Education and training is essential to success in any occupation, 
but it is especially true for a career in healthcare technology. Many healthcare fields offer opportunities for advancement when a specialization is added to your resume. Radiologic technologists (also referred to as radiographers) can take continuing education courses to prepare for certification as a CT or MRI tech.
The first step is to become a certified radiographer. To qualify for certification, students must have completed a radiography program and hold at minimum an associate’s degree. Once these qualifications are met, students must pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) National Certification Exam and apply for a New York State Department of Health Radiologic Technology license.
CT IMAGING PREP
Computed tomography (CT) imaging uses x-ray equipment for internal body scans. They are also referred to as CAT scans, which is an acronym for Computerized Axial Tomography. As opposed to conventional x-ray images, CT test results provide cross-sectional images that are sometimes viewed in a three-dimensional format. CT scanning is often used to detect cancer, as they display the size and location of tumors.
New requirements for CT technologists were updated in 2016. Radiology Today reports that by 2018, all technologists who performed CT exams will be required to be certified. Students must have achieved mandatory CT competencies to pass the ARRT exam. The test contains questions on patient care, radiation safety, image production, and procedures. More details on the exam content can be found here.
CAHE provides a CT Registry Prep Course that has been approved for 28.75 Category A Continuing Education (CE) credits by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). Students who opt for the clinical component of the course have a nine-month window to complete their clinical competencies using CAHE’s affiliated clinical sites.
MRI PREP
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technologists must have an extensive knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and physics. MRI diagnostic imaging test results provide three-dimensional internal body images without the use of radiation. These tests are well suited for imaging soft tissue within the body, such as organs, muscles, the brain, and spinal cord and nerves.
It certainly appears to be worthwhile to enhance your skills with MRI certification. US News and World Report’s 2017 best jobs rank MRI technologists #17 in best healthcare support jobs and #78 in the overall 100 best jobs category. The MRI exam includes questions on patient care, safety, image production, and procedures. ARRT provides information on the MRI examination at this link.
CAHE’s MRI Registry Prep Course has been approved for 34.75 Category A Continuing Education (CE) credits by the ASRT. Students who opt for the clinical component of the course have a nine-month window to complete their clinical competencies using CAHE’s affiliated clinical sites.
ARRT is a valuable resource for radiographers and students studying to enter the field of radiologic technology. Visit their website for detailed information on how to achieve these additional certifications with the ARRT exams for CT and MRI imaging equipment. Radiographers should consider one or both of these specialties to enhance their career.
For individuals interested in either of these two continuing education programs, CAHE offers a FREE IV Contrast Injection Certification Course for individuals registered for the CT/MRI Registry Prep Course at CAHE.