The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is a widely recognized organization that certifies diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy, and interventional procedures. If you’re in radiology, you may want to know how long it takes to get ARRT credentials. Unfortunately, it can take several years, depending on your education level, experience, and examination performance.
The ARRT credentialing process typically takes between two to five years, depending on the candidate’s individual circumstances. This process includes the following steps:
- Educational Requirements: To become even eligible for ARRT certification, candidates must complete an ARRT-approved educational program. These programs vary in length, but most associate degree programs take two years to complete, while bachelor’s degree programs take four years. With that said, there are some institutes that offer a certificate program that can be completed in one year. It’s important to note that the length of the educational program required for ARRT certification varies by discipline and credential sought. You should definitely pay attention to the number of credits required, as this can strongly affect your eligibility.
- Ethics Review: This may be an additional requirement, but you must also undergo an ethics review to ensure you meet ARRT’s ethical standards. This review includes a background check and an evaluation of the candidate’s moral character. The ethics review process can take several weeks to complete.
- Examination: Once you meet the educational and ethics requirements, the next step is to pass the ARRT certification exam itself. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and tests the candidate’s knowledge and skills in their chosen discipline. The exam is computer-based and takes four hours to complete. This is another reason why obtaining your ARRT credentials can be a lengthy process. Since this exam is important, you will need to thoroughly prepare and refresh your knowledge on the topics it will cover.
- Continuing Education: You may be thinking that once you pass the exam, the most difficult part is behind you. Unfortunately, after obtaining the ARRT certification, registrants must complete continuing education requirements to maintain their credentials. These requirements vary depending on the discipline and credential you hold, but generally they involve completing a certain number of continuing education credits every two years.
Are ARRT Credentials Important?
Taking all that into consideration, it is clear that the process of obtaining ARRT credentials can be challenging, costly and time-consuming. You will really need to commit to your profession and continue to improve your skills and knowledge even once you have passed the exam. Nevertheless, the benefits of becoming certified are numerous. ARRT certification is also widely recognized by all employers and has become the gold standard. Thus, having an ARRT credential can improve an individual’s chances of employment and can lead to higher salaries.
As a whole, your ARRT credentials will demonstrate that you have met rigorous professional standards and possess the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality care to patients.
