Academic degree requirement effective 2015 for primary certification

Eligibility requirements for ARRT certification in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine Technology, and Radiation Therapy and for the primary pathway to MRI and Sonography will undefined effective January 1, 2015 undefined call for candidates to have earned an associate (or more advanced) degree from an accrediting agency recognized by ARRT.

ARRT believes that the general education courses required for an academic degree will provide a firm foundation to support the evolving role of the technologist and the lifelong learning necessitated by the increasing rate of technological change. Quantitative and communication skills and understanding of human behavior that are acquired through general education classes are believed by ARRT to have value in continuing to shape professionalism and advancement of a Registered Technologist’s role in healthcare.

The degree will not need to be in radiologic sciences, and it can be earned before entering the educational program or after graduation from the program. The degree requirement will apply to graduates on or after January 1, 2015.

Individuals who complete a recognized non-degree granting program prior to that date will not be subject to the degree requirement.

During the period while the academic degree requirement was posted for public comment and approved by the Board of Trustees, many R.T.s voiced support as a “great advancement” for our profession.

ARRT leadership fully expects non-degree granting programs to continue graduating well-qualified professionals who are eligible for ARRT certification undefined either through an articulation agreement with an ARRT-recognized degree-granting organization or by admitting only those who already have an academic degree.

Learn more from the degree requirement FAQs. on the ARRT website