If you’re exploring radiologic technology programs (rad tech programs) in Virginia, you’re in good company. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment for radiologic and MRI technologists to increase by 5% through 2034, adding nearly 13,000 positions nationwide. This faster-than-average growth is largely driven by imaging technology advancements and an aging population that requires diagnostic care.
To help meet this need and build stronger connections between classrooms and hospitals, many community colleges and radiologic technology schools in Virginia are investing in their rad tech programs. Some schools have even partnered with regional health systems to offer scholarships in exchange for short-term work commitments after graduation.
On Board Virginia spoke with Stacy Shell, the Radiologic Technology Program Director at Brightpoint Community College, to learn what rad tech students can expect during classroom and hands-on training. Drawing on over 23 years of clinical experience, Stacy has spent the past 2.5 years directing the program she built at Brightpoint. Her insights will help you understand what training looks like day-to-day, how to choose the right degree, and strategies for long-term success.
Explore our Virginia healthcare degree program directory to compare rad tech schools and see what’s available near you.
Key Takeaways:
- Rad tech programs combine classroom and textbook lectures, lab practice, and clinical rotations to provide foundational knowledge and practical experience.
- Choosing between an associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree comes down to your goals, timeline, and budget.
- To succeed, prioritize your studies, build a reliable support system, and take full advantage of clinical rotations and externships.
What to Expect From a Radiologic Technology Program in Virginia
A radiologic technology program prepares students to work as radiologic technologists (RTs). Professionals in this role must know how to position patients safely and comfortably during imaging tests or radiation therapy sessions to capture accurate images. They must also know how to operate imaging equipment such as X-ray, CT, and fluoroscopy machines.
Most rad tech programs follow a similar rhythm:
- Classroom lectures and textbooks build foundational knowledge
- Lab sessions enable students to practice positioning patients and use equipment in a controlled setting
- Clinical rotations allow trainees to apply classroom knowledge to real healthcare environments
- Exams and competency checks confirm whether students are ready to move on to the next stage
If you’re searching for rad tech programs near you, keep in mind that different schools take different approaches.
“Some courses dive into the newest technologies,” Shell said. “Others focus on mastering the basics and practicing them in real settings. All approaches are designed to prepare students to enter the workforce confidently.”
Course sequencing, clinical partnerships, and even entry requirements can vary from one program to the next. Research each option carefully rather than assuming all programs are interchangeable.
Hands-On Clinical Experience
According to Shell, many rad tech programs work with clinical affiliates. This allows students to rotate facilities and get hands-on practice in a variety of environments while building rapport with prospective hospital employers. Her program alone has 14 affiliate agreements spanning level 1 trauma centers, rural hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, and outpatient imaging centers. A wide range of facilities gives students exposure to a variety of clinical settings.
“They get 1,425 hours,” Shell shared. “That’s comparable to nine months of full-time employment in a 21-month program.”
This rigorous curriculum means students graduate ready to do more than the basics. “I think they come out a little higher than just entry level,” she said. “They’re ready to work and have had a lot of different experiences.”
Specialization Opportunities
Rad tech also offers room to expand your education down the line.
“I always say that a radiologic technology program is like the trunk of the tree,” Shell said. “You have all these branches in which students can continue their education. They can go into CT, MRI, ultrasound, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, bone density, cardiac cath lab, interventional radiology, or another specialty.”
These options are ideal for students looking to build a solid foundation in diagnostic radiography before branching out once they’re ready to try something new. “If you do diagnostic X-ray for a couple years and want a change, you have an abundance of different areas you can go into,” Shell explained.
Most specialties allow on-the-job training to help candidates meet new requirements or get more certifications. However, Shell pointed out that sonography, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine typically require students to seek additional formal education.
Choosing Between a Bachelor’s Degree and Associate’s Degree
When deciding between a bachelor’s degree and an associate’s degree program in radiologic technology, remember that neither option is better than the other. The right choice comes down to your goals, timeline, and budget.
Bachelor’s Degree in Radiologic Technology
A bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology generally requires 120 credits (about four years) — roughly twice as many as an associate’s program. Students can choose between a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT) or a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS). The two are similar, but a BSRT tends to stay focused specifically on radiologic technology. A BSRS can cover a broader range of imaging sciences depending on the school.
