Radiology Training in Virginia
As the population in the U.S. grows, the demand for skilled radiologic technicians will continue to increase, along with the demand for all types of healthcare workers.
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Radiologic technicians and technologists work in hospitals and medical centers, large and small assisting with diagnostics, treatments, and imaging tools.
Across the country, the number of jobs available in this field is expected to grow by 12 percent over the next decade. This is two times faster than the average for all jobs. Virginia is a populous state with many opportunities for radiologic technologists. Already, almost 5,000 people are working in this field in the state.
Radiology Requirements in Virginia
Radiologic technologists working in Virginia must be licensed by the state. Exceptions to this are any employees of hospitals that are licensed. Someone working at a licensed hospital that is not an employee of that facility must have an individual license.
The Virginia Board of Medicine oversees licensing and has the necessary applications for licensing. To be approved for a license, the radiologic technologist must have completed 24 credit hours of education that is approved by and documented by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). A minimum of 12 of those hours needs to be listed as Category A courses as defined by the ARRT. Virginia does not issue temporary licenses, but unlicensed graduates may work temporarily as trainees until the license is approved.
Radiologic Technology Schools in Virginia
For anyone hoping to earn a certificate or degree in an area of radiologic technology, there are many choices in Virginia. The community college system of the state, in particular, offers opportunities in several locations.
- Virginia’s Community Colleges. There are several community college campuses in the state, and many offer degrees in radiology fields. Northern Virginia, Piedmont, Tidewater, Virginia Highlands, Virginia Western, and Wytheville Community Colleges all offer an Associate of Applied Science degree in radiography. Central Virginia Community College has an associate degree in radiologic technology.
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond. For those looking for a more intensive course of study, VCU offers a four-year program in clinical radiation sciences. The degree program prepares students for jobs as radiologic technologists, nuclear medicine assistants, radiographers, and radiation therapists. The coursework includes hands-on experience in a clinical setting.
Other Schools to Consider Radiologic Technology Program
There are a couple of other options in Virginia for an education related to radiologic technology.
- St. Mary’s Hospital School of Medical Imaging. This school is a part of the Bon Secours Richmond Health System and trains students to work as radiologic technologists. The program curriculum closely follows that recommended by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and is accredited by the Joint Review Committee in Radiologic Technology. Students who complete this program are prepared to become licensed and find employment in the state of Virginia.
- ECPI University. This school offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in medical radiography that can be completed in as little as 18 months. There are several campus locations including Virginia Beach, Newport News, and Richmond. The school also offers an online program to achieve a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences.
Those living in the south of the State of Virginia, may want to consider their options in schools in North Carolina, with the Raleigh to Greensboro area certainly offering some alternatives. Up north, there are also sound alternatives in West Virginia and Maryland.
Large Employers in Radiology
Virginia is a large state with a big population, which means that there are plenty of hospitals and medical centers hiring radiologic technicians and technologists.
Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital
1613 Oakwood St.
Bedford, VA 24523
St. Mary’s Hospital
5801 Bremo Road
Richmond, VA 23226
Children’s Hospital of Richmond
2924 Brook Road
Richmond, VA 23220
Dominion Hospital
2960 Sleepy Hollow Road
Falls Church, VA 22044
Salaries in Radiology
Radiologic Technologists in Virginia earn an average annual salary of $75,840, slightly above the national average of $73,410. The lowest 10% in Virginia earn $51,940 or less, while the highest 10% earn $98,570 or more. Regional variations exist within Virginia, with areas like Washington-Arlington-Alexandria offering higher salaries.
National vs Local Salaries
| Location | Average Annual Salary | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $73,410 | $50,020 | $60,690 | $73,410 | $84,670 | $102,380 |
| Virginia | $75,840 | $51,940 | $62,230 | $75,840 | $83,950 | $98,570 |
Salaries by Region
| Region | Average Annual Salary | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA | $63,250 | $48,570 | $58,700 | $63,250 | $77,640 | $80,330 |
| Charlottesville, VA | $74,140 | $53,930 | $66,350 | $74,140 | $85,030 | $101,760 |
| Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA | $52,890 | $31,540 | $43,260 | $52,890 | $63,690 | $81,600 |
| Lynchburg, VA | $71,670 | $50,020 | $61,960 | $71,670 | $79,600 | $83,540 |
| Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area | $66,670 | $47,890 | $57,450 | $66,670 | $78,910 | $80,050 |
| Richmond, VA | $75,840 | $54,640 | $63,720 | $75,840 | $88,990 | $94,960 |
| Roanoke, VA | $78,420 | $52,000 | $62,270 | $78,420 | $79,340 | $96,660 |
| Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area | $64,190 | $48,240 | $53,360 | $64,190 | $75,110 | $77,360 |
| Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area | $60,750 | $48,210 | $52,410 | $60,750 | $68,890 | $78,770 |
| Staunton-Waynesboro, VA | $72,060 | $37,750 | $53,210 | $72,060 | $72,060 | $83,530 |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC | $66,730 | $50,420 | $60,490 | $66,730 | $82,400 | $86,060 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $84,030 | $64,830 | $75,630 | $84,030 | $95,430 | $103,930 |
| Winchester, VA-WV | $60,910 | $50,060 | $57,480 | $60,910 | $76,790 | $77,810 |
Radiologic technologist Trends in Virginia
In Virginia, the employment of Radiologic Technologists is projected to grow by 7% from 2020 to 2030, increasing from 5,680 to 6,100 jobs, with 460 projected annual job openings. Nationally, the employment for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians is expected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, from 222,800 to 235,000 jobs, with 13,100 projected annual job openings.
