Key Takeaways
- Takoma Park students have access to several accredited radiologic technology programs within a short commute, including Montgomery College, MedStar Health School of Radiology, and Fortis College.
- The most reputable programs are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), which is essential for ARRT certification eligibility.
- Associate of Applied Science degrees typically take 24 months and include extensive clinical rotations in hospitals and imaging centers.
- Graduates must pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam and meet Maryland licensing requirements.
- Median radiologic technologist salary in Maryland exceeds the national average, making this a strong healthcare career path.
Why Takoma Park Is an Ideal Location for Radiologic Technology Training
Takoma Park, Maryland sits on the border of Washington, DC and within minutes of major healthcare systems in Montgomery County and the greater DC metro area. This proximity gives students direct access to high-volume hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, trauma facilities, and specialty clinics.
For aspiring radiologic technologists, location matters. Clinical rotations are a required component of every accredited program. Programs near Takoma Park benefit from partnerships with leading healthcare organizations including MedStar Health, Holy Cross Health, and regional outpatient imaging networks. These affiliations translate into stronger hands-on training and broader employment connections after graduation.
How to Choose the Right Radiologic Technology Program
1. Accreditation and ARRT Eligibility
The most important factor is programmatic accreditation through JRCERT. Graduation from a JRCERT-accredited school qualifies students to take the ARRT certification exam, which is required for licensure in Maryland through the Maryland Board of Physicians.
2. Clinical Training Quality
Radiography is hands-on. Look for programs that provide diverse clinical placements such as trauma, surgery, orthopedics, and outpatient imaging. More variety equals more competence and stronger job prospects.
3. ARRT Exam Pass Rates and Job Placement
Top programs openly publish first-time ARRT pass rates and graduate employment percentages. Competitive programs often maintain pass rates above 85 percent and job placement rates above 75 percent within six months of graduation.
4. Commute and Schedule Flexibility
Most Takoma Park students commute 15 to 30 minutes to campus or clinical sites. Consider whether the program offers daytime-only schedules or limited flexibility for working adults.
Top Radiologic Technology Programs Near Takoma Park, Maryland
SchoolDegreeAccreditationApprox. DurationLocationMontgomery CollegeAAS in Radiologic TechnologyJRCERT24 MonthsTakoma Park/Silver SpringMedStar Health School of RadiologyCertificateJRCERT24 MonthsWashington, DCFortis CollegeAAS in Radiologic TechnologyJRCERT24 MonthsLandover, MD
Montgomery College – Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus
Montgomery College offers one of the most locally accessible and respected radiologic technology programs for Takoma Park residents. The Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology combines classroom instruction, energized lab practice, and supervised clinical experience.
Why It Stands Out:
- Direct access from Takoma Park with minimal commute
- JRCERT accredited
- Clinical rotations throughout Montgomery County and the DC region
- Strong transfer pathways to bachelor’s degree programs in medical imaging or healthcare management
The program is competitive and requires prerequisite coursework in anatomy, physiology, and mathematics. Graduates are eligible to sit for the ARRT exam immediately upon completion.
MedStar Health School of Radiology
The MedStar Health School of Radiology provides hospital-based training embedded within a major healthcare system. Students learn directly in a clinical environment, gaining exposure to advanced imaging modalities and complex patient cases.
Program Highlights:
- Immersive hospital-based education model
- JRCERT accreditation
- Extensive real-world clinical rotations
- Strong employer recognition within the DC metro area
This model is ideal for students who thrive in clinical settings and prefer hands-on learning from day one.
Fortis College – Landover, MD
Fortis College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology within commuting distance of Takoma Park. The curriculum follows a structured format combining radiographic procedures, patient care, radiation physics, and imaging evaluation.
Fortis emphasizes small class sizes and career services support. Prospective students should compare tuition carefully, as private institutions typically have higher tuition than public community colleges.
Curriculum Overview: What You Will Study
While each program differs slightly, most accredited radiologic technology programs include:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Radiographic Positioning and Procedures
- Radiation Biology and Protection
- Imaging Equipment and Digital Systems
- Patient Care and Ethics
- Clinical Education I through IV
Students complete over 1,500 clinical hours on average, performing supervised X-ray examinations across multiple specialties.
Licensing and Certification in Maryland
After graduation, students must:
- Pass the ARRT Radiography Certification Exam.
- Apply for state licensure through the Maryland Board of Physicians.
- Maintain continuing education credits for ARRT renewal every two years.
Detailed licensing information is available through the Maryland Board of Physicians Radiologic Technologist page.
Career Outlook and Salary in Maryland
Radiologic technology remains a stable and growing healthcare profession. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of radiologic technologists is projected to grow steadily through the decade.
Maryland salaries are competitive, particularly in the DC metropolitan area. Median annual wages in Maryland typically range from $70,000 to over $80,000 depending on experience, specialization, and facility type. Technologists who pursue advanced certifications in CT, MRI, or mammography often command higher pay.
Admission Requirements and Application Timeline
Radiologic technology programs in the Takoma Park area are selective. Most require:
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of prerequisite college courses
- Minimum GPA between 2.5 and 3.0
- Background check and health screenings
- TEAS or placement testing in some cases
Application cycles often open once per year, with fall start dates. Students should complete prerequisites 6 to 12 months before applying.
How to Decide Which Program Is Best for You
If you live in Takoma Park, Montgomery College offers the strongest blend of affordability, accreditation, and proximity. Students who prefer hospital-immersed learning may lean toward MedStar Health’s program. Those seeking alternative scheduling structures may consider Fortis College.
Before enrolling, attend an information session, request program outcome statistics, compare tuition and fees, and evaluate commute logistics to both campus and clinical sites. The best radiologic technology program is the one that aligns with your academic readiness, financial situation, and long-term career goals.
By choosing a fully accredited program near Takoma Park with strong clinical partnerships and high ARRT pass rates, you position yourself for long-term success in Maryland’s thriving healthcare job market.
Frequently Asked Questions about Radiologic Technology Programs near Takoma Park
How long does it take to become a radiologic technologist near Takoma Park?
Most JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology programs near Takoma Park take about 24 months of full-time study. This usually includes classroom work plus more than 1,500 hours of supervised clinical training in hospitals and imaging centers.
Why is JRCERT accreditation important for radiologic technology programs?
JRCERT accreditation is important because it makes you eligible to sit for the ARRT certification exam after graduation. The ARRT credential is required for radiography licensure by the Maryland Board of Physicians, and most employers expect it. You can verify a program’s status on the official JRCERT program search page.
What are the basic steps to get licensed as a radiologic technologist in Maryland?
You first complete an accredited radiologic technology program, then pass the ARRT Radiography exam from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. After that, you apply for a radiography license through the Maryland Board of Physicians and keep up with continuing education for ARRT renewal every two years.
What kind of salary can you expect as a radiologic technologist in Maryland?
Radiologic technologists in Maryland often earn median wages in the $70,000 to $80,000 range, with higher pay possible in the DC metro area and for those with advanced modalities like CT or MRI. You can review current wage data on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics radiologic technologist page.
Which radiologic technology programs are closest to Takoma Park?
If you live in or near Takoma Park, nearby options include Montgomery College’s AAS in Radiologic Technology at the Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, MedStar Health School of Radiology in Washington, DC, and Fortis College in Landover, Maryland. All three offer JRCERT-accredited radiography programs within a reasonable commute.
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