Unlock the Future of Healthcare Imaging
Launch your radiography career with a comprehensive foundation in Radiography and Imaging, equipping you for diverse roles and future success.
AVAILABLE PROGRAMS
Associate Degree in Radiography
The curriculum is designed to prepare students to produce diagnostic images of the human body through the safe application of x-radiation. The radiographer is a central member of the healthcare team and assists the radiologist, a physician specialized in body image interpretation. Upon successful completion of degree requirements, the student will be eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) examination leading to certification as a Registered Technologist in Radiography: A.S., R.T.(R).
- Length
- Two Years
- Credits
- 70 (includes 14 prerequisite credits)
- Locations
- Medical Education
Why Study Radiography at NOVA?
Comprehensive Curriculum
Students gain expertise in anatomy, patient positioning, examination techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety, and patient care.
Key Role in Healthcare
Nova's radiography program prepares students for a vital role on the healthcare team, providing diagnostic imaging skills to assist radiologists in diagnosing diseases or injuries.
Certification and Career Opportunities
Certification as a Registered Technologist in Radiography opens diverse career opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and physician's offices.
Program Details
Registered Radiologic Technologists (RT, R) are medical personnel who perform diagnostic imaging examinations. They collaborate with radiologists to interpret images and diagnose diseases or injuries. RTs work in hospitals, clinics, physician's offices, and various specialties, including prenatal care and orthopedics.
The curriculum includes anatomy, patient positioning, examination techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety, and patient care. Graduates may practice general radiography or pursue additional training to specialize in imaging techniques such as bone densitometry, cardiac or vascular interventional radiography, computed tomography, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, and nuclear medicine.
Program Mission
Consistent with Northern Virginia Community College's mission, the Radiography Program is committed to providing quality instruction to prepare students for entry-level employment in the radiologic sciences.
Application and Program Information
The Radiography program has a separate application process after college admission and admits a limited number of students once per year. Students may apply during the open application period after meeting all requirements. Eligibility requirements are updated each year after the current application cycle has ended.
Application Period: May 15–31
RAD 105 Fall Registration: Department consent not required; sections that fill will use a SIS Waitlist.
RAD 105 Spring Registration: Certain sections of RAD 105 are reserved in Spring for applicants applying in May. See the Class Note on SIS. If Spring registration has officially opened, applicants may email DiagnosticImaging@nvcc.edu with their name, student ID, and the class section number to request registration for a reserved section. All requirements must be completed, or students must be enrolled in final requirements for Spring. This will be verified by the RAD Department before allowing registration.
Important Note: Early RAD 105 requests sent before midnight of the first day of open Spring registration will not be accepted.
- Radiography 2026 Information Session
- Radiography 2026 Application Requirements
- Physical Form
- TEAS Test Information
- Canvas Site for TEAS Test Preparation
- How to Request External Transcript Evaluation
- Form 125-049 Transfer Credit Evaluation Request
- Health Sciences and Nursing Application
Health Sciences Advising: meccounseling@nvcc.edu
Radiography Dept: diagnosticimaging@nvcc.edu
Accreditations
Northern Virginia Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the associate degree.
The NOVA Radiography program is an approved educational program by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) through its recognition of NOVA’s college accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The NOVA Radiography Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182, Phone: 312.704.5300, Email: mail@jrcert.org.
The program's current accreditation award is 3 years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found here.
Credits and
Transfer Info
Credit for Prior Learning
Credit for prior learning (CPL) generally refers to the process of granting college credit for learning gained in nontraditional ways, including but not limited to: certifications, AP or IB exams, military training, or life experience.
Transferring
Learn more about possible transfer opportunities associated with this program of study. Students interested in transferring should contact an advisor or counselor to further discuss their plans.