X Ray CE Credits: 7 Best Courses for Radiographers

Your Guide to X-Ray Continuing Education

X ray ce credits are continuing education units required for radiologic technologists to maintain their ARRT certification and state licensure. If you’re a radiographer, you need to understand these requirements to stay compliant and keep practicing.

Quick Answer: X-Ray CE Credit Requirements

ARRT Requirement: 24 Category A credits every two years (biennium)
Biennium Cycle: Based on your birth month and the year you passed your ARRT exam
Deadline: Last day of the month before your birth month
Approval: Courses must be approved by ASRT or another RCEEM (Recognized Continuing Education Evaluation Mechanism)
State Requirements: May vary; some states like California require specific credits in digital radiography and fluoroscopy

As one radiologic technologist shared: “For the price, the CE credits and tracking alone are worth the membership. Not to mention the great courses!”

Meeting your CE requirements doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With over 140 X-ray CE courses available online, you can complete your credits on your own schedule. Whether you’re working full-time, managing family responsibilities, or juggling multiple commitments, online CE courses offer the flexibility you need.

Why CE Credits Matter

Your CE credits aren’t just a bureaucratic checkbox. They help you:

Stay current with evolving imaging technology
Maintain patient safety standards
Advance your career opportunities
Keep your ARRT certification and state license active

The ARRT doesn’t keep records of your CE credits—you’re responsible for maintaining your own documentation. If you’re selected for an audit, you’ll need to provide original certificates of completion. That’s why choosing a reputable CE provider that offers instant certificates and record-keeping is essential.

Most states follow ARRT guidelines, but some have additional requirements. California mandates specific credits in digital radiography and fluoroscopy. Texas requires ethics and human trafficking courses. Florida requires courses from DOH-BRC approved providers.

Understanding these requirements helps you plan ahead and avoid the stress of last-minute credit hunting. In this guide, we’ll walk you through seven essential topic areas for your next X-ray CE credits, explain how to steer ARRT and state requirements, and help you choose the best online courses for your needs.

Understanding the Essentials of X-Ray CE Credits

Think of continuing education as your professional fuel tank. Just as you wouldn’t let your car run on empty, you shouldn’t let your knowledge and skills stagnate. For radiologic technologists, earning x ray ce credits keeps you current with the latest imaging technology, safety protocols, and best practices that directly impact patient care.

Here’s the reality: medical imaging technology evolves rapidly. The equipment you trained on five years ago might already be outdated. New radiation safety guidelines emerge. Digital systems get upgraded. Without ongoing education, you’d fall behind—and in healthcare, staying current isn’t optional. It’s essential for patient safety and quality care.

Beyond keeping your patients safe, x ray ce credits are non-negotiable for maintaining your ARRT certification and state licensure. Miss your CE requirements, and you could lose your ability to practice. But here’s the good news: when you approach CE strategically, it becomes more than just a checkbox exercise. The right courses can open doors to specializations, leadership positions, and career advancement opportunities you might not have considered.

The ARRT requires 24 credits every two years—a period called a biennium. These must be Category A credits, which we’ll explain shortly. Most state licensing boards follow similar requirements, though some add their own specific mandates.

Not all courses count toward your x ray ce credits. Generally, courses must relate directly to applying X-ray technology to the human body. That means CPR certifications, medical billing, stress management workshops, and general workplace training typically don’t qualify. Similarly, courses for other modalities like MRI, nuclear medicine, or ultrasound won’t count unless you hold certification in those areas or your state specifically requires them.

When in doubt about whether a course qualifies, check with your certifying body or state board before investing your time and money. For a comprehensive look at what makes continuing education valuable for radiologic technologists, read our Guide to Continuing Education for X-Ray Technologists.

What are the general requirements for earning X-ray CE credits?

The basic requirement is simple: 24 credits within your two-year biennium period. Your personal biennium starts on the first day of your birth month in the year after you earned your ARRT certification. It ends two years later, on the last day of the month before your birth month.

Let’s say you were born in June and certified in 2022. Your biennium would run from June 1, 2023, to May 31, 2025. You’d need all 24 credits completed by that May 31st deadline. Miss it, and you’re looking at consequences like probation, fines, or even license suspension.

Here’s something critical to remember: the ARRT doesn’t track your CE credits for you. That responsibility is entirely yours. Keep every certificate of completion in a safe place—digital copies work great, but make sure they’re backed up. If the ARRT selects you for an audit (and they do conduct random audits), you’ll need to produce original certificates proving you completed the required credits.

