Virginia Radiologic Technologist License — Requirements and Application
- Radiologic technologists applying for initial Virginia licensure for the first time
- Travel RTs researching what state credential is required before accepting a Virginia assignment
- Out-of-state RTs relocating to Virginia who need to understand the credential evaluation process
Virginia Radiologic Technologist Licensure — At a Glance
| State License Required? | Yes — Virginia requires licensure to practice or hold oneself out as a radiologic technologist |
| Credential Name | Radiologic Technologist — issued by the Virginia Board of Medicine under DHP |
| Governing Body | Virginia Board of Medicine, Virginia Department of Health Professions (DHP) |
| Licensing Pathways | Initial licensure for ARRT/NMTCB-certified applicants; licensure for applicants already licensed in another jurisdiction (credential verification required); reinstatement; reactivation from inactive status — Virginia requires a standard application and credential verification for out-of-state applicants rather than automatic license transfer |
| Application Fees | $130 Radiologic Technologist; $90 Radiologic Technologist-Limited; $25 Traineeship — per 18VAC85-101-25 reviewed May 2026; verify current fees with DHP before submitting |
| ARRT Certification | Accepted — ARRT or NMTCB documentation must be sent directly from ARRT/NMTCB to Virginia DHP; no separate Virginia state exam required for ARRT holders |
| Application Method | Online via Virginia DHP online licensing portal; some reinstatement forms submitted by mail |
| Processing Time | Virginia DHP does not publish a guaranteed processing timeline for radiologic technologist applications — processing depends on receipt of all external documentation including ARRT/NMTCB verification, transcripts, and NPDB materials |
| Background Check | Required — all applicants must disclose criminal and disciplinary history; some application pathways may require additional verification materials; misrepresentation may subject applicants to disciplinary action and criminal penalties under Virginia law |
| Interstate Compact | No MRTC participation identified in Virginia DHP materials reviewed May 2026 |
| Governing Authority | Virginia Code § 54.1-2956.8 et seq.; 18VAC85-101 (Regulations Governing the Practice of Radiologic Technology) |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial — odd-numbered years; expires in birth month; see the Virginia renewal page for full details |
Virginia requires radiologic technologists to hold a license issued by the Virginia Board of Medicine before practicing in the state. The Board operates under the Virginia Department of Health Professions (DHP). Virginia’s licensing framework is straightforward for ARRT-certified technologists — ARRT certification satisfies the examination requirement, documentation is sent directly from ARRT to DHP, and no separate Virginia state exam is required. See the At-a-Glance table above for current fees, pathways, and processing times.
Virginia does not offer reciprocity — out-of-state RTs must submit a credential evaluation regardless of how many other state licenses they hold. The out-of-state pathway requires a standard application with credential verification rather than an automatic license transfer.
What Makes Virginia Different
Virginia’s licensing framework has a few notable features that distinguish it from standard RT licensing states. The license expires in the licensee’s birth month during odd-numbered years — a combined birthday-based and fixed-year cycle that requires careful tracking. CE documentation is attestation-only at renewal — Virginia does not require technologists to submit CE certificates unless selected for a random audit, but records must be retained for four years. And Virginia explicitly states it does not offer reciprocity, which is notable for travel RTs who may expect a simpler out-of-state transfer process.
Virginia Radiologic Technologist Licensing Requirements
Per Virginia Board of Medicine and DHP sources reviewed May 2026, applicants for a Virginia Radiologic Technologist license must meet the following requirements:
- Education: Official transcript or documentation of professional education submitted directly from the applicant’s school. If the school is no longer operating, documentation must show the program met the requirements to clear ARRT national certification.
- Examination or certification: Active ARRT or NMTCB certification satisfies Virginia’s examination requirement. ARRT or NMTCB documentation must be sent directly from ARRT or NMTCB to Virginia DHP — self-submitted copies are not accepted.
- Background disclosure: All applicants must complete a full criminal and disciplinary history disclosure. Some application pathways may require additional verification materials — verify current background check requirements with Virginia DHP before applying. Providing false information on a health professions application may subject applicants to disciplinary action and criminal penalties under Virginia law.
- Name documentation: If your name on the application differs from your ARRT or school documentation, legal name change documentation (marriage certificate, court order) is required.
Virginia Radiologic Technology Credential Categories
Virginia issues three credential categories under the radiologic technology framework:
- Radiologic Technologist ($130 application fee): The standard full-scope credential for ARRT-certified diagnostic radiographers. This is the credential most working RTs and travel RTs need for Virginia assignments.
- Radiologic Technologist-Limited ($90 application fee): A limited-scope credential for technologists practicing in specific anatomical areas including bone density, chiropractic, and podiatry. Limited license CE requirement is 12 hours per biennium; limited late fee is $25. Requires ARRT Limited Scope examination.
- Radiologist Assistant ($130 application fee): A separate higher-level credential requiring ARRT Registered Radiologist Assistant (RRA) standing, an active full Virginia Radiologic Technologist license, and active Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification. Verify specific Radiologist Assistant requirements directly with Virginia DHP.
