Is Radiologic Technology the Right Job for You?
The healthcare industry is expected to create around 4 million jobs by the year 2026.
With so much growth in this industry, it’s a great field to look into for future job opportunities. Along with growth, this field has several opportunities for advancement, as well as many positions that offer great benefits.
If you’re interested in entering the medical field and aren’t sure which job is right for you, why not consider a job as an x-ray technologist.
X-ray technologists get to work with the imaging equipment while interacting with patients regularly.
Keep reading to learn more about what an x-ray technologist does, how to become one, and how to maintain your x-ray license!
How Many Hours Are Needed to Maintain Your X-Ray License?
After an x-ray technologist has earned their certification, they must continuously renew it throughout their professional career. It sounds like it’s hard, but it’s not and you have the opportunity to learn new technologies, new imaging techniques and possibly move on to a different modality within the radiology department.
To renew your license or certification you must satisfy biennial recertification requirements. The ARRT® requires the x-ray technologist to complete an additional 24 continuing education credits every two years. This recertification process ensures that the individual is up to date on their knowledge and have the information necessary to do their job well.
Continuing Education Requirements Specific to California
Most states require licensure to become an x-ray technologist before starting a job while others don’t.
The State of California has specific requirements for radiology continuing education. Below is the summary.
Radiography – 24 hours in two-year period, 4 of which shall be in digital radiography
Limited – 24 hours in two-year period, 4 of which shall be in digital radiography
Mammography – 24 hours in two-year period: 10 of which must be in mammography
Certified Supervisors and Operators – 10 hours in two-year period
Fluoroscopy — 4 hours in radiation safety in two-year period
Fluoroscopy Certified Supervisors and Operators – 10 hours in two-year period, 4 of which shall be in radiation safety
Radiology continuing education courses must be in subjects related to the application of x-ray to the human body and may include x-ray administration, x-ray management, x-ray pathology, x-ray diagnosis and x-ray quality control. Courses in Ultrasound, MRI, CPR and topics not related to the application of x-ray s to the human body cannot be accepted.
Visit the California Department of Health website to see the complete requirements. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DRSEM/CDPH%20Document%20Library/RHB/Certification/RHB-CEC-Renewal.pdf
After the individual has completed the credits, they’re required to keep the records for at least four years.
These documents must be made available to the RHB (Radiologic Health Branch), if reqested. Random audits are performed by California.
Aside from providing the x-ray technologist with up-to-date information, recertification is also necessary for staying in compliance with the Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics is endorsed by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists®.
A Closer Look at Recertification
Certified Radiologic Technologists (CRTs) need to earn 24 Category A or A+ CE credits for recertification of which four credits must be in digital radiography. These should be taken in the two years immediately preceding the expiration date on their permit.
Fluoroscopy Radiation Safety Mandatory Courses
Fluoroscopy permit holders have ADDITIONAL requirements. • CRTs with a permit are required to earn 24 approved continuing education credits; four of which are required to be in fluoroscopy radiation safety for the clinical uses of fluoroscopy. [17 CCR 30403(a)(2)]. • PA with a permit will need to earn 24 approved continuing education credits; four of which are required to be in fluoroscopy radiation safety for the clinical uses of fluoroscopy.
California has taken the lead in requiring fluoroscopy radiation safety. Fluoroscopy is a dynamic visualization of the patient’s body functions and is an excellent diagnostic tool, but it also increases the patient’s radiation dose. Staying informed about fluoroscopy radiation safety is key for patient and staff safety during fluoroscopic procedures.
The Department accepts ARRT® 24 Hr. CE credits, if the certificate was issued within the two years immediately preceding the expiration date of the certificate or permit. These can include, but are not limited to the following modalities:
• Mammography* • Computerized Tomography • Bone Densitometry • Vascular-interventional Radiography • Cardiac-interventional Radiography • Interventional Radiology *Radiologist Assistant • Radiation Therapy
The ARRT® requires CE credits to be earned during the biennium ending on the last day of the month before the individual’s birth month. Technologists who are already certified and registered in one discipline but choose to become certified and registered in another discipline will maintain the CE schedule from their original discipline.
Stay up to date with new research, technology, and availability of jobs. It’s important. As professionals, one of the best things we can do is continually grow. It’s time to start looking at courses to satisfy those CE credits, so contact us to get started!
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