Radiology

Radiology Schools in Virginia

Radiologic technologists are skilled at taking internal images of specific areas of the body, which can enable a physician to determine whether there is an illness, injury or underlying condition present and what the best course of action might be. Radiology techs may have many responsibilities on the job, which can vary from maintaining different types of imaging equipment and tools to keeping details in patient records to working as part of a larger healthcare team.

They are often trained in the use of X-ray imaging, but may know how to use computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well. They can also specialize and work in areas such as mammography or sonography. In addition to being a radiologic technologist, career options in the subject may include:

Virginia Schools with Radiology Programs

Radiologic technology programs in Virginia offer educational options that may include postsecondary certificates, associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees. These are some of the institutions in Virginia that offer such programs, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

  • Averett University (Danville)
  • Bon Secours St Mary’s Hospital School of Medical Imaging (Richmond)
  • Central Virginia Community College (Lynchburg)
  • Danville Community College (Danville)
  • Danville Regional Medical Center School of Health Professions (Danville)
  • Eastern Shore Community College (Melfa)
  • ECPI University (Virginia Beach)
  • Northern Virginia Community College (Annandale)
  • Piedmont Virginia Community College (Charlottesville)
  • Riverside College of Health Careers (Newport News)
  • Southside Regional Medical Center Professional Schools (Colonial Heights)
  • Southwest Virginia Community College (Richlands)
  • Tidewater Community College (Norfolk)
  • Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond)
  • Virginia Highlands Community College (Abingdon)
  • Virginia Western Community College (Roanoke)
  • Wytheville Community College (Wytheville)

How to Become a Radiologic Technologist in Virginia

The steps to becoming a radiologic technologist are relatively straightforward in most places, including Virginia. As with many health care fields, radiologic technology requires some education beyond high school, and potentially a state license. Here’s where to start:

  1. Complete your high school diploma or a GED. Almost all postsecondary programs require this level of education before it’s possible to enroll. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggest that, if possible, students take classes in relevant subjects such as math, biology, chemistry and anatomy.
  2. Earn a postsecondary certificate or degree. The level of education you need may depend on what specialty in radiologic technology you choose. Clinical studies will likely be part of any program and provide students with the hands-on skills they need to work with specific tools or pieces of equipment. The BLS reports that an associate degree, which typically takes at least two years to complete, is usually the level of education needed to pursue entry-level jobs in the field. Students should check to ensure that the program they are enrolled in is accredited through the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
  3. Get licensed to work in radiology in Virginia. Licensing requirements vary from state to state, and the best source of information on licensing is typically the American Society or Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). According to the organization, radiologic technologists in Virginia need to be licensed unless they are working in a hospital as an employee of that hospital. This mean if you work in a hospital, but are not an employee of the hospital, you will need to be licensed. Applicants for licensure in Virginia do need to show they passed the national exam offered through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) for the licensing process. Once licensed, continuing education will be necessary to keep their licensure, but requirements vary depending upon the technologists’ role.

Radiology Salary in Virginia

These are the average annual salaries for different jobs in the radiology field in Virginia, according to data from the BLS.

CareerTotal EmploymentAnnual Mean Wage
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians1,75061,730
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers1,67070,960
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists79068,070
Nuclear Medicine Technologists65072,280
Radiologic Technologists4,88059,370

Source: 2016 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2016-26 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov.

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