Are you looking for more information on continuing your education as a radiologic technologist?
Even though it’s your sole responsibility as a radiological technologist to continue your education, it is also required by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), which is the board through which you take your certification exams. Continuing your radiography education also aids in keeping your credentials current, it continues your growth as a professional. The quality of the continuing education you choose matters!
The goal of radiography continuing education for radiology technologist is to “maintain excellence in the services they render to the public.” Professionals who must adhere to these continuing education requirements in the field of radiography include radiographers, nuclear medicine technologists, radiation therapists and sonographers.
How to Keep Your Credentials Current
Certifications obtained through the ARRT after 2011 organization require you to renew your certification every 10 years through a process called CQR (Continuing Qualification Requirements).
In addition, you must also maintain 24 hours of continuing education every two years.
Where to Get Your CE credits
Radiologic technologists may obtain education credits through:
- Professional organizations
- Professional associations
- Medical employers
- Private proprietary organizations
- Medical equipment facilities
- Colleges or universities
ARRT CE Requirements
Radiologic Technologists are required to take 24 credits in category A or A+ continuing education courses. Some college courses and other training is allowed as listed on the ARRT rules and regulations. Some states also have CE requirements that may vary from the ARRT requirements.
The 24 month time slot is called a biennium, and your birth month determines when you must renew your registration and submit CE. You must continue to obtain 24 credit hour courses every 24 months between the first day of your birth month in the first year, and the last day of the month prior to your birth month in the second year. (i.e. Born May 7, means my CE might run from May 1, 2019 – April 30, 2021). You are either due on even years or odd years depending on when you first were registered.
What Determines a Credit Hour?
The amount of contact hours, or reading hours, determines the number of credits a continuing education student receives. Usually, one contact hour equals 50-60 minutes. Radiographers will need a total of 24 contact hours to fulfill their CE requirements.
Accepted Credential Certifications
You may choose which CE courses you would like to take (aside from any state requirements). Each course should help you become more specialized in your desired area of radiography.
- Mammography CE is also required by the FDA MQSA requirements. For MQSA, a mammographer must have at least 15 CE for a 3 year inspection period. This is easy to maintain with at least 5 mammography specific CE every year.
- Computerized tomography: Some states and accrediting organizations require specific CT radiation safety hours.
- MRI: Some states have specific requirements for MRI Safety training.
- Quality management: Focuses on improvement of quality in radiographical images.
- Bone densitometry: CE courses related to bone densitometry are required for anyone who is also ISCD credentialed and may be taken for ARRT CE.
- Vascular-interventional radiography: Uses imagery to perform minimally invasive procedures on patients through the vascular system (blood vessels and veins).
- Cardiac-interventional radiography: Uses imagery to perform minimally invasive procedures on patients through the cardiac system (heart).
- Radiologist assistant: RRA’s have to have 200 hours of CE every two year with a percentage of that being category A+. A+ credit is material developed for this group.
- Radiation therapists and nuclear medicine technologists need 24 CE credits also, which can be specific to their areas of expertise or radiologic technology.
- Sonographers registered through ARRT must maintain 24 hours CE.
- The main focus of your specific CE should be to broaden your knowledge and help you advance your skills.
Find out more about your career path today through AHEC. Check out numerous resources and additional articles to help you with your radiology education journey.
