IR Technologist Education

The post-graduate Interventional Radiology and Special Procedures Internship offered at the University of Virginia Medical Center provides a challenging and rewarding opportunity for dedicated radiology technologists interested in pursuing a career in the field of interventional radiology.

Thorough clinical and academic instruction from nationally and internationally recognized staff and faculty ensures successful graduates of our internship will possess the fundamental knowledge and skillset required to pursue a rewarding career in interventional radiology, and share in the responsibility of patient outcomes on the interventional team.

At UVA Radiology, we believe that the professional efforts and education of a board-certified radiologic technologist should be acknowledged, respected and compensated. As such, the Charles J. Tegtmeyer Interventional Radiology and Special Procedures Internship as a one-year paid internship for accepted applicants.

In 1973, University of Virginia interventional radiologist and faculty member Charles J. Tegtmeyer, MD, had a vision for his field. Interventional radiology (IR) – the practice of using medical imaging to guide minimally invasive procedures – was evolving and expanding, and Dr. Tegtmeyer believed the discipline would see an increasing need for specialized team members. So he established a first-of-its-kind program: an internship to train radiology technologists specifically in IR.

The resulting Charles J. Tegtmeyer Program of Interventional Radiology and Special Procedures aims to train technologists in all facets of IR-related patient care, equipment, and procedures; allowing them to become an invaluable asset to the collaborative team required to provide excellent and innovative care to patients.

The one-year paid internship’s dedicated core curriculum and clinical instruction are essential components in the transformation of a registered radiologic technologist into a skilled and knowledgeable vascular interventional technologist.

Throughout the program’s 50 years, it has trained 263 IR technologists and counting.

The 2024 graduates of the Charles J. Tegtmeyer Program of Interventional Radiology for IR technologists. From left to right: Hunter Fitzgerald, Chelsey Badiuk, Ashleigh Sneed, Alexandra Jimenez, Jessica Triggs, and Mary Marr.

On August 3, 2024, over 100 graduates and their family members returned to Charlottesville to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Charles J. Tegtmeyer Program of Interventional Radiology.

The celebrations, which included an afternoon picnic and evening reception, were attended by with enthusiastic guests who showed a fondness for the program, their colleagues, and the past and present leaders.

Read more about the event here.

Amber Simmons, RT R VI
IR Education Program Coordinator

As a former graduate of the Charles J. Tegtmeyer Program of Interventional Radiology, I can confidently say that this institution offers more than just a strong career path—it provides a lifelong sense of belonging and a foundation for success in the ever-evolving field of interventional radiology.

Our comprehensive one-year program is designed to provide students with the understanding of interventional radiology through hands-on clinical experience, in-depth coursework, and direct mentorship from experienced technologists. The curriculum is structured to ensure graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce with confidence, equipped with technical expertise and critical thinking abilities necessary to excel in this dynamic and rewarding field.

In the Tegtmeyer Program, you’re not just preparing for a further in IR. You’re becoming part of a dedicated network of professionals who share your passion and commitment to advancing patient care.  This program is designed not only to equip students with the technical skills and knowledge necessary to excel, but also to foster a supportive community that encourages growth, collaboration, and lifelong professional relationships.

We are proud to see our graduates thrive: not only as skilled professionals, but also as mentors, leaders, and advocates for innovation in the field. The experience gained here prepares you for the challenges for the future while ensuring that you are never alone in your journey.

Now 50 years strong, we invite you to become a part of this rewarding experience. It’s a special opportunity to learn from renowned doctors and industry leaders at a respected teaching institution. The knowledge and hands-on experience you acquire will provide a solid foundation for your career, helping you achieve both immediate success and long term professional growth in the field of interventional radiology.

Daniel Sheeran, MD
Medical Director, The Charles J. Tegtmeyer Program of Interventional Radiology and Special Procedures

The Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology at the University of Virginia is a dynamic and growing division with a rich history, energetic faculty, state-of-the-art equipment and highly skilled technical and nursing staff. We use cutting-edge minimally invasive techniques and imaging guidance to achieve excellent patient outcomes. Interventional Radiology (IR) is involved in the treatment of patients, as well as the diagnosis of disease, providing a full array of patient care for the chest, abdomen and extremities. Services include diagnostic arteriography, renal and peripheral vascular interventions, biliary, thoracic and abdominal stent grafts, venous access procedures, the spectrum of oncologic care and therapies for both men’s and women’s health to name a few.

More than 6,000 cases are performed yearly. The IR Clinic provides outpatient evaluations and long-term follow-up, with special emphasis on regional therapy of liver malignancies, uterine fibroid embolization and varicose vein treatment. With the use of catheters and wires under a variety of imaging techniques from x-ray and CT to transcutaneous and intravascular ultrasound, IR offers an alternative to surgical treatment of many diseases and can mitigate the need for hospitalization and shorten recovery time in many cases.

The Charles J. Tegtmeyer Program of Interventional Radiology and Special Procedures was founded by Dr. Tegtmeyer, an early pioneer in the field of interventional radiology. As procedures within this nascent field grew in complexity, Dr. Tegtmeyer recognized the need for highly specialized technologists that would be familiar with the unique and rapidly growing array of equipment used in this field. Further, Dr. Tegtmeyer understood the value of a highly functioning team within the IR suite necessitating shared expertise in clinical presentation, anatomy and physiology, and the details and intricacies of many procedures. With these ideals in mind, the school was founded in 1973, and its relevance and importance has only grown over the past nearly 50 years.

Since its inception, the school has graduated over 200 highly trained technologists who are well-versed in the vast array interventional radiology and special procedures. Upon completing our program, technologists have the skill-set to be valuable members of an IR team with extensive knowledge of angiographic technique, angiographic filming and the latest in equipment technology. Along the way they also become familiar with patient care and directly affect clinical outcomes. We invite you to apply to join our school and become a part of the rich tradition and growing alumni of the Charles J. Tegtmeyer Program of Interventional Radiology and Special Procedures.

Amber Simmons
IR Education Program Coordinator
ANS8Y@uvahealth.org