Your state licensure renewal date might not align with your ARRT biennium, so you may need to track two separate deadlines. It sounds complicated, but a simple spreadsheet or calendar reminder system keeps everything manageable.

For everything you need to know about meeting these requirements, check out What You Need to Know About X-Ray Continuing Education Requirements.

What is the difference between Category A and Category A+ credits?

You’ll encounter two types of credits: Category A and Category A+. For most radiologic technologists, this distinction is straightforward.

Category A credits are your standard credits, and they’re what nearly everyone needs. These courses are approved by a recognized continuing education evaluation mechanism (RCEEM)—organizations like the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) or the American Healthcare Radiology Administrators (AHRA). When a course is ASRT-approved (like all our courses at Scrubs CE), it meets ARRT requirements and is accepted by all 50 states and North American registries.

Category A+ credits are advanced-level credits designed for specific specialties. Unless you’re a Registered Radiologist Assistant (R.R.A.) or hold another advanced certification that explicitly requires A+ credits, you don’t need them. Think of Category A+ as the honors version—nice to have if required, but standard Category A credits fulfill most technologists’ needs perfectly.

If you earn Category A+ credits and don’t need them, they’ll still count toward your requirement. But don’t stress about seeking them out unless your specific certification demands it. Focus your energy on quality Category A courses that genuinely interest you and advance your career goals.

Curious about how many credits you need based on your specific situation? Read our guide on How Many X-Ray CE Credits Do I Need for Radiography?

7 Key Areas for Your Next X-ray CE Credits

When it’s time to earn your x ray ce credits, you’re not just checking a box—you’re choosing where to grow as a professional. The field of radiologic technology is constantly evolving, and the courses you select can sharpen your existing skills, introduce you to emerging technologies, or even open doors to entirely new career paths.

The beauty of continuing education is that you get to decide where to focus your energy. Maybe you want to stay current with the digital systems you use every day, or perhaps you’re curious about branching into a specialized modality like CT or MRI. Either way, there are seven key areas where you can earn valuable x ray ce credits while expanding your expertise and staying at the top of your game.

Here are the seven key areas to consider:

Digital Radiography and PACS
Fluoroscopy and Radiation Safety
Mammography (MQSA)
Computed Tomography (CT)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Specialized & Interventional Radiography
Patient Care and Professionalism

1. Digital Radiography and PACS

Remember the days of film processing? If you started your career recently, probably not—and that’s exactly the point. The shift from film to digital has completely transformed how we capture, process, and store images. Understanding digital imaging principles isn’t optional anymore; it’s the foundation of modern radiography.

Courses in this area cover everything from how pixels translate into diagnostic images to the nuances of spatial resolution and dose efficiency in digital systems. You’ll learn about image acquisition, processing techniques, and how to optimize image quality while keeping patient exposure as low as possible. And let’s not forget about PACS administration—the system that stores and manages all those digital images. Knowing how to troubleshoot PACS issues and maintain quality control can make you an invaluable team member.

If you’re working in a state like California, you’ll need specific credits in digital radiography to maintain your permit. These courses ensure you’re not just using the technology, but truly understanding it.

Check out our offerings like Digital Radiography in Practice Test Only Emailed and Radiography in the Digital Age Test Only Mailed to deepen your digital expertise.

2. Fluoroscopy and Radiation Safety

Fluoroscopy is fascinating—it gives us real-time, dynamic images that are crucial for so many procedures. But with that power comes responsibility. Because fluoroscopy involves continuous radiation exposure, understanding how to minimize patient dose and protect yourself and your colleagues is absolutely critical.

Courses in this area focus heavily on the ALARA principle—As Low As Reasonably Achievable. You’ll learn about dose metrics, collimation techniques, pulsed fluoroscopy, and proper use of protective shielding. It’s about making smart choices with equipment operation that keep everyone safe without compromising image quality.

Some states, particularly California, take fluoroscopy safety so seriously that they require specific CE credits in this area. California mandates 4 CE credits focused on radiation safety for the clinical uses of fluoroscopy for permit holders. These aren’t just regulations—they’re about creating a culture of safety in every imaging suite.

Deepen your knowledge with our Fluoroscopy Radiation Safety E-Course Test. And if you’re working in California, you’ll definitely want to read Why You Should Take Your Fluoroscopy Radiation Safety CEs for California to understand why these credits are so important.

3. Mammography (MQSA)

Mammography is one of the most specialized areas in radiologic technology, and for good reason. Early detection of breast cancer saves lives, and the quality of mammography services directly impacts patient outcomes. That’s why the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) exists—to ensure that every mammography facility meets rigorous standards.

