Top 11 Radiologist Certifications

Certifications for radiologists are an important part of the job market for many reasons. First, certifications demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge to potential employers that can help a radiologist stand out from other applicants. Additionally, certifications show that a radiologist has met the standards required by their profession and is up-to-date on the latest technology and techniques. Lastly, certifications can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions or promotions within a particular organization. Ultimately, having certifications can give a radiologist an edge in the competitive job market.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Radiologists, and explains how they can contribute to a radiologist's career development.

What are Radiologist Certifications?

Radiologist certification is a process in which radiologists demonstrate their knowledge and expertise by passing an exam administered by the American Board of Radiology (ABR). This certification is voluntary, but it helps to ensure that radiologists have the necessary skills and qualifications to provide quality care. The ABR requires that radiologists pass both written and oral exams, as well as a clinical practice examination.

The primary benefit of radiologist certification is that it allows patients to feel confident that they are receiving care from a qualified professional. Certification also helps to ensure that radiologists are up-to-date on the latest advances in technology and techniques. Additionally, certified radiologists often receive higher salaries than those who are not certified, making this type of certification valuable for those looking to advance their career prospects. Finally, certification can open up opportunities for research or teaching positions at medical schools or hospitals.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for radiologist certification in your state or region. Different states may have different requirements for radiologist certification, such as educational background, experience, and passing a licensing exam. It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest rules and regulations in order to ensure that you are able to get the proper certification for your career.

Related: What does a Radiologist do?

Top 11 Radiologist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Radiologists today.

1. American Board of Radiology (ABR)

The American Board of Radiology (ABR) is a professional organization that certifies radiologists in the United States. The ABR provides certification for medical doctors who have completed an accredited residency program in radiology and have passed the ABR's comprehensive examination. This certification is required for all practicing radiologists in the US and is considered to be a mark of excellence.

It typically takes four years to complete the requirements for certification, including completing an accredited residency program, passing the ABR's comprehensive examination, and completing additional continuing education courses as needed. To become certified by the ABR, applicants must first submit an application which includes transcripts from their medical school and residency program, letters of recommendation, and a fee. Once accepted into the program, applicants must pass both written and oral examinations before being granted certification.

The cost of obtaining certification varies depending on individual circumstances but generally ranges from $2,500-$3,500 USD for application fees plus additional costs for exam fees, travel expenses, etc.

2. American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is a professional organization that certifies and registers radiologic technologists in the United States. The ARRT provides certification for individuals who have completed an accredited educational program in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or sonography. The ARRT also offers certification in other areas such as computed tomography (CT) and nuclear medicine technology.

To become certified by the ARRT, applicants must complete an accredited educational program in one of the above-mentioned disciplines, pass a comprehensive examination administered by the ARRT, and meet any additional requirements set forth by their state licensing board. It typically takes about two years to complete an accredited educational program and obtain certification from the ARRT.

In order to apply for certification through the ARRT, applicants must submit an application form along with a fee of $100. Additional fees may be required depending on the type of certification sought. After submitting an application, applicants will receive instructions on how to register for the exam and what materials they need to study for it.

Once all requirements are met, applicants will be issued a certificate from the ARRT that is valid for two years. In order to maintain their certification status, they must complete continuing education credits every two years and renew their registration with the ARRT every ten years.

3. Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB)

The Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) is an independent, non-profit organization that provides certification for nuclear medicine technologists and other healthcare professionals who work in the field of nuclear medicine. The NMTCB was established in 1975 to ensure that nuclear medicine technologists have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and effective patient care.

To become certified by the NMTCB, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including completing a qualified educational program in nuclear medicine technology or a related field, passing a written examination, and having at least one year of clinical experience. Applicants must also submit documentation of their qualifications and pass a criminal background check.

The application process typically takes about six weeks from start to finish. Once all requirements are met, applicants can take the written certification exam which is offered twice per year. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as radiation safety, imaging procedures, patient care and pharmacology.

The cost of the NMTCB certification exam is $350 for members of the Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) or $450 for non-members. Additionally, there is an annual fee of $50 for recertification every five years.

4. American College of Radiology (ACR)

The American College of Radiology (ACR) is a professional medical society dedicated to serving patients and society by promoting excellence in radiology and radiation oncology through education, research, advocacy, service, and quality assurance. The ACR provides standards for quality patient care, promotes the safe and effective use of medical imaging and radiation therapy, advances knowledge through research and education, advocates for the highest standards of ethical practice in all aspects of radiology, and provides leadership in the field of radiological science.

