Radiography

Students in Classroom

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
Locations
Medical Education
Curriculum Details

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 work with the radiologists that interprets the images to diagnose disease or injury. RTs practice in hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, and many clinical specialties, from prenatal care to orthopedics. The curriculum includes anatomy, patient positioning, examination techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety and patient care.

Graduates may practice general radiography or complete 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.

The Radiography program has a separate application process after applying to the college and admits a limited number of students once per year. Students are eligible to apply during the open application period after meeting all requirements.

To apply, interested students should review the online information session (below) and refer to the Application Checklist for the list of requirements.

  • Application Period: April 1 to April 15
  • Admission Policy: Competitive
  • Program Size: 40 students
  • Program Length: Approximately 21 months
  • Program starts every August
  • Admission decisions are announced by June 1
  • Mandatory Accepted Student Orientation held the second week of July

NOTE: Meeting the minimum application requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Applications with B minus, C, or P+ grades in the prerequisites, and applications with pending grades or transfer credit after the deadline will not be accepted.

Program Mission Statement

Consistent with the mission of Northern Virginia Community College, the Radiography Program is committed to providing quality instruction by preparing the student to be employable at an entry level in the radiologic sciences.

More Program Details and Resources

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 in process of submitting a self-study to obtain initial program accreditation with the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Accreditation questions may be directed to the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182, Phone: 312.704.5300, www.jrcert.org.

Radiography Program Career Outcomes

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.

Your Next Steps to NOVA