You passed the boards and are now a certified X-Ray Technologist!
You have stepped into a rewarding job with an abundance of opportunities and get ready to keep learning for the rest of your career.
While you won’t be bored or out of a job as a rad tech, you will have to stay on top of some continuing education requirements to maintain your certification. You’ll be rewarded with learning about new technologies and techniques that will help you and your patients.
Keep reading for our ultimate guide to continuing education for X-Ray technologists.
Breaking Down Continuing Education Requirements for X-Ray Technologists
As a rad tech, you’ll have to complete a minimum number of continuing education courses to keep your certification current.
This is because the field of radiology is constantly growing and evolving. Keeping up with the latest science and trends is imperative to performing your job and keeping patients safe.
Having a career in the medical field generally requires a commitment to lifelong learning. If you’re willing to put in the effort, you’ll be rewarded with opportunity and a better salary.
So what exactly are the basic continuing education requirements to maintain your certification as an X-Ray technologist?
Basic CE Requirements
Rad techs who are certified by the American Registry of Radiological Technologists® (ARRT®) must complete 24 credits of continuing education every two years in order to keep their license in “active” status.
The two year period, or “biennium” is determined by your birth month. You’ll also want to keep current on your education so that you’re prepared for periodic assessments that all rad techs have to take.
If you fail to meet your continuing education (CE) requirements, you’ll end up on probation and could be subject to losing your certification.
You can earn CE credits through a number of different channels. For many X-Ray techs, taking online courses is their preferred method of continuing their education because of the level of convenience. You can also do self-study or attend lectures and seminars.
You may also be subject to additional and/or specific continuing education requirements according to your state licensure program.
CQR Requirements
X-Ray technologists must also complete a CQR Structured Self Assessment (CQR) every 10 years.
This requirement is designed to account for developments in health care technology and to ensure rad techs don’t fall behind on what are now entry levels qualifications for those newly entering the field. If you do fall behind, the ARRT® will prescribe specific continuing education courses to bring you up to speed. The good thing is that you’ll be able to use the prescribed courses to satisfy all or some of your biennium credits.
Earning Credentials
If you are certified and registered with ARRT®, you can pursue additional credentials to further your career. You may be required to complete specific courses relating to your desired career path.
How Continuing Education Can Benefit You
Completing continuing education requirements can seem inconvenient, especially when you’re busy with work and life in general. However, like most things in life, the more effort you put in, the more you will get out of the experience.
Continuing education goes beyond the minimum requirements to keep your license. Changing your mindset about continuing education can lead to a more lucrative and fulfilling career in radiology. This is because continuing education doesn’t have to be seen as a requirement, but as a tool to advance your career. Look at it as a tool to help you help your patients.
Let’s take a look at some of the ways continuing education can truly benefit you.
Improving Your Performance
When you learn more about the best ways to do your job, you’re more likely to feel confident about what you’re doing. Patients as well as supervisors are more likely to notice your increased confidence. This is especially relevant when you’re working directly with patients and others in the medical profession.
Taking CE seriously and utilizing the knowledge you gain while on the job can lead to recognition in the form of performance reviews, bonuses, raises, awards, and even promotions.
Improving Your Image
Completing your continuing education requirements and taking them seriously won’t go unnoticed by management. Employees who are eager to learn and invest in themselves within the workforce are the best candidates for new opportunities.
Continuing education can make you stand out amongst your peers.
In addition to belong to credentialing organizations you can join a professional membership society.
Taking Your Career to the Next Level
For many in the field, becoming an X-Ray technologist is just the first step in their career.
The medical field, and the field of radiology specifically, is unique in that it offers near-endless advancement opportunities for those willing to put in the work. While unexpected job loss is a reality for millions of Americans, there is no shortage of opportunities in this field.
By taking advantage of the continuing education requirements to maintain your rad tech certification and registration, you can challenge yourself to learn beyond what you already know. Continuing education is an excellent way to work towards a promotion.
Many rad techs use continuing education to earn credentials that allow them to specialize. For example, you might take CE classes that focus on an area you want to add to your skill set such as mammography or MRI technology.
Meeting Your Continuing Education Needs on Your Schedule
Continuing education for X-Ray technologists is an excellent way to stay current in the field while working your way upward. Those who are currently in the workforce can benefit from completing their CE requirements online and in the comfort of their own homes.
You don’t have to miss work to complete your continuing education requirements. Take a home study course.
Click here for a list of courses we offer and start taking your future into your own hands today.
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