The Best Ways to Get Radiology Credits Without Paying
Why Free CE Credits for Radiology Can Save You Time and Money
Free ce credits for radiology are available from several legitimate, accredited sources — and you don’t have to dig far to find them.
Here are the top ways to get them right now:
- ARRT®-accepted ethics module — 1 free Category A credit via ASRT®
- JRCERT eLearning course — 1.0 free Category A credit during National Radiologic Technology Week (November 2–9, 2025)
- “Patient Safety in Medical Imaging” — 1 free Category A credit, AHRA® approved, accepted in California, Florida, Texas, and all other states
- Professional imaging societies’ rotating free courses — 1 free Category A credit per course, ASRT®/AHRA® approved, no credit card required
- Applied Radiology Journal-CME courses — up to 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ per course, free with subscription
- vRad Education CME modules — 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ per case-based module, free online access
These are real, no-catch options. Some require registration. Some have expiration dates. But all of them can count toward your AMERICAN REGISTRY OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS® biennial renewal.
Keeping up with CE requirements on a busy schedule — and a tight budget — is a real challenge for most radiologic technologists. You need 24 Category A credits every two years to maintain your ARRT® certification, and those credits can add up in cost fast. The good news? A growing number of free, accredited options exist across ethics, patient safety, advanced imaging, and more — and knowing where to look makes all the difference.
I’m Zita Ewert, and I’ve spent years helping radiologic technologists find practical, affordable paths to earning free CE credits for radiology through SCRUBS Continuing Education®. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best verified sources so you can meet your requirements without the stress — or the expense.
Free ce credits for radiology further reading:
- Texas CE credits
- free dental radiology ce credits
- AMERICAN REGISTRY OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS®
Top Sources for free ce credits for radiology
When you are hunting for free ce credits for radiology, the first thing you need to verify is the approval body. For most of us, that means looking for Category A or A+ credits approved by the AMERICAN REGISTRY OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS® (ARRT®). We always recommend checking for ASRT® (American Society of Radiologic Technologists) or AHRA® (Association for Medical Imaging Management) approval stamps, as these are the gold standard for ensuring your hard work actually counts toward your biennial renewal.
One of the most reliable ways to snag a quick credit is through the ARRT® themselves. Currently, through April 2025, they are offering a free 1-credit Category A ethics training module. This isn’t just a “check the box” exercise; it covers the ARRT® Standards of Ethics, common violations, and the review process. It is a great way to stay compliant while refreshing your knowledge on professional conduct. You can also review the broader role of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists if you want more background on one of the major organizations involved in Radiology continuing education.
Another fantastic resource is the rotating selection from various online providers. Some platforms offer a “try before you buy” model where you can earn 1 Category A credit for free with no obligation and no credit card required. These courses often cover modern topics like AI in medical imaging or specific advances in MRI and CT. If you find these courses helpful, you can often unlock your potential with flexible online courses that offer more depth.
While free options are wonderful for topping off your requirements, understanding state approved CE and everything you need to know for your license renewal is crucial. Some states have specific rules about how many “independent study” or “online” credits you can use, though most modern digital courses are widely accepted.
free ce credits for radiology via Journal-Based Learning
Journal-based learning is the “hidden gem” of the Radiology world. Many peer-reviewed professional publications offer free ce credits for radiology as a perk for subscribers (and sometimes even for non-subscribers). These are typically AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, which the ARRT® accepts as Category A equivalent.
For example, Applied Radiology offers a selection of Journal-CME accredited courses. These are high-level, case-based modules that allow you to read a clinical supplement and then take a quiz. You can earn up to 1 credit per course on topics ranging from acute mesenteric ischemia to pediatric upper extremity injuries.
We love these because they are:
- Convenient: You can read them on your lunch break.
- Current: They cover the latest clinical research and diagnostic pitfalls.
- Efficient: Most take about an hour to complete.
Manufacturer-led webinars are another great avenue. Companies that build the machines we use (like GE, Siemens, or Philips) often host free webinars to showcase new technology. Many of these are ASRT®-approved for Category A credit. Just be sure to register in advance, as these live sessions often have limited “seats” in the virtual room.
Specialized free ce credits for radiology in Patient Safety
Patient safety is more than just a buzzword; it’s a core component of our professional responsibility. It’s also an area where you can frequently find free ce credits for radiology. There are 5 benefits of continuing radiology education, but improving patient outcomes through updated safety protocols is undoubtedly the most important one.
A standout option is the “Patient Safety in Medical Imaging” course offered by some accredited providers. This is a completely free, 1-credit Category A course that is AHRA® approved. It focuses on enhancing diagnostic accuracy and supporting treatment decisions while prioritizing safety.
If you are looking for something time-sensitive, keep an eye on National Radiologic Technology Week (NRTW). For example, JRCERT has been known to release free eLearning courses specifically for this week. In November 2025, they are offering a 1.0 Category A credit course focusing on the evolving NCRP (National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements) guidelines regarding patient shielding. This is a hot topic right now as the industry moves away from traditional shielding in certain scenarios, and staying updated for free is a win-win.
Understanding ARRT® and State Requirements for Free Credits
Before you go on a “free credit spree,” we need to talk about the fine print. The AMERICAN REGISTRY OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS® has very specific rules about what counts. To maintain your certification, you need 24 Category A or A+ credits every two years (your biennium).
While free ce credits for radiology are great, you must ensure they meet the following criteria:
- Approval: Must be approved by a Recognized Continuing Education Evaluation Mechanism (RCEEM) like the ASRT®.
- Repetition: You cannot earn credit for the same course twice in the same biennium.
- Scope: The content must be relevant to the radiologic sciences.
State requirements can vary significantly. For instance, if you’re practicing in the West, you should know the 9 reasons why you need your Arizona radiology continuing education to stay compliant with state-specific mandates. In California, you need to ensure your credits are accepted for your CRT or XT permit. Florida technologists must look for “Technical” category credits, while Texas often accepts “Indirectly Related” credits for a portion of their requirements.
To help you decide if hunting for individual free courses is worth your time, we’ve put together a comparison table:
| Feature | Free Individual Courses | Unlimited Paid CE Plans |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0 | $45 – $50 per year |
| Time Investment | High (Searching and registering on multiple sites) | Low (All credits in one dashboard) |
| Credit Variety | Limited (Mostly 0.25 to 1.0 credits) | High (1.0 to 20+ credit courses) |
| CQR/Structured Ed | Rare | Often Included |
| Certificate Storage | Scattered across multiple accounts | Centralized in one place |
| Best For | Topping off a few missing credits | Completing all 24 credits quickly |
While free credits are perfect for those last few hours, many technologists find that affordable CE credits are a better long-term value because they save hours of searching and administrative headache.
How to Access and Complete Free Radiology CE Courses
Ready to start earning? The process for claiming free ce credits for radiology is usually straightforward, but it requires a bit of organization. We’ve broken down the typical steps to ensure you don’t miss out on your certificate.
- Registration: Most sites require you to create a free account. This is how they track your progress and generate your certificate. Be prepared to provide your ARRT® ID number.
- Course Selection: Look for the “Free” or “Trial” section. For example, vRad Education has a CME portal with dozens of modules. Each is short (0.25 credits), making them perfect for “micro-learning” during a break.
- The Learning Phase: This might involve watching a video, reading a PDF supplement, or participating in an interactive “Jeopardy” style review (like the vRad Board Review course held every August).
- The Quiz: To earn Category A credit, you must pass a post-test. Most providers require a score of 75% or higher.
- Instant Certificates: Once you pass, you should be able to download or print your certificate immediately. Pro tip: Save a digital copy to a dedicated folder on your computer or cloud drive immediately!
If you are also licensed in dental imaging, you might be interested in how to earn dental radiology credits for free, as many of these principles apply across the board.
Frequently Asked Questions about Radiology CE
Can I use free credits for my ARRT® CQR requirements?
Yes, but with a caveat. For Continuing Qualifications Requirements (CQR), the credits must be “Socially Targeted” to the areas identified in your Professional Profile. While some free ce credits for radiology (like those from professional organizations) do list CQR distribution, many general free courses may not align with your specific CQR needs. Always check the course description for “CQR” or “Structured Education” (SE) labels before starting.
Are there limits to how many free credits I can earn per biennium?
The AMERICAN REGISTRY OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS® does not place a limit on the number of free credits you can use, as long as they are Category A or A+ and approved by an RCEEM. However, there are limits on certain types of activities. For example, you can only earn a certain amount of credit for things like being an author or a clinical instructor. For standard online courses, whether they are free or paid, you can use them for all 24 required credits.
Do free courses provide Category A or A+ credits?
Most free courses for technologists provide Category A credits. Category A+ credits are typically reserved for those pursuing a Registered Radiologist Assistant (RRA) designation. The vast majority of the free options we’ve discussed — including the ASRT® ethics module and the patient safety courses — are Category A, which is exactly what most R.T.s need for renewal.
Conclusion
Finding free ce credits for radiology is a smart way to manage your professional development without breaking the bank. Whether you are grabbing a quick credit from the ARRT® ethics module, diving into case-based learning through Applied Radiology, or participating in National Radiologic Technology Week events, these resources are there to support your journey as a healthcare professional.
At Scrubs CE, we believe that staying educated shouldn’t be a financial burden. While free credits are a great tool for your arsenal, we also provide radiology CE courses that are designed to be fast, easy, and incredibly affordable. If you find yourself needing a larger block of credits and want the convenience of a single dashboard and instant certificates, we are here to help.
Ready to take the stress out of your next renewal? Explore our all courses page to find high-quality, ASRT®-approved content that fits your schedule and your budget. Happy learning!
CTA: Check out our Complete Guide to Radiology CE Courses here!