Specialized Topics in Areas of Radiologic Sciences P.O. Box 2931 * Toledo, Ohio 43606 (419) 471-1973 E-mail: info@xrayhomestudies.com

CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR RADIOLOGIC SCIENCE PROFESSIONALS

Since 1995 CE has been mandatory for all R.T.s certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Each R.T. must earn 24 CE credits every two years, at least 12 of which must be Category A credits. All 24 CE credits can be Category A if you so choose. In general, Category A activities are evaluated and approved by a Recognized Continuing Education Evaluation Mechanism (RCEEM). All of the S.T.A.R.S. educational home study materials have A.S.R.T. Category A approval and are renewed annually to provide ongoing Category A credit. New topics are periodically submitted to the A.S.R.T. and are incorporated on the order form when approval is granted. 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 demand that the professional radiologic technologist pursue continuing education just to keep up. Continuing education gives radiologic technologists a way to maintain competency and prevent professional obsolescence. It benefits technologists, the public they serve and the profession as a whole. Since 1995, continuing education has been mandatory for radiologic technologists registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. 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 American Society of Radiologic Technologists produced this reference guide to answer the most common questions about the requirements and to ensure that you understand how to earn, track and report the CE credits you earn. How Many Credits Do I Need? All radiologic technologists must earn 24 CE credits every two years. This two-year period is called a biennium. Your biennium is assigned by the Registry and is linked to your birth month and the year of your initial ARRT examination. 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 completed their first ARRT certification examination between 1994 through 2002 begin their first two-year CE reporting period on the first day of their birth month in the second year after passing the examination. What Is Category A? Remember, a certain number of your CE credits must be earned by participating in Category A activities. In general, 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 credit. When choosing your CE activities, look for Category A approval.