Radiologic Technology Specialist Training in DC

The field of health care continues to grow across the country as the population grows and ages. Along with a general increase in healthcare jobs, those in the area of radiologic technology are being added particularly quickly.

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Positions for radiologic technologists, who assist with x-rays, radiation therapy, ultrasound, and other similar medical procedures, are increasing at a rate of 12 percent. This is faster than the rate at which jobs on average are increasing across the country.

Now is a great time to get an education and to look for work as a radiologic technologist in Washington D.C.

Responsibilities of Radiologic Technologist

Radiologic technologists are responsible for administering radiation and other imaging technology to diagnose diseases or injuries in patients. Some of the primary duties they will perform include:

• Preparing patients, equipment, and rooms for imaging procedures

• Positioning patients correctly on beds or tables during exams

• Operating x-ray machines and adjusting their settings as needed

• Taking and developing x-ray images

• Explaining imaging procedures to patients and answering their questions

• Maintaining records of patient examination results

• Monitoring radiation safety protocols

Radiology Requirements in Washington D.C.

Many states require a license to work as a radiologic technician or technologist. This is not the case in the District of Columbia, however, where there are no laws for licensing or certification. However, employers are likely to have their standards for hiring people to work in this field.

To get a position in the D.C. area, a course of study at a college or university, and a passing grade on the exam set by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists are needed. A student getting an education in D.C. and hoping to work in nearby suburbs in Maryland or Virginia will need to pursue licensing in those states. Maryland administers licenses through the Maryland Board of Physicians and Virginia through the Virginia Board of Medicine.

Well-Known Radiologic Technology Schools in DC.

There are several options for students of radiologic technology both in the city of Washington D.C. and in the surrounding suburbs.

• Howard University. This historic university offers students the option to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy. This program prepares students to administer radiation therapy in cancer treatment centers and hospitals. The degree is administered through the university’s Division of Allied Sciences.
• The George Washington University. Another historic four-year institution in D.C., this university offers students the option of earning a certificate or a degree in sonography. Completing either option will give students the chance to work in this field in several specialties.

Other Schools to Consider

In the nearby communities of Maryland, students from Washington D.C. have several options for earning degrees in radiologic technology.

• Montgomery College. Students can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in radiologic technology in Montgomery, Maryland. The degree is a specialization in x-ray technology and prepares students to work in this field.
• Howard Community College. This community college is located in Columbia and also offers an associate’s degree in radiologic technology focused on x-rays. Students take general education courses as well as those that prepare them to work with x-ray diagnostics.
• Prince George’s Community College. Located in Largo, Maryland, this two-year institution gives students two options. One is to earn a certificate in radiography and the other is to earn an associate’s degree. Either choice is good preparation for a career in radiography.

Career Outlook And Where Radiologic Technologists Work in DC

The career outlook for radiologic technologists in the District of Columbia is positive. The area has a population that is growing and one where healthcare needs are increasing. This means there will be more opportunities to work in this field as a radiologic technologist in Washington D.C., Maryland, or Virginia.

Radiologic technologists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, doctor’s offices, imaging centers, and laboratories. In Washington D.C., the most popular areas for radiologic technologists to work in are Georgetown University Medical Center, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Children’s National Medical Center, and Sibley Memorial Hospital. These hospitals offer competitive salaries and benefits, and they also provide a variety of opportunities for advancement.

Radiologic technology is an in-demand field that offers great potential for those who possess the necessary qualifications. With competitive salaries and many options for advancement, this career path can be very rewarding. If you’re interested in exploring radiologic technology in the D.C. area, research your options and make sure you meet the necessary qualifications. With a little bit of hard work and dedication, you can have an exciting career as a radiologic technologist

Large Employers in Radiology

Washington D.C. is a large city with many options for students who have earned a degree or certificate in radiologic technology, radiography, or sonography.

Children’s National Medical Center
111 Michigan Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20010

Georgetown University Hospital
3800 Reservoir Road, NW
Washington, DC 20007

The George Washington University Hospital
900 23^rd St., NW
Washington, DC 20037

Providence Hospital
1150 Varnum Street, NE
Washington, DC 20017

National Rehabilitation Hospital
102 Irving St., NW
Washington, DC 20010

Sibley Memorial Hospital
5255 Loughboro Road, NW

Washington, DC 20016

What you can earn in District of Columbia

In District of Columbia, about 660 radiologic technologists worked as of May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The median annual wage was $102,770. If you are new to the field, you might start near the bottom of the range at $59,130 per year. As you gain experience and add specialization, you can earn more. The top 10 percent of radiologic technologists earned $128,120 or higher.

If you specialize in MRI, adding that credential changes your earning power. MRI technologists in District of Columbia earned a median of $128,710 annually, which is higher than the general radiologic technologist median. This shows that specialization can boost your income as you advance in your career.

Professional Organizations

Because there are no licensing requirements for radiologic technologists working in Washington D.C., there are no local professional organizations. There are, however, national organizations to which workers in this field may belong. These include the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology is an accrediting organization that also can provide information on getting an education in this field. The joint review committee on education in radiologic technology also provides certification exams.

Persons interested in this field may also find it beneficial to become members of professional medical organizations, such as the American Medical Association or the American College of Radiology. These organizations can provide valuable resources, including continuing education and networking opportunities. Additionally, they are often involved in advocacy efforts on behalf of radiologic technologists.

JRCERT-accredited radiography programs in District of Columbia

JRCERT is the organization that accredits radiography, radiation therapy, MRI, and medical dosimetry programs in the United States. When you graduate from a JRCERT-accredited radiography program, you become eligible to take the ARRT national certification exam. Employers in hospitals and imaging centers prefer to hire certified technologists. Going to an accredited program makes sure you get the training you need to pass that exam and start your career.

District of Columbia has 2 JRCERT-accredited programs. One is a radiography program and one is a radiation therapy program. Both are located in Washington.

Comparing JRCERT programs in District of Columbia

District of Columbia has two JRCERT-accredited programs for you to consider: one in radiography and one in radiation therapy. The table below shows key facts about each program. The ARRT pass rate column tells you what share of that program’s graduates passed the national certification exam on their first try. The employment rate column shows what share of graduates found work in their field after finishing the program.

Details for each program

Howard University

801 N. Capital Street NE Washington, DC 20002
Program type: Radiation Therapy

MedStar Washington Hospital Center

110 Irving Street, NW Washington, DC 20010
Program type: Radiography