How to Apply for a Virginia Radiologic Technologist License
- Create an account in the Virginia DHP online licensing portal
- Complete the online application — select the correct credential category (Radiologic Technologist, RT-Limited, or Radiologist Assistant)
- Request ARRT or NMTCB to send certification documentation directly to Virginia DHP — do not self-submit copies
- Request your educational institution to send official transcripts directly to Virginia DHP
- Complete any NPDB or verification requirements applicable to your application pathway — verify current requirements with Virginia DHP
- Complete all criminal and disciplinary history disclosures — attach supporting documentation as required
- Pay the applicable application fee — $130 for Radiologic Technologist; credit/debit card accepted online
- Allow several weeks for processing after receipt of all materials and payment — Virginia DHP does not publish a guaranteed timeline; processing begins only after all external documentation is received
Virginia does not grant automatic reciprocity. Out-of-state RTs with current licenses in other states must submit the standard application with credential verification — there is no automatic license transfer process.
Practical Notes for Virginia Licensure Applicants
- Primary source verification from ARRT or NMTCB is required. Virginia DHP requires ARRT or NMTCB to send certification documentation directly to DHP — self-submitted copies are not accepted. Request this early — ARRT verification requests can take time and will delay your application if not initiated promptly.
- School transcripts also go directly to DHP. Your educational institution must send official transcripts directly to Virginia DHP. If your school no longer exists, gather documentation showing your program met ARRT certification requirements before applying.
- No reciprocity — plan for the full application process. Virginia does not grant automatic reciprocity — applicants licensed in other states must complete Virginia’s application and credential verification process. Even if you hold active licenses in multiple other states, you must complete the full Virginia application and credential evaluation. Build this into your timeline before accepting a Virginia assignment.
- Virginia DHP does not publish a guaranteed processing timeline — plan early. Processing begins only after all external documentation is received — ARRT/NMTCB verification, transcripts, and background materials. ARRT verification delays can extend your timeline significantly. Apply well before your assignment start date and contact DHP directly if you need an estimate.
- First renewal cycle CE-exempt. If this is your first Virginia renewal after initial licensure by examination, no CE is required for that cycle. Plan your CE program for subsequent renewal cycles.
- No interstate compact — Virginia license required. No MRTC participation was identified in Virginia DHP materials reviewed May 2026. Out-of-state RTs must obtain a Virginia license regardless of other state credentials held.
- Accuracy on your application matters. Providing false information on a Virginia health professions application may subject applicants to disciplinary action and criminal penalties under Virginia law. Complete all disclosure questions accurately and attach required documentation.
Relevant Statutes and Regulations
- Virginia Code § 54.1-2956.8 et seq. — Radiologic Technology licensure statute
- 18VAC85-101 — Regulations Governing the Practice of Radiologic Technology
- 18VAC85-101-25 — Fees
- 18VAC85-101-150 — Biennial renewal of license
Related Pages
- Virginia Radiologic Technologist License Renewal
- Maryland Radiologic Technologist License Requirements
- North Carolina Radiologic Technologist Requirements
- Radiologic Technologist Licensing by State — Complete Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Virginia require a state license to practice as a radiologic technologist?
Yes. Virginia requires a Radiologic Technologist license issued by the Virginia Board of Medicine under the Department of Health Professions before practicing or holding oneself out as a radiologic technologist in the state. Source: Virginia DHP Radiologic Technologist
Does my ARRT certification qualify me for a Virginia license?
Yes. Active ARRT or NMTCB certification satisfies Virginia’s examination requirement. ARRT or NMTCB must send certification documentation directly to Virginia DHP — self-submitted copies are not accepted. No separate Virginia state exam is required for ARRT holders. Source: Virginia DHP Radiologic Technologist
Does Virginia offer reciprocity for out-of-state radiologic technologists?
No. Virginia does not grant automatic reciprocity — applicants licensed in other states must complete Virginia’s application and credential verification process. Out-of-state RTs holding current licenses in other states must submit a standard application with credential evaluation. There is no automatic license transfer process. Source: Virginia DHP Radiologic Technologist
What is the Virginia radiologic technologist license application fee?
Per 18VAC85-101-25 reviewed May 2026, the application fee is $130 for a Radiologic Technologist license and $90 for a Radiologic Technologist-Limited license. Verify current fees with Virginia DHP before submitting. Source: 18VAC85-101-25 Fees
How long does it take to get a Virginia radiologic technologist license?
Virginia DHP does not publish a guaranteed processing timeline for radiologic technologist applications. Processing depends on receipt of all external documentation — including direct ARRT/NMTCB verification, transcripts, and any required background materials. Plan for several weeks after all materials are received and contact DHP directly for current estimates. Source: Virginia DHP Radiologic Technologist
Is Virginia part of the Medical Radiation Technologist Compact?
No MRTC participation was identified in Virginia DHP materials reviewed May 2026. Out-of-state RTs must obtain a Virginia license directly through DHP. Verify current compact status with Virginia DHP before planning multi-state practice. Source: Virginia DHP Radiologic Technologist