How to Get Your Radiologic Technologist License in Washington DC (2026)

## How to Become a Licensed Radiologic Technologist in Washington DC Radiologic technologists in Washington DC perform X-rays, fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, mammography, and nuclear medicine imaging in a uniquely concentrated market of academic medical centers, federal government hospitals, research institutions, and major regional health systems. DC requires ARRT certification and a license through **DC Health (Department of Health), Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA)** before you may practice as a radiologic technologist in the District. ### Step 1: Complete a JRCERT-Accredited Radiologic Technology Program Your educational credential must come from a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Most candidates complete a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology. A Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT) is also available and is strongly preferred in DC's competitive, academically oriented healthcare market. Given DC's small geographic footprint, many technologists working in the District complete their JRCERT programs at schools in Maryland or Virginia. Programs in the broader metro area include those at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), Anne Arundel Community College, and Prince George's Community College. All programs include supervised clinical rotations with required competency evaluations. ### Step 2: Earn Your ARRT Certification The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) issues the primary credential: **R.T.(R) — Radiographer**, covering general X-ray and fluoroscopy. DC employers require ARRT certification regardless of state licensing mechanics. ARRT exam details: - Fee: approximately $225 - Format: computer-based, approximately 3 hours - Eligibility requires JRCERT program graduation and ethics clearance After R.T.(R), specialty credentials include R.T.(CT) for CT, R.T.(MR) for MRI, R.T.(M) for mammography, and R.T.(NM) for nuclear medicine. DC's academic and federal hospital market creates above-average demand for specialty-credentialed technologists. ARRT requires **24 CE credits every two years** to maintain registration. ### Step 3: Apply for Your DC License The licensing authority is **DC Health HRLA — Radiologic Technology**. You must hold a valid DC license before beginning unsupervised practice in the District. Requirements: - Completed application to DC Health HRLA - License fee (typically $100–$150; verify the current fee on the DC Health website) - Proof of ARRT R.T.(R) certification - Proof of graduation from a JRCERT-accredited program - Criminal background check DC licenses are renewed on a regular cycle. Because many DC-area technologists work across the DC/Maryland/Virginia tri-state area, note that Maryland and Virginia each have their own licensing requirements. Working across state lines requires holding valid licenses in each jurisdiction. ### Continuing Education Requirements DC follows ARRT's standard of **24 CE credits per two-year cycle**. Verify any additional DC-specific CE requirements with DC Health HRLA at the time of application or renewal, as the District may update its requirements through rulemaking. CE credits can be earned through ASRT online courses, regional and national imaging conferences, vendor-sponsored ARRT-approved programs, and JRCERT workshops. The DC/Maryland/Virginia area chapter of ASRT provides local continuing education opportunities. ### Radiologic Technologist Specializations in Washington DC DC's healthcare market is defined by its academic medical centers, federal hospitals, and research institutions — creating career opportunities that differ from typical regional markets: - **CT Technologist (R.T.(CT)):** MedStar Washington Hospital Center's Level 1 trauma center, GWU Hospital, and Howard University Hospital generate high CT volumes; research CT protocols at NIH Clinical Center are a unique opportunity. - **MRI Technologist (R.T.(MR)):** Academic and research MRI at GWU, Georgetown, and the NIH Clinical Center; neurology and orthopedic MRI across the DC metro. - **Mammography (R.T.(M)):** Breast health programs at every major DC system; Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center is a key employer. - **Interventional Radiology:** MedStar Washington Hospital Center and GWU Hospital operate active vascular and IR suites; IR techs earn at the top of DC's RT range. - **Nuclear Medicine / PET-CT:** The NIH Clinical Center and major cancer programs create both clinical and research nuclear medicine opportunities unique to the DC market. ### Washington DC Radiologic Technologist Salary Ranges DC consistently ranks among the highest-paying jurisdictions in the nation for radiologic technologists: - **General radiographer (R.T.(R)):** $70,000–$92,000 - **CT technologist:** $82,000–$105,000 - **MRI technologist:** $85,000–$108,000 - **Interventional radiology tech:** $90,000–$118,000+ - **Travel/contract RT:** $55–$78 per hour; the DC metro area is a premium travel RT market Federal government positions at NIH, Walter Reed, and VA facilities provide additional wage benchmarks with strong federal benefits packages. ### Top Employers for Radiologic Technologists in Washington DC - **MedStar Washington Hospital Center (Washington DC):** The District's Level 1 trauma center and largest hospital; the dominant imaging employer in DC proper - **MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (Washington DC):** Academic medical center affiliated with Georgetown University; full imaging services and Lombardi Cancer Center - **The George Washington University Hospital (Washington DC):** Academic medical center in Foggy Bottom; Level 1 trauma, academic imaging - **Howard University Hospital (Washington DC):** Academic hospital serving the Howard University community; full imaging department - **Children's National Hospital (Washington DC):** One of the top pediatric hospitals in the nation; advanced pediatric MRI, CT, fluoroscopy, and nuclear medicine - **NIH Clinical Center (Bethesda MD, adjacent DC metro):** Federal research hospital; unique research imaging roles for credentialed technologists - **Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (Bethesda MD):** Major DoD hospital; civilian imaging positions for credentialed techs - **VA Medical Center (Washington DC):** Federal employer serving DC veterans - **Outpatient imaging centers:** Radiology Associates and regional radiology groups operate outpatient imaging networks throughout DC and the metro area