The first certification a radiology technologist can earn is Registered Radiologic Technologist R.T. (R). This demonstrates your expertise in safely and effectively creating medical s using X-ray technology.
You can also earn certifications beyond radiography, depending on your education, interests, and career goals. Becoming certified in additional areas, such as vascular sonography or radiation therapy, can expand your career options.
Once you start looking into certification for radiology technologists, you’ll likely come across the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). It’s the main certifying body for the profession.
It’s most helpful to start with the foundational certification in radiography, says Peter Rath, MPA, R.T. (R), ARRT, who evaluates continuing education programs at the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. “Certification is the primary credential radiologic technologists need to work in most hospitals and imaging centers.”
Most states require radiology technologists—also known as radiologic technologists, radiographers, and X-ray technicians—to be certified. No matter where you live, though, having an industry-recognized credential can make you eligible for more jobs because employers generally require job candidates to be certified as well.
Certification may also increase your earning potential. What’s more, once you earn basic certification in radiography, you can add other specialties to your repertoire, which can further your professional options.
Note that national certifying agencies require applicants to have at least an associate degree, which provides education about all types of radiologic imaging procedures. If you earn a diploma or certificate in radiography, it will be for only one type of imaging procedure, such as X-rays.
Many states offer limited-scope certification for radiology technologists with a certificate or diploma, so check on requirements in the state where you’ll work. Some states require applicants to pass a limited-scope certification exam before they can earn their license.
In short, a certificate is evidence that someone has completed an educational program, while a certification denotes that someone has met a certain set of professional criteria and/or passed an exam.
Not all programs offered are designed to meet state educator licensing or advancement requirements; however, it may assist candidates in gaining these approvals in their state of residence depending on those requirements. Contact the state board of education in the applicable state(s) for requirements.
The ARRT divides the certifications it awards into two groups: primary and post-primary. As you might expect, primary certifications are designed for radiology technologists early in their career. Post-primary certifications are more advanced and require more on-the-job experience.
It can feel overwhelming when looking into the different certifications for radiology technologists. Here, we break down some of the options.
The Complete Guide to Earning ARRT Radiography Certification
If you want to launch an exciting and rewarding career as a radiologic technologist, obtaining ARRT radiography certification is a critical first step. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to earn your radiography credentials from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
What is ARRT Certification?
ARRT certification is the universally recognized standard for radiologic technologists in the United States It demonstrates that you have met stringent educational, ethics, and examination requirements to perform radiography duties competently and safely
Many employers require ARRT radiography certification as a condition of employment. Even when not mandated, holding ARRT credentials gives you a significant advantage in the job market and shows your dedication to excellence in patient care.
Benefits of Earning ARRT Radiography Certification
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Meet job requirements – ARRT certification is required by most employers
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Prove your expertise – Demonstrates you’re qualified and competent
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Enhanced job prospects – Gives you an edge over non-certified candidates
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Higher salary potential – Many employers offer higher pay to ARRT credentialed techs
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Portable credentials – ARRT certification is recognized nationwide
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Builds confidence – Reinforces your radiography knowledge and skills
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Upholds patient safety – Ensures you meet rigorous standards for quality care
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Ongoing learning – Maintaining certification encourages professional development
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Prestige – ARRT credentialed radiographers are seen as leaders in the field
Eligibility Requirements for ARRT Radiography Certification
To earn ARRT radiography certification, you must meet all of the following initial requirements:
- Education – Complete an accredited radiography program
- Ethics – Uphold ARRT’s Rules of Ethics and pass the Ethics Review Pre-Application
- Examination – Pass the ARRT radiography certification exam
Let’s explore each of these eligibility requirements in more detail:
Education Requirements for ARRT Radiography Certification
At a minimum, you must complete an accredited radiography educational program that meets ARRT’s recognized standards. This is usually an associate degree granted by a community college, university, hospital, or technical school. The radiography program must cover the content specifications outlined by ARRT.
Most radiography programs take 18-24 months to complete. They provide the foundational knowledge of anatomy, patient positioning, radiation physics, imaging procedures, patient care, and radiation safety.
Your program director will need to verify that you’ve completed the program requirements and provide an official transcript before you can apply to take the ARRT exam.
Upholding ARRT’s Ethics Requirements
ARRT takes ethics violations very seriously. All candidates must review the Rules of Ethics and agree to comply with them throughout their careers. You’ll need to pass the online Ethics Review Pre-Application before applying for radiography certification. This open book review covers:
- The ARRT Rules and Regulations
- ARRT Standards of Ethics
- Types of Ethics Violations
- Consequences of violations
- Your responsibilities under the Rules of Ethics
Any previous criminal charges or ethics violations that could impact your eligibility will need to be reported and reviewed by ARRT’s Ethics Committee before proceeding.
