R - RRA (ARRT) - Registered Radiologist Assistant RT

The Registered Radiologist Assistant (R-RRA) through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is a career pathway that builds on prior ARRT Radiography credentials and advanced education.

Health and medical services include many forms of radiology, including those that promote health and those that diagnose disease. As technology advances and the need for these services increases, there is more need for skilled radiology team members.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics for Radiologic and MRI Technologists predicts that employment growth for these positions will increase by 9% and close to 22,000 positions. The 2020 median pay for these positions approaches $64,000.

The Master’s in Radiologic Science

This is the field of study and curriculum approved by ARRT. There are a limited number of colleges/universities with this degree program that have been approved by ARRT as meeting the standards needed to subsequently apply for registration. One of these programs notes that the program is 24 months and includes at least 1800 hours of clinical practice with a preceptor who is a radiologist. These are included within the 54 credit hours of study.

Another of the approved programs notes that direct costs are based on almost $1100 per credit for a total of close to $65,000. This does not include indirect expenses such as books, travel, and living expenses.

Because of this, it’s wise to visit the websites of the programs approved by ARRT to learn about their course, practicum structure, tuition, fees and projection of indirect costs.

This certification is for you if you plan to be, or are already on the path to becoming, a radiologic specialist. If so, you know the need to complete the required education and practical experience. You also realize that you’ll be able to work in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals and large physician practices with their own imaging resources. Earning this registration brings the chance for advancement, along with job and income security. Continuing education will be a regular part of your professional growth, allowing you to keep pace with radiologic science advances. This is one means of staying engaged with your forward-thinking profession.

Costs

The RRA is considered a post-primary Registration, thus requiring a $225 application fee. Reapplication fee is $200.

There are Entry-level Clinical Activities that each potential R-RRA applicant needs to have fulfilled. The list is detailed and clearly listed in the linked document. The benefit of having that is you can review it and discuss it with your supervisor, planning steps to acquire all the experiences you need. 

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree

• Are certified and registered with ARRT

• Have no less than a year of approved Radiography experience

• Complete a radiologist assistant program approved by ARRT

• Demonstrate professional ethics

• Satisfactorily complete an examination

To maintain Certification and Registration, you are required to: 

• Renew your credentials every year

• Doing so requires keeping pace and track of continuing education

• If your credential is considered post-primary, the registration related to that discipline also needs to be maintained

• Every two years, or “biennium,” you’ll review your progress with continuing education (CE) requirements

• Continuing Qualification Requirements (CQR) need to be reviewed every 10 years to assure that your continued learning covers the spectrum of advances in the field

Renewal Fees

• First discipline: $30

• Renewal with additional AART certifications: $15

The ARRT offers resources for exam candidates, including:

• Handbook

• Content Specifications

• Format of Test Questions

• Overview of Computer Based Testing

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) also offers the following:

• Bone Densitometry - R.T.(BD)

• Breast Sonography - R.T.(BS)

• Cardiac Interventional Radiography - R.T.(CI)

• Computed Tomography - R.T.(CT)

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging - R.T.(MRI)

• Mammography - R.T.(M)

• Vascular Interventional Radiography - R.T.(VI)

• Vascular Sonography - R.T.(VS)