Preparing for Certification and Registration as a Radiologic Technologist
Given the high demand for radiologic technologists, there are many schools that offer two-year degrees, the basic level of college education required to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam. Not all programs are created equal, however.
If you’re looking at colleges that offer degrees in radiologic technology, be sure to consider not only what curriculum will be offered, but also what specific preparation for AART certification and registration is built into an associate degree program, such as the AAS in Radiologic Technology program at Northeast College of Health Sciences.
Explore Career Options for Certified Radiographers
Earning your radiologic technology degree is just the start.
The Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology program at Northeast College of Health Sciences combines thorough coursework with hands-on experience. Healthcare isn’t just one area of study at Northeast, it’s THE area of study, and we are the only 100% health sciences dedicated college in the Finger Lakes region of New York. In fact, Radiologic Technology students at Northeast enjoy many of the same advantages as our doctoral-level students, including access to our Anatomy Center, which offers both virtual dissection via state-of-the-art technology as well as traditional cadaveric dissection, the gold standard in human anatomy education.
To better understand how Northeast prepares its students both for certification and career success as radiographers, we sat down with the director of the program, Roger Weeden.
A degree that paves the way for certification and registry.
For those who have earned their Associate of Applied Science degree, the path to becoming a radiologic technologist is a multi-step process that starts even before you graduate. Weeden sheds light on what follows graduation.
"In the fifth trimester, we open up a portal for students, a website link where you can create your own account with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists — the ARRT," explains Weeden. Once the student graduates, the College verifies with the AART that they've earned their degree and met all requirements. Subsequently, the graduate can schedule their ARRT certification exam.
This certification exam is no small feat. Weeden describes it as a 200-question, three-hour test that essentially covers the entire radiologic technology curriculum. In order to pass the AART exam, you must score a minimum of 75%. If your state requires radiologic technologists to be licensed, then you can apply with your state for licensure. Some states have their own licensure exam separate from the AART exam, however, New York state does not. In New York, radiologic technologists are licensed through the Bureau of Environmental Radiation Protection. To qualify for licensure in New York, you must provide evidence of passing the ARRT examination and the successful completion of an accredited Radiologic Technology program.
Northeast College's distinctive approach to certification.
Weeden outlines the unique steps taken by Northeast College to ensure not only exam success but also fruitful careers for its students, and it all starts prior to admission. “We start by selecting the right students, people who’ve demonstrated that they're prepared for a rigorous education,” Weeden explains. “Then we guide them through a curriculum designed kind of like scaffolding, meaning that one course builds upon the other. Our faculty make sure that we're tying in the concepts taught during a prior course into the course currently being taught, so students can see how new information builds upon what they’ve learned.”
“Throughout the program, we’ll have what we call ‘pulse checks’; periodic assessments to look at what you've already taken, what's been retained, what are your areas of weakness,” Weeden says. “Then students can work with faculty who’ve taught specific topics to create a plan to strengthen those weak areas.”
In the fifth and last trimester of the program, students will receive tailored review packets, follow-up lectures, and access to exam simulations based on questions from prior ARRT certification exams. This is made possible by the size of Northeast College's program. With a cap of just 25 students per cohort, your graduating class will be both tightknit and small enough for you to receive individualized attention. Weeden emphasizes, "It's not hard to individualize the class and tailor it to each student’s strengths and weaknesses," when it comes to the limited class size.
Personal characteristics for success as a radiographer.
Weeden reflects on the personal characteristics that he believes contribute to a successful career in medical imaging and as a radiologic technologist. “I think the first thing is self-assessment,” Weeden says. “The individual needs to know who they are, and why they’re pursuing this career. “
To Weeden, delivering care in high-pressure situations can be a significant challenge, requiring a level of empathy that goes beyond the technical aspects of the job. "Can you be selfless? Do you have empathy? You are serving your community, and sometimes delivering care can push you to your limits,” Weeden says. “Sometimes you see things that you just never thought you would see, especially within an emergency room, or an operating room.”
When students tell Weeden why they chose radiography, “Sometimes they'll say, ‘well, I was looking into nursing, and I decided to go imaging…because I don't like the sight of blood,’” he says. “I understand that, but the thing is, is when you're in radiography, sometimes you’re the first one in the emergency room in order for the assessment to be made that lets the team see exactly what damage has been done. They need imaging. So, you may see more than the nurses will see on the floors and in the OR, because you go in with the trauma team while they’re stabilizing incoming patients after an accident or injury.”
He emphasizes, "Even though your title may be technologist, you're providing very human care."
Your first step toward a career as a radiologic technologist.
The process of certification and licensure for radiographers can be as demanding as the career is rewarding. Your success depends on the quality of your education, and how well a school fits with your goals. To find out if you’re what Roger Weeden refers to as “the right student” to study radiography, contact an admissions counselor at Northeast College of Health Sciences.
Suggestions for further reading:
AAS in Radiologic Technology at Northeast College
Eligibility requirements for AART certification
AART on states that regulate radiographic health jobs