ARRT CE
ARRT RADIOLOGY
In 1991, the ARRT announced its plans to start continuing education (ARRT CE) requirements for the renewal of certificate registration. ARRT CE requirements became mandatory for renewal of ARRT registration starting in 1995. Reporting that you are in compliance with the mandatory ARRT CE requirements began in 1997. According to the ARRT, continuing education provides you with a mechanism to fulfill your responsibility to maintain competence and prevent professional obsolescence. Registered Technologists are required to comply with the ARRT’s CE requirements regardless of their employment or registration status (except if officially designated as retired or disabled by the ARRT). The CE requirements apply to all ARRT Registered Technologists who are actively practicing and to technologists who are not currently practicing (inactive), but who either plan to return to active practice or think that return to active practice is a possibility.
(taken from ARRT site)
ARRT is the world's largest credentialing organization that seeks to ensure high quality patient care in radiologic technology. We test and certify technologists and administer continuing education and ethics requirements for their annual registration
Certification & Licensure
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is the credentialing organization that recognizes individuals qualified in the use of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation to promote high standards of patient care in diagnostic medical imaging, interventional procedures and therapeutic treatment. The ARRT tests and certifies therapists and administers continuing education and ethics requirements for their annual registration.
ARRT Primary Disciplines of Certification
The ARRT provides certification in three primary disciplines of radiologic technology; Radiography, Nuclear Medicine Technology, and Radiation Therapy
Industry Panel Addresses Future of CT;
Consensus Paper Offers Recommendations on
CT Education, Practice
(OCTOBER 8, 2008) – Medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals need more education in CT operation, application and dose in order to ensure patient safety.
That is one of the conclusions reached by a panel of 32 experts who examined the issues and challenges facing computed tomography as its technology advances and its use rapidly expands.
The panel met in August 2007 and April 2008 to discuss how forces influencing the evolution of CT will affect the future of radiologic science education and practice. Jointly sponsored by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, the panel consisted of experts in health policy, CT manufacturing, clinical practice and education.
During the conferences, the panel discussed the following questions:
- What effect will the increasing emergence and use of CT have on the roles of radiographers, nuclear medicine technologists and radiation therapists?
- What impact will those effects have on education and certification?
- What are the CT issues surrounding patient safety and health policy, regulation and reimbursement?
- To guide their discussion, panelists participated in a straw poll to determine consensus on CT skills and competencies for entry-level and experienced radiographers, nuclear medicine technologists and radiation therapists.
Following examination of the poll results and discussions about the utilization, role and practice of CT, the panel developed nine consensus statements that focused on:
- Patient safety, regulations, and reimbursement.
- Education and practice.
- CT in diagnostic radiology.
- CT in radiation therapy.
- CT in nuclear medicine.
The panel’s full recommendations were recently published in a consensus paper, “Computed Tomography in the 21st Century: Changing Practice for Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Professionals.” It is available on the ASRT Web site at www.asrt.org/CTconsensus and on the ARRT Web site at www.arrt.org/CTconsensus.
“CT is transforming much of medical imaging,” said ASRT Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer Sal Martino, Ed.D., R.T.(R), CAE, who served as a panel facilitator. “The recommendations from the consensus panel give our industry and our profession clear direction on the role medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals play in ensuring safe, quality CT examinations.”
“Certification requirements for technologists who use CT — either in their role as CT technologists, radiographers, nuclear medicine technologists or radiation therapists — were central to the panel discussions,” said ARRT Executive Director Jerry Reid, Ph.D., who conducted the straw poll of the panel and also served as a panel facilitator. “ARRT is conducting practice-analysis updates for its radiography, nuclear medicine technology and radiation therapy programs, with any changes scheduled for implementation in 2011.”
In addition to the ASRT and ARRT, the panel had representatives from several other organizations including the Society of Nuclear Medicine, the American College of Radiology, the Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiologic Sciences and the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists.
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists promotes high standards of patient care by recognizing qualified individuals in medical imaging, interventional procedures and radiation therapy.
The modalities of interest include, but are not necessarily limited to: radiography, nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapy, cardiovascular-interventional radiography, mammography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, quality management, sonography, bone densitometry, vascular sonography, cardiac-interventional radiography, vascular-interventional radiography, breast sonography and radiologist assistant.
In support of this mission, the ARRT:
- Adopts and upholds standards for educational preparation for entry into the profession;
- Adopts and upholds standards of professional behavior consistent with the level of responsibility required by professional practice;
- Develops and administers examinations which assess the knowledge and skills underlying the intelligent performance of the tasks typically required by professional practice in the modality.
In addition to initial recognition, ARRT provides a mechanism to recognize individuals who continue to demonstrate their qualifications through adherence to the standards of professional behavior and compliance with the continuing education requirements.
Nature of the Work (from the Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Radiologic technologists take x rays and administer nonradioactive materials into patients’ bloodstreams for diagnostic purposes.
Radiologic technologists also referred to as radiographers, produce x-ray films (radiographs) of parts of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems. They prepare patients for radiologic examinations by explaining the procedure, removing jewelry and other articles through which x rays cannot pass, and positioning patients so that the parts of the body can be appropriately radiographed. To prevent unnecessary exposure to radiation, these workers surround the exposed area with radiation protection devices, such as lead shields, or limit the size of the x-ray beam. Radiographers position radiographic equipment at the correct angle and height over the appropriate area of a patient’s body. Using instruments similar to a measuring tape, they may measure the thickness of the section to be radiographed and set controls on the x-ray machine to produce radiographs of the appropriate density, detail, and contrast. They place the x-ray film under the part of the patient’s body to be examined and make the exposure. They then remove the film and develop it.
Radiologic technologists must follow physicians’ orders precisely and conform to regulations concerning the use of radiation to protect themselves, their patients, and their coworkers from unnecessary exposure.
In addition to preparing patients and operating equipment, radiologic technologists keep patient records and adjust and maintain equipment. They also may prepare work schedules, evaluate purchases of equipment, or manage a radiology department.
Experienced radiographers may perform more complex imaging procedures. When performing fluoroscopies, for example, radiographers prepare a solution of contrast medium for the patient to drink, allowing the radiologist (a physician who interprets radiographs) to see soft tissues in the body.
Some radiographers specialize in computed tomography (CT), and are sometimes referred to as CT technologists. CT scans produce a substantial amount of cross-sectional x rays of an area of the body. From those cross-sectional x rays, a three-dimensional image is made. The CT uses ionizing radiation; therefore, it requires the same precautionary measures that radiographers use with other x rays.
Radiographers also can specialize in Magnetic Resonance Imaging as an MR technologist. MR, like CT, produces multiple cross-sectional images to create a 3-dimensional image. Unlike CT, MR uses non-ionizing radio frequency to generate image contrast.
Another common specialty for radiographers specialize in is mammography. Mammographers use low dose x-ray systems to produce images of the breast.
In addition to radiologic technologists, others who conduct diagnostic imaging procedures include cardiovascular technologists and technicians, diagnostic medical sonographers, and nuclear medicine technologists. (Each is discussed elsewhere in the Handbook.)
Work environment. Physical stamina is important in this occupation because technologists are on their feet for long periods and may lift or turn disabled patients. Technologists work at diagnostic machines but also may perform some procedures at patients’ bedsides. Some travel to patients in large vans equipped with sophisticated diagnostic equipment.
Although radiation hazards exist in this occupation, they are minimized by the use of lead aprons, gloves, and other shielding devices, as well as by instruments monitoring exposure to radiation. Technologists wear badges measuring radiation levels in the radiation area, and detailed records are kept on their cumulative lifetime dose.
Most full-time radiologic technologists work about 40 hours a week. They may, however, have evening, weekend, or on-call hours. Opportunities for part-time and shift work also are available.
Job Outlook
Employment is projected to grow faster than average, and job opportunities are expected to be favorable.
Employment change. Employment of radiologic technologists is expected to increase by about 15 percent from 2006 to 2016, faster than the average for all occupations. As the population grows and ages, there will be an increasing demand for diagnostic imaging. Although health care providers are enthusiastic about the clinical benefits of new technologies, the extent to which they are adopted depends largely on cost and reimbursement considerations. As technology advances many imaging modalities are becoming less expensive and their adoption is becoming more widespread. For example, digital imaging technology can improve the quality of the images and the efficiency of the procedure, but it remains slightly more expensive than analog imaging, a procedure during which the image is put directly on film. Despite this, digital imaging is becoming more widespread in many imaging facilities because of the advantages it provides over analog.
Although hospitals will remain the principal employer of radiologic technologists, a number of new jobs will be found in offices of physicians and diagnostic imaging centers. Health facilities such as these are expected to grow through 2016, because of the shift toward outpatient care, encouraged by third-party payers and made possible by technological advances that permit more procedures to be performed outside the hospital.
Job prospects. In addition to job growth, job openings also will arise from the need to replace technologists who leave the occupation. Radiologic technologists are willing to relocate and who also are experienced in more than one diagnostic imaging procedure—such as CT, MR, and mammography—will have the best employment opportunities as employers seek to control costs by using multi-credentialed employees.
CT is becoming a frontline diagnosis tool. Instead of taking x rays to decide whether a CT is needed, as was the practice before, it is often the first choice for imaging because of its accuracy. MR also is increasing in frequency of use. Technologists with credentialing in either of these specialties will be very marketable to employers.
Bone Drugs may Protect Against Radiation Exposure
Radiology Modalities - Radiation
Monday, 20 April 2009 12:34
Bone drugs to prevent osteoporosis may protect people exposed to radiation against developing leukemia
Drugs commonly used to strengthen bones to prevent osteoporosis may protect people exposed to radiation against developing leukemia, U.S. researchers said on Sunday.
Researchers said two compounds in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates delayed and in some cases prevented mice exposed to high doses of radiation from developing leukemia, a common long-term side effect of radiation exposure.
Alexandra Miller, a scientist at the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, has been studying ways to protect military personnel and astronauts from radiation exposure.
But she said the findings, which she presented at the American Association for Cancer Research in Denver, Colorado, could also help cancer patients treated with radiation who later develop leukemia as a side effect of their treatment.
The compounds Miller studied are bisphosphonates known as ethane-1-hydroxy-1, 1-bisphosphonate or EHBP, which Miller said is chemically similar to Procter & Gamble's osteoporosis drug Didronel or etidronate.
The other was an experimental drug called CAPBP, which Miller said is similar to Roche's Boniva or ibandronate.
She picked the drugs because of studies in humans that suggest bisphosphonates may help prevent cancer from spreading to the bone. They also have been shown to remove uranium from the body.
Typically, mice exposed to radiation developed leukemia and died 92 to 110 days later.
"With the drug, the animals were developing leukemia too, but it took much longer, 150 to 170 days," Miller said in a telephone interview.
"The total number that actually developed leukemia was significantly lower with both of the drugs," she said.
She said all of the untreated animals developed leukemia after radiation exposure, but only about half did in the treated group.
"It was very significant. We didn't have any toxic effects with the drug treatment," she said.
Miller said many more studies would be needed before the drugs could be used in humans, but she thinks the compounds show promise as a way of addressing one of the most toxic side effects of radiation exposure.
States Served:
ARRT CE, ARRT radiology, ARRT credits, ARRT continuing education, ARRT CEU
ARRT CE, ARRT radiology, ARRT credits, ARRT continuing education, ARRT CEU
ARRT CE CREDITS - ARRT RADIOLOGY CE & XRAY CE ONLINE PACKAGES
ARRT CE CREDITS - RADIOLOGY CEU & XRAY CE ONLINE COURSES
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ARRT CE AND ARRT RADIOLOGY ONLINE CLASSES
Obtain your radiology continuing education credits when you complete any of our online exams based on many of the popular textbooks we offer. We have provided high quality, ASRT-approved home-study radiology CME credits courses since 1995.This method is highly convenient as it is truly self-study; no clicking through a fully narrated online course. Simply study your textbook, complete the exam, print your certificate and you're done. Our ARRT CE credits courses were designed to help radiology professionals stay current and informed in their field. All radiology continuing education courses are Category A Credits and approved by ASRT through National Medical Education.
