Are you one of the 250,000 radiologic and MRI technologists or technicians in the U.S.? If so, you are aware that you must complete Radiology Continuing Education (CE) to renew your license. Often, people put this off due to busy work and home life schedules.
We all know that it’s best to spread out ongoing education so you receive continuous updates. Establishing a commitment to complete CE on a regular schedule is challenging. Fortunately, several trends have evolved to help make this process easier.
Continue reading to learn about 5 ways radiology continuing educations is transforming.
What Is the CE Requirement for Radiologic Technologists?
All radiologic technologists must document 24 hours of CE every two years. This is a requirement for ARRT® renewal for radiologic technologists.
You must understand your specific state requirements related to qualified CE. It’s your professional responsibility to meet all special directives. If you are unsure, contact your state board of radiology.
Current Trends in Radiology Continuing Education
With ongoing advances in internet technology, you can now earn CEs in new ways. This enhances the ease of meeting your licensing requirements.
1. Who Can Award Radiology CE Credits?
To grant CEs, an organization must receive approval from The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® (ARRT®). The ARRT® has partners that are deemed recognized continuing education evaluation mechanisms (RCEEMs). RCEEMs have approval to:
- Evaluate program content®
- Evaluate program quality
- Determine the integrity of the proposed CE activity
- Evaluate the CEs objectives
- Examine the course content for relevancy and accuracy
- Vet the faculty qualifications
- Evaluate the planned education methods
- Evaluate the materials developed for use in the CE activity
- Award the program or course the number of Radiology Continuing Education CE credits
RCEEMs have the authority to grant Category A designation to qualifying CE activities. This is based on the determination that the CE meets the ARRT®s requirements. An RCEEM+ may approve A+ category activities.
It’s important to know your state CE rules. Radiologic Technologists and other imaging professionals like CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy and Ultrasound Technologists must ensure that the CE meets their state requirements.
2. Radiology CEUs Online
Today, you have the option of taking CE courses in-person or using written material. Many people, though, are moving to online, webinar, or simulcast courses. The courses offer a wide variety of topics.
Do you understand the licensing CE requirements for your state? For example, radiologic technologists in Texas must include certain courses as part of their 24 CEs. They must have 12 credits focusing on “ionizing radiation”. Three of the 24 CEs must be through live instruction.
California mandates that radiologic technicians take 24 CEs related to the application of “X-ray and the human body”. They accept courses that include:
- X-ray administration
- X-ray management
- Pathology
- Diagnosis
- Quality control and safety
In general, it’s usually best to make sure you have 24 hours of CE that correspond to your specialty. After that, you may take more courses that interest you. Many courses target anyone working in the field of radiology.
3. CEs Available 24 Hours a Day
Many radiology technologists and technicians work varied shifts and weekends. It’s often difficult to get time off work to attend a CE program. This makes online CE courses a great option.
You can now choose when to complete your CE training. You may even be able to do it in sections if you have an interrupted schedule. This has had a positive impact on making it easier to meet licensing requirements.
4. You Can Complete CEs from Any Location
Traveling to a CE program can prove expensive and time-consuming. With individualized CE opportunities, you can choose where you wish to complete the training. Some employers allow radiology technicians to work on CE during downtime at work.
You can complete programs at home or even a local library or coffee shop. Many professionals enjoy having increased flexibility to choose when and where to work. Having CE courses that fit in with this new way of doing business enhances learning and adherence to policies.
5. Varied Formats for Courses
Courses are now available in various formats. The ARRT® regulations say that you can’t get credit for repeating a self-learning CE in the same biennium. Thus, it’s important to keep a rigorous record of your activities. ensure that you are meeting your state requirements and not repeating an activity in the same biennium.
Are You Keeping Up with Your CEs?
Have you established a routine for meeting your biennial CE requirements? Scrubs Continuing Education offers ASRT® and AHRA® approved Radiology Continuing Education courses.
All our CE programs are RCEEM approved for ARRT® Category A or A+ CE credits for radiologic technologists and other imaging professionals.
Selected courses are accepted by ARDMS®, NMTCB®, ARMRIT®, and CCI® (Cardiovascular Credentialing International®).
ARRT® Category A and A+ CE credits are accepted in all states. We offer state-specific requirements as well. For example, we offer fluoroscopy radiation safety, digital radiography, and nuclear medicine CE credits for California.
Scrubs CE is a DOH-BRC X-Ray CE provider for the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Radiation Control. We also offer programs to meet Texas’ requirements for X-Ray CE courses.
Buy a course today and get free online testing with an instant CE certificate.
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