Some of our most commonly asked continuing education questions and answers are featured below. You may also find
helpful the tutorial video, Directed
Reading Quizzes. If you have additional questions, please contact us.
CE Requirements for ARRT and Other Agencies
My ASRT CE Records
Earning CE
CE Requirements for ARRT and Other Agencies
How many credits do I need?
All radiologic technologists (except those that are registered as "retired") must earn 24 CE credits every two
years. This two-year period is called a biennium. Your biennium is assigned by the American Registry of
Radiologic Technology and is linked to your birth month and the year of your initial ARRT examination. The
biennium begins on the first day of your birth month and ends two years later on the last day of the month
before your birth month. Radiologic technologists who have successfully completed their first ARRT certification
exam begin the mandatory CE requirements on the first day of their next birth month after the exam. For example,
a new technologist born in July who passes an initial certification exam in May 2011 begins their first CE
biennium on July 1, 2011, and must report CE compliance with their ARRT renewal two years later in 2013.
To verify your biennium dates online, visit www.arrt.org and
click on RT Directory.
Find answers to commonly asked CE and licensure questions in "A
Guide for Graduates." This short video explains ARRT’s continuing education requirements and how
the biennium works.
How do I earn CE credits?
You can earn credits by completing educational activities that meet criteria established by the ARRT. Of the
required 24 CE credits, all must be Category A or A+ credit.
Earning an additional certification will no longer receive CE credit effective for CE bienniums beginning on or
after January 1, 2018. Please refer to the ARRT
Continuing Education Requirements Section 8 for more information on this change.
Other certification bodies may offer CE credit for completing additional primary or postprimary certification.
Please check with the appropriate certification body for more information.
What is Category A credit?
Category A activities are those evaluated and approved by a Recognized
Continuing Education Evaluation Mechanism (RCEEM). Because the ASRT is a
RCEEM, any activity approved by the ASRT is awarded Category A or A+
credit. When choosing your CE activities, look for Category A or A+
approval.
In addition, a few other activities receive Category A status regardless of
whether they have been approved by a RCEEM. They include:
Official certification in advanced cardiac life support or pediatric
advanced life support if approved by a RCEEM or with a valid card from the American Heart Association or the
American Health and Safety
Institute. Credits are awarded on the date of certification or
recertification and are limited to six credits per biennium. The ARRT no
longer accepts basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for Category A
credit. Basic CPR is generally considered a job responsibility and not a
continuing education activity.
Approved academic course. The Registry defines an "approved academic
course" as a formal course of study offered by an accredited postsecondary
educational institution in the biologic sciences, physical sciences,
radiologic sciences, health and medical sciences, communication (verbal and
written), mathematics, computers or education methodology and certain
social science courses, such as psychology and sociology.
Academic courses not accepted for Category A CE credit include classes in
astronomy, geology, geography, history, literature, political science, fine
arts, music, philosophy and religion.
What is Category A+ credit?
Category A+ credit is awarded to CE activities that meet the content criteria for registered radiologist assistants. Category A+ CE materials must be related to one or more clinical activities in the role delineation of the R.R.A., and the activity must be approved by an organization recognized by the ARRT as an A+ CE evaluation mechanism. R.T.s may complete A+ activities to satisfy part or all of their required CE credits each biennium.
What type of credits can I claim for CE to maintain my R.R.A. status?
The R.R.A. must complete 50 CE credits within a biennium period. Up to 25 of the credits may be earned through
activities intended for the radiologist/physician extender or the radiologist/physician. Activities meeting this
radiologist/physician extender or the radiologist/physician requirement can be approved for Category A+ credits
or by ACCME for AMA PRA Category 1 credit, the AAPA for Category I CME credit or the AAFP for prescribed credit.
For R.R.A.s who are members, ASRT tracks and transfers all credits from the CE record to the ARRT to help
maintain status.
How do I submit CE for credit tracking?
Documentation can be sent by email to cetrack@asrt.org,
by fax to 505-816-1951, by website upload or by
mail to 15000 Central Ave., Albuquerque, NM 87123-3909. You can also download the ASRT app which allows you to
take a picture of your certificate using your device and upload it to our website.
