This checklist outlines the essential steps required to obtain licensure as a radiologic technologist or imaging professional in the United States. Because requirements vary by state and modality, the checklist focuses on the core elements that apply broadly across jurisdictions.
1. Education Requirements
✔ Complete an accredited radiologic science program
- Radiography, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, or sonography
- Program must meet recognized educational standards
- Includes classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience
✔ Obtain official transcripts
- Required for state licensure applications
- Must be sent directly from the school in most cases
2. Clinical Competency Verification
✔ Complete all required clinical competencies
- Demonstrated proficiency in required procedures
- Signed by clinical instructors or program officials
✔ Maintain documentation of clinical hours
- Some states request proof of clinical training
- Keep copies of logs, evaluations, and competency forms
3. National Certification Eligibility
✔ Confirm eligibility for national certification
- ARRT for radiography, CT, MRI, mammography, radiation therapy
- NMTCB for nuclear medicine
- ARDMS or CCI for sonography
✔ Review ethics and professionalism requirements
- National certifying bodies require adherence to ethical standards
- Applicants must disclose any legal or academic issues
4. National Certification Examination
✔ Apply for the appropriate certification exam
- Submit application through the certifying organization
- Provide required documentation and identification
✔ Schedule and complete the exam
- Exams are computer‑based
- Passing the exam is required for licensure in most states
✔ Maintain proof of certification
- Certification card or digital verification
- Required for state licensure and employment
5. State Licensure Application
✔ Determine your state’s licensing authority
- State radiologic technology board
- Department of health
- Medical imaging regulatory agency
✔ Submit a licensure application
- Personal information
- Education verification
- Certification verification
- Background check (if required)
✔ Pay required application fees
- Fees vary by state
- Some states require renewal fees at the time of application
6. Background and Identity Verification
✔ Complete fingerprinting (if required)
- Many states require fingerprint‑based background checks
✔ Submit identity documents
- Government‑issued ID
- Social security verification (where applicable)
7. Radiation Safety Requirements
✔ Complete radiation safety training
- Often included in accredited programs
- Some states require additional state‑specific modules
✔ Maintain documentation of safety training
- May be requested during audits or renewals
8. State‑Specific Requirements
✔ Review any additional state requirements Examples include:
- State jurisprudence exams
- State ethics modules
- Modality‑specific endorsements
- Temporary or provisional licenses
✔ Submit any additional forms or documentation
- Verification of other state licenses
- Letters of good standing
- Clinical competency forms
9. License Issuance and Verification
✔ Receive official state license
- Paper license, digital license, or online verification
✔ Verify your license status online
- Ensure correct name, modality, and expiration date
✔ Provide license verification to your employer
- Required for employment and credentialing
10. Maintaining Licensure
✔ Complete continuing education requirements
- Required by both state boards and national certifying bodies
- Must be completed within each renewal cycle
✔ Renew your license before expiration
- Renewal cycles vary by state
- Late renewals may result in penalties or lapse in practice eligibility
✔ Maintain ethical and professional standards
- Violations may affect licensure and certification status