- X-ray technicians assist physicians and other medical personnel in treating patients(1). These professionals collect X-ray images for radiologists to review and analyze using sophisticated equipment.
- All radiologic technologists in Virginia are licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine(2). Before applying for a license, candidates must have obtained a degree or certificate from an accredited school and passed a test offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
- In Virginia, radiologic technologists earn an average salary of $59,370 per year(3). The salary is slightly below the national average of $60,320 for one of these categories of health professionals.
What Is an X-ray Technician?
X-ray technicians assist doctors and other medical staff in treating patients(4). These technicians capture X-ray images using specialized equipment for radiologists to evaluate and study.
Moreover, technicians are often responsible for arranging patients correctly for X-rays, ensuring that the X-ray images are of the highest quality, and doing other jobs such as:
- Working at doctor’s offices, clinics, hospitals, and long-term care institutions.
- Dealing with patients of all ages and in various disciplines, including pediatrics, cardiology, and pulmonology
- Injecting important trace agents
- Providing X-ray images
- Maintaining imaging equipment
- Managing patients’ radiation exposure
Note that the phrase “X-ray technician” precedes the 1960s, yet it has remained in widespread use.
Credentialing and government authorities, like the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, have established more correct names such as “radiographer,” “radiologic technologist,” or “X-ray technician.”
List of X-ray Tech Schools
In Virginia, there are several options for those who want to pursue a certificate or degree in a radiologic technology-related field(5). Particularly, the state’s community college system provides chances in several locales.
Numerous community college campuses in the state offer degree programs in radiology-related subjects, including the following:
- Northern Virginia
- Piedmont
- Tidewater
- Virginia Highlands
- Virginia Western
- Wytheville
These community colleges all provide an Associate of Applied Science in Radiography. Radiologic technology is offered as an associate’s degree at Central Virginia Community College.
Meanwhile, Richmond’s Virginia Commonwealth University, offers a four-year degree in clinical radiation sciences for those wishing for a more intense curriculum.
This degree prepares students for careers as radiologic technologists, nuclear medicine assistants, radiographers, and radiation therapists. Clinical setting practice is included throughout the curriculum.
Other Universities to Consider
There are a few more educational opportunities for radiologic technology in Virginia(6).
St. Mary’s Hospital School of Medical Imaging is affiliated with the Bon Secours Richmond Health System and prepares students for careers as radiologic technicians.
The curriculum is recognized by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology or JRCERT and closely follows the recommendations of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Students who successfully finish this program are prepared for licensure and employment in Virginia.
Individuals may find more information on www.jrcert.org.
Meanwhile, the ECPI (East Coast Polytechnic Institute) university provides an Associate of Applied Science in medical radiography that may be earned in as short as 18 months(7).
Multiple campus sites exist, including Virginia Beach, Newport News, and Richmond. The institution also provides an online program for bachelor’s degrees in Radiologic Sciences.
Those residing in the southern portion of Virginia may choose to research their schooling possibilities in North Carolina, with the Raleigh to Greensboro region providing various options. West Virginia and Maryland are also viable possibilities in the northern United States.
List of Accredited Programs of Radiologic Technologists
Here is the list of programs for different colleges and universities offering X-ray technologist related coursework(8):
| School Name | Associate’s Imaging Program | Bachelor’sImaging Program | Graduate Imaging Program | National Accreditation | Completion Rate | Credential Exam Pass Rate | Job Placement Rate 2 | Net Price |
| Averett University | — | Yes | — | — | N.Av. | N.Av. | N.Av. | $24,013 |
| Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital School of Medical Imaging (Certificate Only) | — | — | — | JRCERT | 81% | 98% | 100% | N.Av. |
| Blue Ridge Community College | Yes | — | — | — | N.Av. | N.Av. | N.Av. | N.Av. |
| Danville Community College | Yes | — | — | — | N.Av. | N.Av. | N.Av. | $7,955 |
| Central Virginia Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 79% | 94% | 100% | $5,436 |
| Old Dominion University | — | Yes | — | JRCNMT | N.Av. | N.Av. | N.Av. | $16,681 |
| Eastern Shore Community College | Yes | — | — | — | N.Av. | N.Av. | N.Av. | $6,117 |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Yes | — | — | CAAHEP | N.Av. | N.Av. | N.Av. | $9,440 |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 83% | 79% | 100% | $8,326 |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 88% | 96% | 97% | $6,913 |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | — | Yes | — | JRCERT, JRCNMT | 93% | 94% | 100% | $20,968 |
| Tidewater Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 87% | 97% | 99% | $7,943 |
| Virginia Western Community College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 95% | 90% | 100% | $6,663 |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Yes | — | — | — | N.Av. | N.Av. | N.Av. | $6,493 |
| Wytheville Community College | Yes | — | — | — | N.Av. | N.Av. | N.Av. | $2,761 |
Note that the duration of the program depends on the course offering for X-ray tech.
Individuals should consider other factors while selecting a radiology program(9). Certificate programs in radiology are accessible to individuals with high school diplomas and advanced degrees.
There are also degree programs available, but if students already possess an associate’s degree or more, a radiography certificate program is an option to explore.
