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Program Details
Registered Radiologic Technologists (RTs) are medical personnel who perform diagnostic imaging examinations and administer radiation therapy treatments. RTs practice in hospitals, clinics and physician’s offices, and in many clinical specialties, from prenatal care to orthopedics. Radiologic Technologists are educated in anatomy, patient positioning, examination techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety and patient care.
The first step to beginning health career training at NOVA/MEC is to attend a mandatory Information Session.
Information Session
Please note that the online information sessions contain program information for the current academic year only.
Application Period: April 1 to April 15
Admission Policy: Competitive
Program Size: 40 students
Program Length: 5 full-time semesters
Program Starts: Every August
Admission Notifications: Admission decisions announced by June 1
How to Be Eligible to Apply in 2023
- Review Online YouTube Information Session
- Have minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Self-place (qualify) for MTH 154 (qualification only; completion of MTH 154 is not required)
- Complete or transfer SDV 101 Orientation to Healthcare or SDV 100; must have B or better grade (Note: SDV is fulfilled for students who have graduated with an associate, baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited United States institution of higher education; must complete transcript evaluation to receive general education waiver)
- Complete or transfer ENG 111 or higher; must have B or better grade
- Complete or transfer BIO 141; must have B or better grade and be within 10 years Note: BIO 141 registration requires one of the following options: (1) completion of BIO 101 with a C or better, or (2) completion of NAS 2 Foundations of Life Sciences, or (3) a score of 75% or higher on a placement exam.)
- Complete or transfer BIO 142; must have B or better grade and be within 10 years
- Complete RAD 105; must have B or better grade; course only offered at MEC in Fall and Spring semesters
- Radiography Brochure
- Radiography Cost Sheet
- Grade Equivalents for CLEP, IB and AP Credit
Competitive Admission Criteria:
- Final Grades in BIO 141, BIO 142, and RAD 105
- Completion of HLT 141 Medical Terminology, any NOVA Social Science elective, and any NOVA Humanities/Fine Arts elective at time of application
- Number of attempts to successfully complete BIO 141 and BIO 142
- Meeting the minimum application requirements does not guarantee acceptance
Applications with B- or C grades in the prerequisites, and applications with pending grades or pending transfer credit after the deadline will not be considered.
- How to Apply
- Request Transfer Credit Evaluation
- Transfer Credit Evaluation Request Form
- Check the Transfer Evaluation System
- Medical Frequently Asked Questions
- Health Sciences & Nursing Application
- Physical Form
- Technical Standards
- RT State Licensure Instructions for Graduates
Pre-Health students who have questions regarding program requirements or students who need academic advising are encouraged to visit Advising & Counseling.
RAD Department
Email: NOVARAD@nvcc.edu
Phone: 703.822.6648
Medical Education Campus, Room 239
The Radiography Department is not currently offering MRI or CT training. Please visit the ARRT website for a list of approved educational programs.
Transfer Opportunities
Transfer is not the primary purpose of an A.A.S. program, but NOVA has articulation agreements that facilitate the transfer of this and other career-oriented programs to selected senior institutions. Students interested in transfer should contact a counselor or their academic advisor early in their program.
Credit for Prior Learning
Northern Virginia Community College accepts industry-standard certifications, credentials and/or professional courses for credit. Broadly, licenses, credentials and/or certifications must be current and valid for consideration. For more information regarding the status of the certification and its eligibility for credit, please see an advisor or faculty members in the discipline area that awards CPL credit.
The most current information can be found here for CPL: Certifications and Credentials.
Program Degrees and Certificates
Career Prospects
Radiological Technologists may practice general radiography, or specialize in an imaging technique such as bone densitometry, cardiac or vascular interventional radiography, computed tomography, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine. https://www.asrt.org/main/career-center/careers-in-radiologic-technology.
Get Started
Want to get started with this program? Speak with an adviser to start shaping your educational journey at NOVA.