Fastest Way To Become a Radiology Tech in Virginia 2025

In Virginia, radiology technologists must have an associate degree, pass the ARRT exam, and be licensed. This usually takes at least two years, but accelerated programs are available.

A radiology technologist has a crucial role to fill in the healthcare field. He or she uses X-ray equipment to take medical images of a patient, but they also provide patient care and may assist with various procedures, such as mammography. With these jobs in such high demand, you may be wondering about the fastest way to become a radiology tech.

In Virginia, all radiology techs need to earn at least an associate degree, they must pass the ARRT exam, and they must be fully licensed. In total, this takes about two years, but some accelerated radiology tech programs are available. Keep reading below to learn more about the fastest way to become a radiology tech.

What Does a Radiology Technologist Do?

A radiology technologist works in a hospital, outpatient center, or imaging center. They use X-ray equipment to take images of a patient that will be used to diagnose or treat an illness or injury. Radiographers work with patients of all ages; they may also assess the patient and prepare them for imaging, perform or assist with procedures like mammograms, MRIs, and X-rays, or administer chemotherapy to cancer patients.

Radiologists take careful documentation of the procedure and must have a thorough knowledge of safety practices, both to protect themselves and the patient. A radiology technologist can get a certificate to specialize in many different aspects of the field, including:

bone densitometry
computed tomography (CT)
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
nuclear medicine
sonography

Radiography is often essential in diagnosing and caring for patients, and jobs are in high demand. The fastest way to become a radiology tech in Virginia is through accelerated radiology tech programs.

What Are the Requirements To Become a Radiology Tech in Virginia?

Radiologists in the Commonwealth must have a high school diploma or GED and complete an associate degree in a radiological technology program. Make sure your school is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). An accredited program will ensure you get a quality education and the skills you need to excel.

Next, you must pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam. To prepare for the exam, you can review study guides, take practice tests, and review your courses from school. When you pass, your ARRT certification will allow you to apply for licensure. All radiology techs in Virginia must be licensed unless they are employees of a licensed hospital.

You'll submit your application for licensure to the Virginia Board of Medicine which will include official transcripts and ARRT certification documentation. Licensure usually takes six to eight weeks to process.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Radiology Tech in Virginia?

Between completing your associate degree program, preparing for and passing the certification exam, and waiting for state licensing to be finalized, it usually takes at least two years to become a radiologist in Virginia. Many programs combine classwork with hands-on clinical rotations, ensuring students have the competency and communication skills they need for this role.

This can make it harder to accelerate the program, but not impossible. ECPI offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in 18 months, and Bon Secours Southside College of Health Science offers a 20-month AAS Radiologic Technology degree. But in general, students should expect to take two years to complete their radiology degree.

What Is the Shortest Time To Become a Radiology Tech in Virginia?

The shortest associate degree program in Virginia is offered through ECPI at 18 months. In addition to learning how to perform medical imaging, students will also learn accurate patient positioning, radiation protection and safety, and clear communication. Campuses are available in Newport News and Northern Virginia. Below are more tips and options for getting to work quickly as a radiology tech.

Fastest Steps To Becoming a Radiology Tech in Virginia

You've reviewed the steps to become a radiology tech, and now you want to know the fastest way to get licensed and get to work. There are several options for students in Virginia.

1. Find an Accelerated Program

Accelerated degree programs can help you finish your degree in just under two years. These full-time programs are usually offered at a community college and will include radiologic science classes to prepare you for a job in a health profession. Make sure you choose a program that has proper accreditation, not just one that is fast. A radiography program that is accredited by JRCERT will better prepare you for the certification exam.

Prospective students who are already registered radiologists can take a certificate program in CT or MRI technology in order to further their careers. These programs are shorter�usually only about two semesters.

2. Consider the Military

Virginia has a strong military presence, and this may be a quick route to a radiology career. The U.S. Army offers the fastest route to becoming a radiologist. Recruits must finish 10 weeks of basic training followed by 46 weeks of advanced individual training before becoming certified. The Army offers 29 nationally recognized certifications in radiology.

Prospective recruits must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, 17 to 34 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and meet the qualifications to work in a medical facility. They must have no major law violations on record and no medical concerns.

If you have previous skills or experience that apply to this role, then you may be able to earn higher pay, join at a higher rank, or move into leadership positions faster through the Army Civilian Acquired Skills Program (ACASP).

3. Choose an Online Program

Because radiology is such a hands-on profession, it is difficult to find programs that are 100% online. However, hybrid programs can help lower costs, speed up your timeline, and give you the flexibility to learn on your own schedule. Many hybrid programs will mix online classes with in-person rotations in a clinical setting, helping you get more experience in the field.

If you want to speed things up even more, take some prerequisite classes early to get them out of the way. The fewer classes you have to take, the less time to complete your degree.

How Much Does It Cost To Become a Radiology Tech in Virginia?

There are a couple of costs associated with becoming a rad tech in Virginia. The first is community college. This price tag will depend on which school you go to, and how long it takes you to finish the program. At Central Virginia Community College, you'll pay $171.90 per credit hour for a 72-week program, totaling about $12,000. However, at ECPI, you'll pay $9,720 per semester for a medical radiography degree.

Once you finish your degree program, you'll need to take the ARRT exam. For primary credentials, the application fee is $225. Finally, you'll need to apply for a state license, which comes with a $130 nonrefundable application fee.

FAQs About Becoming a Radiology Tech Quickly in Virginia

There's a lot to consider before beginning a radiologic technology program. Take a look at some common questions and answers below.

Is It Hard To Become a Radiology Technician?

Radiology tech programs can be rigorous, and prospective students should have both strong critical thinking skills and good people skills to excel in this position. There can be some stiff competition for landing a spot in a rad tech program, but strong math and science skills help improve your chances. Once you finish the program, it's just a matter of studying for the ARRT exam before you are on to your first radiology job.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become an MRI Tech?

To become an MRI tech, you'll have to finish an accredited radiology program first, after which you can begin an MRI certificate program. The fastest program in the state is offered through Virginia Western Community College, where you can finish your certificate in just one semester. Note that after receiving your MRI career studies certificate, you still must pass the ARRT exam.

Can You Become an X-Ray Tech Online?

It's difficult to find fully online X-ray tech programs because the job involves so much in-person work. However, registered radiographers can continue their education by completing a fully online Bachelor of Science degree in radiologic science from ECPI. Many other community colleges in the state offer hybrid rad tech programs.

How Much Does a Radiology Tech Make in Virginia?

Indeed.com reports that radiology techs make, on average, $48.06 per hour in the Commonwealth. That's about 8% below the national average, but the highest-paying cities are Alexandria, Arlington, and Lynchburg. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that jobs will continue to grow 6% over the next 10 years, meaning plenty of job security.

Is There Financial Aid for an Online Radiology Tech Program?

Financial aid is available to help pay for these programs. Interested students should start by filling out the FAFSA and talking with their school's financial aid office about other options. Scholarships and grants can also help lower costs, so make sure to see what you qualify for.

Find Radiology Tech Programs

The world of radiology is fascinating and growing. If you're ready to jump into this career and get to work in Virginia, then reach out to one of the accredited schools featured on Learn.org and discuss your plans with them today.