Also, there are schools offering courses in sonography, nuclear medicine technology, surgical technology, and surgical technician(10).
X-ray Technician Program vs. Radiology Technologist Program
Radiologic technicians are radiographers, rad techs, and X-ray technologists. The “radiography degrees” employment section might be misleading(11).
A radiologic technologist is not just another term for a radiologic technician. “Technologist” is a considerably larger category, denoting familiarity with a variety of imaging methods and equipment and a deep understanding of the fundamentals of diagnostic imaging.
These professionals know how to run the equipment and how to tackle complex imaging problems.
In contrast to an X-ray technician, a radiologic technologist is a qualified and registered medical practitioner who performs diagnostic imaging studies, such as X-rays, to assist doctors in diagnosing illness or injuries.
How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Virginia
In Virginia, all radiologic technologists and technicians are required to have a valid license(12).
The Radiological Technology Advisory Board (RTAB) of the Virginia Board of Medicine monitors the licensing process. Radiologic Technologist, Rad Tech Limited, and Radiologist Assistant are the available licenses.
The processes of obtaining a license may vary depending on the modality, but in general, they include:
- Complete a diploma, certificate, or degree in radiologic technology
- Have an associate’s degree and graduate from a recognized radiologic technology program
- Pass the ARRT test for certification
- Request ARRT certification
Students may anticipate taking courses in human anatomy, physiology, laboratory science, medical terminology, human pathology, and medical statistics throughout their formal education. In addition, most recognized schools involve an internship at a hospital or medical clinic(13).
Other schools offer bachelor’s degrees in health sciences, healthcare administration, and public health.
Admission Criteria and Prerequisites
Radiologic technologists are licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine(14).
Before applying for a license, applicants must have received a degree or certificate from an approved institution and completed an examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
The application must be accompanied by a $130 check or money order payable to the Virginia Treasurer. Applicants are needed to complete the following parts of the application:
- Jurisdiction clearance form
- Job activity questionnaire form, which provides a record of employment history during the last five years
Moreover, a certificate of professional education form must be filled out by the college registrar where applicants finished their education. The applicants may provide a written explanation with a notarized copy of the diploma or degree if it no longer exists.
Program Goals and Learning Outcomes
In one university, here are the example program goals and learning outcomes for radiography programs(15):
Goal 1: Students will demonstrate clinical competence
Learning Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate safe and acceptable patient care techniques.
- Students will display precise positioning abilities.
- Students will implement proper radiation protective measures.
Goal 2: Students will demonstrate problem-solving and critical thinking
Learning Outcomes:
- Students will be able to modify exposure parameters to account for patient differences
- Students will display the capacity to improvise when executing radiographic procedures.
Program Effectiveness Benchmarks:
- Graduates’ overall program satisfaction – 3.50 or above on a 5-point scale
- Employer satisfaction with the program as a whole – 3.0 or above on a 4-point scale
- 75% of students who enroll in the program will complete it
- Graduates will pass the ARRT certification test 90% of the time (5-year average)
- Within a year, 80% of Graduates will find a job as a radiographer (5-year average)
Accreditation
Here is the list of accredited radiography programs(16):
- 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
-
- 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 and 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
-
- 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 resident, $28,166 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
-
- 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
-
- 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
-
- 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 – 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
-
Career Opportunities and Salary
Virginia is a huge state with a sizable population, several hospitals and medical institutions that employ radiologic technicians and technologists(17).
In Virginia, radiologic technologists make an average yearly income of $59,370. This salary is somewhat below the national average of $60,320 for one of these types of health professions.
The average hourly pay in Virginia is $28.55, whereas the national average is $29. The salaries of technicians with greater experience or expertise might be significantly higher. Salaries might range between $70,000 and $80,000.
- What Is the Process of Becoming an X-Ray Technician?
cambridgehealth.edu/blog/what-is-the-process-of-becoming-an-x-ray-technician/ - Virginia Radiology Tech Careers and Degrees
https://www.ultrasoundtechnicianschools.com/specialty/radiology/virginia/ - Radiology Training in Virginia
https://radiologyed.org/schools/virginia/ - What Is the Process of Becoming an X-Ray Technician?
cambridgehealth.edu/blog/what-is-the-process-of-becoming-an-x-ray-technician/ - Radiology Training in Virginia
https://radiologyed.org/schools/virginia/ - Ibid.
- Radiography Overview
https://www.ecpi.edu/programs/radiography-associate-degree - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Virginia
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/virginia/ - X-Ray Technician
https://www.radiology-schools.com/x-ray-technician.html - Ibid.
- What to Know About X-ray Tech Programs and Radiography Degrees
https://www.cleveland.edu/blog-post/~post/what-to-know-about-x-ray-tech-programs-and-radiography-degrees-20180419/ - Radiography
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/virginia/ - Receiving your Radiologic Technologist Training in Virginia
https://www.ultrasoundtechnicianschools.com/specialty/radiology/virginia/ - Virginia Radiology Tech Careers and Degrees
https://www.ultrasoundtechnicianschools.com/specialty/radiology/virginia/ - Radiography
https://www.tcc.edu/programs/radiography/#Outcomes - Radiology Training in Virginia
https://radiologyed.org/schools/virginia/ - Ibid.