Be sure to include your full name and an ASRT member number. Please allow up to 10 business days for eligible credits to be entered into your CE
record.
If you are looking to earn credit from an ASRT Directed Reading, the easiest way is to log in to the ASRT CE Library and search for the title of this article, then click “Take Quiz”. If you have an answer sheet from a Directed Reading, you can mail it to:
Processing Center
6801 Northpark Blvd. Ste. A
Charlotte, NC 28216
Directed Reading answer sheets cannot be faxed for processing to earn CE credit.
See the Submit CE
Via the Website tutorial or the Submit CE
Via the Mobile App tutorial for more information.
Do I need to send my ASRT CE credit report to the ARRT?
You should not send your CE credit report unless the ARRT audits you and requests documentation. The ARRT
randomly selects technologists for CE audit. If you receive a letter from the ARRT requesting documentation for
the credits you reported, that is when you submit the ASRT CE credit report.
Does ARDMS accept ASRT-approved activities to meet my CE requirements?
The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography will accept credits for CE activities approved by the
ASRT. There are no restrictions on CE content, but the ARDMS reserves the right to reject CE credits. For more
information, visit the ARDMS website.
Can I use ASRT-approved activities to meet the CE requirements for my California state license?
The California Department of Health Services radiologic technology regulations require CE credits to be earned in
"subjects related to the application of x-ray to the human body." Acceptable CE subjects include x-ray
administration, x-ray management, x-ray pathology, x-ray diagnosis and x-ray quality control. Because subjects
in MRI and ultrasound are not related to the application of x-ray to the human body, the California Department
of Health will not accept them for CE credit. The California Department of Health will accept CE activities
approved by ASRT, as long as the subjects meet the regulatory requirements.
Does ASRT track and transfer credits to the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography?
Yes. Only ASRT members whose ARDMS number is in their member
profile will have their CE credits automatically
transferred to the ARDMS.
All ASRT-approved CE credits will be transferred to ARDMS daily. (Credit transfers began in February 2015.)
Does ASRT track and transfer credits to the state of Florida?
Yes. ASRT members with a Florida state license or who provide us with an address in Florida will have their CE
credits automatically transferred to the Florida Department of Health.
The transfer will occur on the 10th of each month and credits should be reflected on the FLDOH
website by the 15th of the month. The Florida Department of Health does not accept the transfer of
0.25 or 0.75 credit CE activities.
Please allow 60 days from the completion date of ASRT-sponsored courses for the credits to appear in the FLDOH
record.
Contact the Florida Department of Health at flhealthsource.com, or by phone at 850-921-6365.
Does ASRT track and transfer credits to the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board?
Yes. Only ASRT members who have provided the MDCB with a valid ASRT ID number will have their CE
credits automatically transferred to the MDCB.
The transfer only contains credits earned from completing ASRT-sponsored activities, including Directed Readings
and conferences.
To ensure the MDCB has your ASRT ID number for credit tracking, contact MDCB member services at 866-813-6322.
Does ASRT track and transfer credits to the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board?
Yes. Only ASRT members whose NMTCB number and biennium dates are in their member profile will have their CE credits automatically
transferred to the NMTCB.
The transfer will contain all continuing education credits from the CE record and will occur on the day following
the completion of the biennium period.
My ASRT CE Records
How do I track my credits?
Radiologic technologists must maintain proof that they participate in continuing education. When you complete any
CE activity, be sure to obtain complete documentation from the sponsor. See the documentation checklist at the
end of this section.
When you attend a lecture, seminar or other type of presentation, obtain a certificate of completion from the
activity's sponsor. If you track your own CE credits, the Registry will request to see documentation if you are
audited.
If you do not want to track your own CE credits, you can rely on a Registry-approved full-service record keeper
like the ASRT to help you. The Registry accepts a report from a full-service record keeper as proof of CE
participation if you are audited.
The ASRT is a full-service record keeper. All ASRT members are automatically enrolled in the system. ASRT tracks all Category A or A+
CE credits when members submit a copy of their CE certificate or documentation.
As an ASRT member, when you begin the online renewal of your ARRT certification, the credits we have tracked for
your current biennium will be sent to the ARRT. Please note that your first and last name, date of birth and
ARRT ID listed in the ASRT system must match the data in the ARRT system for the transfer to be successful. If
you have earned credits that we have not tracked for you, you will need to manually enter them into the ARRT
system during your renewal process. Credits are earned and tracked for the date and within the biennium the
activity is completed. You are encouraged to review your CE record two months prior to the end of your biennium.
You may view your CE record by visiting My CE Record on the ASRT website or by calling Member Services at
800-444-2778.
How will I know when my credits are tracked?
ASRT members receive an email notification the week after credits are tracked in their CE record. A letter of
explanation is sent by mail if we are unable to track the credit for any reason.
When do my credits get electronically transferred to the ARRT?
As an ASRT member, when you begin the online renewal of your ARRT certification, the credits we have tracked for
your current biennium will be sent to the ARRT. Please note that your date of birth and ARRT ID listed in the
ASRT system must match the data in the ARRT system for the transfer to be successful. If you have earned credits
that we have not tracked for you, you should enter them in the ARRT system during the renewal process. You must
be a current ASRT member when you begin the ARRT renewal process for your credits to transfer automatically.
How long does it take for credits to be posted to my CE record?
Once received, it takes up to 10 business days for credits to be entered into your CE record. Please be sure all
documentation includes your full name and unique identifier (ASRT member number). Members are notified via email when credits have been tracked in their record.
Once I've submitted my credits for tracking by the ASRT, what do I do?
- Allow at least 7 to 10 business days for your credits to be tracked.
- View your current CE record
online.
- Verify that the record contains all the credits you submitted for tracking.
- Verify that the record is an accurate account of the credits submitted for tracking.
Not all of my credits were tracked by the ASRT. What do I do?
Contact the ASRT Continuing Education Department at memberservices@asrt.org or 800-444-2778.
The ARRT says they did not get my CE credit transfer. Why not?
If your ARRT registration has lapsed more than three months, a transfer of CE credits will not have
occurred.
When you begin the online renewal of your ARRT certification, the credits we have tracked for your current
biennium will be sent to the ARRT. If you earned more credits and they don't show up on the ARRT form, just add
them. Don't assume the credits were transferred if you don't see the credit on the online form.
Note: If the ARRT does not have the same identifying information about you as the ASRT, your records cannot be
linked and an update cannot be completed.
What are my CE dates?
Your CE biennium dates are based on your birth month and the date of your initial ARRT examination. Your biennium
is assigned by the ARRT. It begins on the first day of your birth month and ends two years later on the last day
of the month before your birth month. Radiologic technologists who have successfully completed their first ARRT
certification exam begin the mandatory CE requirements on the first day of their next birth month after the
exam. For example, a new technologist born in July who passes an initial certification exam in May 2015 begins
their first CE biennium on July 1, 2015, and must report CE compliance with their ARRT renewal two years later.
To verify your biennium dates online, use the ARRT Directory Search.
Find answers to commonly asked CE and licensure questions in "A
Guide for Graduates." This short video explains ARRT’s continuing education requirements and how
the biennium works.
How many CE credits are currently in my CE record?
You may use one of two automated options to check your CE record:
- Visit the ASRT website, log in and Check Your CE Record.
- Call the ASRT at 800-444-2778.
Why don't I see the Directed Reading answer sheet I'm looking for?
There are several possibilities.
- The Directed Reading quiz you're looking for has expired.
- You have already earned credit for the Directed Reading.
- You've exhausted the allowed number of attempts.
- Your membership has experienced a lapse. In this case, you would not have access to answer sheets for
Directed Readings published before your most current join date. If you want to take a Directed Reading quiz
from a journal published before your current join date, you can purchase an answer sheet from the ASRT
store. You will only need to purchase the journal if you would like a copy to be mailed to you.
Why is there an "F" or "C" on my CE Record?
The ARRT's credit cap on equipment applications training became effective on January 1, 2011. The approval
reference number assigned by ASRT to equipment applications training activities also changed per ARRT
requirements.
