X-ray technologists who wish to improve their employability can choose to become certified by a credible, academic organization in radiology. Certification is voluntary, though most employers prefer to hire x-ray techs who are certified. Certification also ensures faster advancement and higher salaries, as it is seen as a mark of distinction by employers and colleagues.
The most well-known organization that certifies x-ray technologists is the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). ARRT offers primary certification as a way of distinguising x-ray techs who meet certain education and practice standards, as well as annual registration for x-ray techs who keep their certification current by undergoing continuing education.
ARRT Certification
ARRT offers primary x-ray tech certification in several areas of radiology. These are the areas of radiology first-time applicants can register in, which can be used as foundations for further certifications. They include:
- Radiography
- Nuclear Medicine Technology
- Radiation Therapy
- Sonography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
For registered x-ray techs who wish to pursue further AART certification, post-primary certifications are available in several areas. The post-primary certifications a technologist can apply for depend on their primary certification, as outlined by ARRT. The areas of post-primary certification include:
- Mammography
- Computed Tomography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Quality Management
- Bone Densitometry
- Cardiac-Interventional Radiography
- Vascular-Interventional Radiography
- Sonography
- Vascular Sonography
- Breast Sonography
Certification Eligibility
To be eligible for ARRT certification, x-ray techs must meet requirements in the areas of ethics and education, and must pass an ARRT-administered examination.
Ethics Requirements: Candidates have to adhere to ARRT’s codes of character, including rules, regulations and ethical standards, as well as meet criminal background requirements.
Education: Candidates must provide documentation of classroom and clinical work done in an ARRT-approved x-ray technologist program, in the area of specialty appropriate for the certification.
Examination: Finally, candidates must pass an ARRT-administered exam based on the knowledge and skills used by x-ray technologists.
ARRT Certification Costs
Fees for the ARRT certification exams include $200 for primary and post-primary exams, plus additional fees for reporting scores ($15), replacing certificates ($10), and appealing scores or applications ($25).