Radiologic Technician State Licensing Requirements

Becoming a radiologic technologist requires navigating a complex regulatory maze where requirements shift dramatically depending on your state. While the median salary of $77,660 and steady 5% projected growth make this an attractive career path, the licensing landscape can derail your plans if you don't understand the distinctions between ARRT certification and state licensure—or worse, if you move to a new state unprepared. Some states accept your ARRT credential and issue a license within weeks. Others require additional state-specific exams, fluoroscopy permits, or jurisprudence tests that can delay your start date by months.

This guide clarifies what you actually need to work legally in your state, how to avoid compliance pitfalls that catch even experienced technologists, and which credentials open doors versus which ones simply check boxes.

How Long Does It Take to Get Licensed?

The timeline from starting your education to receiving state authorization varies by pathway and location, but most radiologic technologists complete the process in 24 to 32 months.

Here's the typical breakdown:

Education phase (18-24 months): You'll complete an associate degree from a JRCERT-accredited program. These programs combine classroom instruction in anatomy, radiation physics, and patient care with extensive clinical rotations where you must demonstrate competency in 36 mandatory procedures and 15 elective procedures. Full-time programs run two academic years, though some accelerated options compress this to 18 months.

ARRT certification (1-2 months): After graduation, you apply for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists exam. Most candidates schedule their exam within 4-6 weeks of applying and receive results within 48 hours. You have three attempts within three years to pass.

State licensure (2-8 weeks): Processing times vary significantly. California's Radiologic Health Branch typically processes applications in 4-6 weeks once you submit fingerprints and the $112 fee. Texas issues General Medical Radiologic Technologist certificates within 2-3 weeks after you pass the jurisprudence exam. New York requires 6-8 weeks for license processing and charges $120.

States without specific radiologic technology licensure—like Georgia, Alabama, or Colorado—allow you to begin work immediately after ARRT certification, though employers still verify your credentials.

Understanding the ARRT Certification vs. State Licensure Distinction

This confusion trips up nearly every new technologist: ARRT certification is not the same as state licensure, and having one doesn't automatically grant you the other.

ARRT certification is a national credential that verifies you've met professional standards in medical imaging. You earn it by completing an ARRT-approved educational program, passing an ethics review, and scoring at least 75 on the 200-question examination. The ARRT credential signals to employers nationwide that you possess fundamental competency.

State licensure is legal permission to practice within a specific state's borders. According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, approximately 37 states require some form of licensure for radiography. Each state sets its own requirements, fees, and renewal processes.

The relationship between the two varies by state. California accepts ARRT certification as proof of competency but still requires you to apply for a Certified Radiologic Technologist credential through the state's Radiologic Health Branch. Texas requires ARRT certification plus a separate jurisprudence exam covering state-specific laws. New York requires ARRT certification and charges an additional $120 license fee with four-year renewals requiring 48 continuing education hours.

Some states—including Georgia, Alabama, and the District of Columbia—don't require state licensure at all. In these locations, ARRT certification alone satisfies legal requirements, though employers typically verify your credentials before hiring.

State-by-State Licensing Requirements

Requirements vary so dramatically that a credential allowing you to work in one state may be insufficient in another. The following table compares requirements across major states where radiologic technologists commonly practice.

California's Strict Regulatory Framework

California operates one of the most stringent licensing systems in the country through its Radiologic Health Branch. You must submit Form CDPH 8200 with proof of passing the ARRT exam, complete Live Scan fingerprinting at an approved site, and pay a non-refundable $112 fee.

The state issues separate credentials for diagnostic and therapeutic radiologic technology. If you perform fluoroscopy, you need an additional Fluoroscopy Permit requiring 4 continuing education credits specifically in fluoroscopy safety every two years. California also mandates 4 CE credits in digital radiography for all Certified Radiologic Technologists, reflecting the state's emphasis on current technology standards.