Passing the ARRT Radiography Certification Exam
The final requirement is passing the ARRT radiography exam, which covers the major content areas you studied in your radiography program. The 200 multiple-choice questions test your knowledge of:
- Patient care
- Imaging procedures
- Equipment operation and quality control
- Radiation physics, biology, and safety protocols
You’ll have up to 4 hours to complete the test at an authorized Pearson VUE testing center. ARRT uses a scaled passing score; the current minimum passing score is 75. After passing, you’ll immediately earn the Registered Technologist (R.T.)(R) credential.
How to Apply for ARRT Radiography Certification
Once you’ve met the eligibility criteria, here are the steps to apply for ARRT radiography certification:
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Request an ARRT Candidate Status Report (CSR) to get your ARRT ID number if you don’t already have one.
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Create an online ARRT account and login using your ID number.
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Complete the online Ethics Review Pre-Application.
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Submit the radiography certification and registration application along with the application fee.
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Verify that your school has submitted the required program completion documents.
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Once ARRT approves your application, you’ll get an exam window and can schedule your test.
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Take and pass the ARRT radiography certification exam.
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Begin using your hard-earned R.T.(R) credentials!
Keeping Your ARRT Radiography Certification Current
Earning ARRT certification is a big milestone, but the learning doesn’t stop there. To maintain active registration annually, radiographers must complete continuing education and follow ARRT’s ethics and Rules and Regulations.
You’ll need to earn 24 CE credits each biennium through activities like:
- Attending seminars/conferences
- Completing online modules
- Reading journal articles
- Taking specialty certification exams
Letting your registration lapse can jeopardize your job, so be sure to stay on top of your CE requirements. With dedication to ongoing learning, your ARRT credential will continue to reflect your expertise throughout your radiography career.
Pursuing ARRT Certification in Multiple Disciplines
A great thing about ARRT credentials is that once you earn your first certification, it’s simpler to add additional disciplines through the postprimary pathway.
Common double certifications include:
- Radiography + Mammography
- Radiography + Computed Tomography
- Radiography + Magnetic Resonance Imaging
The postprimary pathway has abbreviated eligibility requirements. You still need to meet ethics prerequisites and pass the discipline-specific exam, but you don’t have to repeat clinical competency requirements already fulfilled under your primary radiography credential.
Many radiologic technologists choose to become multi-certified in related specialties to open up additional job opportunities and career advancement options.
Should You Become an ARRT Registered Radiographer?
If you want to thrive in diagnostic imaging, ARRT radiography certification should be one of your top priorities. While it takes dedication to meet all the eligibility requirements, the effort is well worth it.
ARRT credentialed radiographers are equipped with a full range of technical skills combined with a strong commitment to ethical patient care. If your goal is to get hired at top imaging facilities and gain respect as a professional at the forefront of the field, ARRT certification is the proven way to get there.
How Do You Pick a Certification?
As you begin your career in radiography, it’s smart to look ahead to plan for certification. Consider where you intend to work, and then look at state licensure requirements. This information can guide you to choose a certification to pursue.
Some certifications are complementary, and some build on others. For example, certification in Cardiac Interventional Radiography (CI) pairs well with Vascular Interventional Radiography (VI).
The ARRT also requires radiographers to have a primary credential in a post-primary credential they want to pursue. For instance, you’ll need the Sonography (S) credential before applying for Breast Sonography (BS) certification.
Certifications that Are in Demand
While any certification is likely to advance your career, some specialties are more in demand than others. Training and becoming certified in these areas can make you an especially competitive job applicant:
- Nuclear Medicine (N): The math-heavy nature of nuclear medicine technology may cause many radiographers to steer clear of this specialty. As a result, specialists in this field are sought after.
- Interventional Radiography Certifications: Advances in techniques for minimally invasive procedures are driving demand for interventional radiography experts in X-rays, MRI, computed tomography, ultrasound, and other imaging.
- Mammography (M): There’s been a shortage of radiology technologists who specialize in mammography, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is studying the issue.
Most states in the U.S. require radiology technologists to be certified. Which certifications they require varies from state to state. Radiography, nuclear medicine technology, and radiation therapy are among the certifications commonly required to become licensed, according to the ARRT.
How to become a Radiologic Technologist | X-RAY Tech | Prerequisites | Radiology program | Clinicals
How do I get a radiology certification?
These are some tips to consider while in the process of earning a radiology certification: Earn the right associate degree. While there are no specific major requirements for radiology certification candidates, it may be helpful to prepare yourself by researching different radiology-related majors before you apply to a program.
How do I become an ARRT certified radiologist?
Once candidates earn their certifications, the ARRT requires them to improve their knowledge of radiology and renew their certifications annually. Individuals can meet the continuing education requirements by attending lectures and seminars, completing online classes and taking in-person classes at local institutions.
What is a radiology certification?
A radiology certification recognizes an individual’s expertise in the field of radiology. The organization that typically grants these certifications is the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The ARRT certification can help radiology candidates showcase their expertise in the radiologic sciences.
Should you get a radiology certification?
For many aspiring radiological technologists who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in a related field, a certificate provides the hands-on training needed to jump-start their career. In addition, as mentioned above some states also require radiology professionals to pass a certification exam.
