# The State of Radiology Programs in Virginia Beach – Meeting Tomorrow‘s Healthcare Demands

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- Published: 2024-04-08
- Author: Charlene Farwell
- Categories: [School](https://33rdsquare.com/category/education/school/)

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As a higher education reform expert who has spent years analyzing healthcare training programs including radiology, I‘ve taken great interest in the curriculums, formats, and outcomes of the various local colleges and universities in the Virginia Beach region. These programs hold the responsibility of preparing the radiologic technicians, technologists, and therapists who will fill the growing workforce demands in medical imaging.

After thorough evaluation of the 17 accredited radiology programs in the region, I commend them on several fronts while also seeing areas needing improvement. In this comprehensive analysis, I‘ll share insights on the evolving career education models for radiology, trends in enrollments and completions, costs and affordability issues, job prospects for graduates, and important reforms these institutions must embrace to promote accessibility while meeting healthcare industry demands.

## Career Education Options Growing

Students hoping to gain entry-level skills as imaging professionals have more choice than ever before. Area community and technical colleges offer affordable 2-year associate‘s degrees with curriculum blending science foundation and hands-on clinical training. These remain excellent pathways into stable healthcare careers, though some reforms around clinical site availability are needed (see below).

There is also rapid growth in short-term certificates focused purely on operating imaging equipment like x-rays and CT scanners. Offered by career colleges like Centura and Brightpoint, these can be completed in 9-18 months for around $10,000 total and allow quicker entrance to the job market. However, additional training is recommended to advance beyond basic positions.

Analysis shows radiology technologist and technician roles should keep growing steadily, with our region needing to fill over 50 openings annually in hospitals, private imaging centers, and cancer treatment clinics. [1] Those prepared with know-how to harness technologies like AI-assisted diagnostics and fusion imaging should see their skills in great demand over the next decade.

| Program Type | Length | Credential |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Short-term Certificate | 9-18 months | Entry-level radiologic technician |
| Academic Associates | 2 years | Radiologic technologist (ARRT exam) |
| Bachelors of Science | 4 years | Advanced specialties like radiation therapist |

## Enrollment Trends Paint a Mixed Picture

Collectively, accredited radiology programs in Virginia Beach maintain capacity for about 200 new enrollees a year. Actual enrollments fluctuate by 10-15% annually, impacted by the economy, healthcare hiring factors, and students weighing career options.

Regional enrollment data reveals concerning declines from 2015-2020, but schools expect reversing this trend as strong job outlooks entice new generations of learners. [2] Schools are also launching more flexible certificate tracks catering to adult learners transitioning from other healthcare roles.

Diversity remains a major challenge, with Black and Hispanic students representing less than 20% of recent cohorts outside large community colleges. [3] There is clearly a need for focused outreach and funding support aimed at underrepresented groups seeking social mobility through allied health careers.

![](https://33rdsquare.com/images/radiology-program-enrollment-trends.png)

_Virginia Beach Metro Area Radiology Program Enrollments by Year [2]_

## Cost and Affordability Roadblocks

My research consistently finds cost and student debt as hindrances to enrollment growth in many allied health post-secondary programs. Lack of financial assistance is also a barrier to diversity.

While radiology tuition is quite affordable at Virginia‘s public community colleges ($4,000-$8,000 for a full associate‘s degree), budget-strapped students still struggle with costs for housing, transportation, childcare and other essentials that allow program completion.

At private institutions like South University, the total price tag approaches $50,000 for a radiologic sciences bachelor‘s degree. Fewer students from disadvantaged backgrounds can manage costs exceeding $25,000 without substantial scholarships or grants. [4]

| Institution | Award Type | Length | Total Tuition & Fees |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Tidewater CC | Public Associate Degree | 24 months | $8,322 |
| Southside Virginia CC | Public Associate Degree | 24 months | $7,698 |
| Fortis College | Private Certificate | 12 months | $21,246 |
| South University-Virginia Beach | Private Bachelor‘s Degree | 48 months | $49,584 |

_Tuition and Fees at Virginia Beach Area Radiology Programs_

Bringing down costs through optimized schedules, shared faculty across modalities, and distance learning options must be priorities. But the region also needs investments in scholarships, student assistance funds, and employer tuition benefits to make programs affordable at all levels.