Shell noted that four-year degrees tend to emphasize research and writing. Graduates sometimes come out multi-credentialed in more than one imaging specialty. “A lot of people who go to four-year schools are looking to eventually get into leadership roles like management, or other modality work down the road or immediately,” she said.
Associate’s Degree in Radiologic Technology
A rad tech associate’s degree program typically leads to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Science (AS). The main difference is focus. An AAS leans more into hands-on, career-ready coursework, while an AS includes a bit more general education. However, both prepare you equally well for the field. This degree type can take up to five semesters to complete.
The Radiologic Technology, ASS program at Brightpoint is 72 credits total (about 2 years, not including general education studies), focusing on radiography-specific coursework. “I think most students who go to community college are wanting to come in, learn, and get into the workforce,” Shell explained.
Besides taking less time to complete, two-year degrees typically come with lower tuition costs than four-year universities. Shell pointed out that some healthcare systems offer tuition reimbursement for technologists who want to continue their education later.
“The majority of my education was paid for by stipend or benefits provided through the facilities in which I was working,” she said. “So there are huge cost savings when it comes to a two-year versus a four-year degree. But if you go to a two-year program, there are so many opportunities to continue your education.”
Whichever path you choose, most rad tech programs weigh your prerequisite grades, prior healthcare experience, and an interview as part of the application process.
5 Tips for Succeeding in Rad Tech School
Rad tech programs move fast, and understanding the rigor upfront can help students arrive at their first day feeling prepared. Below, we explore Shell’s top five tips for rad tech students looking to set themselves up for success.
1. Prioritize Your Education
Rad tech programs are rigorous and competitive, and most students today are balancing work, family, and other responsibilities alongside school. “They’re being pulled in a lot of different directions,” Shell shared. That’s why treating school as a top priority matters so much.
“If you think you can come into the program working full-time, you’re going to have a hard time being successful.”
Shell recommended working no more than 20 hours per week as a rad tech student. “Students who try to come in and work full-time burn out pretty fast. This program is Monday through Friday. Once you’re here, studying has to be your priority.”
2. Establish a Support System at Home
Family support goes a long way. Shell encourages students to loop in family members about who is handling dinner or other responsibilities during busy study weeks. She frequently tells her students to “schedule your study time like you schedule a doctor’s appointment.”
3. Establish a Support System at School
It’s nearly equally important to have a support system within your class. Shell encourages her students to make sure they have classmates in their corner who they can count on for reminders and accountability — someone who can say, “Hey, don’t forget this due date” or “Don’t forget we have a test.”
4. Take Advantage of Program Resources
Many programs offer academic support to students who need extra reinforcement, whether through office hours with your professor or tutoring from your program coordinator. Shell encourages students to utilize the resources available to them rather than waiting until they feel overwhelmed to reach out for help.
She also recommends attending career fairs, interview practice, and resume writing workshops that can be just as valuable as technical training once you’re ready to step into your first job.
5. Make the Most of Externships
Externships give students an opportunity to gain additional work experience in a real hospital setting. They typically start around the third semester and often lead directly to a job after graduation.
“Most of my students have employment by the end of their fourth semester,” Shell said, noting that clinical rotations essentially double as an ongoing interview. “Long before they even graduate, they already know where they’re going to go work, which gives a lot of peace of mind.”
6. Work on Your Critical Thinking Skills
Beyond technical training, Shell noted two key qualities that set successful technologists apart: creative thinking and adaptability.
“Not every patient is what we call a textbook patient, or a perfect patient,” Shell elaborated. “They require you to think outside the box and get creative in how you’re imaging and manipulating the equipment.”
How should a rad tech work with a patient with a broken leg and limited mobility? How can a new rad tech work best within a larger team?
Adaptability matters just as much, especially as imaging technology keeps evolving. “I’ve been in this profession for 23 years, and we’ve gone through three different kinds of technological advances in those years,” Shell shared.
Her experience highlights the importance of staying curious and open to new tools throughout a career in radiologic technology.
Considering Rad Tech Programs in Virginia?
Radiologic technology provides a hands-on way for aspiring professionals to make a real difference in patient care. As Shell shared, the field also offers plenty of opportunities for students looking to specialize and grow their education and career.
Plus, Virginia’s growing network of accredited programs, clinical partnerships, and scholarship opportunities means the resources you need to become a radiologic technologist in Virginia are already in place.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward a meaningful career, search Virginia healthcare degree programs in fields like radiologic technology, nuclear medicine, and more.