It typically takes two years to become an ACR-certified radiologist. To become certified, you must first complete a four-year residency program in diagnostic radiology or radiation oncology at an accredited institution. After completing your residency program, you must pass both written and oral exams administered by the American Board of Radiology (ABR). Once you have passed these exams, you can apply for certification from the ACR.

The cost to become certified by the ACR varies depending on your specialty. For example, it costs $1,800 to become certified as a Diagnostic Radiologist or Radiation Oncologist. The cost also includes an annual membership fee that ranges from $180-$360 per year depending on your specialty.

5. American Osteopathic Board of Radiology (AOBR)

The American Osteopathic Board of Radiology (AOBR) is a certifying board that provides certification in the specialty of radiology for osteopathic physicians. It was established in 1973 to ensure that osteopathic radiologists have the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide quality care to their patients. AOBR certification is required for licensure in many states and is recognized by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

To become certified by AOBR, an applicant must first complete a residency program accredited by the AOA Council on Osteopathic Education. After completion of the residency program, applicants must pass both written and oral examinations administered by AOBR. The written examination consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy, pathology, physics, and clinical problem solving. The oral examination tests an applicant’s ability to interpret imaging studies and make diagnoses based on those studies.

In order to maintain certification, AOBR requires its members to participate in continuing medical education activities every two years. Members must also demonstrate professional competence through periodic evaluations of practice performance.

The cost of obtaining AOBR certification varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). For non-members, there is an initial application fee as well as fees for taking the written and oral examinations. The total cost can range from $1,000-$2,000 depending on the number of exams taken. The entire process typically takes between six months and one year to complete.

6. Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)

Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) is an independent, non-profit organization that offers certification and recertification for cardiovascular professionals. CCI provides a comprehensive credentialing program for medical professionals specializing in cardiovascular care, including cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, vascular surgeons and other related specialties.

The credentialing process typically takes 6-8 weeks to complete. To get certified or recertified by CCI, applicants must submit a completed application form along with supporting documentation such as transcripts and letters of reference. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by CCI. The cost of the examination varies depending on the specialty chosen but generally ranges from $400-$600 USD.

7. National Board of Echocardiography (NBE)

The National Board of Echocardiography (NBE) is a non-profit organization that provides certification in echocardiography. The NBE offers credentials for both adult and pediatric echocardiography, as well as vascular ultrasound. The NBE also provides continuing education and other resources to assist professionals in the field.

To become certified by the NBE, applicants must first complete an accredited training program in echocardiography or vascular ultrasound, pass an exam administered by the NBE, and meet certain professional qualifications. The process typically takes between 6-12 months to complete.

Applicants must submit their application materials online through the NBE website. There is a $500 fee associated with applying for certification, which includes the cost of the exam and any additional fees. Once approved, applicants will receive their official certification from the NBE via mail within 4-6 weeks.

8. American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) is a professional membership association for radiologic technologists and radiation therapists. The ASRT was founded in 1920 and is the largest radiologic science organization in the world. It provides educational, professional, and advocacy resources to its members.

To become an ASRT member, you must be a certified radiologic technologist or radiation therapist. You can become certified by passing an exam administered by either the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB). Once you have passed your certification exam, you will need to join ASRT as a professional member to gain access to all of their benefits.

It typically takes around two years to complete the requirements for certification exams and become an ASRT member. During this time, you will need to complete an accredited program in radiology technology or radiation therapy and pass the required certification exams.

The cost of joining ASRT depends on your profession and whether you are already certified or not. Professional members who are already certified pay a one-time fee of $150 plus annual dues of $50 per year. For those who are not yet certified, there is an additional fee for taking the certification exams which varies depending on the type of exam taken.

Overall, becoming an ASRT member provides numerous benefits such as access to continuing education courses, discounts on products and services related to radiologic technology, networking opportunities with other professionals in the field, job postings, and much more.

9. American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)

The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) is a non-profit organization that provides certification and registration services for sonographers. The ARDMS requires applicants to have completed an accredited sonography program and have met certain educational requirements before they can apply for certification.

It typically takes about 6-8 weeks to receive your ARDMS certification after you submit your application. To get certified, you must first apply online and pay the $200 application fee. Once your application has been accepted, you will need to take an exam which consists of both written and practical components. Upon passing the exam, you will be issued a certificate of completion from the ARDMS.

