs in Virginia.¹
• 9 schools offer a certificate program in radiologic science.¹
• 9 schools offer an associate’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• 4 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• No schools offer a master’s or advanced degree in radiologic science.¹
• 8 schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).²
• 5 schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).³
• 2 schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT).⁴

Table of Contents

• Virginia Medical Imaging Schools Comparison
• Select Schools in Virginia with RT Programs
• How to Become an RT in Virginia
• Virginia RT Salary and Job Outlook
• Student Reviews

Virginia Medical Imaging Schools Comparison

We have designed the following table to allow you to easily compare all the not-for-profit radiologic technology and medical imaging programs in Virginia on a variety of factors. You should check with the Virginia Radiologic Technology Advisory Board to ensure that the program you are considering will meet licensure requirements.

• — indicates none.
• N.Av. indicates no data available.

Select Schools in Virginia with Radiology Technologist Degree Programs

Central Virginia Community College

At Central Virginia Community College (CVCC), students can earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology. This two-year, 72-credit hour program follows a sequenced curriculum that prepares graduates for work as entry-level radiographers in a variety of clinical settings. Students are only admitted on a full-time basis, with a commitment of 30-40 hours a week expected across six consecutive semesters. Students take both classroom-based courses and clinical education courses that provide hands-on experience working with patients and radiographic equipment. Graduates are eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam.

Southwest Virginia Community College

Southwest Virginia Community College’s (SVCC) Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiography program spans six consecutive semesters over the course of two years. The program, which combines intense on-campus coursework and clinical rotations at local medical facilities, prepares students to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam. Students are assigned clinical rotations at local hospitals and medical facilities and may be required to travel up to 60 miles to get to their assigned facility. Prospective applicants to the program must first complete an observation experience, of a minimum of 12 hours, in a radiology department prior to applying for the radiology technology program. Applications are due by January 15 each year. Students who intend to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree should consult with their academic advisor to ensure courses are transferable.

Tidewater Community College

Tidewater Community College’s (TCC) Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiography program requires students to commit to full-time study in order to complete its competitive accelerated radiologic technology program. Students generally complete the program in two years, including two summer semesters. Successful applicants to the radiologic technology program begin their studies in May and are required to purchase the necessary uniforms and lead markers for their clinical rotations. Graduates of the program may be eligible to transfer to Old Dominion University to earn the remaining credits required for a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Sciences. TCC also offers certificate programs in Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Virginia

All radiologic technologists and technicians must be licensed to work in the state of Virginia. The Virginia Board of Medicine’s Radiological Technology Advisory Board (the Board) oversees the licensure process. The licenses offered are Radiological Technologist, Rad Tech Limited, and Radiologist Assistant. While the steps may vary according to modality, in general, the process to licensure in Virginia involves:

1. Complete a diploma, certificate, or degree in your chosen modality. Prospective radiologic techs seeking AART certification must hold at least an associate degree and complete an appropriate program from an accredited radiologic technology school. These may be part of the same program, but do not have to be.
2. Pass the ARRT certification exam. The exam you take will be specific to the modality that you wish to practice.
3. Apply for ARRT certification. Certification from the ARRT is a separate step from taking the ARRT exam. Once you receive notification that you have passed the exam, you may apply for certification.
4. Complete continuing education. Both the state license and ARRT certification must be renewed every two years. ARRT-certified radiologic techs must complete 24 continuing education credits to qualify for renewal. All RTs in Virginia must maintain certification by the ARRT.

The Board also oversees licensure for Radiologic Technologist-Limited (RTL) applicants. As limited scope x-ray technicians, RTLs may x-ray select areas of the body under supervision. To qualify for the RTL license, you must complete an acceptable formal education program in radiography. You must then submit an application to the Board which includes a confirmation of supervision by your intended employer(s). You must also pass the ARRT Limited Scope of Practice in Radiography exam. Once all requirements have been met, the Board may issue your RTL license.

How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Virginia

Estimates predict job growth of 7.4% for radiologic technologists and technicians in Virginia between 2020 and 2030.⁵ The expected growth is slightly below nationwide projected job growth of 8.6% for rad techs over the same time period.⁵ About 460 positions for radiologic technologists are expected to open every year in Virginia through 2030.⁵ As of 2022, approximately 5,150 rad techs worked in Virginia, earning an average annual salary of $68,940.⁶ Although the BLS does not provide employment data for limited scope x-ray technicians, technicians typically earn less than radiologic technologists due to the lower educational requirements and scope of responsibility. Radiologic technologists and technicians are often employed by hospitals, imaging centers, medical facilities, universities, government agencies, and private doctors’ offices. Hospitals and imaging centers that hire radiologic techs in Virginia include University of Virginia Health (UVA Health), Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, and Fairfax Radiological Consultants.

Virginia Radiologic Technologist Salary by Metro Area

Student Reviews

Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.

Old Dominion University
5115 Hampton Blvd
Norfolk, VA 23529
(757) 683-3000
https://www.odu.edu/

Student Review: “The nuclear medicine program at Old Dominion University is small but highly effective. My experience was phenomenal. I was able to gather the skills in school so that I could effectively learn the intricacies of actual practice when I got hired. Furthermore, the critical thinking skills acquired while in school have helped me to this day. The program only allows 12 new applicants per year. My class had 20 applicants, with 11 graduating. Applicants apply as part of the intro course in the fall of their junior year, and the program officially begins in January where we received hands-on training for hospital work. The training was invaluable, being able to practice IVs and patient moving techniques at that time were important for the next three semesters. For the rest of the program, we essentially worked as technologists at local hospitals, like a 3-semester working interview. I got employed solely because of my performance as an intern. My only issue was maintaining enough income, as we weren’t paid to work 40 hours a week. Graduates from this program hold the majority of local positions, and frequently go on to higher education or better opportunities.”
-Student at Old Dominion University

Riverside College of Health Careers
316 Main St
Newport News, VA 23601
(757) 240-2200
https://www.riverside.edu/

Student Review: “The Radiology Technologist program through Riverside is an awesome opportunity for anyone interested in the field. I had amazing teachers that would stay after if extra help is needed or if you needed someone to talk to about the stressful scenarios you are going through. I felt extremely prepared to take the certification exam as soon as I finished my last semester of the program. I did not like the clinical set up for the first semester, we were only assigned one day a week. I feel like that is not enough experience especially for the very first time heading out into the clinical world. However the clinical days did increase, by the end of the program you are required to go 4 days a week.”
-Student at Riverside College of Health Careers

Student Review: “I had a great experience in rad tech school threw riverside. I really liked how all of the teachers for this program were willing to help you and use their free time to make sure you succeed in the program. This program did a great job of preparing me for the ARRT certification exam. The only thing I did not like about the program was the outdated [equipment that] was completely different from the equipment that we would use in the clinical setting.”
-Student at Riverside College of Health Careers

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology Program Effectiveness Data: https://www.jrcert.org/program-effectiveness-data/
3. Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs: https://www.caahep.org/students/find-an-accredited-program
4. Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology: https://www.jrcnmt.org/programs/
5. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
6. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, Radiologic Technologists and Technicians: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292034.htm
7. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm