Continuing Education Requirements for Radiologic Technologists in Texas
Radiology, Computed Technology (CT), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are indispensable elements of contemporary medical diagnostics. In Texas, radiologic technologists, including X-Ray, CT, and MRI technicians, are obligated to hold a license and participate in continuing education to stay informed about the newest developments in their field. These requirements are put in place to assure competence and accountability to peers, physicians, healthcare facilities, and the public.
Regulatory Framework
The Texas Medical Board (TMB) regulates these professions, mandating that practitioners maintain a current and valid license to operate within the state. The TMB has established specific minimum continuing education requirements for the renewal of certificates for various types of technologists. Certification and registration are methods of assuring the medical community and the public that an individual is qualified by knowledge and skills to practice within the profession.
General Continuing Education Requirements
To obtain and renew their licenses, radiologic technologists in Texas must fulfill particular continuing education mandates. All licensees are required to obtain a minimum of 24 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) during each two-year license renewal cycle. These continuing education hours can be acquired through diverse avenues, including educational institutions, professional organizations, and online platforms.
A significant portion of these hours must directly relate to the practical aspects of their work. At least 50% of the required number of hours must be activities which are directly related to the use and application of ionizing forms of radiation to produce diagnostic images and/or administer treatment to human beings for medical purposes. In other words, at least 12 of the 24 required hours must be “direct credits.” According to the Texas Medical Board, direct credits are defined as activities directly related to the use and application of ionizing radiation for diagnostic imaging or medical treatment.
Indirect credits cover a broader range of topics. Indirectly related topics include, but are not limited to, patient care, computer science, computer literacy, introduction to computers or computer software, physics, human behavioral sciences, mathematics, communication skills, public speaking, technical writing, management, administration, accounting, ethics, adult education, medical sciences, and health sciences.
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Specific Requirements by Modality and Certification
In addition to the overarching continuing education mandates, imaging technicians in Texas must complete targeted courses relevant to their specific practice areas.
- Unlimited Practical Technologist in Radiology: Requires 24 hours every 2 years.
- Limited Operators: Require 12 hours in 2 year period.
- Mammography: Those holding a Mammographic CRT certificate must earn 10 of their 24 Approved CE credits in mammography during the two years immediately preceding the expiration date of the certificate. An advanced credential certificate for mammography will meet the 10 CE credits specific to mammography requirement.
- Digital Radiography: Limited Permit X-Ray Technicians (XTs) with digital authorization must earn four (4) of the twenty-four (24) CE credits in digital radiography. CRTs and Limited operators also require 4 CEUs in digital radiography every 2 year period.
- Radiography: All licensees are required to obtain six hours of continuing education which must be acquired within the year preceding the date of renewal. Three of the six hours must be in the Radiologic Sciences, in the core areas of all licenses such as radiation protection, equipment operation and maintenance, image production and evaluation, patient care and management and radiopharmaceuticals.
- Practical technologist in podiatry: Requires 2 hours every 2 years.
- RTF Permit: CRTs with a RTF permit are required to earn 24 approved continuing education credits; four of which are required to be in radiation safety for the clinical uses of fluoroscopy.
Approved Providers and Course Selection
It's crucial for technicians to carefully select continuing education courses approved by the TMB or recognized accrediting agencies. The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) is a recognized credentialing body for continuing education activities and those activities pertaining to the application of X-ray of the human body will be acceptable to the RHB. Activities meeting the definition of an ‘approved academic course’ as defined by the ARRT may be awarded CE credit at the rate of 12 CE credits for each academic quarter credit or 16 CE credits for each academic semester credit. The ‘approved academic course’ must also pertain to the application of X-ray to the human body to qualify as a CE credit for California.
Record Keeping and Audits
Technicians must maintain records of their completed continuing education courses and furnish proof of completion to the TMB upon request. Each individual is required to maintain documents that evidence the completion of approved continuing education credits for four (4) years following the dates the credits were earned. These documents must be made available to the RHB upon request.
Additional Regulations
Besides continuing education, X-Ray, CT, and MRI technicians must adhere to other practice-related regulations. For instance, they must comply with state regulations on radiation safety, including using appropriate shielding and monitoring radiation exposure levels.
Online CE Platforms
Several online platforms cater to the continuing education needs of radiologic technologists. These platforms offer a convenient and accessible way to fulfill CE requirements. eRADIMAGING is an online CE platform for radiologic technologists. Medical Professionals is another continuing education provider dedicated to radiologic technologists since 2002, offering a library of online courses in English and French.
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Importance of Continuing Education
The purpose of the CE Requirements is to provide a mechanism for Registered Technologists to fulfill their responsibility to maintain competence in their categories of certification and registration. Participation in CE demonstrates accountability to peers, physicians, healthcare facilities, and the public.
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