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Erika
Student
Herndon, Virginia
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what type of schooling do I need to become a radiology tech?
I'm in 12th grade trying to figure out what I have to study
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Alja Hojnik
Managing digital course production
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Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Alja’s Answer
Hi Erica — if by “radiology tech” you mean the person who performs X-rays, the job title to search for is radiologic technologist or radiographer.
In Virginia, the usual route is:
1. Finish high school.
2. Complete an Associate of Applied Science in Radiography or Radiologic Technology. These programs are commonly offered by community colleges and usually take about two years, although prerequisite courses or competitive admission can make the total journey a little longer. A bachelor’s degree is another option, but it is not normally required for entry-level work. ARRT requires at least an associate degree and completion of an approved professional program. ARRT
3. Complete clinical training. Your program will include subjects such as anatomy and physiology, patient care, X-ray positioning, imaging equipment, radiation physics and radiation safety, together with supervised experience in hospitals or imaging facilities. TCC.edu
4. Pass the ARRT Radiography examination to become a certified and registered radiologic technologist. ARRT
5. Apply for Virginia licensure when required. Virginia’s Board of Medicine requires an ARRT-acceptable educational program and evidence that you passed the relevant certification examination. State exemptions for certain workplaces exist and are scheduled to change on July 1, 2029, so check the current Virginia rules again when you are close to graduating. Virginia Law
While you are still in 12th grade, useful classes include biology, anatomy, algebra, chemistry and physics. Keep your grades as strong as possible because radiography programs can be competitive. Depending on the college, you may first need college courses such as Anatomy and Physiology, English and math, and possibly an entrance test such as the TEAS. For example, Northern Virginia Community College currently requires Anatomy and Physiology I and II, English, math readiness, a minimum GPA and the TEAS for admission to its radiography program. NVCC Catalog
When comparing colleges, ask these questions:
- Will graduating make me eligible for the ARRT Radiography exam?
- Is the program JRCERT accredited?
- Are the prerequisite courses included in the advertised program length?
- Where are the clinical placements?
- What percentage of applicants are accepted and what percentage pass the ARRT exam?
Be careful not to confuse a full radiography program with a short limited X-ray technician course. Limited technologists have a much narrower permitted scope. For the broadest employment options, look for an associate-degree program called Radiography A.A.S. or Radiologic Technology A.A.S.
I hope this helps!
In Virginia, the usual route is:
1. Finish high school.
2. Complete an Associate of Applied Science in Radiography or Radiologic Technology. These programs are commonly offered by community colleges and usually take about two years, although prerequisite courses or competitive admission can make the total journey a little longer. A bachelor’s degree is another option, but it is not normally required for entry-level work. ARRT requires at least an associate degree and completion of an approved professional program. ARRT
3. Complete clinical training. Your program will include subjects such as anatomy and physiology, patient care, X-ray positioning, imaging equipment, radiation physics and radiation safety, together with supervised experience in hospitals or imaging facilities. TCC.edu
4. Pass the ARRT Radiography examination to become a certified and registered radiologic technologist. ARRT
5. Apply for Virginia licensure when required. Virginia’s Board of Medicine requires an ARRT-acceptable educational program and evidence that you passed the relevant certification examination. State exemptions for certain workplaces exist and are scheduled to change on July 1, 2029, so check the current Virginia rules again when you are close to graduating. Virginia Law
While you are still in 12th grade, useful classes include biology, anatomy, algebra, chemistry and physics. Keep your grades as strong as possible because radiography programs can be competitive. Depending on the college, you may first need college courses such as Anatomy and Physiology, English and math, and possibly an entrance test such as the TEAS. For example, Northern Virginia Community College currently requires Anatomy and Physiology I and II, English, math readiness, a minimum GPA and the TEAS for admission to its radiography program. NVCC Catalog
When comparing colleges, ask these questions:
- Will graduating make me eligible for the ARRT Radiography exam?
- Is the program JRCERT accredited?
- Are the prerequisite courses included in the advertised program length?
- Where are the clinical placements?
- What percentage of applicants are accepted and what percentage pass the ARRT exam?
Be careful not to confuse a full radiography program with a short limited X-ray technician course. Limited technologists have a much narrower permitted scope. For the broadest employment options, look for an associate-degree program called Radiography A.A.S. or Radiologic Technology A.A.S.
I hope this helps!