Employment Trends
| Location | Employment (2020/2022) | Projected Employment (2030/2032) | Projected Growth | Projected Annual Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 5,680 | 6,100 | 7% | 460 |
| United States | 222,800 | 235,000 | 6% | 13,100 |
Source of the data:
- Virginia: data for wages here and for employment trends here.
- U.S data: Bureau of Labour Statistics
Professional Organizations
There are several national professional organizations for those who work as radiologic technologists. There is the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, which also provides the exam that is needed for most licensing. There is also the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. At the state level, there is the Virginia Society of Radiologic Technologists. This organization provides students with internships, career information, scholarships, and awards and is a good resource for anyone in Virginia considering radiologic technology as a new career.
JRCERT Accredited Radiography Programs in Virginia
Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital – Radiography
8550 Magellan Parkway, Suite 700, Richmond VA 23227
Tel: (804) 627-5307
Program Name: Medical Imaging
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 67 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 83.3% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 98.46% Job Placement Rate: 96.2%
Tuition Fees: $9,310 Resident, $9,310 Non-resident
Central Virginia Community College – Radiography
3506 Wards Road, Lynchburg VA 24502-2498
Tel: (434) 832-7683
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 30 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 94% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 99% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $5,149 Resident, $12,544 Non-resident
ECPI University – Radiography
1001 Omni Boulevard, Suite 200, Newport News VA 23606
Tel: (757) 873-2423
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 59 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 72% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 81% Job Placement Rate: 88%
Tuition Fees: $16,900 Resident, $16,900 Non-resident
ECPI University-Northern Virginia – Radiography
10021 Balls Ford Road, #100, Manassas VA 20109
Tel: (703) 330-5300
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 30 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 85% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 89% Job Placement Rate: 93%
Tuition Fees: $28,166 for Residents, $28,166 for Non-residents
Mary Washington Hospital – Radiography
2300 Fall Hill Avenue, Suite 260, Fredericksburg VA 22401
Tel: (540) 741-1802
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 28 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 95% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $5,000 Resident, $5,000 Non-resident
Piedmont Virginia Community College – Radiography
501 College Drive, Charlottesville VA 22902
Tel: (434) 961-5427
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 36 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 93.7% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 88% Job Placement Rate: 98.6%
Tuition Fees: $4,758 Resident, $10,570 Non-resident
Riverside College of Health Careers – Radiography
316 Main Street, Newport News VA 23601
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 67 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 86.96% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 93.89% Job Placement Rate: 90.52%
Tuition Fees: $25,248 Resident, $25,248 Non-resident
Sentara RMH Medical Center – Radiography
2010 Health Campus Drive, Harrisonburg VA 22801
Tel: (540) 564-7236
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 30 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 93% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $4,500 Resident, $4,500 Non-resident
Southside Regional Medical Center/Community Health Systems, Inc. – Radiography
430 Clairmont Court, Suite 200, Colonial Heights VA 23834
Tel: (804) 765-5965
Program Name: Radiation Sciences
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 44 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 94% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 99% Job Placement Rate: 96%
Tuition Fees: $5,500 Resident, $5,500 Non-resident
Southwest Virginia Community College – Radiography
724 Community College Road, Cedar Bluff VA 24609
Tel: (276) 964-7341
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 86 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 55% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 85% Job Placement Rate: 94%
Tuition Fees: $4,734 Resident, $11,739 Non-resident
SOVAH Health /dba/ Danville Regional Medical Center – Radiography
142 South Main Street, Danville VA 24541
Tel: (434) 799-2271
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 37 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 75% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 84% Job Placement Rate: 98%
Tuition Fees: $4,250 Resident, $9,950 Non-resident
Tidewater Community College – Radiography
1700 College Crescent, Virginia Beach VA 23453-1918
Tel: (757) 822-7462
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 108 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 81.5% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 96.1% Job Placement Rate: 89.7%
Tuition Fees: $6,520 Resident, $13,633 Non-resident
Virginia Commonwealth University – Radiation Therapy
701 W. Grace Street, Suite 2100, Richmond VA 23284
Tel: (804) 828-9104
Program Name: Radiation Therapy
Program Type: Bachelor of Science
Duration: 40 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 92% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 98% Job Placement Rate: 98%
Tuition Fees: $11,967 Resident, $29,057 Non-resident
Virginia Commonwealth University – Radiography
701 W. Grace Street, Suite 2100, Richmond VA 23284
Tel: (804) 828-7709
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Bachelor of Science
Duration: 48 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 77.78% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 99% Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $11,967 Resident, $29,057 Non-resident
Virginia Western Community College – Radiography
3091 Colonial Avenue SW, Roanoke VA 24015
Tel: (540) 857-6197
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 48 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 76% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 91.2% Job Placement Rate: 98.8%
Tuition Fees: $5,516 Resident, $12,717 Non-resident
Virginia Western Community College – Radiation Therapy
3091 Colonial Avenue, Roanoke VA 24015
Tel: (540) 857-6104
Program Name: Radiation Oncology
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 46 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 91% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 97% Job Placement Rate: 87.6%
Tuition Fees: $11,373 Resident, $24,545 Non-resident
Winchester Medical Center, Inc. – Radiography
220 Campus Boulevard, Suite 300, Winchester VA 22601
Tel: (540) 536-7935
Program Name: Medical Radiography
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 40 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100% Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100% Job Placement Rate: 98%
Tuition Fees: $6,000 Resident, $6,000 Non-resident