Texas's Jurisprudence Focus

The Texas Medical Board issues General Medical Radiologic Technologist certificates after you pass both the ARRT exam and a state-specific jurisprudence exam covering Texas laws and regulations. The total fee of $130 includes the jurisprudence exam and a $5 Office of Patient Protection fee.

Texas offers a Temporary Medical Radiologic Technologist certificate for $80 that allows you to work for one year while completing ARRT certification requirements. This temporary certificate doesn't renew and automatically terminates when you receive your GMRT. You must complete fingerprinting through IdentoGo or the Texas Department of Public Safety.

New York's Public Health Law Requirements

New York requires a state license through the Bureau of Environmental Radiation Protection. You submit Form DOH-372 with a $120 fee and proof of passing the ARRT exam. The state conducts a good moral character review under Correction Law Article 23-A, which considers criminal history in relation to job duties and public safety.

Licenses renew every four years on your birth date, requiring 48 continuing education hours total—12 hours per year. New York accepts CE credits from ARRT, state medical boards, and other recognized credentialing organizations, but courses must relate to the application of X-rays to the human body. CPR, MRI, ultrasound, and billing courses don't count toward the requirement.

Educational Pathways and Program Costs

You need an associate degree from a JRCERT-accredited program to sit for the ARRT exam. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology is the only agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for accrediting radiography programs. CAAHEP primarily accredits sonography programs, not radiography.

Programs combine didactic coursework in anatomy, pathology, radiation physics, and patient care with clinical rotations where you demonstrate competency in specific procedures. You must complete 36 mandatory imaging procedures and 15 elective procedures, and you must be physically present at the facility—remote scanning doesn't satisfy ARRT requirements.

Here's how real programs compare across cost and timeline:

Admission to accredited programs is competitive. You'll typically need to complete prerequisites including Anatomy & Physiology, College Algebra, English Composition, and Medical Terminology before applying. Many programs require entrance exams like HESI A2 or TEAS with minimum scores.

Beyond tuition, budget for health and safety requirements: immunizations for Hepatitis B, MMR, Tdap, and Varicella; annual flu shots; negative TB screening; CPR certification at the BLS level; drug screening; and criminal background checks for clinical placement. These requirements add $500-$1,000 to your total costs.

The ARRT Certification Process

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists credential is the industry standard. You must meet three requirements: education, ethics, and examination.

Education requirement: Complete an associate degree or higher and finish an ARRT-verified educational program in radiography. You must apply within three years of completing your program.

Ethics requirement: Demonstrate good moral character. If you have any criminal history—misdemeanors or felonies—file a Preapplication Review of Eligibility before enrolling in a program. This $100 review determines whether past convictions will prevent certification, potentially saving you from investing in education you can't use.

Examination requirement: Pass the 200-question ARRT exam covering patient care (33 questions), safety (50 questions), image production (51 questions), and procedures (66 questions). The exam includes 30 additional unscored pilot questions. You have three attempts within three years to pass.

The exam fee is $225. You schedule through Pearson VUE and typically receive results within 48 hours. A scaled score of 75 or higher is passing.

After certification, you must complete 24 continuing education credits every two years to maintain registration. Every 10 years, you complete a Continuing Qualifications Requirements process that assesses knowledge gaps and prescribes additional CE if necessary.

Salary Expectations and Work Settings

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, radiologic technologists earned a median annual wage of $77,660 in May 2024. The lowest 10% earned less than $52,360, while the highest 10% earned more than $106,990.

Your work setting significantly impacts pay. Federal government positions offer the highest median at $93,970. Outpatient care centers pay well for specialized roles, particularly MRI technologists who earn a median of $88,180 overall but can reach $128,290 in outpatient settings.

Here's how compensation breaks down by setting and specialization:

Most technologists work full-time. Hospital positions often require evening, weekend, and overnight shifts to support emergency care. You'll stand for extended periods, lift and turn patients, and work in environments requiring strict radiation safety protocols. You must wear radiation monitoring badges and use lead shielding to protect yourself and patients from exposure.

