HCA Virginia Health of Richmond, VA, and Brightpoint Community College of Chester, VA, have entered into a nearly $3 million partnership to launch a new radiologic technology degree program in Central Virginia.
Based at HCA's Chippenham Hospital, the partnership introduces the first community college-based radiology program to the Richmond market, HCA said in a news release. The inaugural cohort of students began classes in August and is expected to graduate in May 2026.
Graduates of the program will be eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam toward certification and registration as a registered technologist in radiography, HCA Virginia said. As part of the agreement, HCA Virginia invested in renovations and equipment to create a state-of-the-art, 3,000-sq-ft learning environment on the campus of Chippenham Hospital, including a patient care lab, x-ray labs, classrooms, and a faculty wing.
During the five-year pilot phase, HCA will also provide salary support for faculty and $625,000 to fund full scholarships for the program over the period, Richmond BizSense reported on October 10. The 72-credit associate’s degree program is intended to provide an entry-level education in the field, and students will fulfill clinical rotations at local HCA facilities.
At the end of the pilot, the expectation is that Brightpoint would shoulder a higher share of the program’s costs, BizSense also reported, adding that the cost to rent the space on Chippenham’s campus is built into the initial pilot funding.
