Rad Tech License Requirements by State: What to Know Before You Move

Rad tech license requirements vary by state, and your ARRT credential is not the same thing as a state license. Most states regulate radiologic technologists in some form, so before you take a job in a new state, check that state's licensing board, find out what it accepts, and apply early.

This guide covers how state licensing works, what a few large states require, and a step-by-step plan for getting licensed before your start date.

ARRT certification vs a state license

These are two separate things, and mixing them up is how start dates get pushed back.

• ARRT certification and registration is a national credential. You earn it through ARRT and keep it through ARRT.
• A state license (or certificate, or permit) is permission from a state to practice there. You apply to the state, meet the state's rules and renew with the state.

The ARRT says it plainly on its state licensing page: earning an ARRT credential "doesn't necessarily mean you're eligible to work in a particular state." It also notes that more than 75% of states have licensing laws covering radiologic technology, and many use ARRT exam scores or credentials when making licensing decisions.

Rad tech license requirements: how states regulate

States don't all use the same word for it. The ASRT defines licensure as "any form of permission granted by state to practice," and notes that states call it a license, a certificate or a permit (ASRT: States that Regulate). Whatever the name, if your state requires it, you need it before you scan.

Its state-by-state table shows a few patterns:

• Most states have a license, certificate, permit or registration for radiography.
• Some states set a standard instead, such as requiring a national credential or accredited education, without issuing a state license.
• A handful show no radiography regulation at all. Even there, the BLS notes employers typically require or prefer certification (BLS).
• Some states add rules for specific modalities, like CT, on top of radiography.

Examples from a few states

Rules change, so treat this as a starting point and confirm on the official board page before you apply.

State	Who handles it	What to know
Texas	Texas Medical Board	The general Medical Radiologic Technologist certificate rule lists current ARRT certification as a registered radiographer (or NMTCB for nuclear medicine) as a pathway. The board also notes a license is not currently required to practice MR in Texas.
Florida	Florida Department of Health	Certifies by category, including General Radiographer, CT and Mammography. Renewal includes 12 CE hours, and ASRT can transfer eligible credits to the state.
New York	NYS Department of Health	You must hold a New York license to work there. Out-of-state licenses are not accepted.
California	CDPH Radiologic Health Branch	Certifies radiologic technologists through the state, separate from ARRT. Check the branch's application materials for current requirements.
Michigan	LEO / MIOSHA radiation safety	ASRT lists a standard rather than a radiography license. CT operators must be registered (ARRT, CAMRT or NMTCB) and document at least 20 hours of CT training or hold the ARRT CT credential.

Sources: Texas 22 TAC §186.12, Texas Medical Board, Florida DOH, New York DOH, California CDPH, Michigan CT operator requirements.

How to get licensed in a new state, step by step

1. Find the right agency. It might be the medical board, the health department or a radiation control program. The ASRT state list is a good place to start.
2. Check what they accept. Many states use your ARRT credential or exam scores. Some have extra steps, like a state jurisprudence exam or a separate application for certain modalities.
3. Gather your documents. Usually your ARRT status, transcripts or proof of program completion, license verifications from other states, and a background check. Order verifications early, since they come from other offices.
4. Apply and pay the fee. Keep copies of everything and note your application number.
5. Ask about working while pending. Some states have temporary licenses or short windows to work while your application processes. New York, for example, allows 30 days from the license print date while you register it.
6. Track renewals and CE. Each state has its own renewal cycle and CE rules, which may not line up with your ARRT biennium.

Plan around processing time

Licensing is a common reason a contract or travel start date slides. A few habits help:

• Start the application as soon as you're seriously considering a state, not after you accept an offer.
• Ask the employer or recruiter which license they need to see before your first shift.
• Keep a folder with your ARRT status, CPR card, transcripts and past license verifications so you can apply fast.
• If you work in more than one state, put every renewal date in your calendar.

Modality add-ons: CT, MRI and fluoroscopy

A radiography license doesn't always cover everything you do. Some states regulate CT operators, fluoroscopy or mammography separately. Others, like Texas, don't currently require a license for MRI. If you're moving into a new modality, check the rules for that modality in your state, not just radiography. If CT is your next step, our guide on how to become a CT tech after X-ray walks through the ARRT side.

FAQ

Is my ARRT certification a license?

No. ARRT certification is a national credential. A state license is separate permission to practice in that state. Many states use ARRT credentials in their decisions, but you still apply to the state.

Do all states require a rad tech license?

No. ARRT says more than 75% of states have licensing laws for radiologic technology. A few states have no state license, but employers typically still require or prefer certification.

Can I use my license from one state in another?

Usually not. Each state issues its own license. New York, for example, does not accept out-of-state licenses. Plan to apply in each state where you work.

How long does it take to get a state license?

It varies by state and by how fast your verifications arrive. Apply as early as you can and ask the board about current processing times.

Where can I check a state's current requirements?

Start with the ASRT's list of states that regulate, then go to that state's licensing board or radiation control program for the official rules.

Find your next job

Once you know where you're licensed, or where you're willing to get licensed, create your free profile and tell us. We'll only reach out about jobs in states that work for you. You can also browse open radiology jobs.