Career Progression and Specialization

Starting as a radiographer opens pathways to advanced modalities through ARRT's postprimary certification process. Once you hold an R.T.(R) credential and gain clinical experience, you can pursue additional certifications that increase earning potential.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): The highest-paying specialization with a median salary of $88,180. Requires ARRT(R) certification plus clinical experience before sitting for the MR exam. Outpatient centers offer the strongest compensation at $128,290 median.

Computed Tomography (CT): Moderate salary increase over general radiography. Requires ARRT(R) certification and clinical CT experience. High demand in hospitals and imaging centers.

Mammography: Requires ARRT(R) certification plus clinical experience. Federal MQSA standards mandate specific training and continuing education. Steady demand driven by screening guidelines.

Cardiovascular-Interventional and Vascular-Interventional: Advanced specializations requiring ARRT(R) certification and extensive clinical experience. Higher pay reflects specialized skills and procedural complexity.

Registered Radiologist Assistant (R.R.A.): The highest level of advancement. Requires a master's or doctoral degree for programs completed after January 1, 2023, plus one year of clinical experience (increasing to two years for programs completed after January 1, 2025). R.R.A.s perform advanced procedures under radiologist supervision.

Job Outlook and Market Reality

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% growth for radiologic and MRI technologists from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. This translates to approximately 12,900 new positions over the decade.

However, growth tells only part of the story. The field will see about 15,400 annual openings, with the majority coming from replacement needs as technologists retire, change careers, or leave the workforce. This creates consistent opportunities but also signals that expansion isn't explosive.

Demand drivers include an aging population requiring more diagnostic imaging, technological advances enabling new procedures, and the ongoing shift from inpatient to outpatient care settings. Rural areas and certain specialties face more acute shortages than urban markets.

Competition for positions varies by location and specialization. Entry-level hospital positions in major metropolitan areas attract numerous qualified candidates. Outpatient centers and specialty practices often prefer technologists with experience in specific modalities. Rural facilities and less desirable shifts typically offer easier entry and sometimes higher pay to attract staff.

Moving Between States: What You Need to Know

Relocating requires understanding your new state's specific requirements before you start job hunting. Your ARRT certification transfers, but state licensure doesn't.

If you're moving from a non-licensure state to one requiring licensure, you'll need to apply for a new state license even though you've been working legally with just ARRT certification. Processing times vary from 2-8 weeks, potentially creating an employment gap.

Some states offer temporary permits or provisional licenses while processing your application. Texas issues one-year temporary certificates. California doesn't offer temporary credentials, so you must wait for full licensure before starting work.

Continuing education requirements differ significantly. If you're maintaining ARRT certification with 24 biennial CE credits, that satisfies some states' requirements. New York requires 48 hours per four-year cycle—12 hours annually. California mandates specific credits in digital radiography and fluoroscopy safety beyond general CE.

Before accepting a position in a new state, verify the specific requirements with that state's licensing board, confirm processing timelines, and factor any employment gap into your financial planning. Some employers offer relocation assistance that includes covering licensing fees and providing temporary housing during the application period.

Common Compliance Pitfalls

Assuming ARRT certification equals state licensure: This catches technologists moving from non-licensure states to states requiring separate licenses. Verify requirements before relocating.

Missing CE deadlines: ARRT requires 24 credits every two years. Some states have different cycles and requirements. Track both separately.

Failing to report criminal charges: ARRT requires reporting arrests and charges, not just convictions. Failing to report can result in sanctions more severe than the original charge.

Working outside your scope: Limited permits restrict you to specific procedures. Performing unauthorized procedures violates state law even if you're technically capable.

Letting credentials lapse: Reinstatement often requires retaking exams or completing additional education. Maintain active status even during career breaks.

The regulatory complexity of radiologic technology licensure demands attention to detail and proactive compliance. Understanding the distinction between national certification and state licensure, researching your specific state's requirements, and maintaining accurate records of continuing education prevents delays and legal complications that can derail your career.