If you’re considering a career in MRI or diagnostic imaging, it’s important to understand the radiologic technologist requirements you’ll need to meet before practicing. These standards are set by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), which oversees certification and ensures that technologists meet consistent levels of education, training, and ethical practice. While the process may seem complicated at first, breaking it down into clear steps makes it easier to navigate.
What Are the Radiologic Technologist Requirements?
Step 1: Meet the Basic Educational Prerequisites – Your journey starts with general education. To qualify for certification, you’ll need at least a high school diploma or GED. After that, the ARRT requires an associate’s degree or higher in any field from an institution they recognize. Many people choose to pursue degrees directly tied to healthcare or imaging, but technically, your associate’s degree doesn’t have to be in radiology—as long as you meet the rest of the requirements through an accredited program.
Step 2: Complete an Accredited Radiologic Program – The next step is enrolling in a program that specifically trains you in radiologic technology or MRI. Accredited programs cover both the classroom theory and the hands-on skills you’ll need. Coursework usually includes:
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Anatomy and physiology
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MRI physics and image production
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Patient care and communication
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Safety and ethics in medical imaging
In addition to classes, programs also arrange clinical training, where you’ll practice under supervision in hospitals, imaging centers, or clinics. Depending on your program, this may mean 1,000 to 2,000 documented clinical hours before you graduate. These hours are not just a requirement—they’re also your chance to build confidence and learn how to apply classroom concepts to real patients.
Step 3: Prepare for the ARRT Certification Exam – Once you’ve completed your education and clinical requirements, you’ll need to sit for the ARRT certification exam. This is a 200-question test that evaluates your knowledge across four main areas:
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Image production
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Procedures and protocols
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Patient care
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Safety practices
The exam is designed to test both what you know in theory and how well you can apply it in practice. Many programs, including Pulse Radiology Institute, build exam preparation into their curriculum with weekly tests, review modules, and even mock exams. This way, you can approach the certification with confidence instead of anxiety.
Step 4: Understand Ongoing Requirements – Certification isn’t a one-and-done step. To maintain your ARRT credential, you’ll need to renew it every two years. Renewal requires earning 24 continuing education (CE) credits, which can include workshops, online courses, or advanced academic study at ARRT-accredited institutions. You’ll also need to maintain your CPR certification.
These requirements aren’t just red tape—they’re designed to ensure technologists stay current in a field that evolves quickly with new technologies, procedures, and safety protocols.
Why Requirements Matter
While it may feel like a long list, these requirements protect patients and ensure that technologists are well-prepared for the responsibility of diagnostic imaging. Think about it this way: the images you capture can be the deciding factor in how a physician diagnoses or treats a patient. Precision, safety, and professionalism are non-negotiable—and the ARRT requirements are designed to uphold that standard across the profession.
How Pulse Radiology Institute Helps You Meet These Standards
At Pulse Radiology Institute, our programs are built with these requirements in mind. From accredited coursework to clinical partnerships across the country, we make sure students are positioned to meet every prerequisite on their path to certification. Our approach includes:
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Accredited online learning so you can study at your own pace while still covering all required topics.
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Nationwide clinical training placements so you meet your hands-on hours close to home.
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Exam prep support with weekly assessments, review materials, and mock exams.
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Faculty mentorship to help you navigate challenges along the way.
By the time you graduate, you’ll not only meet ARRT requirements but also feel confident stepping into your role as a certified technologist.
Understanding radiologic technologist requirements is the first piece of the puzzle. Meeting them requires a combination of education, clinical experience, certification, and ongoing learning—but with the right support, the process is straightforward.
At Pulse Radiology Institute, we guide students through every stage of the journey. From your first class to your clinical hours to your certification exam prep, our accredited programs are designed to ensure you meet requirements and launch your career with confidence.
