What does a Registered Radiologic Technologist in Massachusetts need to maintain a license? Find out about the CEU requirements in our essential guide.
Imaging professionals are taking on increased risk and responsibilities. This fact makes continuing education more vital than ever.
As a registered radiologic technologist, continuing education is even more critical for the safety of your patients. That’s why, when it comes time to renew your license, Massachusetts requires you to submit proof of having taken continuing education units (CEUs).
CEUs keep you up to date with the most cutting-edge safety and practical information in your field.
Yet, trying to navigate the confusing rules and regulations surrounding CEUs can be tedious. We’re here to help you out with this guide.
Are you a registered Radiologic Technologist in Massachusetts? Then you need to know these 7 tips for maintaining your license with CEU requirements. Keep reading!
1. Know the Minimum Number of CEUs Per Renewal Cycle
All radiologic technologists are required to obtain at least 24 CEUs. They must earn these credits throughout the two-year period during which their license is valid. Radiologist Assistants and Nuclear Medicine Advanced Associates must earn 50 CEUs.
What does that mean for you? Renewal cycles last two years. During that time, you should obtain the minimum number of CEUs required for your job title.
Each time a new renewal cycle occurs, you must obtain new CEUs. CEUs keep you up to date with the most cutting edge research in radiology. Staying up-to-date with your CEU requirements is important for the safety of you and your patients.
The Massachusetts Radiation Control Program (RCP), the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® (ARRT®), and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board NMTCB® count cycles as beginning on the first day of your birth month.
Cycles end two years from that date. In other words, on the last day of the month that comes before the month of your birth.
2. Know the Continuing Education Requirements for Your Discipline
Depending on your exact role, you’ll need to obtain different CEUs.
Licensed Radiologic Technologists must obtain the minimum 24 CEUs required to remain licensed. RTs can’t get these credits just anywhere, though. They must obtain their CEUs through an approved continuing education provider. These credits must be relevant to radiologic science and patient care.
R.T.®s don’t have to take credits in specific topics. However, it’s recommended that R.T.®s take courses related to radiologic science. Also, Massachusetts recommends getting credits to help to maintain professional competencies.
Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologists (CNMTs) must obtain the minimum 24 CEUs. The continuing education organization offering the credits must be NMTCB® accepted. CNMTs may choose to complete courses or perform activities to obtain their credits.
CNMT credits do have one stipulation: any credits taken in excess cannot carry over into the next renewal cycle.
3. Know the CEU Requirements for One vs. Two Disciplines
Some radiologic technologists may specialize in two or more disciplines. Massachusetts has requirements for individuals specialized in one vs. two or more disciplines.
R.T.®s licensed in one discipline must obtain at least 10 CEUs in their licensed discipline. Two credits must be in radiation safety. The remaining 12 CEUs must be earned in topics directly related to healthcare practice, radiation safety or their specialty.
R.T.®s with licenses in two or more disciplines must obtain four CEUs for each discipline in which they hold a license. These individuals must also get two credits in radiation safety. The remaining 12 CEUs must be earned in topics directly related to healthcare practice, radiation safety or their specialty.
4. Know the Requirements Specific to Mammography Radiologic Technologists
Mammography Radiologic Technologists (MRTs) have unique CEU requirements. Though, the minimum number of CEUs remains at 24.
MRTs must obtain 12 continuing education credits in Mammography, 4 CEUs in Radiography, and 2 credits related to radiation safety. The remaining CEUs must be in topics directly related to healthcare practice, radiation safety, radiography, or mammography.
5. Know the Requirements Specific to Radiologist Assistants
Radiologist Assistants ( R.A.®s ) must obtain 50 total CEUs per renewal cycle including 2 in radiation safety.
6. Know the Requirements Specific to Nuclear Medicine Advanced Associates
Nuclear Medicine Advanced Associates® (NMAA®s) must obtain 50 CEUs, including 2 in radiation safety.
7. Keep Your CEU Documentation Handy
When it comes time to renew your license (or licenses), you’ll need to show proof of your CEUs.
Massachusetts requires documentation of all the CEU credits you obtained over the renewal cycle. Documentation could be:
- Copies of your CEU certificates
- A summary of courses taken from an accrediting website or organization
Make sure to keep these documents handy. Massachusetts also requires licensed R.T.®s to maintain documentation of CEUs for the current renewal cycle and previous renewal cycle at their place of work. If you work at multiple locations, you’ll need to keep a copy at each workplace. And don’t forget, each radiologic technologist shall make such records available to department inspectors upon request.
Continuing Education Courses for the Registered Radiologic Technologist
To renew your registered radiologic technologist license, you must complete your CEUs. These courses will keep you competent in your field and ensure you’re never behind on the latest research.
Scrubs Continuing Education can lend you a hand. Are you searching for an accredited CEU provider? We offer courses and credits for Radiology and Medical Imaging professionals. Learn more about our Radiology Continuing Education courses and start working toward your license renewal today!
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