Medical imaging is at the center of modern diagnosis, and radiologic technologists play a big role in making that possible. It’s a great career that combines patient interaction with advanced technology. Students and career switchers can find rewarding opportunities in healthcare by exploring rad tech roles.
We spoke with healthcare educators and imaging professionals to understand what it takes to become a radiologic technologist and build a long-term career in Virginia’s hospitals. This article outlines what a radiologic technologist is and how you can become one starting today.
Related: Explore other pathways for radiology careers in Virginia.
Key Takeaways:
- Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging and support patient care across healthcare settings. A strong job outlook and competitive pay shows how essential the role is to hospital systems.
- Radiologic technologists expand on radiologic technician experience, advancing in education, certification, and job responsibilities.
- Becoming a radiologic technologist involves education, certification, state licensure, and healthcare employment.
What Is a Radiologic Technologist?
A radiologic technologist is an allied healthcare professional who performs diagnostic imaging exams such as X-rays, CT scans, and other imaging procedures. Other names for this profession include “rad tech” and “R.T.” They’re all referring to a radiologic technologist, and their role is to ensure medical images are accurate, safe, and clinically useful.
Radiologic technologists work with other professions, including radiologists, physicians, and nurses. They may also work closely with care teams that include nurse practitioners, CRNAs, anesthesiologists, and other specialists, depending on the clinical setting. The work of radiologic technologists supports informed decision-making throughout the healthcare system, making it an in-demand profession.
Common responsibilities of a radiologic technologist include:
- Positioning patients for imaging procedures
- Operating imaging equipment safely and accurately
- Following radiation safety and infection control protocols
- Reviewing images for quality and clarity
- Maintaining equipment and patient records
Radiologic technologists can be found in hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, emergency departments, specialty clinics, and other healthcare facilities throughout the country.
Radiologic Technologist vs. Radiologic Technician
In the field of radiology, the titles “radiologic technologist” and “radiologic technician” seem similar but refer to roles with key distinctions.
Both support diagnostic imaging services, but education, certification and licenses, and responsibilities vary.
•Radiologic technologists need to earn a formal degree and national certification, usually AART. They work directly with patients to perform imaging exams, and their role requires knowledge of anatomy, image evaluation, radiation safety, and strong communication skills.
•Radiologic technicians typically require limited training depending on the employer and location. They focus on equipment operation and technical support, with an emphasis on machinery setup and safety protocols rather than patient interaction.
When comparing a radiologic technologist vs. technician salary, radiologic technologists usually earn more than radiologic technicians. This is mostly due to the stricter education requirements.
Both professions involve medical imaging; however, the required education, training, and daily responsibilities differ and can even vary from state to state. It’s important to review applicable state regulations for each role.
How Much Does a Radiologic Technologist Make? (Salary & Job Outlook)
Radiologic technologist salaries are competitive, reflecting the role’s technical training, education, certification, and high demand. In Virginia, the average salary for a rad tech ranges between $68,000–78,000 per year, though specifics will vary depending on location and specialty.
Additionally, the job outlook for radiologic technologists shows strong growth due to how essential diagnostic imaging is for identifying injuries, monitoring disease progression, and guiding treatment decisions. Medical equipment developers continue to invest research into advancing non-invasive medical imaging tools.
Finally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the job outlook for radiologic and MRI technologists to grow by 5% over the next decade. This makes medical imaging one of the most high-demand healthcare roles. It’s no wonder it ranks highly as a Priority Pathway Program
5 Steps to Become a Radiologic Technologist
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People looking to get into this profession often ask how long it takes to become a radiologic technologist. The answer is that most candidates complete this pathway in two to four years, depending on the degree level they pursue. The steps below outline the path for becoming a radiologic technologist.
Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or GED
The first step to becoming a rad tech is to earn a high school diploma or GED. Focus on courses in science, math, and anatomy, which will help you prepare for the rest of your radiologic technology education.
Step 2: Enroll in an Accredited Radiologic Technology Program
Next, earn an Associate of Applied Science or Bachelor’s Degree by completing a JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program. Coursework includes topics like patient positioning, radiation safety, and how to operate X-ray and computed tomography (CT) equipment. Additionally, radiologic technology programs typically require significant hands-on experience through clinical rotations, internships, or externships.
Note: Some hospitals in Virginia may offer perks such as employer tuition reimbursement to part-time or full-time employees to help offset educational expenses for entry-level medical imaging roles and other high-priority healthcare pathways. Check your options to make the most of your financial resources.
Step 3: Take the National Certification Exam
After completing your education, you need to pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam in radiology. It’s a computer-based exam designed to test a candidate’s required radiologic technology knowledge and skills.
Exam topics include:
- Anatomy and positioning to show that you understand how to produce accurate, diagnostic-quality images
- Physics and radiobiology to demonstrate your knowledge of how radiation interacts with the body for safe and effective imaging
- Patient safety to ensure you know radiation protection standards, infection control practices, and patient care protocols for imaging procedures
- Equipment functionalities to prove that you know how to operate, evaluate, and maintain imaging equipment
You can attempt this exam up to three times within three years of your initial exam eligibility window. If all three attempts are unsuccessful, you need to reestablish your eligibility before retesting.
Step 4: Obtain a State License
At this point, you will have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree and an ARRT certification. You are now eligible to apply for state licensure. Remember to check the licensure requirements as they can vary from state to state.
In Virginia, radiologic technologists apply for licensure through the Virginia Board of Medicine after earning national certification. For this part of the process, you typically need to submit proof of your degree and certification and also pay a fee for the license.
Step 5: Apply to Hospitals
Once certified and licensed, you can begin applying for radiologic technologist roles in hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, emergency rooms, and other healthcare facilities. Application steps usually include:
- Creating a polished and detailed healthcare resume
- Compiling all of your education, certification, and licensure documents
- Researching radiologic technologist job opportunities
- Submitting applications and preparing for interviews
After applying to jobs and successfully passing interviews, the hospital or healthcare facility may require some additional paperwork, like a background check.
Start Your Career as a Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic technology offers a clear, accessible path into the healthcare system for students and career switchers alike. With accredited education, national certification, and licensure, you can build a stable career supporting patient diagnosis and care.
Want to pursue a career as a radiologic technologist? Find a program through our education map or check out our healthcare job listings to find opportunities as a radiologic technologist.
