Thinking about a career in medical imaging? That’s a great choice because radiologic technologists are in demand, work directly with patients and play a vital role in healthcare. It’s a career that combines advanced technology with the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Radiography focuses on using sophisticated equipment to capture internal images that help doctors diagnose everything from fractures to chronic diseases. Radiologic technologists work closely with patients to ensure safe and accurate imaging procedures. They support physicians in settings such as emergency departments, outpatient clinics and operating rooms.
To work in radiography, you need certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and at least an associate degree in the field. The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Radiography at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) gives you both, preparing you with the knowledge, skills and credentials to launch your career.
Career Opportunities with a Radiography Degree
As you search for an associate degree in radiography, look for programs that prepare you to sit for the ARRT Radiography (R) exam and succeed as a registered technologist. Radiologic technologists perform X-rays and other imaging procedures in clinical and hospital settings to help diagnose conditions like broken bones, joint injuries or respiratory conditions. In this role, you may work in environments such as:
- Hospitals: Work in emergency rooms, surgical departments, inpatient clinics and other fast-paced workplaces ideal for developing skills quickly.
- Outpatient imaging centers: Provide routine imaging to a regular flow of patients with more predictable working hours.
- Private physician practices: Conduct imaging in a more personal environment — a great fit if you’re passionate about patient interaction.
Radiography Job Outlook and Salary Potential
The demand for radiologic technologists continues to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field is projected to increase by 6% through 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. In 2023, the median annual wage for radiologic technologists was $77,660. Specialist roles generally earn more, with MRI technologists, for instance, making $88,180 on average in May 2023.
The outlook is also promising in the Northern Virginia region. Lightcast reports 1,433 entry-level radiography jobs, with starting salaries ranging from $41,000 to $49,000. This strong local demand means your radiography education can lead to real opportunities — close to home.
NOVA's Comprehensive Associate Degree in Radiography
At NOVA, the associate degree in radiography builds your skills in both medical imaging and patient care. You’ll learn to operate advanced equipment, apply key radiographic techniques and support patients through every procedure. This well-rounded approach prepares you for certification and a meaningful role in healthcare.
You’ll take courses such as:
- Introduction to Radiology, Protection and Patient Care: Covers the essentials of safe imaging practices and introduces foundational patient care techniques.
- Radiographic Procedures I: Teaches you the positioning and imaging techniques used in routine diagnostic X-rays to produce high-quality images that support diagnosis.
- Radiographic Pathology: Explores disease processes and how they appear on diagnostic images, preparing you to identify abnormalities.
- Radiation Biology and Protection: Focuses on radiation safety principles to protect patients and healthcare staff.
These courses, combined with clinical training, prepare you for ARRT certification and entry-level roles in radiography. You’ll graduate with the practical knowledge and hands-on clinical experience that healthcare employers expect.
Hands-On Clinical Experience
Clinical training is a cornerstone of NOVA's associate degree in Radiography. You’ll complete structured clinical rotations at respected healthcare facilities, including Johns Hopkins Sibley Memorial Hospital, Inova Fairfax Hospital and Virginia Hospital Center. This real-world experience gives you the chance to apply your skills and learn directly from professionals in the field.
Over the course of the program, you’ll complete hundreds of hours of clinical training, steadily building your skills and confidence in patient care and imaging procedures. Here’s how your clinical rotations are structured:
- On-Site Training: 16 hours per week in your first semester.
- Elementary Clinical Procedures I: 16 hours per week in your second semester.
- Elementary Clinical Procedures II: 40 hours per week during the summer term.
- Advanced Clinical Procedures I & II: 22.5–24 hours per week in your final semesters.
You’ll rotate through a variety of healthcare settings, including other clinical partners like UVA Prince William Hospital and Reston Hospital Center. This extensive training prepares you to meet employer expectations, pass your ARRT exams and begin your career in radiography.
What’s Next After an Associate Degree in Radiography?
Completing an associate degree in radiography prepares you to take your ARRT exam and become a Registered Technologist in Radiography. This is a secure field and an essential job in healthcare.
However, your associate degree also provides the baseline education required for additional ARRT credentials in areas like CT, MRI, mammography and bone densitometry. These roles don’t require a new degree, but you will need structured education and certifications, often offered through hospitals, professional organizations or ARRT-approved providers.
You might choose to pursue an ARRT certification in areas like:
- Computed tomography (CT): Create detailed cross-sectional images to help diagnose conditions like strokes, tumors and injuries.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Capture high-resolution images of organs and soft tissues for diagnosing brain disorders, spinal issues and more.
- Mammography (M): Perform breast imaging for the early detection of breast cancer through routine screenings or diagnostic exams.
- Bone densitometry (BD): Measure bone mineral density to help diagnose osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions.
- Sonography (S): Use ultrasound technology to create images of internal organs and monitor pregnancies, among other diagnostic uses.
- Nuclear medicine technology (N): Administer radioactive materials to create diagnostic images, often used to assess organ function and detect abnormalities.
- Radiation therapy (T): Deliver targeted radiation treatments to treat cancer and other conditions by destroying harmful cells.
- Cardiac interventional radiography (CI): Assist in minimally invasive procedures such as angioplasty to treat heart conditions.
- Vascular interventional radiography (VI): Perform image-guided procedures to treat blood vessel conditions, such as blockages or aneurysms.
Where to Pursue ARRT-Certified Radiography Training
After earning your associate degree in radiography, you can pursue additional training for ARRT credentials like CT or MRI through a variety of providers. These credentials allow you to work in specialized medical imaging fields without needing to earn an additional college degree or certificate.
You can pursue specialized radiography training through a variety of options including:
- Hospital-based programs: Many hospitals offer training programs for post-primary certifications, such as CT, MRI or mammography.
- Continuing education courses: Organizations like the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) provide courses tailored to specific ARRT certifications.
- Workplace training: Some employers provide on-the-job training for technologists to specialize in areas like bone densitometry or mammography.
- ARRT-approved educational providers: You can find programs for post-primary certifications through official ARRT resources.
While the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Radiography is primarily designed to help you begin your career, NOVA has articulation agreements with select institutions. If you’re thinking about transferring to a four-year program, be sure to meet with a NOVA academic advisor early.
Why Study Radiography at NOVA?
Choosing NOVA for your radiography education offers numerous advantages, from experienced faculty to affordability. If you study here, you’ll be prepared for both your certification exam and a secure, rewarding career in healthcare.
Here’s how NOVA prepares you for a radiography career: