Healthcare License
How to Verify a Radiology Technician's License
Radiologic technologists are certified by the ARRT and licensed in most states. Modality-specific credentials (CT, MRI, mammography, nuclear medicine) require separate verification. Here is the complete credential verification process.
Quick answer
Verify ARRT certification at arrt.org (free public lookup) — this is the primary credential for most radiologic technologists in the US. Also check the state radiologic technology licensing board in states that require licensure (about 38 states). For ultrasound specialists, verify ARDMS credentials at ardms.org. Run an OIG exclusion check for any Medicare/Medicaid role.
ARRT credentials by modality
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) issues primary credentials and post-primary (specialty) credentials:
| Credential | Modality |
|---|---|
| R (Radiography) | General x-ray — the baseline credential |
| CT (Computed Tomography) | CT scanner operation |
| MR (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) | MRI scanner operation |
| NM (Nuclear Medicine Technology) | Nuclear medicine imaging (also certified by NMTCB) |
| T (Radiation Therapy) | Radiation therapy delivery |
| M (Mammography) | Mammography — also requires MQSA facility certification |
| S (Sonography) | Ultrasound — primary pathway now is ARDMS or ARRT(S) |
Step 1: ARRT certification lookup
The ARRT maintains a free public certification verification tool at arrt.org. Search by name or ARRT ID to confirm:
- Certification status (Registered, Not Registered, Revoked)
- Primary and post-primary credentials held
- Continuing education compliance (required for certification maintenance)
ARRT uses annual Continuing Qualification Requirements (CQR) for certification maintenance. Technologists must demonstrate ongoing competence — "Registered" status indicates CE requirements are current.
Step 2: State licensing board
About 38 states require radiologic technologists to hold a state license in addition to ARRT certification. Requirements vary — some states accept ARRT registration as a basis for licensure; others have separate examination or application processes.
Search "[state] radiologic technology license lookup" to find the correct state agency. Not all states use the same regulatory body — some use a radiation control program; others use a health professions board.
For mammography specifically, FDA-regulated facilities under MQSA must have their mammography technologists meet MQSA qualification standards — separate from state licensure and ARRT certification.
ARDMS for ultrasound specialists
The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certifies ultrasound technologists (sonographers). ARDMS credentials include: RDMS (Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer), RVT (Registered Vascular Technologist), and RDCS (Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer).
Verify ARDMS credentials at ardms.org/verify-credentials. Enter the registrant's name or ARDMS ID to confirm status and specialty areas.
OIG exclusion check
Run an OIG exclusion check at oig.hhs.gov/exclusions for all radiologic technologists in Medicare/Medicaid-participating facilities. An excluded technologist cannot be employed at any federally funded healthcare facility, regardless of ARRT or state license status.
Verify radiology program accreditation
ARRT requires graduation from a JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program for most credentials. Use VerifyED to confirm that a claimed radiology or medical imaging degree comes from a legitimate, accredited program.
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