For most radiologic technologists, continuing education starts out as a necessity. You need credits to renew your license, keep ARRT happy, and stay compliant with state requirements. But somewhere along the way, CE became something more than a checkbox.
The courses you choose today can shape where your career goes tomorrow. They can open doors to higher-paying modalities, prepare you for leadership roles, or help you stand out in a competitive job market. The problem is that with so many CE options available, it’s not always obvious which ones are actually worth your time.
If you’ve ever wondered which CE courses really matter for your modality, which ones employers care about, or how to choose CE that helps you grow instead of just renew, you’re not alone. This guide is designed to help you make smarter CE decisions in 2025—whether you’re working in radiography, CT, MRI, mammography, ultrasound, or nuclear medicine.
Why Continuing Education Matters More Than Ever
Medical imaging isn’t standing still. New technology, stricter safety standards, and increasing pressure to do more with less mean that technologists are expected to keep learning throughout their careers. Artificial intelligence is becoming more common in imaging workflows. Dose optimization is under constant scrutiny. Advanced reconstruction techniques, new contrast guidelines, and evolving regulations all impact how exams are performed.
In this environment, continuing education plays a bigger role than it used to. The right CE can improve image quality, reduce repeat exams, increase patient safety, and make your day-to-day work easier. It can also position you for better pay, more flexibility, and long-term career stability. The key is choosing CE intentionally, instead of grabbing the quickest credits available right before renewal.
Four Simple Rules for Choosing High-Value CE
Before looking at modality-specific recommendations, it helps to understand a few basic principles that apply to every technologist.
First, your CE must be ARRT-accepted. That sounds obvious, but it’s still the most common mistake technologists make. Courses should be Category A or A+ and approved by a recognized RCEEM, such as ASRT. Anything outside of that may not count toward renewal, no matter how interesting the topic is.
Second, your CE should actually apply to what you do at work. Time is limited, and CE that connects directly to your daily practice is far more valuable than generic topics. When a course helps you position better, scan more efficiently, recognize pathology more confidently, or manage safety risks, it pays off immediately.
Third, good CE should support where you want your career to go next. Many technologists eventually move into CT, MRI, mammography, or another advanced modality. Choosing CE that aligns with ARRT Structured Education requirements allows you to prepare gradually instead of scrambling later. Even if you’re not ready to transition right now, you’ll be building a foundation that makes future opportunities easier.
Finally, high-value CE increases your professional value. Topics like radiation safety, advanced anatomy, pathology, quality control, and emerging technology apply across modalities. These are the courses that supervisors notice and that help you stand out as a knowledgeable, engaged professional.
Choosing the Right CE for Your Modality
Once you understand those core principles, choosing the right CE becomes much easier. The best courses tend to reflect the real challenges and expectations of each modality.
Radiography (RT(R))
Radiography is the backbone of medical imaging, and strong fundamentals go a long way. The most useful CE for X-ray technologists tends to focus on improving everyday performance. Courses that dive into trauma imaging, positioning challenges, mobile and OR workflows, pediatric considerations, and exposure optimization all translate directly to better exams and fewer repeats.
Many RTs also benefit from pathology refreshers and radiation safety updates, especially as protocols continue to evolve. These courses sharpen clinical judgment and reinforce best practices that sometimes fade over time.
For technologists looking to grow beyond general radiography, CE that introduces CT or MRI fundamentals is especially valuable. Even early exposure to structured education topics can make the transition to an advanced modality smoother and less intimidating.
CT Technologists
CT is one of the fastest-evolving areas in imaging, and CE choices should reflect that pace. Courses focused on dose optimization and contrast safety are particularly important, as both patient safety and regulatory compliance depend on them. Anatomy refreshers help keep cross-sectional interpretation sharp, while advanced reconstruction topics support better image quality and workflow efficiency.
Many CT technologists also benefit from CE covering trauma workflows, CT perfusion, and the growing role of AI in dose reduction and image processing. These topics reflect where the modality is headed, not just where it’s been.
For those interested in moving into leadership roles or expanding their scope, CE related to protocol design, quality control, or MRI structured education can be a smart next step.
MRI Technologists
MRI demands a deeper understanding of physics and safety than most other modalities, and the best CE reflects that reality. Courses that reinforce MRI physics fundamentals, artifact reduction strategies, and implanted device safety are essential for both patient safety and image quality.
Advanced neuroimaging and MRA topics help experienced technologists refine their skills, while pediatric MRI CE addresses the unique challenges of scanning younger patients. MRI safety officer preparation courses are especially valuable, as MRI safety continues to be a major focus for accrediting bodies and employers.
MRI technologists who plan to expand into CT should look for structured education paired with radiation safety content. That combination helps bridge the gap between non-ionizing and ionizing modalities.
Mammography Technologists
Mammography is one of the most regulated areas of imaging, and CE plays a critical role in maintaining compliance. MQSA-required education is non-negotiable, but beyond that, high-value CE focuses on keeping skills current and relevant.
Digital breast tomosynthesis continues to be a major area of growth, making DBT-focused courses especially important. Positioning refreshers, quality control fundamentals, and updates on breast density and BI-RADS reporting all support accurate diagnosis and patient care. Many mammography technologists also benefit from CE that explores ultrasound correlation in breast imaging, especially in facilities with integrated breast centers.
Ultrasound Technologists
Ultrasound is a broad field, and the most effective CE tends to be specialty-focused. Sonographers often see the most benefit from courses that align closely with the types of exams they perform most frequently.
OB imaging updates, fetal anomaly detection, vascular duplex studies, echocardiography fundamentals, abdominal pathology, and thyroid imaging all remain high-value areas. Elastography is becoming more common, and CE in this area can help technologists stay ahead of the curve. Emerging topics like AI-assisted scanning are also starting to appear and may play a larger role in the future.
Nuclear Medicine Technologists
For nuclear medicine and PET technologists, safety and precision are central to daily practice. CE that reinforces radiation biology, radiopharmaceutical handling, and quality control supports both regulatory compliance and patient safety.
PET/CT fundamentals and oncology-focused imaging courses are particularly valuable as PET continues to expand in cancer care. Quality control CE helps technologists maintain consistent image quality and meet accreditation requirements in an increasingly regulated environment.
Using CE to Advance Your Career
One of the biggest mistakes technologists make is choosing CE only based on immediate renewal needs. When CE is aligned with career goals, it becomes a powerful tool.
If higher pay is a priority, CE that supports CT, MRI, or mammography credentials tends to offer the strongest return. If leadership or supervisory roles are the goal, courses in quality control, safety, and protocol development help build the right skill set. For technologists interested in travel work, cross-modality CE increases flexibility and marketability. Those leaning toward research or advanced clinical roles often benefit from physics-heavy and advanced modality education.
Why CE Bundles Often Make the Most Sense
For many technologists, CE bundles offer the best balance of value and simplicity. Bundles are designed to cover structured education requirements, safety essentials, and modality-specific topics in a logical sequence. They eliminate guesswork, reduce costs, and ensure credits are applied where they matter most.
Popular options often include CT structured education bundles, MRI structured education combined with MRI safety, mammography and DBT essentials, radiation safety bundles, and ultrasound specialty bundles focused on abdomen, OB, or vascular imaging.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, continuing education isn’t just about staying certified. It’s about staying relevant, confident, and prepared for whatever comes next in your career. When you choose CE that fits your modality, supports your goals, and reflects where imaging is headed, you turn a requirement into an opportunity.
The best CE doesn’t just help you renew your license. It helps you move forward.