Why CT CEU Credits Matter for Your Career and Compliance
CT CEU credits are continuing education units radiologic technologists need to maintain their ARRT certification and state licensure. Here’s what you need to know:
Quick Answer: CT CEU Credit Requirements
- ARRT Standard: 24 Category A or A+ credits every 2 years (biennium)
- State Requirements: Vary by state (Connecticut requires 24 hours every 24 months, or active ARRT registration)
- Post-Primary CT Certification: 16 Structured Education credits required
- Documentation: Keep certificates for minimum 3 years
- Exemptions: First-time renewals and inactive practitioners may qualify
If you’re a CT technologist, you know the drill: complete scans, care for patients, and optimize protocols—all while finding time to earn the continuing education credits that keep your certification and license active.
The challenge isn’t just finding courses; it’s navigating a complex landscape of ARRT requirements, state-specific rules, and other mandates while managing a demanding work schedule and budget.
Some credits count for biennial renewal but not post-primary certification. Some courses satisfy state rules but not ARRT’s Category A+ standards. If you’re in a state like Connecticut, you’re juggling both state and ARRT rules.
The good news? Once you understand the system, earning your CT CEU credits becomes straightforward. You can choose courses that align with your career goals, meet all regulatory obligations, and improve your clinical practice—without breaking the bank.
I’m Zita Ewert, and I’ve spent my career helping imaging professionals steer the complexities of CT CEU credits through SCRUBS Continuing Education®. Our platform offers more than 1,500 A and A+ credits approved by ARRT, state boards, and other major accrediting bodies, designed to make your compliance journey seamless.
Understanding the Core Requirements for CT Technologists
Let’s talk about the foundation of your professional compliance. Staying current with your certifications isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about maintaining high standards of patient care and meeting your legal obligations.
Understanding your requirements can feel like a puzzle. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) has its rules, and your state licensing board has theirs. They don’t always overlap, so knowing what applies to you is key to choosing courses that count.
The ARRT Biennial Requirement
If you’re ARRT-certified in CT, the baseline is 24 Category A or A+ credits every two years. This two-year period is called a biennium, and it’s your responsibility to earn and report those credits within your assigned timeframe.
The ARRT defines one contact hour as at least fifty minutes of educational activity. A 1 CE credit course equals about an hour of learning, ensuring you receive substantive education.
Your biennium is tied to your birth month, so plan ahead to avoid scrambling for credits at the deadline.
State-Specific Licensing Rules
State licensing boards operate independently from the ARRT and set their own rules. Most accept ARRT-approved courses, but some have additional requirements.
As the licensee, you’re responsible for ensuring your courses meet both ARRT and state requirements—your employer won’t track this for you.
For example, Connecticut requires licensed radiographers to either maintain active ARRT registration or complete 24 hours of qualifying continuing education within each 24-month period. The state’s Department of Public Health doesn’t pre-approve courses, so you must verify that your chosen courses align with their guidelines.
For the most accurate information on Connecticut’s requirements, check Connecticut’s official requirements and the Connecticut General Statutes.
Your state might have different rules, so always verify with your specific state board to avoid future headaches.
Exemptions and Waivers
Life happens. The ARRT and most licensing bodies recognize that circumstances can change and offer exemptions or waivers.
If you’re renewing your state license for the first time, you’re typically exempt from CE requirements until your next renewal period.
If you are not actively practicing or are facing a medical disability or serious illness, you might qualify for an exemption. You’ll usually need to submit a notarized application or affidavit explaining your situation.
If you return to active practice after an exemption, you must meet specific CE requirements first. The process varies, so contact your state board and the ARRT for guidance.
Decoding ARRT’s Special Requirements: Structured Education and CQR
Your career goals likely extend beyond basic certification. Whether you’re pursuing a post-primary credential or facing your ten-year CQR cycle, you’ll find that not all CT CEU credits are equal. These specialized requirements ensure you’re expanding your expertise, not just checking boxes. Here’s what you need to know.
Structured Education for Post-Primary Certification
If you’re pursuing your post-primary CT certification, the ARRT requires Structured Education—coursework aligned with the CT certification exam’s content specifications.
These 16 credits must cover specific content categories in exact proportions: Patient Care, Safety, Image Production, and Procedures. These categories mirror the exam content and your daily clinical practice.
At Scrubs CE, our CT Basics 2.0 series is designed to meet these requirements, breaking down into the exact credit distribution the ARRT requires. It eliminates guesswork and the need to piece together credits from different sources. If you’re curious about the full picture, we’ve put together a helpful guide: What’s Required for a Post-Primary Computed Tomography Certification?
The ARRT also provides comprehensive documentation on Structured Education requirements: More info on Structured Education from ARRT.