In addition to the application fee, there are also fees associated with taking the exam which range from $400-$600 depending on what type of exam you are taking. The cost of recertification every two years is also around $200.

Overall, getting certified through the ARDMS is a relatively straightforward process that can help ensure that sonographers are properly qualified to perform their duties in a safe and effective manner.

10. Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC)

The Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides accreditation programs for healthcare organizations. The IAC accredits facilities in the United States and Canada in the areas of echocardiography, vascular testing, nuclear/PET, MRI, CT, and vein treatment. The IAC’s mission is to promote high quality patient care and safety by providing healthcare facilities with an independent review of their services.

The process of obtaining IAC accreditation typically takes between 6-12 months. During this time, the facility must submit an application which includes a detailed description of its services and policies as well as evidence of its compliance with national standards. Once the application has been reviewed and accepted by the IAC Board of Directors, a site visit will be scheduled to assess the facility’s operations and quality assurance processes.

To get started on the path to IAC accreditation, healthcare facilities must first complete an online application form which can be found on the IAC website. This form requires information such as contact details, facility type, number of staff members, etc. After submitting this form, an IAC representative will contact you to discuss your facility’s needs and provide further instructions on how to proceed with the accreditation process.

The cost for obtaining IAC accreditation varies depending on the size and scope of your organization’s services. Generally speaking however, most facilities can expect to pay anywhere from $2,500 - $10,000 for their initial application fee plus additional fees for each service area they wish to become accredited in.

11. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies more than 21,000 healthcare organizations and programs in the United States. It is recognized as the gold standard for healthcare quality improvement and patient safety. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits hospitals, ambulatory care centers, nursing homes, home health agencies, behavioral health treatment facilities, laboratory services, and other types of healthcare organizations.

The process of obtaining JCAHO accreditation can take anywhere from six months to a year or more depending on the size and complexity of the organization. During this time, an organization must demonstrate that it meets or exceeds all applicable standards set by the Joint Commission. This includes completing a comprehensive self-assessment to identify areas of strength and weakness; developing plans for improvement; implementing those plans; gathering data to measure performance; submitting reports to the Joint Commission; participating in onsite surveys; and responding to any follow-up requests from surveyors.

The cost of obtaining JCAHO accreditation varies depending on the type of organization being accredited and its size. Generally speaking, smaller organizations may pay around $20,000 while larger ones may pay upwards of $100,000 or more. In addition to these fees, there are also costs associated with preparing for the accreditation process such as staff training and purchasing necessary supplies or equipment.

Overall, obtaining JCAHO accreditation can be a lengthy process but it is well worth it in terms of ensuring quality care for patients and providing assurance to regulators that an organization is meeting all applicable standards.

Do You Really Need a Radiologist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual circumstances. If you are a doctor or nurse who works in a medical imaging department, then it is likely that you will need to obtain a radiology certificate in order to perform certain tasks. For example, an ultrasound technician must have a radiology certificate in order to be able to operate the ultrasound machine. In addition, some hospitals and clinics require radiologists to have a certification in order to work there.

In addition, if you are considering pursuing a career as a radiologist, then it would be beneficial for you to obtain a radiology certificate. This certificate is important because it shows potential employers that you have the necessary skills and qualifications needed for this kind of job. Furthermore, some specialties within radiology may also require additional certifications or specific training courses in order for you to qualify for certain positions.

Overall, whether or not you need a radiology certificate depends on your particular situation and what type of job you are looking for. If you are already working in the medical imaging field then it is likely that you will need one at some point in your career. However, if your goal is simply to pursue a career as a radiologist then obtaining certification may help open up more opportunities for advancement and success.

Related: Radiologist Resume Examples

FAQs About Radiologist Certifications

1. What certifications are available for radiologists?

Answer: The American Board of Radiology offers certification in diagnostic radiology, radiation oncology, and interventional radiology.

2. How long does it take to become certified as a radiologist?

Answer: It typically takes four to six years of post-graduate training to become certified in one of the three specialties offered by the American Board of Radiology.

3. What type of exam do I need to take to become certified?

Answer: To become certified, you must pass a written examination administered by the American Board of Radiology.

4. Are there any continuing education requirements for radiologists?

Answer: Yes, all radiologists must complete a certain amount of continuing education each year in order to maintain their certification.

5. What is the cost associated with certification?

Answer: The cost varies depending on the specialty and can range from $500-$2,000 USD per exam.