If you’re certified in mammography, you already know that specialized CE is mandatory. Courses in this area cover everything from conventional mammography to digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), which creates three-dimensional images of the breast. You’ll also learn about breast ultrasound and how different imaging techniques complement each other in detecting abnormalities.

California technologists with mammography certificates need to earn 10 of their 24 general CE credits specifically in mammography. It’s a significant commitment, but it reflects how specialized and important this work is.

Stay current with the latest in breast imaging by reviewing Mammography Continuing Education Requirements and exploring our comprehensive Mammography CE Courses.

4. Computed Tomography (CT)

CT imaging has become indispensable in modern diagnostics. Those detailed cross-sectional images can reveal what conventional X-rays simply can’t, making CT an incredibly powerful tool for diagnosing everything from trauma to cancer.

Courses in CT cover the fundamental principles of CT imaging, including how the scanner acquires data and reconstructs it into images. You’ll study cross-sectional anatomy in depth—because understanding what you’re looking at is just as important as knowing how to capture it. Protocol optimization is another key topic, teaching you how to adjust scanning parameters for different clinical indications while managing radiation dose effectively.

With CT being such a high-demand modality, earning x ray ce credits in this area can significantly expand your career opportunities. Many facilities actively seek technologists with CT expertise, and these courses give you the knowledge to step confidently into that role.

Improve your CT skills with Computed Tomography for Technologists Test Only Emailed and explore our general CT/MRI CE options.

5. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI is fascinating because it creates incredibly detailed images without using any ionizing radiation at all. Instead, it relies on powerful magnetic fields and radio waves. But those strong magnets also create unique safety considerations that make MRI one of the most safety-conscious modalities in medical imaging.

MRI safety is always the top priority in CE courses for this modality. You’ll learn about magnetic field strength, projectile risks, implant compatibility, and patient screening protocols. Beyond safety, courses cover the complex physics and instrumentation behind MRI—how those magnetic fields interact with hydrogen atoms in the body to create images. Advanced applications like functional MRI (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) show just how far this technology has come.

If you’re curious about expanding into MRI, these courses provide both foundational knowledge and advanced techniques that can prepare you for this specialized field.

Find why continuous learning matters at Why MRI Programs for Continuing Education Are Important and ensure you’re up-to-date on safety protocols with Essentials of MRI Safety Test Only Mailed.

6. Specialized & Interventional Radiography

Some of the most exciting work in radiography happens in specialized and interventional settings. Whether it’s assisting with cardiac catheterization, supporting vascular procedures, or focusing on musculoskeletal imaging, these areas require a deeper understanding of specific anatomical regions and complex techniques.

Courses in this category prepare you to work effectively in cardiology, interventional radiology, or orthopedic settings. You’ll learn about the specialized equipment used in these procedures, how to position patients for optimal imaging, and how to assist physicians during complex interventions. It’s hands-on, work that requires both technical skill and the ability to think quickly.

If you’re considering a career in cardiac interventional radiography, start with How to Get Certified in Cardiac Interventional Radiography. For those interested in vascular procedures, our Vascular and Interventional Radiology The Requisites Ebook Test is an excellent resource.

7. Patient Care and Professionalism

Here’s something that doesn’t show up on an X-ray: the human connection. All the technical skill in the world doesn’t matter much if you can’t communicate effectively with patients, put them at ease, or work collaboratively with your team. That’s why patient care and professionalism are essential areas for continuing education.

Courses in this area address the soft skills that make you not just a good technologist, but a great one. You’ll explore effective communication techniques, learn about patient assessment beyond just positioning, and develop cultural competence to serve diverse patient populations. Ethics courses help you steer complex situations with integrity, reminding you that every decision you make impacts real people.

These courses reinforce something we all know but sometimes forget in the rush of a busy day: empathy, clear communication, and professional conduct are just as vital as technical proficiency. They’re what turn a good image into great patient care.

Strengthen your patient care skills with Radiologic Imaging Sciences & Patient Care(7th Ed) Ebook Test and explore the broader benefits of continuing education in 7 Ways Radiology CE Can Benefit You as a Radiologic Technologist.

Navigating ARRT, State, and CQR Requirements

Staying compliant with your x ray ce credits involves understanding a multi-layered system of requirements from national certifying bodies like the ARRT, state licensing boards, and even specific professional programs like CQR. It can feel like a maze, but we’re here to help you steer it with confidence.

