Radiology Tech Certification

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: January 25th, 2010

What certifications/licensures are needed to practice as a Radiology Tech?

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is the radiology technician certification most employers require when hiring radiology techs, regardless of which state you are located in. An associate’s degree in radiologic technology prepares an individual in full to pass the required board exams to attain an AART. Some states, such as California, also require a state license in radiography but this is pretty rare. Typically all most employers require is to become certified by the ARRT.

Some states also require a certification or permit in fluoroscopy. Fluoroscopy is the dynamic x-ray imaging (“live” imaging) done during gastrointestinal and HSG studies. This involves constant or near constant x-raying while the dye moves through the patient. The radiologist is usually in control of the x-raying, along with taking and storing the images he/she wants.

Learn more about radiology technician schools.

What does this field require in terms of continuing education?

To maintain your ARRT radiologic technologist certification, 24 continuing education units must be completed every two years, and an annual fee must be paid. These units can be earned in a variety of ways: by attending conferences, completing online credits, or attending classes to help better your knowledge in the field. Maintaining a CPR license is also necessary for radiology techs.