How to Get Your Radiologic Technologist License in Virginia (2026)

How to Become a Licensed Radiologic Technologist in Virginia

Virginia requires radiologic technologists to hold an active state license before practicing in any clinical setting. Licensure is administered by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Office of Radiological Health. The state license is in addition to ARRT certification — meaning you need both credentials before you can work as an RT in Virginia.

Virginia's imaging market is large and diverse, spanning the high-volume Northern Virginia corridor (part of the DC metro area), the Richmond academic medical hub, the Hampton Roads Navy and military healthcare system, and rural southwestern and Shenandoah Valley communities. Understanding licensure is the first step to accessing this range of opportunities.

Step 1: Complete a JRCERT-Accredited Program

Virginia requires graduation from a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) as a prerequisite for both ARRT certification and state licensure. Virginia has several in-state options including programs at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Northern Virginia Community College, Tidewater Community College, and Radford University's BSRT program.

An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology is the minimum credential for entry into practice. A Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT) is increasingly preferred for supervisory roles and advanced modalities at Virginia's major health systems.

Step 2: Earn Your ARRT Certification

Virginia's state licensure is contingent on ARRT certification. You must pass the ARRT Radiography examination and hold an active R.T.(R) credential before your state license application will be approved.

To earn your R.T.(R):

• Complete your JRCERT-accredited program
• Submit an ARRT application, pass the ethics review, and pay the exam fee
• Pass the ARRT Radiography examination (200 scored questions)

Specialty ARRT certifications — CT (R.T.(CT)), MRI (R.T.(MR)), Mammography (R.T.(M)), Interventional Radiology (R.T.(VI)) — are highly valued at Virginia's tertiary health systems and large outpatient imaging networks. ARRT requires 24 CE credits every two years to maintain any credential.

Step 3: Apply for Your Virginia State License

With your ARRT credential in hand, submit your state license application to the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Radiological Health:

1. Complete the Virginia RT License Application (available on the VDH website)
2. Submit proof of ARRT certification (ARRT will verify directly to VDH upon your request)
3. Pay the application fee — typically in the range of $75 to $100 (confirm current fee schedule on the VDH website as fees are subject to change)
4. Pass any required background check (if applicable for new applicants)
5. Receive your Virginia Radiologic Technologist License

Virginia licenses are renewed on a biennial cycle. Renewal requires proof of 24 CE credits completed during the renewal period and payment of the renewal fee. VDH will not renew a license with a lapsed or inactive ARRT credential.

Continuing Education Requirements

Virginia follows ARRT's 24 CE/2-year standard for license renewal. CE must be completed through ARRT-approved or ASRT-approved providers. Acceptable formats include:

• Online CE modules (category A structured education)
• In-person conferences and symposia
• Hospital-based clinical education programs
• Manufacturer-sponsored application training (with appropriate documentation)

Virginia does not currently mandate specific CE topic areas beyond ARRT's requirements, though individual employers — particularly the large Northern Virginia health systems — may require annual compliance training in topics such as radiation safety, patient safety, or contrast administration protocol updates.

Radiologic Technologist Specializations in Virginia

Virginia's imaging market is one of the largest in the mid-Atlantic region. High-demand specializations include:

• CT (R.T.(CT)): Heavy demand across all markets; essential at trauma centers in Northern VA and Richmond
• MRI (R.T.(MR)): Growing outpatient and inpatient demand; Northern Virginia MRI roles command premium pay
• Interventional/Vascular (R.T.(VI) or R.T.(CV)): High demand at VCU Health, Inova, and Sentara's cardiac and vascular programs
• Mammography (R.T.(M)): Consistent demand statewide given Virginia's large female population and strong cancer screening rates
• Military Radiology: Fort Belvoir Community Hospital (Northern VA), Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, and Langley AFB create significant federal sector RT demand — federal positions often require additional clearance but pay competitively

Virginia Salary Ranges

Virginia's RT salary landscape varies significantly by region, with Northern Virginia commanding a substantial premium over rural and southwestern markets.

• Northern Virginia / DC Metro (general radiographer): $68,000 – $95,000/year
• Richmond / Hampton Roads (general radiographer): $58,000 – $78,000/year
• CT/MRI Technologist (Northern VA): $78,000 – $100,000+/year
• CT/MRI Technologist (Richmond/Hampton Roads): $70,000 – $90,000/year
• Travel RT: $45 – $65/hour, with stipends available in rural Southwestern VA assignments
• Federal/Military positions: GS-8 to GS-10 equivalent, typically $60,000 – $85,000/year plus federal benefits

Top Employers

• Inova Health System (Northern Virginia) — One of the largest private health systems in Virginia with multiple hospitals and imaging centers; heavy CT/MRI demand
• VCU Health (Richmond) — Virginia's academic medical center and Level I trauma center; strong interventional, nuclear medicine, and MRI programs
• Sentara Healthcare (Hampton Roads / Statewide) — Multi-hospital system with extensive outpatient imaging network across Eastern Virginia
• Carilion Clinic (Roanoke) — Major regional health system serving Western and Southwestern Virginia
• Bon Secours Mercy Health (Richmond / Hampton Roads) — Significant presence in both major markets
• Fort Belvoir Community Hospital / Portsmouth Naval Medical Center — Military federal sector with competitive pay and benefits
• Radiology Associates of Virginia and independent outpatient imaging groups — Growing outpatient sector statewide