The ARRT sets the national benchmark, requiring 24 Category A credits every two years. When it’s time to renew your certification, you’ll submit a CE Report Form along with your renewal application. Here’s something important to know: the ARRT doesn’t keep records of your CE credits. They may audit your CE reporting at any time, which is why keeping your original certificates of participation is absolutely crucial. If you’re selected for an audit, you’ll need to provide these documents to verify your credits.

This is where choosing the right CE provider makes all the difference. Look for courses approved by recognized continuing education evaluation mechanisms, or RCEEMs. The ASRT (American Society of Radiologic Technologists) and AHRA (American Healthcare Radiology Administrators) are two of the most widely accepted organizations that approve x ray ce credits. All of our courses, for instance, are ASRT approved for Category A credit, which means they meet ARRT certification and registration requirements without any hassle.

Many quality providers automatically transfer your completed CE credits to the ARRT and other registries. This automation removes the stress of manual reporting and helps ensure nothing falls through the cracks. For more guidance on finding reputable courses, check out CE Credits for Radiology: How Can I Get Them?

How do state-specific CE requirements differ?

While the ARRT sets a general standard of 24 x ray ce credits every two years, many states have additional or unique requirements that you must fulfill to maintain your license. It’s not uncommon for state agencies to mirror ARRT guidelines, but the details can vary significantly. Think of ARRT requirements as the foundation, and state requirements as the extra touches that make each location unique.

Here’s a quick look at how requirements can differ for some of the most populated states:

Requirement	ARRT General	California	Texas	Florida
Total Credits	24 Category A every 2 years	24 every 2 years	24 every 2 years	24 every 2 years
Special Topics	None required	4 in digital radiography; 4 in fluoroscopy radiation safety (if applicable)	1 in ethics; 1 in human trafficking	Must be from DOH-BRC approved providers
Mammography	N/A	10 of 24 must be mammography-specific (for certificate holders)	N/A	N/A

California has some of the most specific requirements in the nation. If you hold a general X-ray permit in California, you need 4 CE credits specific to digital radiography and may need 4 credits in fluoroscopy radiation safety if you perform fluoroscopic procedures. For mammography certificate holders, 10 of your 24 general CE credits must be specific to mammography. The California Department of Public Health maintains detailed information about these requirements on their official website. To understand how to stay compliant in the Golden State, read our guide on How to Maintain Your X-Ray License in California.

Texas takes a different approach, requiring 1 credit in ethics and 1 credit in human trafficking prevention. These requirements reflect the state’s commitment to professional conduct and awareness of vulnerable populations. For more on how continuing education benefits Texas technologists, explore the Benefits of Texas Medical Radiologic Technologist Continuing Education.

Florida requires that your CE credits come from providers approved by the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Radiation Control (DOH-BRC). This means you need to verify that your course provider is on Florida’s approved list before taking any courses. We provide detailed information to help Florida technologists with FL Continuing Education Self-Submission Information.

The key takeaway? Always check both your ARRT requirements and your specific state board requirements. Don’t assume that meeting ARRT standards automatically covers your state license. A few minutes of research can save you from compliance headaches down the road.

How do CQR and Structured Education fit in?

Beyond standard CE requirements, the ARRT introduced Continuing Qualifications Requirements (CQR) to ensure that certified professionals maintain current knowledge throughout their careers. CQR applies to certain ARRT-certified individuals and includes additional components beyond the traditional 24 x ray ce credits.

CQR consists of two main components: a self-assessment and prescribed CE. The self-assessment is a non-graded evaluation that helps you identify knowledge gaps in your practice area. Based on your assessment results, you’ll then complete prescribed CE activities that target those specific areas where you could strengthen your knowledge. This personalized approach ensures that your continuing education is directly relevant to your current practice.

There’s also something called Structured Education (SE), which serves as an alternative pathway for obtaining post-primary certification. Instead of taking a traditional certification exam, you can complete a structured series of educational activities. This option is particularly valuable for experienced technologists who want to expand into new modalities but prefer a different learning approach than exam-based certification.

Understanding how CQR and Structured Education work can open new doors in your career. For a comprehensive overview of these programs and how they might benefit you, read What You Need to Know About ARRT’s Structured Education Solutions and Requirements.

Whether you’re navigating standard CE requirements, state-specific mandates, or exploring CQR and Structured Education, staying informed is your best strategy. These requirements exist to ensure you remain a competent, current professional who provides the highest quality patient care.

7 of the Best X-ray CE Credits for Radiographers