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
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 interpret 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.
Program Mission
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.
Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
Goal 1: Students will demonstrate clinical competency.
- SLO 1.1: Apply knowledge of anatomy, positioning, and radiographic techniques to accurately image anatomical structures.
- SLO 1.2: Evaluate images for diagnostic information.
- SLO 1.3: Apply knowledge of radiation protections to minimize patient dose.
Goal 2: Students will develop and apply effective critical thinking skills.
- SLO 2.1: Determine proper exposure factors to achieve optimum images of anatomical structures.
- SLO 2.2: Work in an ethical, legal, safe, and effective manner in diagnostic imaging.
- SLO 2.3: Develop lifelong learning habits that reflect professional development.
Goal 3: Student will demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills.
- SLO 3.1: Provide patient care essentials to radiologic sciences.
- SLO 3.2: Communicate effectively to serve the needs of the community and other health care providers.
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.
Radiography Information Session
The Radiography Information Session is an online video. Eligibility requirements are updated each year after the current application cycle has ended.
View the Radiography Information Session
Application and Program Information
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.
Application Period: April 1 to April 15
- Radiography Application Checklist
- Radiography Application & Program Info 2025
- Program Effectiveness
- Clinical Curriculum
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.
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.