Virginia Radiology Tech Careers and Degrees
Receiving your Radiologic Technologist Training in Virginia
Radiology technicians administer non-radioactive materials into a patient’s blood stream, takes X-rays and performs computer tomography (CT) scans in order to assist doctors with diagnosing a medical condition. There are several accredited colleges in Virginia that offer a certificate program, associate degree or bachelor degree in radiologic technology. The majority of employers prefer that new technicians have a minimum of an associate degree. This prepares you to work as a radiology technician, ultrasound technician or nuclear medical technologist. Depending on the credential you choose to pursue, you can expect to spend between six months and four years completing your education.
Some of the coursework you can expect to complete during your formal education includes human anatomy, physiology, laboratory science, medical terminology, human pathology, and medical statistics. Additionally, most accredited programs require you to complete an internship at a hospital or medical clinic.
Licensing Requirements for Radiology Technicians in Virginia
The Virginia Board of Medicine oversees licensing for all radiologic technologists. Before you can apply for licensure, you must have earned a degree or certificate from an accredited college and passed an exam given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). You must include a check or money order for $130 made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia with your application. The sections of the application that you are required to complete include:
- Employment Activity Questionnaire Form is a history of your employment for the past five years.
- The Certificate of Professional Education Form must be completed by the registrar at the college where you completed your education. If it no longer exists, you may include a written explanation along with a notarized copy of your certificate or degree.
- Jurisdiction Clearance Form
Virginia Radiologic Technology Association
Virginia Society of Radiologic Technologists
Career Outlook for Radiology Technicians in Virginia
A report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), indicates that the median salary for radiology technicians in Virginia is $56,530 per year. That is approximately $2,000 higher than the average nationwide pay for this position. There are 4,910 people in Virginia who worked as a radiologic technologist in 2012. That is approximately 1.36 people for every 1,000 residents in the state. Approximately 2,430 people in the metropolitan area that encompasses the cities of Washington, Arlington and Alexandria in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia work in the field of radiation technology. This metro region has the 10th highest concentration of radiology techs in the entire country.
Nationwide, radiologic technologists who are at the 90th percentile for wages earn an annual salary of $77,160. Those at the lowest 10th percentile take in about $37,060 per year. This includes all levels of experience and education. The BLS anticipates a growth rate for all radiology technicians to be 28 percent from the decade 2010 to 2020.