Continuing Qualification Requirements (CQR)
Every ten years, the ARRT requires certified technologists to complete the Continuing Qualification Requirements process. It starts with a self-assessment to identify knowledge gaps.
Based on your results, the ARRT prescribes specific CE topics. These are targeted assignments to address areas needing a refresher, directing your learning where it matters most.
The same courses for biennial renewal or Structured Education can often count toward CQR requirements. Scrubs CE simplifies this with CQR distribution tables for our courses, showing how they align with your prescribed topics. Our CQR Simulator tool helps you find the most cost-effective path to meet your requirements, so you don’t pay for unneeded credits.
Understanding Category A vs. Category A+ Credits
You’ve likely seen the terms Category A and Category A+. Both credit types are approved by recognized continuing education evaluation mechanisms (RCEEMs)—organizations like the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) that the ARRT designates to review CE courses. Both count toward your ARRT renewal.
The distinction? Category A credits cover a broad spectrum of topics. Category A+ credits are typically more advanced and specific to your modality, like CT. They often undergo a more rigorous review and cover specialized topics in-depth.
For your biennial renewal, the ARRT accepts both. However, for Structured Education or CQR, you’ll often find Category A+ courses provide more targeted content. All CT CEU credits at Scrubs CE are approved as Category A or A+, so you can be confident they meet ARRT standards.
A Guide to Choosing the Right CT CEU Credits
Not all CT CEU credits are created equal. Choosing any 24 credits is a missed opportunity. The right courses shape our practice, influence patient outcomes, and can open new career doors.
Think of continuing education as an investment in yourself. Whether you’re building a foundation, specializing, or keeping up with technology, the right courses make all the difference.
Foundational vs. Advanced Topics
If you’re newer to CT or need a refresher, foundational courses are your best friend. These cover the building blocks of CT: equipment, scan parameters, cross-sectional anatomy, and basic pathology, explaining the ‘why’ behind your protocols.
Our Computed Tomography for Technologists course is a perfect example, walking you through CT basics comprehensively. Similarly, Computed Tomography provides a solid knowledge base. Even experienced techs benefit from a refresher that reinforces best practices.
With experience, advanced programs covering complex techniques and protocols become more appealing. They help you tackle challenging cases and expand your clinical skills, mirroring natural career growth.
Specialty-Specific CT CEU Credits
CT imaging is diverse. You can carve out a niche that becomes your specialty. Tailoring your CT CEU credits to specific areas makes you more valuable and your work more interesting.
Passionate about cardiac imaging? Then Cardiac and Vascular Computed Tomography is for you. These courses provide detailed knowledge of cardiac protocols and vascular anatomy.
Whether you’re interested in pediatrics, musculoskeletal CT, or neuroimaging, specialty-specific courses help you develop genuine expertise. Our CT/MRI CE section also offers cross-modality learning. Understanding how CT relates to other modalities makes you a more valuable team member.
Key Topics in Modern CT Courses
Certain topics appear in all quality CT courses because they directly impact patient safety, image quality, and diagnostic accuracy.
Radiation safety and dose reduction should be at the top of your list. Understanding dose optimization techniques is part of our professional responsibility.
Patient care includes assessment, education, monitoring, and contrast administration.
Image production and quality covers everything from data acquisition to artifact recognition, helping you troubleshoot and produce consistent results.
Image archiving and informatics is increasingly important for managing the large volume of imaging data.
Our Computed Tomography CE Complete Guide breaks down these critical areas, making it easy to find courses that cover what matters most for your practice. When you choose courses thoughtfully, your continuing education becomes something you look forward to.
Finding and Verifying Your Courses
Once you know your requirements and topics, the next step is finding courses that count. It’s crucial to ensure every CT CEU credit you earn is recognized by the ARRT and your state board. This process is straightforward with a bit of know-how.
Where to Find Reputable CE Providers
Choosing the right continuing education provider can make the difference between a smooth renewal and a compliance headache. The most important factor is ARRT approval. You want courses designated as Category A or A+ by an ARRT-recognized continuing education evaluation mechanism (RCEEM).
Beyond ARRT approval, look for providers that offer:
- Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees.
- Instant certificate availability upon course completion.
- Positive reviews from fellow technologists.
- Responsive customer support.
Online providers like Scrubs CE have transformed how busy technologists access education, offering flexibility and convenience without compromising quality. We’ve designed our platform to provide legitimate, high-quality CT CEU credits without the hassle.
The Online Course Experience
Online CT CEU courses have changed the game, replacing travel and fixed lectures with flexibility and efficiency. With self-paced learning, you can access e-books or downloadable materials whenever it fits your schedule.
