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Introduction: Why This Distinction Matters More Than Ever

Imaging technology evolves rapidly, and so do ARRT’s educational requirements. Yet one of the most common questions technologists ask is:

“What is the difference between Continuing Education (CE) and Structured Education?”

The confusion is understandable: both involve formal learning, both are often completed online, and both are required at different stages of a technologist’s career. But these programs serve entirely different purposes, follow different rules, and apply to different groups of professionals.

This article offers the clearest, most complete explanation, specifically tailored for radiologic technologists pursuing initial certification, maintaining registration, or preparing for post-primary specialties.

1. The Purpose of ARRT Continuing Education (CE)

CE = Education You Need to Maintain Your Certification

Every certified or registered radiologic technologist must complete 24 CE credits every 2 years. These credits ensure technologists stay competent with:

• Evolving protocols
• Updated safety guidelines
• New equipment and imaging techniques
• Patient care standards
• Radiation protection practices

Key Requirements

• 24 CE credits every biennium (your birthday month determines the cycle).
• Category A or A+ only.
• Credits must be related to your area of practice.
• Courses may be text-based, video-based, or webinar-based.
• Certificates must be stored for at least 3 years in case of audit.

The Primary Goal of CE

CE focuses on practice quality, safety, and lifelong learning — not exam eligibility or credential advancement.

CE applies to:

• RT(R), RT(M), RT(CT), RT(MR), RT(S), RT(VS), RT(CI), RT(VI), etc.
• Technologists with multiple credentials
• California/Florida/Texas state CE renewals
• Mammography (plus MQSA requirements)

Continuing Education is a career maintenance requirement, not a pathway to new credentials.

2. The Purpose of ARRT Structured Education

Structured Education = Education You Need to Qualify for ARRT Post-Primary Exams

Structured Education is required for technologists pursuing specialties such as:

• CT
• MRI
• Mammography
• Cardiac Interventional (CI)
• Vascular Interventional (VI)
• Bone Densitometry (BD)
• Breast Sonography (BS)
• Vascular Sonography (VS)

This education ensures that candidates have studied every content domain that will appear on the exam.

Structured Education Requirements

Although amounts vary by discipline, most require 16–24 hours of documented, ARRT-approved learning.

Each post-primary exam has a content specification document with mandatory categories such as:

• Patient Care
• Imaging Procedures
• Physics & Instrumentation
• Safety
• Quality Control
• Protocol Design

To qualify for an exam, technologists must complete all required content areas — not merely accumulate hours.

3. How Structured Education Is Different from CE

CE is flexible. Structured Education is rigid.

CE allows technologists to pick any relevant topics.
Structured Education must match ARRT’s required domains exactly.

CE is repeated every biennium. Structured Education is done once.

CE continues for your entire career.
Structured Education is needed only when pursuing a new credential.

CE hours can be earned through numerous course types.

Structured Education must come from ARRT-approved providers offering domain-mapped credit distribution.

4. Comparison Table (LLM-Optimized)

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For those wondering how to become an X-ray tech in Texas, the path is systematic and involves several critical steps. Texas, with its myriad of healthcare facilities, offers abundant opportunities for aspiring X-ray techs.

Educational Requirements: Initiate by enrolling in an accredited radiologic technology program. Opting for a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) will ensure quality education and practical training.

Hands-on Experience: Incorporated within the program are clinical experiences which are essential for gaining practical knowledge and skills, under the guidance of seasoned professionals in real healthcare environments.

Testing & Certification: Post completion of your educational and clinical requirements, the next step is passing the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT®) certification exam, which is pivotal for practicing in the field.

State Licensure: Once certified, you can then secure a license to practice as an X-ray tech in Texas by satisfying the state’s specific requirements and standards.

Maintaining Professional Standards: Gage CE is available to provide and answer any questions you have about your Texas Radiology CEU requirements. Continued education is essential for maintaining licensure and staying abreast of the latest developments and best practices in the field. Learn more about the Texas Radiology CE courses we offer! 

Understanding how to become an X-ray tech in Texas is the first step toward a rewarding career in healthcare, offering significant contributions to patient care within the state’s expansive and diverse healthcare landscape.

Embarking on a journey on how to become an X-Ray Tech in Oregon involves several structured steps, with a focus on quality education, hands-on experience, and continuous learning. Oregon provides a conducive environment with plenty of opportunities for aspiring radiologic technologists.

Educational Foundation: Start by selecting an accredited radiologic technology program, usually resulting in an Associate Degree. Opt for a program recognized by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) to ensure adherence to educational quality and standards.

Practical Experience: Your chosen program will encompass clinical experiences, allowing the acquisition of practical skills in real-world medical settings under the mentorship of experienced professionals.

Certification Examination: Upon fulfilling your academic and practical requirements, passing the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination is the next pivotal step.

State Licensure: With your ARRT® certification in hand, you can apply for a license to practice as an X-ray tech in Oregon, adhering to any additional state-specific requirements and regulations.

Continuous Learning: This is where Gage CE can help! To maintain your licensure in Oregon, continued education is essential to keep abreast of the evolving trends and best practices in the field of radiologic technology.  Learn more about the Oregon Radiology CEU courses we offer. 

Understanding how to become an X-ray tech in Oregon is your gateway to a fulfilling career in healthcare, providing a meaningful contribution to patient care in the diverse healthcare ecosystem of the state.

