What's Required to Earn a Computed Tomography Certification Program?
Computed tomography (CT) is a diagnostic medical procedure used in the diagnosing and monitoring of diseases. CT certification is a post-primary certification; however, it is not required by all states. Read on to learn more.
Computed Tomography Overview
Computed tomography (CT) is a type of radiology procedure that uses x-rays to produce cross sectional images of the human body. As a technologist in this field, you work directly with patients performing various procedures, in addition to working with radiologists to aid in examinations. You must have an in-depth knowledge of anatomy, along with the ability to produce and analyze quality images.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisFieldOfStudy"> Important Facts about This Field of Study</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Common Courses</td><td> CT equipment and methodology, sectional anatomy for medical imaging, clinical education, imaging procedures and principles</td></tr>
<tr><td> Programs </td><td> Certificates</td></tr>
<tr><td> Online Availability </td><td> Some select schools</td></tr>
<tr><td> Possible Careers </td><td> Radiologic technician, CT technologist</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021)</td><td>$61,370 <i>(Radiologic technologists)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td>6% <i>(Radiologic technologists)</i></td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---CertificationRequirements">Certification Requirements</h3><p>CT certification is overseen by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Primary pathways to certification include completing a formal training program with a clinical component in radiography, nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapy, sonography or magnetic resonance imaging. You must also hold an associate degree, although this degree does not necessarily need to be in any of the radiologic sciences.
</p><p>CT is a post-primary certification; this means that you must first be certified in one of the supporting disciplines for CT, such as radiography, nuclear medicine technology or radiation therapy. Typically, a certification program lasts one semester and is offered by some four-year or two-year colleges.
</p><h3 id="section---BecomeCertifiedInAPrimaryDiscipline">Become Certified in a Primary Discipline</h3><p>To become certified in a primary discipline, such as radiography or sonography, you must enroll in and complete a program that is accredited by the ARRT. As part of the training program, you must complete a mandatory clinical experience, which includes clinical activities specified by the ARRT. You must also abide by the ethics code of the ARRT and pass a written exam.
</p><h3 id="section---BecomeCertifiedInAComputedTomography">Become Certified in a Computed Tomography</h3><p>After becoming certified in one of the supporting disciplines, you must complete a clinical experience involving CT procedures at a medical facility. As of 2016, you must also document 16 hours of structured education in the discipline. To earn certification in CT, you must pass a written examination. You have three chances to pass the exam, and you must pass the exam within a 3-year period after earning your initial ARRT certification.</p>