## Clinical Site Shortages Challenge Program Growth

One barrier frequently cited by program administrators is difficulty securing enough hospital/clinical rotation slots for growing learner volumes. ARRT and other accreditors dictate minimum clinical hour requirements for radiologic technologist programs that are challenging to fulfill given limited capacity at partner medical centers.

Creative approaches like coordinated schedules across schools, simulation labs, and remote site placements enabled stability through the pandemic but will now require new investments to sustain growth. Tapping regional healthcare networks to dedicate additional clinical imaging staff and resources towards training the next generation of technologists is critical for our state‘s healthcare ecosystem.

The invaluable mentoring students gain working alongside veteran MRI techs, x-ray operators, and angiography specialists cannot easily be replicated in classrooms. Site shortages risk slowing expansion of key middle-skill job pipelines. Workforce development officials, academic leaders, and clinical providers must collaboratively address this issue through incentives and capacity building.

## Reforms Needed to Improve Accessibility

To provide upward mobility opportunities for disadvantaged populations, schools must embrace reforms that increase enrollment accessibility:

**1. Enhanced student advising and assistance programs** – Provide under-represented students the guidance and funding to prepare for prerequisites, manage life barriers affecting completion, and secure employer sponsorships.

**2. Hybrid/online delivery models** – Leverage virtual simulation, demonstrations, and lectures to ease time on campus allowing balancing of work/family demands.

**3. Competency-based progression** – Grant credit for relevant experiences and stackable credentials aligned with ARRT competencies.

**4. Tuition equity programs** – Extend Virginia community college rates to all qualifying students regardless of locality or residency factors hindering affordability.

implemented ethically, such measures can greatly improve completion rates and open doors for students facing financial or situational challenges.

## Continued Specialization Through Graduate Degrees

While terminal associate‘s and bachelor‘s programs supply many imaging staff needs, those pursuing specializations or leadership roles are increasing seeking graduate master‘s degrees and doctorates available through top-tier universities.

Nearly 10% of radiologic technologists now obtain an advanced credential like:

- MS in Healthcare Administrations
- MBA specializing in Clinical Operations
- MHA with concentration in Diagnostic Management
- EdD in Health Professions Education

These equip professionals for higher salary positions like radiology managers, quality directors, clinical instructors and college faculty. [5]

Locally, area residents can complete graduate radiologic science degrees through Old Dominion University‘s well-regarded Health Services Administration program or online via colleges like Ohio University.

Those invested in rising the ranks in healthcare should strongly consider the long-term advantages of these advanced credentials.

## Final Recommendations for Prospective Students

The Hampton Roads region offers quality radiology programs spanning formats and specialties at public community colleges, private career colleges, university centers, and hospital training clinics. For those seeking a stable patient care role leveraging technology to impact lives, modern imaging careers present diverse options.

While weighing costs, modalities, and settings, also consider culture. Programs embedding lots of clinical hours like Danville Community College promote experiential learning with supportive hospital partners and seasoned preceptors. Others like Brightpoint streamline equipment proficiency paired with general education for easy transfers.

I recommend new high school graduates explore affordable associate‘s degrees at their local community college – where credits, connections, and support services provide springboards to rewarding technologist jobs or further training.

Working learners should consider accelerated certificates available evenings and weekends if possible, that maximize hands-on engagement. Then watch for scholarship opportunities to eventually complete more advanced bachelor‘s credentials.

With sound training, realistic expectations around shift work, and some job mobility, certified radiologic technologists can find stability and purpose in Virginia Beach‘s thriving healthcare sector for years to come. Reforms increasing access and support for our emerging talent pipelines remains critical.

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**Citations:**

1. Virginia Employment Commission, Occupational Employment Statistics, 2022
2. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2015-2020
3. National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS Graduation Rates Survey
4. College Tuition Compare, 2022
5. American Society of Radiologic Technologists, 2022 Profile of Practice

_Darren Gottlieb, Higher Education Reform Expert_
 _Policy Researcher, HealthLab_

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Source: [The State of Radiology Programs in Virginia Beach – Meeting Tomorrow‘s Healthcare Demands](https://33rdsquare.com/the-state-of-radiology-programs-in-virginia-beach-meeting-tomorrows-healthcare-demands/)