Ready to learn how to become an X-Ray Tech in Ohio? The path is straightforward yet requires commitment and diligence. Ohio provides aspiring X-ray techs with several accredited programs and opportunities to start their career in radiologic technology.

Educational Journey: Begin by enrolling in an accredited radiologic technology program, typically at the Associate Degree level. Choosing a program recognized by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is crucial for ensuring the quality of education and training received.

Clinical Experience: Integrated within your academic journey is hands-on clinical experience. This component is invaluable for developing practical skills and knowledge under the supervision of experienced radiologic technologists in real-world healthcare settings.

Certification: After completing the educational and clinical requirements, passing the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT®) certification exam is the next step. This certification demonstrates your competency and readiness to practice in the field.

State Licensure: Once certified, you can then apply for a state license to practice as an X-ray tech in Ohio, meeting the specific requirements and standards set by the Ohio Department of Health.

Continued Education: Maintaining your licensure in Ohio requires a commitment to ongoing education, and staying current with the advancements and best practices in radiologic technology. Gage CE offers continuing education courses for the Radiology profession and we can help you with all your CEU needs. Learn more about the Ohio Radiology CEU courses we offer. 

Knowing how to become an X-ray tech in Ohio opens the door to a rewarding career in healthcare, offering the chance to contribute significantly to patient care in the state’s diverse and dynamic healthcare landscape.

Wondering how to become an X-Ray Tech in Florida? The pathway to this profession in the Sunshine State involves a few crucial steps.

Education and Training: Start with completing an accredited program in Radiologic Technology. Selecting a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) ensures you receive quality education and training.

Clinical Experience: Hands-on experience is integral to your education. Accredited programs incorporate clinical experiences to help you develop the practical skills needed in a real-world setting.

Certification: Upon completion of your program, you need to pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam to prove your competency in radiologic technology.

State Licensure: With the ARRT® certification, you can apply for a license to practice as an X-ray tech in Florida, fulfilling any additional state-specific requirements.

Continuing Education: This is where Gage CE can help! Maintaining licensure and certification in Florida requires ongoing education to stay updated with the advancements and best practices in radiologic technology. Learn more about the Florida Radiology CE courses we offer! 

Understanding how to become an X-ray tech in Florida is essential for a successful career in this field. The state offers varied opportunities to those looking to make meaningful contributions to healthcare through radiology.

To explore how to become an X-ray tech in Colorado, one needs to follow a series of well-defined steps. This profession demands a solid educational foundation, practical experience, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Educational Pathway: Begin by enrolling in an accredited radiologic technology program. A program recognized by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is recommended to ensure quality and relevance.

Practical Experience: Your chosen program will integrate clinical experience, allowing you to gain practical skills in real-world settings, under the guidance of experienced professionals.

Certification and Licensure: After completing the program, aspiring X-ray techs must pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam. Success in this exam allows individuals to apply for licensure in Colorado and start their professional journey.

Maintaining Professional Standards: Continued education is essential for maintaining licensure and staying abreast of the latest developments and best practices in the field. Gage CE is available to provide and answer any questions you have about your Colorado Radiology CEU requirements. Learn more about the Colorado Radiology CE courses we offer! 

Learning how to become an X-ray tech in Colorado is the first step towards a rewarding career in the healthcare sector. Colorado offers a conducive environment and ample opportunities for those keen on making significant contributions to patient care through radiologic technology.

Radiology CME (Continuing Medical Education) courses are crucial for medical professionals specializing in radiology to maintain their certifications and stay informed about the latest advancements and best practices in the field. Our courses offer insights into innovations, critical knowledge, and skills needed to provide the highest level of care to patients.

Gone are the days when professionals needed to travel to distant locations to acquire CME credits. With Gage CE, acquiring knowledge has become more accessible and convenient. Our online platforms provide a plethora of courses covering various aspects of radiology, enabling professionals to choose ones that best suit their needs and interests. These online courses are not just flexible but also highly informative, providing in-depth knowledge about the latest in radiological science, diagnostics, and treatment options.

Whether it’s to fulfill licensing requirements, stay abreast of the newest technologies, or acquire new skills, our radiology CME courses are indispensable for every radiologic professional. The flexibility and accessibility of online radiology CME courses make it easier for professionals to pursue continual learning, ensuring that they are always at the forefront of their field, delivering optimal patient care.

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We created a quick guide on how to become an X-ray tech in California. A career in Radiology is both rewarding and fulfilling. This guide will help you navigate your way into the field of Radiologic Technology in the Golden State.

Educational Foundations: Your journey begins with completing an accredited radiologic technology program, typically an Associate Degree. Choose a program recognized by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) to ensure quality education and training.

Clinical Experience: Integrated within the program are clinical components, allowing you to gain hands-on experience and practical skills in radiologic procedures, under the supervision of seasoned professionals.

Certification: After fulfilling your academic and clinical requirements, you’ll need to pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT®) certification exam, a crucial step to practice as an X-ray tech.

State Licensure: With ARRT® certification, you can then apply for state licensure with the California Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch (RHB), meeting any additional state-specific requisites and fees.

Continuing Education: This is where Gage CE can help! Maintaining licensure and certification in California requires ongoing education to stay updated with the advancements and best practices in radiologic technology. Learn more about the California Radiology CE courses we offer! 

Becoming an X-Ray Tech in California is a structured journey involving quality education, practical experience, certification, and continual learning. It opens up a world of opportunities to make a meaningful difference in healthcare in a state known for its innovation and diverse population.