Accreditation Agencies
What are the two types of programs offered for radiography?
Certificate and degree granting
What do credentialing organizations do?
Award credentials to individuals who pass the examinations they administer
What do professional organizations do?
Provide things like newsletters, conferences, practice standards, codes of ethics, and continuing education (CE) credits
Who offers certificate programs?
Hospitals (like JHH)
Military hospitals
What are some synonyms for "credentialing?"
Certification
Registration
Professional organizations work with who to do what?
Work closely with the profession's accreditation agencies (JRCERT) and certification bodies (ARRT) to develop curricula, establish entry-level standards, and promote radiologic technology as a career
Can focus on field or specific group
Who offers degree granting-programs?
University or community colleges
For-profit colleges
Baccalaureate
Once you pass the test, what are you considered, and what can you do?
Considered "registered"
Can use your credentials = R.T.(R)(ARRT)
What are some examples of professional organizations?
ASRT - American Society of Radiologic Technologists
AHRA - American Healthcare Radiology Administrators
AEIRS - Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiologic Sciences
MSRT - Maryland Society of Radiologic Technologists (local prof. society)
What is an accreditation agency?
An organization that ensures that the educational programs they attend meet standardized criteria
What are the credentialing organizations?
(4 groups, give acronyms and names)
ARRT - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
ARDMS - American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
NMTCB - Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board
MDCB - Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board
What does the ASRT do?
Provides curriculum guidelines that JRCERT expects us to follow
Has 150,000 members
What does an accreditation agency do?
Review a program's:
admissions policy
curriculum
academic practices
faculty qualifications
and etc. before deciding whether or not to grant approval
What level of exam does ARRT give? (What kind will we be taking?)
Entry level/primary exams
What does CE stand for?
Continuing education
What kinds of complaints do accreditation agencies deal with, and what do they do about them?
Investigate complaints related to program compliance
What fields of medical imaging does ARRT offer tests for?
Radiography
Nuclear medicine - can be certified by 2 bodies
Radiation therapy
Sonography - can be certified by 2 bodies; primary or post primary
Advanced imaging
How many CEs does ARRT require us to do?
(How many hours in how many years?)
24 hours every 2 years
What do accreditation agencies look at when evaluating education standards?
Program effectiveness
Curriculum
Radiation safety
What fields fall under advanced imaging?
MRI - primary or post primary
CT
Mammography
Bone densitometry
Vascular sonography
Cardiac interventional
Vascular interventional
Why do I need CEs?
Required to remain certified and licensed
Must be ASRT approved
What does OAP stand for?
Outcomes Assessment Plan
What education requirements do I need to take the ARRT radiography test?
Associate degree or higher
Graduated from an accredited program
What sets technologists apart from technicians?
Technologists have a standardized curriculum, qualifying test, CEs, and professional societies
Why are accreditation agencies important for certification or licensure?
What program do we go through in Maryland for licensure?
Voluntary, but often required for certification/licensure
JRCERT
How many people has ARRT certified so far?
~ 300,000 people
What government department do accreditation agencies fall under?
CQR is part of ARRT requirements. What is it?
Continuing Qualifications Requirements
Helps identify gaps in knowledge and skills that might cause you to fall behind in today's entry-level qualifications
= Develops a plan for refreshing your understanding/abilities
What are the two main benefits of meeting accreditation agency standards?
Students - standardization to education
Patients - minimum standard of entry level
How often is CQR performed?
When did it start?
Every 10 years
Started in 2011
What are the types of accreditation agencies?
Programmatic
Institutional
What other levels of tests can I take after my primary?
Post primary and secondary primary
What are the programmatic accreditation agencies?
JRCERT - Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
JRCENMT - Joint Review Committee on Education in Nuclear Medicine Technology
JRCEDMS - Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Requirements vary between states
Required by Maryland but not Pennsylvania
Maryland Board of Physicians also have a CE requirement but defer to ARRT
What is the max number of years a radiology program can be accredited for?
8 years
Ours was last done in 2021 = 2029 is the next time
How much does a Maryland license cost?
How often does it have to be renewed?
$180
Every 2 years
What are the local institutional accreditation agencies?
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Northwest Association of Schools and College
What are the differences between accreditation agencies, credentialing organizations, and licensure?
Accreditation agencies make sure you learn how to do the things
Credentialing organizations make sure you can do the things
Licensure gives you permission to professionally practice the things/get hired