Program accreditation
Applies to the school
A recognized agency (JRCERT, JRCNMT, or CAAHEP) confirms an educational program meets published standards.
Educational Guide
Accreditation, certification & licensure in medical imaging
A plain-language map of how imaging professionals in the United States are educated, credentialed, and licensed across X-ray, MRI, CT, nuclear medicine, mammography, ultrasound and beyond.
Three things people confuse
"Accredited," "certified," and "licensed" are not interchangeable. Each applies to a different thing: the school, the person, and the right to practice.
Professional certification
Applies to the person
A certifying body (ARRT, ARMRIT, ARDMS, NMTCB) credentials an individual who passes its exam.
State licensure
Applies to where you practice
A state grants legal permission to perform imaging. Requirements vary from state to state.
A common sequence is: complete an eligible education route → pass a certification exam → meet any state licensing rules.
Primary, post-primary, and independent pathways
ARRT separates first credentials from added specialties. ARMRIT, ARDMS, CCI, NMTCB, and MDCB use their own education and clinical-eligibility rules alongside those ARRT lanes.
Your first ARRT credential
- Graduate from an ARRT-approved educational program in the same discipline
- Hold an associate degree or higher; the degree can be in any subject
- Meet ethics standards and pass the national certification exam
Examples Radiography · Nuclear Medicine · Radiation Therapy · Sonography · MRI
An ARRT specialty added on top
- Already hold a qualifying primary credential
- Complete targeted structured education (ARRT: 16 hours)
- Document the required clinical procedures, then pass the specialty exam
Examples CT · Mammography · Bone Densitometry · Interventional · MRI
How the pathways connect
Read from left to right: start with your education, follow either the ARRT or independent credentialing lane, and see which career each route unlocks.
Scroll sideways to explore →
Starting point
ARRT primary pathway
Independent pathway
ARRT post-primary pathway
Career
MRI, sonography, nuclear medicine, and CT appear in more than one lane on purpose: each has more than one credentialing route. Starting education is not the same as exam eligibility; tap a credential to see its required program, supporting credential, or clinical experience. Requirements reviewed against official sources July 31, 2026.
Plan your path
Start with the career you want, choose what you already have, and see the credential gap across the core technologist roles, plus the two newer below-the-technologist roles.
Scroll sideways to explore →
I want to become
I already have
I need to get
Choose a career goal
to compare valid credentials
to compare valid credentials
Dashed goals sit below the technologist: Limited X-ray is a state license for a state-defined scope (ARRT only administers the exam), and the Imaging Assistant is ARRT's MR support credential. Neither is an ARRT supporting credential for CT or MRI. Tap any goal to see the exact national credential routes represented here.
Not shown: Medical dosimetry follows a separate bachelor’s-level route through a JRCERT-accredited medical dosimetry program and CMD certification through MDCB.
Credential abbreviation key
R Radiography MR Magnetic Resonance S Sonography VS Vascular Sonography BS Breast Sonography M Mammography CT Computed Tomography BD Bone Densitometry CI / VI Interventional Radiography RDMS / RDCS / RVT ARDMS sonography credentials RCS / RVS CCI sonography credentials
Below the technologist
Support & limited-scope roles
Faster, narrower on-ramps that sit below the credentialed technologist, and that don't ladder up into the specialties above.
X-ray (Limited) state license
- A limited X-ray operator performs only the body-area modules authorized by the state, which can include chest, extremities, skull/sinuses, spine, or podiatric imaging.
- A state license; ARRT only administers the exam, and it's not ARRT certification or an R.T.(R).
- Education, eligibility, and permitted scope vary by state; the state licensing agency is the controlling source.
- Passing the limited-scope exam does not create an ARRT supporting credential for CT or MRI.
Imaging Assistant · I.A.(MR) new · ARRT
- A new ARRT support credential for MRI, with its first exam window October 15–November 30, 2026.
- Entry-level support: MR safety, positioning, patient care, and contrast assistance.
- Does not operate the scanner or perform imaging; it supports the technologist.
- Requires age 18+, a diploma or GED, 32 structured-education credits, documented clinical competencies, ethics eligibility, and the exam.
Two different kinds of role: one a limited operator (state-licensed), the other a non-operating support credential (national). Both are new or growing, but neither replaces the full technologist.
Every imaging discipline, and how you get in
Find a modality and you'll see whether it uses ionizing radiation, the pathway in, who certifies you, and who accredits the program, grouped by the physics each relies on.
X-ray based
Ionizing radiation Primary
Radiography
Projection X-ray of bone and soft tissue: chest, skeleton, abdomen.
Certified by ARRT
Credentials R.T.(R)
Programs JRCERT
The field's most common entry point. Most specialties build on top of it.
Post-primary
Computed Tomography
Cross-sectional X-ray "slices" reconstructed into 3-D images.
Certified by ARRT · NMTCB
Credentials R.T.(CT)NMTCB(CT)
Programs Structured education (no standalone program)
Added to an eligible Radiography, Nuclear Medicine, or Radiation Therapy credential; ARRT and NMTCB set different education and clinical requirements.
Post-primary
Mammography
Low-dose X-ray of breast tissue for screening and diagnosis.
Certified by ARRT
Credentials R.T.(M)
Programs Structured education + MQSA-mandated training
The only modality with nationwide federal personnel standards (MQSA / FDA).
Post-primary
Bone Densitometry
Low-dose X-ray measurement of bone mineral density.
Certified by ARRT
Credentials R.T.(BD)
Programs Structured education
Commonly added by registered radiographers.
Post-primary
Interventional Radiography
Live fluoroscopy guiding minimally invasive, catheter-based procedures.
Certified by ARRT
Credentials R.T.(CI)R.T.(VI)
Programs Structured education
Cardiac-Interventional (CI) and Vascular-Interventional (VI) replaced the legacy CV credential.
Primary
Radiation Therapy
Therapeutic: delivers targeted radiation to treat cancer, rather than diagnostic imaging.
Certified by ARRT
Credentials R.T.(T)
Programs JRCERT
Its paired discipline, Medical Dosimetry, is JRCERT-accredited and certified by the MDCB.
Non-ionizing
Magnetic fields & sound Primary & post-primary
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Imaging with strong magnetic fields and radio waves, with no ionizing radiation.
Certified by ARMRIT · ARRT
Credentials ARMRIT-CertifiedR.T.(MR)
Programs JRCERT; ARMRIT
The one modality with a major independent certifying body (ARMRIT) offering a direct route that doesn't require a radiography background.
Primary (some specialties post-primary)
Ultrasound
High-frequency sound imaging: abdomen, OB/GYN, vascular, echocardiography, MSK.
Certified by ARDMS · CCI · ARRT
Credentials RDMSRDCSRVTR.T.(S)
Programs CAAHEP / JRC-DMS
Multiple certifying bodies; ARDMS is the dominant credential. Vascular Sonography, along with MRI, is one of two ARRT credentials offered through either pathway.
Nuclear & molecular
Radiopharmaceuticals Primary
Nuclear Medicine
Images function using radioactive tracers (gamma cameras, SPECT).
Certified by NMTCB · ARRT
Credentials CNMTR.T.(N)
Programs JRCNMT
Two certifying bodies; programs are accredited by JRCNMT.
Post-primary specialty
PET
Positron emission tomography: metabolic imaging, usually combined as PET/CT.
Certified by NMTCB
Credentials NMTCB(PET)
Programs Eligible credential + documented PET experience
Most commonly added to an active nuclear-medicine credential; NMTCB also publishes alternate eligibility routes for certain R.T.(R) and R.T.(T) technologists.
The certification matrix
Every modality above, side by side.
| Modality | Certified by | Credential(s) | Pathway | Program accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radiography | ARRT | R.T.(R) | Primary | JRCERT |
| Computed Tomography | ARRT / NMTCB | R.T.(CT), NMTCB(CT) | Post-primary | n/a |
| Mammography | ARRT | R.T.(M) | Post-primary | n/a |
| Bone Densitometry | ARRT | R.T.(BD) | Post-primary | n/a |
| Interventional Radiography | ARRT | R.T.(CI), R.T.(VI) | Post-primary | n/a |
| Radiation Therapy | ARRT | R.T.(T) | Primary | JRCERT |
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging | ARMRIT / ARRT | ARMRIT-Certified, R.T.(MR) | Primary & post-primary | JRCERT / ARMRIT |
| Ultrasound | ARDMS / CCI / ARRT | RDMS, RDCS, RVT, R.T.(S) | Primary (some specialties post-primary) | CAAHEP |
| Nuclear Medicine | NMTCB / ARRT | CNMT, R.T.(N) | Primary | JRCNMT |
| PET | NMTCB | NMTCB(PET) | Post-primary specialty | n/a |
X-ray based Non-ionizing Nuclear / molecular
How to read a credential
Each parenthesis after a technologist's name means something specific.
R.T.(R)(MR)(ARRT)
R.T. = Registered Technologist
(R) = Primary discipline: Radiography
(MR) = Added discipline: MRI
(ARRT) = Certifying body
One exception worth knowing: ARMRIT-certified technologists don't use post-nominal letters. Their credential is written out as "ARMRIT-Certified MRI Technologist."
Train with Tesla MR Institute
We train technologists across several of the pathways above: online coursework plus clinical placement near you.
No prior imaging credential
MRI Technologist, ARMRIT
Complete the dedicated MRI education and clinical training needed for the ARMRIT program route in 12–18 months.
See the ARMRIT MRI program → Already an RTAdd MRI, ARRT post-primary
Cross-train to the ARRT MRI credential in about 6 months. For registered R, N, or T techs.
See ARRT MRI cross-training → Already an RTAdd CT, ARRT post-primary
Cross-train to the ARRT CT credential with structured education plus clinical reps.
See ARRT CT cross-training → Degree requiredX-ray Technologist, ARRT primary
A planned Radiography certificate pathway for students who already hold an associate degree or higher. Approval pending.
See the X-ray certificate program →State licensure & federal rules
Certification shows competency; licensure is the legal right to practice, and it's set state by state, with one notable federal exception.
Most states regulate
More than 75% of states have licensing laws for radiologic technology, and many use ARRT certification as their standard. A number of states have no general license at all. Check your state →
Mammography is federal
Under the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA, 1992, enforced by the FDA), mammography personnel and facilities must meet nationwide federal standards. It's the only modality with a federal personnel rule.
A national standard, proposed
The CARE Act (Consumer Assurance of Radiologic Excellence) would set federal minimum education and credentialing standards. It has been introduced repeatedly since the early 2000s but has never been enacted.
The organizations, decoded
A glossary for the acronyms used above: the bodies that certify individuals, and the agencies that accredit programs.
Who certifies the individual
ARRT
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
Scope Most imaging & therapy disciplines
The largest U.S. registry. Its primary pathway requires an ARRT-approved discipline-specific program, an associate degree or higher, ethics eligibility, and an exam. Its post-primary pathway uses an eligible supporting credential, structured education, documented clinical procedures, ethics eligibility, and an exam.
arrt.org ↗ARMRIT
American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
Scope MRI only
An independent, MRI-specific primary certification with no prior radiography credential required. Confers "ARMRIT-Certified MRI Technologist" (no post-nominal letters); recognized by the ACR and all four CMS-designated imaging accreditors, but not USDE-recognized.
armrit.org ↗ARDMS
American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Inteleos)
Scope Sonography & vascular ultrasound
RDMS, RDCS, RVT, and RMSKS, earned by passing the SPI physics exam plus a specialty exam. One of the Inteleos councils.
ardms.org ↗NMTCB
Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board
Scope Nuclear medicine & molecular imaging
CNMT entry-level certification plus CT, PET, nuclear-cardiology, and radiation-safety specialties. Nuclear medicine can also be certified through ARRT (N).
nmtcb.org ↗CCI
Cardiovascular Credentialing International
Scope Cardiovascular: echo, cath lab, vascular
Registry credentials including RCS, RCIS, and RVS. Overlaps with ARDMS in cardiac and vascular ultrasound.
cci-online.org ↗Who accredits the program
JRCERT
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
Accredits Radiography · Radiation Therapy · Magnetic Resonance · Medical Dosimetry
The USDE- and CHEA-recognized programmatic accreditor for these four disciplines.
jrcert.org ↗JRCNMT
Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology
Accredits Nuclear Medicine Technology
The recognized programmatic accreditor for nuclear medicine programs.
jrcnmt.org ↗CAAHEP + JRC-DMS
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Accredits Diagnostic Medical Sonography
CAAHEP awards accreditation on the recommendation of its review committee, the JRC-DMS.
caahep.org ↗ARMRIT
American Registry of MRI Technologists (program accreditation)
Accredits MRI technologist programs
Accredits MRI programs and is recognized by the ACR and all four CMS-designated imaging accreditors, but, unlike JRCERT, is not USDE-recognized.
armrit.org ↗ABHES
Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
Accredits Allied-health institutions (and medical assisting, MLT & surgical technology programs)
Primarily an institutional accreditor; it is not the recognized programmatic accreditor for the imaging disciplines.
abhes.org ↗Frequently asked
Do I have to become an X-ray technologist before I can work in MRI or CT?
Not for MRI. MRI can be entered directly as a primary pathway, through ARMRIT or an ARRT primary MRI program, with no radiography credential. CT is different: it is offered only as a post-primary specialty, added on top of an existing primary credential such as Radiography, Nuclear Medicine, or Radiation Therapy. See the direct-entry MRI program →
Can you go straight into CT without becoming an X-ray tech first?
No. CT has no direct, from-scratch national certification route. ARRT and NMTCB both require an eligible active primary credential. ARRT then requires structured education and documented clinical procedures; NMTCB requires 300 documented CT clinical hours and 35 hours of CT didactic education within the prior three years. See ARRT CT cross-training →
What is the difference between accreditation and certification?
Accreditation applies to a school or program: a recognized agency confirms the program meets published standards. Certification applies to a person: a certifying body grants an individual a credential after they meet education, ethics, and examination requirements. Programs are accredited; people are certified.
Is ARRT a certification or an accreditation?
ARRT is a certifying body: it certifies individuals, awarding R.T. credentials after they pass its exam. It does not accredit schools. Educational programs are accredited by separate agencies such as JRCERT, JRCNMT, and CAAHEP.
Is a national certification the same as a state license?
No. A national certification (from ARRT, ARMRIT, ARDMS, or NMTCB) demonstrates competency but is not, by itself, legal permission to practice. Licensure is granted by a state. Most states have licensing laws for radiologic technology and many use ARRT certification as their standard, but requirements vary and some states have no general license.
Which states require a license to work in MRI?
It varies state by state. More than three-quarters of states regulate radiologic technology, and most that do use ARRT (or, for MRI, ARMRIT) certification as the standard. A number of states have no general radiologic-technology license at all. Check your state →
Who accredits MRI programs?
JRCERT provides USDE-recognized programmatic accreditation for MRI programs. ARMRIT separately accredits MRI programs for its certification pathway and is recognized by imaging accreditors such as the ACR, but is not USDE-recognized. ARRT determines whether a program is approved for its primary eligibility pathway; ARRT does not accredit schools. ARMRIT-accredited MRI programs →
Are ARRT and ARMRIT the same thing?
No. Both certify MRI technologists, but they are separate organizations. ARRT is a broad registry that credentials many modalities and offers MRI as both a primary and a post-primary pathway. ARMRIT certifies MRI technologists only, as an independent primary pathway. They differ in scope and in how each is recognized. ARRT vs. ARMRIT, compared →
Is ARMRIT recognized?
Yes. ARMRIT is recognized by the ACR and all four CMS-designated imaging accreditors, and is named for licensure by several states, though, unlike JRCERT, it is not USDE-recognized. An ARMRIT credential is written out as "ARMRIT-Certified MRI Technologist" (no post-nominal letters). ARMRIT certification guide →
What does a credential like R.T.(R)(MR)(ARRT) mean?
"R.T." stands for Registered Technologist. The first parenthesis is the primary discipline; here, (R) for Radiography. Additional parentheses are added disciplines, like (MR) for MRI. The final parenthesis is the certifying body, (ARRT). ARMRIT-certified technologists do not use post-nominal letters; their credential is written out as "ARMRIT-Certified MRI Technologist."
Sources & further reading
Requirements change. Always confirm specifics with the relevant body before making decisions.
This guide is provided for general educational purposes and describes the U.S. landscape as of July 2026. It is not legal or career advice. Credentialing and licensure requirements are set by the organizations and states named above and can change.