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


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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.

School NameAssociate’s Imaging ProgramBachelor’s Imaging ProgramGraduate Imaging ProgramNational AccreditationCompletion Rate2Credential Exam Pass Rate2Job Placement Rate2Net Price1
Averett University—Yes—————$23,781
Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital School of Medical ImagingYes——JRCERT100%93%99%N.Av.
Central Virginia Community CollegeYes——JRCERT80%94%100%$5,978
Northern Virginia Community CollegeYes——CAAHEP———$10,109
Old Dominion University—Yes—JRCNMT———$16,098
Piedmont Virginia Community CollegeYes——JRCERT, CAAHEP100%96%100%$6,315
Riverside College of Health CareersYes——JRCERT76%87%96%$27,679
Southside College of Health SciencesYes——CAAHEP———N.AV.
Southwest Virginia Community CollegeYes——JRCERT100%69%100%$9,444
Tidewater Community CollegeYes——JRCERT, CAAHEP100%96%99%$8,823
Virginia Commonwealth University—Yes—JRCERT, CAAHEP, JRCNMT100%91%99%$21,294
Virginia Highlands Community CollegeYes——————$6,940
Virginia Western Community College—Yes—JRCERT95%96%100%$6,215

  • — 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.

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How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Virginia

Projected Job Growth

7.4%

Radiology Techs in Virginia from 2020-20305

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

CityNumber Employed7Average Annual Salary7
Charlottesville210$70,440
Lynchburg110$61,100
Richmond780$67,690
Roanoke340$63,320
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News1,330$64,320

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://data.bls.gov/oes/#/area/5100000
7. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm