Interim policy announced for post-primary structured education requirement

(November 12, 2015) — The ARRT announces an interim policy that modifies the post-primary certification and registration structured education requirement effective January 1, 2016.

In 2010, ARRT announced an additional requirement for individuals seeking post-primary credentials. Sixteen hours of structured education reflecting the content of the examination content outline with at least one credit from each major content category of the outline would be required beginning this January 1, 2016.

The structured education requirement will enhance post-primary certification and registration by providing additional documentation that candidates have mastered the knowledge determined through the practice analysis process to be part of being qualified.\

“Relaxed” interim requirement takes effect
In November 2015, ARRT announced a two-year interim phase-in period for the requirement. During the phase-in candidates must report 16 structured education credits from activities whose content “pertains to the discipline” rather than the stricter criterion of “reflecting the content of the examination content outline.” The provision that candidates earn at least one credit from each of the exam content outline’s major categories will not be enforced during the 2-year period. The activities must still meet the same criteria as activities reported for compliance with ARRT’s biennial

CE requirements (i.e., must be approved by a RCEEM, RCEEM+ or must meet ARRT’s definition of an Approved Academic Course as described in the ARRT Continuing Education Requirements).

Interim policy effective January 1, 2016, through December 31, 2017
The two-year interim policy will allow CE sponsors additional time to create more activity options and better align existing activities with the subject matter of the post-primary exam content outlines. This will increase access for candidates to the education necessary to comply with the requirement.

The interim policy will apply to activities completed prior to January 1, 2018. Activities completed January 1, 2018 and thereafter must meet the full structured education requirement as originally announced.

About ARRT
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists promotes high standards of patient care by recognizing qualified individuals in medical imaging, interventional procedures and radiation therapy. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., ARRT evaluates, certifies and registers more than 325,000 radiologic technologists across the United States. For more information, visit www.arrt.org.

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