Credit for onsite (facility) applications training is now designated with an "F" at the end of the reference
number, and ARRT’s cap is 8 CE credits per biennium.
Online, webinar and corporate facility training, as well as user's meetings, are not affected by the cap. Credit
for these formats is designated with a "C" for the corporate setting.
Onsite applications training courses may be approved for more than 8 credits; however, as your full-service
record keeper, we will only track the allowable amount in your CE record. If you have questions, please contact us.
What do "DIRECT" and "INDIRECT" mean on my certificate of completion?
Your Certificate of Completion for ASRT CE Activities report may have these terms in some activity
titles. These terms indicate whether or not the course is directly related to the use of ionizing
radiation, a distinction required for Texas licensure CE requirements.
Which number of credits on my certificate of completion will be tracked?
Your Certificate of Completion for ASRT CE Activities may show credits approved by agencies other than
ASRT. The number in the "ASRT Credits" column is the number of credits we will track and transfer for you.
If I mail my renewal form to the ARRT, do I have to report all the Continuing Education credits I
earned on the form?
Yes. Because the ASRT electronically transfers your credits to the ARRT, it may be more convenient for you to
renew your
ARRT registration on the ARRT website. If you renew your ARRT registration online, CE credits transferred by
ASRT up to
the day before you renew will appear on your ARRT online CE report form. However, if you mail in your ARRT
registration
renewal, you’ll need to report all of your CE credits on the form, even if the ASRT has electronically
transferred
your credits.
Earning CE
Why continuing education?
In today's health care environment, being a professional means more than just doing your job well. Technological
advances and shifts in our nation's system of health care delivery demand that the professional radiologic
technologist pursue continuing education just to keep current. Continuing education gives radiologic
technologists a way to maintain competency and prevent professional obsolescence. It benefits technologists, the
patients they serve and the profession as a whole.
Since 1995, continuing education has been mandatory for radiologic technologists registered by the ARRT. The
Registry began auditing technologists' CE records in 1997, randomly checking registration renewals for
compliance. If you are audited, you must prove that you earned 24 CE credits within your biennium.
The Registry defines a continuing education activity as one that is "planned, organized and administered to
enhance the knowledge and skills underlying the professional performance that the technologist uses to provide
services to patients, the public or the medical profession. To qualify as a CE activity, it must provide
sufficient depth and scope of a subject area."
Where can I find credits?
Continuing education opportunities for radiologic technologists are easier than ever to find. Home studies,
seminars, videotapes, directed readings, online programs, CD-ROMs, in-services and college courses are just a
few of the many ways you can earn CE credit. You also can receive credit for lecturing or publishing a scholarly
article. Take time to investigate the options available to you.
Of course, some activities are not eligible for CE credit, either because they are considered part of your job or
because they are not relevant to the radiologic sciences. Activities ineligible for CE credit include:
- Attendance at routine department meetings or staff meetings.
- Chart rounds, journal clubs, poster sessions, tours and viewing exhibits.
- Elected office or committee appointments.
- Activities not relevant to the practice of radiologic technology.
- Student x-ray bowls or similar competitions.
- Development of manuals related to work or professional responsibilities.
- Courses specific to the policies and procedures of an employer or an institution.
How can I tell if an activity is approved?
Look for the ASRT approval graphic and a statement that the activity is "Approved by the ASRT for CE credit"
somewhere on the brochure, meeting announcement or advertisement. Promotional materials for activities sent to
ASRT for review should state, "Credit is pending approval by the ASRT" until the review is complete. You may
always call the CE Department to verify approval of an activity. You'll just need the activity title and
sponsor, company or coordinator's name.
What information should be on my CE certificate?
A CE certificate must contain the following information:
- Sponsor's name
- Participant's name and ASRT ID number or unique identifier
- Activity title for each activity
- Number of credits earned for each activity
- Reference number for each activity
- The date the activity was attended or satisfactorily completed
- Signature of instructor or authorized representative of the sponsor
- Name of the group or organization that awarded the approval and credit
- Effective Jan. 1, 2019, the ARRT requires Category A or A+ designation on all certificates.