After reviewing the material, you’ll take an online post-test. Many providers, including Scrubs CE, offer open-book tests. The goal is comprehension, not memorization, and referring to course content reinforces learning.
Instant grading and certificate download means you get your results and documentation immediately after submitting your test. Our Computed Tomography E-book & Test exemplifies this streamlined approach. You’ll typically need internet access to complete the post-test for secure submission and instant grading.
Ensuring Your Credits Count: Verification and Documentation
The goal is to ensure your CT CEU credits are officially recognized for renewal. This requires some simple attention to detail.
First, verify ARRT acceptance by confirming courses are approved as Category A or A+ by an RCEEM. This information should be clearly stated. At Scrubs CE, all our courses meet these standards.
Second, check your state board’s specific requirements. While most states accept ARRT-approved courses, some have additional stipulations. Some providers, like Scrubs CE, report credits directly to certain states (like Florida), but you should always download and save your own certificates as backup.
Documentation and record retention is critical. You must keep certificates of completion for at least three years for potential audits by the ARRT or state boards. We recommend keeping both digital and physical copies to avoid stress later.
Cost, Packages, and Discounts
CT CEU courses vary in price, but strategic purchasing can make them affordable. The smartest way to save is with package deals and all-access passes. Bundles dramatically reduce your per-credit cost. Our CT CE Package offers 32+ credits, while our All-Access Pass provides over 221 CE credits across all specialties for a fraction of the individual course price. These are ideal for fulfilling multiple requirements or for unlimited learning.
If you work in a department with multiple technologists, ask about group discounts or department rates. Many providers, including Scrubs CE, offer substantial savings for group purchases.
The Benefits of Lifelong Learning in CT
Meeting our CT CEU credit requirements is an opportunity for profound professional growth. Lifelong learning in CT imaging benefits our careers, our patients, and the entire healthcare system, extending far beyond compliance.
Staying Current with Evolving Technology
Computed tomography is a dynamic field, constantly evolving with new equipment and techniques. What’s emerging now will define tomorrow’s practice.
Through continuous education, we learn about the latest scanner generations, reconstruction algorithms, dual-energy CT, and AI in image analysis. This knowledge ensures we can operate advanced equipment, optimize acquisition, and produce high-quality diagnostic information, keeping us relevant in a field.
Enhancing Patient Care and Safety
At the heart of everything we do is the patient. Our commitment to ongoing education directly translates into improved patient care and safety. Courses on radiation safety teach the latest dose optimization strategies. We learn about new contrast agents, safe administration, and how to manage adverse reactions.
Continuing education sharpens our diagnostic accuracy by deepening our understanding of anatomy, pathology, and protocols. It also refines our communication skills, leading to better patient outcomes and a safer imaging environment.
Advancing Your Career in Radiology
Beyond compliance, earning CT CEU credits is a powerful tool for career advancement. It allows us to specialize in areas like cardiac CT or neuroimaging, making us indispensable assets. Specialization can lead to leadership roles, increased responsibilities, and higher earning potential.
Continuously expanding our expertise makes us subject matter experts, capable of mentoring, developing protocols, and participating in research. This fosters professional growth, builds confidence, and opens doors to new opportunities, demonstrating a dedication that employers value.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Professional Development
You now have a solid roadmap for navigating CT CEU credits. The complexities of ARRT’s biennial 24-credit requirement, the 16-credit Structured Education mandate for post-primary certification, state-specific rules, and the difference between Category A and A+ credits should now feel much more manageable.
These requirements aren’t just bureaucratic hoops; they ensure that we, as CT technologists, maintain the knowledge and skills our patients deserve. Every credit we earn represents a commitment to excellence in our field.
Continuing education doesn’t have to be a burden. By approaching it proactively—choosing courses that genuinely interest us, planning ahead, and selecting topics that align with our career aspirations—it becomes an investment rather than an obligation. We’re not just checking boxes; we’re building expertise and opening doors to advancement.
At Scrubs CE, we’ve built our entire platform around making this journey as seamless as possible for you. We understand the demands of your schedule, your budget, and the importance of courses that actually count. That’s why we offer high-quality, self-paced learning with instant certificates, transparent pricing, and courses approved by ARRT and state boards across the country.
Whether you’re working toward your post-primary CT certification, fulfilling your biennial renewal, or simply passionate about staying current with evolving technology, we’ve designed our catalog to meet you exactly where you are. To explore a wide range of approved courses and simplify earning your CT CEU credits, browse our extensive catalog of radiology CE courses.
Your professional development is in your hands. Invest in yourself, and watch how continuous learning transforms your career trajectory. You’ve got this—and we’re here to help every step of the way.
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