Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Washington DC

This guide to radiologic technologist and technician schools in Washington DC provides you with important information on your options. Due to the limited options in Washington DC, you may be interested in rad tech programs in nearby states such as Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia. Online radiologic technologist programs are other options that can provide unique advantages such as greater flexibility in scheduling and completing coursework. Read about the difference between radiology technologists and radiology technicians. Below you’ll find out about radiologic technologist schools in Washington DC and career prospects for graduates, with school information, career outlooks, and more.

Quick Facts

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

Table of Contents

• Washington DC Medical Imaging Schools
• Schools in Washington DC with RT Programs
• How to Become an RT in Washington DC
• Washington DC RT Salary and Job Outlook
• Student Reviews

Washington DC Medical Imaging Schools

The following table allows you to view information on the not-for-profit radiologic technology and medical imaging programs in Washington DC. Check with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to ensure that the program you are considering will meet certification requirements.

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

Schools in Washington DC with Radiology Technologist Degree Programs

Howard University

Howard University offers a Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy (BSRT) that meets the education requirements to sit for the ARRT certification exam. The curriculum is presented in two stages, a Lower and an Upper Division. Students begin in the Lower Division taking general education and prerequisite courses, then apply to start taking Upper Division classes in their third and fourth years. The Upper Division includes both classroom and clinical elements across five semesters. Admission into the Upper Division requires at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and a minimum GPA of 2.5 in all math and science courses. Progression through the program requires a minimum score of 80% in all clinical courses and at least 75% in didactic classes. Coursework includes Introduction to Oncology, Sectional Anatomy, Pathophysiology, and Problem Solving. Students may be assigned to clinical affiliates throughout the Washington DC area.

How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Washington DC

Radiologic technologists in Washington DC do not need to become licensed to practice in the district. Employers in Washington DC may, however, preferr rad techs who have received a professional credential from an organization such as the ARRT. Certification by the ARRT requires the following:

1. Complete a diploma, certificate, or degree in your chosen specialty. The ARRT requires that candidates for certification complete an educational program in their chosen modality and an associate’s degree or higher. These two qualifications may be met by the same program, but it is not required.
2. Take and pass the ARRT exam. Candidates who have completed the education requirement must apply to take the appropriate certification exam through the ARRT. ARRT certification exams must be passed with a score of 75 or higher.
3. Maintain your registration. Registered technologists must renew their certification and registration on an annual basis. The ARRT requires rad techs to complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years.

Washington DC Radiology Tech Salary and Job Outlook

Estimates predict that radiologic technologist and technician positions will grow by 4.3% between 2020 and 2030 in Washington DC.⁵ Nationally, projections call for 8.6% job growth for rad techs over the same time period.⁵ According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2022 approximately 3,360 radiologic technologists were working in the Washington DC metro area, which is the 10th-highest employment level of rad techs among metropolitan areas in the US.⁶ The BLS reports that, as of 2022, rad techs in the DC area earned an average annual salary of $80,410.⁶ The BLS does not track occupational data for limited-scope x-ray technicians. However, limited-scope technicians typically earn less than fully-licensed radiologic technicians due to the lower educational requirements and work responsibilities. MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, George Washington University Hospital, and Sibley Memorial Hospital are among the hospitals, imaging centers, doctors’ offices, and medical facilities that hire radiologic technologists and technicians in the Washington DC area.

Washington DC 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.

Georgetown University
3700 O St NW
Washington, DC 20057
(202) 687-0100
https://www.georgetown.edu/

Student Review: “The Department of Radiologic Technology at Georgetown University was incredible. The school has up-to-date MRIs, PET, Gamma Cameras, and more. There are even fluoroscopy rooms and 3D workstations. I worked in the college hospital: MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. I was involved in the Direct Pathway in Interventional Radiology Program which saw myself working directly alongside experienced doctors. The Chairman, Dr. James Spies, was greatly involved in the students’ activities. I was able to get support from my peers and professors. However, this support was not needed often as the classes were performed excellently. I was involved in rotations in General Radiology, Neuroradiology, and Nuclear Medicine. The residency program offers five positions per year. This is bad because the residency is difficult to get into. However, it is also very good because we get to work closely with the experts. The Department also offered monthly participation in the District of Columbia Radiological Society and attendance at the ACR Radiology Pathology Course. The Department of Radiologic Technology at Georgetown University made it not only easy to learn but fun. I have recommended the Department to anyone who is interested in this field. The Department has changed my life for the better and set me on the path of becoming an expert radiologist myself.” – Student at Georgetown University

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