- Effective Sept. 1, 2015, the ARRT requires that the CE activity expiration date appears on the certificate.
- Effective Sept. 1, 2013, the ARRT requires preprinted dates of completion of CE activities on all certificates.
Each individual lecture title, reference number and credit amount must be listed on the certificate. The overall conference or seminar title, reference number and credit amount are not acceptable for continuing education credits.
CE sponsors cannot sign their own certificate of completion. A certificate must be cosigned by either the instructor or other authorized representative of the sponsor to validate its authenticity.
An altered certificate is not acceptable. CE certificates with white-out or any other changes are not accepted for continuing education credit. If changes to the certificate are needed, the CE participant should request a new certificate of participation from the CE sponsor.
How many credits can I earn based on the type of activity?
Some activities are assigned a specific number of credits, regardless of how long they take to complete. For
example, a lecturer can receive 2 credits for the development of each contact hour of an RCEEM or RCEEM+
approved lecture. CE activities other than lectures and self-learning activities that are assigned a specific
number of Category A credits include:
| Type of Activity |
Category A Credit |
| Writing an original textbook related to the radiologic
sciences |
24 (single author) |
| Writing a chapter of a textbook related to the radiologic
sciences |
4 (single author) |
| Writing a scholarly article that is published in a
peer-reviewed journal |
10 (first author, pro-rated for multiple authors)
|
| Receiving a passing grade or grade of C or higher in an
approved academic course or receiving a passing grade in a pass/fail academic course |
12 per quarter credit hour
16 per semester credit hour |
| ACLS certification by the American
Heart Association or American Safety and Health Institute |
6 |
| Passing a primary examination in a discipline not
previously passed |
24 |
| Passing a postprimary examination for which you are
eligible |
24 |
How many credits can I earn from an academic course?
Academic CE credit is based on several factors: the course content and whether it is quarter or semester credit.
You must also earn a grade of “C” or better in the course, the course must be completed at an
accredited post-secondary school and the credit must be transferrable to a degree program.
For approved courses, one semester credit hour earns 16 Category A CE credits and a quarter credit earns 12
Category A CE credits.
Courses in biological, physical, radiologic, health, medical and social sciences, communications (both verbal and
written), mathematics, computer use related to medical imaging or radiation therapy or educational methodology
are relevant academic credit courses. You cannot
receive credit for geography, history, literature, political science, fine arts, religion, philosophy, geology,
astronomy or physical education courses.
What does the expiration date on my certificate mean?
As long as you complete a course by its expiration date, it can be claimed for credit within your biennium. The
course is credited to the date it is completed, not the date that it is submitted.
The ARRT requires that all certificates display the expiration date of the activity completed. For live lecture,
the expiration date may be the date of the lecture. For self-learning activities, the expiration date may be
several months in the future. Expiration dates are usually one, two or three years from the evaluation date of
the course. The expiration date of self-learning activities can be extended after re-evaluation of the
material's content and relevancy. The expiration date ensures that technologists are completing appropriate
courses with current and relevant content.
Why should I evaluate a lecture or self-learning activity?
Every activity should have an evaluation form to fill out to capture what each participant thought about the
activity. When filling out the form, please rate the activity honestly and include positive and negative
comments. The sponsor relies on your feedback to know if the activity met expectations and how it can be
improved.
Does CPR certification count for CE credit?
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) CPR certification will be awarded a maximum of 6 CE credits with a valid advanced CPR card from the American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross (ARC) or the American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI). The total number of credits from advanced CPR certification is limited to 6 CE credits per biennium.
The ARRT does not accept credit for Basic CPR (BLS) completed after Jan. 1, 2007. Additionally, the ARRT no longer accepts CPR Instructor or CPR Instructor Trainer courses completed after Jan. 1, 2015.
If you meet the requirements specified above, please send a copy of the front and back of your CPR card to the ASRT Member Services Department at cetrack@asrt.org, or by fax at 505-816-1951, or upload to our website. Once we receive your card, it may take up to ten business days to appear in your CE record. You may verify that the credits have been added to your record by visiting www.asrt.org/checkmyce or calling 800-444-2778.