How to Become Certified as a Radiologic Technologist

A radiologic technologist performs various radiographic exams. Other terms for this position are radiologic technician or radiographer. Common radiographic exams include fluoroscopies, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and X-rays. Most states require a radiologic technologist to be certified to practice in that state.

1. Obtain the certification requirements for your state. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists maintains a list of these requirements for most states. The ARRT also provides contact information for the licensing board in each state.


2. Review the list of certification programs for radiologic technologists that meet the requirements of your state. Many states use certification exams administered by the ARRT, while other states use their own certification programs. A certification program for radiologic technologists generally requires two years of full-time study and an average of 12 hours of continuing education every year.


3. Select your own certification program if your state does not have a licensing board for radiologic technologists. Medical professionals in your area can recommend the programs that carry the most weight with employers in your state. Many employers in states without certification requirements accept the ARRT's own certification program.


4. Complete the certification program. It generally includes specific courses in radiologic technology as well as general courses in anatomy, biology, chemistry and physics. A certification program in radiologic technology also includes clinical laboratories that provide practical experience in radiologic technology.


5. Pass the licensing exam in radiologic technology if this is required by your state. Most states use the licensing exam administered by the ARRT.