Radiology technicians use X-rays to produce medical images.
Radiology technicians are medical imaging professionals who use X-rays and other imaging technology to aid in the diagnosis of medical conditions, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS. Federal regulation requires individuals who operate radiologic equipment to have adequate education and training. Certification of radiology technicians is performed by independent credentialing organizations, and licensing is the responsibility of the individual states. Arizona recognizes certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, or ARRT, and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board, or NMTCB.
Education
Individuals desiring to be licensed to work in Arizona as radiology technicians must be licensed by the state's Medical Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners. In order to qualify for licensing, candidates must possess formal education in radiography.
According to the BLS, there are three primary educational paths that may lead to certification by the ARRT or the NMTCB. Students may pursue a certificate program from a vocational or technical school, an associate degree from a local community college or a bachelors degree from a traditional four-year college or university. The BLS notes that the most popular educational path is the associate degree. Formal training programs in the field are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Examination
Both the ARRT and the NMTCB require candidates to pass a credentialing examination in order to be certified. Both organizations require candidates to meet educational standards prior to sitting for their examinations. The ARRT requires candidates to be of good moral character. Convictions of felonies or misdemeanors, military courts martial and honor code violations are issues that may prevent a candidate for sitting for the ARRT examination. The NMTCB requires candidates to have four years of full time clinical experience within the immediate past five years.
Application
Arizona's Medical Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners requires radiology technicians who wish to work in the state to submit a completed, notarized application along with a money order or cashier's check in the amount of the applicable fee. Candidates must call the MRTBE to obtain the correct amount of the fee. Candidates must include proof of current ARRT or NMTCB certification. Candidates must also include a passport-sized photo. License processing typically takes between three and four weeks to complete. The MRTBE does not verify the status of license application by telephone.
Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency
4814 S 40th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85040
602-255-4845
azrra.gov
Tags: ARRT NMTCB, Candidates must, Radiologic Technology, associate degree, Board Examiners
