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How to Renew Your Radiation Technologist License

Key Takeaways:

  • Every year, you need to renew your ARRT certification and follow their rules.
  • Every two years, you must finish 24 education credits to keep your license.
  • Every ten years, complete the Continuing Qualifications Requirements to update your skills.
  • Check your state’s rules as each one has different requirements for radiation technologists.

Radiation technologist (RT) license renewal is vital. It helps you keep your professional standing. It ensures you can continue working in your field. The requirements for licensure can vary by state. However, most states require ARRT certification. 

This article is your guide to ARRT radiation technologist renewal. We will highlight the key steps to renew your RT license. From renewal requirements and continuing education to renewal tips, we’ve got you covered.

Related:

ARRT Radiation Technologist Renewal Requirements

To renew your ARRT Radiation Technologist certification, you’ll need to meet several ongoing requirements. These steps are designed to ensure that technologists maintain a high level of skill and knowledge in their field. 

  • Annual Renewal

Every year, you must renew your ARRT certification. This involves confirming your compliance with ARRT’s rules and regulations along with ARRT’s ethics standards.

  • Continuing Education

Every two years, you need to complete and report 24 approved CE credits to maintain your certification. This biennial requirement ensures that you stay updated with the latest practices in your field. We will look at this deeper in the next section.

  • Continuing Qualifications Requirements (CQR)

If you were certified on or after January 1, 2011, every ten years you must complete the CQR process. This includes a self-assessment. It also includes continuing education to address any gaps in your knowledge or skills. For more specific information about the CQR process, click here.

Continuing Education for Radiation Techs

To maintain your ARRT certification, you must meet certain continuing education (CE) requirements. This must be done every two years, known as a biennium. Here is what you need to know:

CE Credits

As a Radiologic Technologist (R.T.), you are required to complete 24 approved CE credits during each biennium. If you hold a Registered Radiologist Assistant (R.R.A.) credential, you need to complete 50 CE credits, with at least 25 of these being Category A+ credits.

CE Activities

You can fulfill your CE requirements by participating in activities approved by Recognized Continuing Education Evaluation Mechanisms (RCEEMs) or certain state licensing boards. The activities must relate to your field and can include advanced courses or certifications like ACLS or PALS.

Reporting CE Credits

You must report your completed CE credits at the end of your biennium. The end of your biennium is the last day of the month before your birth month. You have an extra month after this to report your credits, aligning with the end of your birth month, which is also your annual renewal deadline.

Finding CE Activities

You can find suitable CE activities using ARRT’s online search tool, which help you look by category, credit type, and instructional format. This ensures that you can find activities that specifically meet your certification requirements.

CE Probation

If you fail to complete your required CE credits by the end of your biennium, you can still renew your certification but will be placed on CE probation. During probation, you’ll have an additional six months to fulfill your CE requirements but will need to pay a probation fee.

*For more detailed information about CE requirements and how to maintain your ARRT certification, visit ARRT here. 

ARRT Radiation Tech License Renewal Process

Renewing your ARRT Radiation Tech License involves several steps. Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process:

  • Annual Renewal Notification

ARRT will notify you when it’s time to renew your license, typically a few months before your renewal deadline.

  • Log into Your ARRT Account

Visit the ARRT website and log into your account to start the renewal process.

  • Review Your Information

Make sure all your personal and professional information is up to date, including your contact details and work history.

  • Complete Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

Before you can renew, ensure you have completed the required Continuing Education credits. 

  • Report Your CE Credits

During the renewal process, report all the CE credits you’ve earned. Remember, your CE credits must be reported by the end of your birth month every other year.

  • Pay the Renewal Fee

Pay the necessary fee to renew your license. This can usually be done online through your ARRT account.

  • Submit Your Renewal

After paying your fee, submit your renewal application.

  • Confirmation

Once your renewal is processed, ARRT will send you a confirmation. Keep this for your records.

  • Check Your Status

After renewing, check your status online to ensure everything is up to date and that you’re still in good standing.

Radiation Tech License Renewal Tips

Here are some tips to ensure radiation technologist certification renewal success:

Start Early

Don’t wait until the last minute. Begin the renewal process a few months before your license is due to expire to avoid any last-minute issues.

Keep Track of CE Credits

Always keep a record of your CE credits. Make sure you complete and log your required credits well before the renewal deadline.

Stay Informed

Rules and requirements can change. Regularly check the ARRT website or your state’s health department site for any updates on renewal requirements.

Use Reliable CE Providers

Choose CE courses from approved providers to ensure your credits are accepted. This will help you avoid the stress of disapproved credits at the last moment.

Update Your Details

Make sure your contact information and employment details are up to date in your ARRT account. This ensures you receive all notifications related to your license.

Prepare Financially

Be aware of the renewal fee and save for it in advance. Knowing the cost ahead of time will help you budget accordingly.

Seek Help If Needed

If you have questions or need help during the renewal process, don’t hesitate to contact the ARRT for assistance. They can provide guidance and help resolve any issues.

Review Everything Before Submitting

Double-check your renewal application and all entries for accuracy before submitting. This can prevent delays in your radiation technologist license renewal.

Keep Confirmation

Once you’ve renewed your license, keep the confirmation receipt or any other proof of renewal safe. It might be helpful in case there are any discrepancies.

State-specific Licensure

When renewing your radiation tech license, it’s crucial to understand that each state has its own set of specific requirements. While many states recognize ARRT certification, some states have additional requirements. Other states might not accept ARRT certification at all. Additionally, the steps to renew your license can be quite different from those needed to get it in the first place, and these too can vary by state. Be sure to visit the website of your state’s health department or its radiation control office to get the most accurate information.

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This guide was created to show you how to maintain a radiation tech license. Remember to check with your state for specific licensing requirements. Also, check with the ARRT website to ensure that your information is up to date. Happy renewal!