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 continuing education 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 certification.
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 successfully complete their first ARRT certification exam
begin the mandatory CE requirements on the first day of their next birth
month after the exam.
To verify your biennium dates online, visit
arrt.org and select
Verify Credentials.
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.
How do I submit CE for credit tracking?
Documentation can be sent by email to [email protected], 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 email notification as soon as credits are tracked in
their CE record. If ASRT is unable to track the credit for any reason, you
will receive an email with an explanation.
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?
All certificates are manually reviewed by our Continuing Education team
within seven to 10 business days of receipt. If a certificate is not
tracked, check your email spam or junk folder to confirm you did not receive
a message regarding the missing course or courses. If you have further
questions, contact the ASRT Continuing Education Department at
[email protected]
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
successfully complete 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 begins their first CE biennium on July 1 and must
report CE compliance with their ARRT renewal two years later.
To verify your biennium dates online, use the
ARRT Directory Search.
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 may not have
access to the same credit bank you had before your most current join date.
If you need additional credits to meet a need, you can always renew for
additional time, purchase individual credits or access courses through the
ASRT store.
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.
What is the deadline for completing my continuing education credits?
To count toward your ARRT biennium requirements, continuing education
activities completed through the ASRT CE Library must be submitted by 11:58
p.m. Mountain time on the last day of the month prior to your birth month.
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. If you’d like to verify whether an activity is
ASRT approved, feel free to email us at
[email protected]
with the activity title and the sponsor, company, or coordinator’s
name. Please note, we can only confirm approval for activities reviewed by
ASRT, not those approved by other
CE approvers.
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 ARRT ID Number.
-
Title for each activity attended.
-
Credit amount earned for each activity. This must be preprinted.
-
Reference number for each activity. This must be preprinted.
-
The date the activity was attended or completed. This must be preprinted.
-
Signature of instructor or authorized representative of the sponsor.
Cannot be self-signed by attendee.
-
Name of the group or organization that awarded the approval and credit,
i.e. ASRT.
-
Credit Category A or A+ designation.
-
Course expiration date.
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.
Altered certificates are 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 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
[email protected], 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.