Crossing state lines: a guide to state radiology licensure

A temporary radiology license is a short-term authorization granted by a state that allows you to practice as a radiologic technologist while your permanent license application is being processed. These temporary licenses are commonly used by travel rad techs who need to start an assignment before full licensure is complete.

Temporary licenses typically require that you hold current ARRT certification and have submitted a complete application. The duration and availability of temporary licenses vary by state — some states offer them for 60-90 days, while others don't offer temporary licenses at all. Check each state's specific guide for details.

Currently, there is no interstate compact for radiologic technologists. Unlike nursing (NLC) and physical therapy (PT Compact), radiology does not yet have a multi-state licensure agreement. This means you'll need to obtain a separate license in each state that requires one.

It's worth noting that not all states require a separate state license for rad techs — some states only require ARRT certification. Our state-by-state guides clarify which states require state licensure and what's needed in each case.

Continuing education units (CEUs) are educational credits that licensed radiologic technologists must complete to maintain and renew their licensure. These requirements ensure you stay current with advances in imaging technology, radiation safety, and patient care.

CEU requirements vary by state — both in the number of hours required and the renewal cycle length. Common topics include radiation protection, image quality, patient care, and emerging imaging modalities. Activities can take the form of workshops, conferences, online courses, and self-study modules.

Note that maintaining your ARRT certification also requires continuing education (24 CE credits per biennium). Many states accept ARRT-approved CEs toward state renewal requirements, but this varies by jurisdiction. Our state-by-state guides detail the exact CEU requirements for each state.

Plan in advance

Getting licensed in a new state can take time, depending on the state's processing times and requirements. Planning ahead gives you the best chance of starting your assignment on time.

Here are some suggestions:

• Talk to your recruiter about which states have strong demand for rad techs and get licensed in those states proactively
• Keep a list of your preferred travel destinations so you can prioritize license applications
• Maintain two or three active state licenses for more assignment flexibility
• Keep your ARRT certification current — it's required for licensure in most states

Stay organized

License applications require various documents — ARRT certification, school transcripts, verification from other state boards, and background check results. Gather and organize these documents in advance so you can quickly submit applications when new opportunities arise.

Be prepared

Some states have unique requirements beyond ARRT certification, including state-specific exams or fluoroscopy permits. Review each state's requirements using our guides before starting your application.

Also stay on top of renewal requirements — most states require a combination of CEUs and a renewal fee. It's up to you to decide which licenses to renew versus which ones to let lapse based on where you plan to travel next.