Understanding Your Texas Radiology CE Obligations
Texas medical board radiology ce requirements vary by license type, but all radiologic professionals in Texas must complete continuing education every 24 months to maintain their licenses. Whether you’re a Medical Radiologic Technologist, a Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist, or a Non-Certified Technician, understanding these requirements is essential to keeping your license current and your career on track.
Quick Answer: Texas Radiology CE Requirements by License Type
| License Type | Total CE Hours (24 months) | Minimum Category A/A+ Hours | Human Trafficking Training |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Radiologic Technologist (MRT) | 24 hours | 12 hours | Required |
| Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist (LMRT) | 18 hours | 9 hours | Required |
| Non-Certified Technician (NCT) | 12 hours | 6 hours | Required |
Key Requirements for All License Types:
- At least 50% of CE hours must be directly related to ionizing radiation use in diagnostic imaging or treatment
- Human trafficking prevention training (HHSC-approved) is mandatory for every renewal
- No live or in-person courses required—all hours can be completed online
- CE credits can roll over to the next renewal period (up to 2x your requirement)
The Texas Medical Board has partnered with CE Broker to help licensees track and report their continuing education more easily. This means you need a reliable system to document your completed courses and ensure you’re meeting all the specific requirements for your license type.
As one radiology professional noted, “Completing CE credits often becomes a pain point for RTs struggling to find high-quality, genuine, and affordable online CE courses.” This guide will break down exactly what you need to know about Texas radiology CE requirements, so you can focus on your patients instead of worrying about compliance.
CE Requirements by Texas Radiology License Type
The Texas Medical Board recognizes three distinct types of radiologic professionals, and each one has its own set of continuing education requirements. If you’re reading this, you probably already know which category you fall into—but it’s worth double-checking because getting this wrong could mean scrambling to complete extra hours before your renewal deadline.
All Texas medical board radiology ce requirements follow a 24-month (biennial) cycle, which means you have two full years to complete your hours. That might sound like plenty of time, but we’ve all been there—suddenly it’s month 23 and you’re realizing you still need half your credits!
Here’s how the requirements break down:
| License Type | Total CE Hours (24 months) | Minimum ‘Directly Related’ / Category A Hours | Maximum Rollover Credits (excluding human trafficking) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Radiologic Technologist (MRT) | 24 hours | 12 hours (Category A or A+) | 48 hours |
| Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist (LMRT) | 18 hours | 9 hours (Category A or A+) | 24 hours |
| Non-Certified Technician (NCT) | 12 hours | 6 hours (Category A or A+) | 12 hours |
General Medical Radiologic Technologists (MRTs)
As a General Medical Radiologic Technologist, you’re looking at 24 CE hours every 24 months. That’s the most of any license type, which makes sense given the broader scope of your practice. Here’s the thing though—not just any 24 hours will do. At least 12 of those hours must be Category A or A+ credits, which means they need to be approved by an ARRT-recognized RCEEM or RCEEM+ provider.
The good news? You can roll over up to 48 extra credits to your next renewal period (not counting your human trafficking training, which we’ll talk about later). So if you’re someone who loves learning and tends to complete more than the minimum, those extra hours won’t go to waste.
Looking for courses that fit the bill? Check out our Radiology CE Courses designed specifically to meet these requirements.
Limited Medical Radiologic Technologists (LMRTs)
If you hold an LMRT license, your requirement is 18 CE hours over 24 months. At least 9 of those hours need to be Category A or A+ credits that focus on radiation health and safety or topics directly related to your specific limited certificate category.
The nice thing about being an LMRT is that while your requirements are slightly lower than full MRTs, you still get meaningful rollover benefits. You can carry over up to 24 extra CE credits to your next renewal period. This flexibility recognizes that professional development doesn’t always fit neatly into two-year blocks.
Non-Certified Technicians (NCTs)
Non-Certified Technicians have the most streamlined requirements: 12 CE hours every 24 months, with at least 6 hours being Category A or A+ credits. Just because the number is lower doesn’t mean the quality matters any less—these hours ensure you’re maintaining the foundational knowledge and skills that keep patients safe.
NCTs can roll over up to 12 extra credits to the next renewal period. It’s worth noting that even though your total hours are fewer, the same quality standards apply. Your Category A or A+ hours need to meet the same rigorous approval standards as those for MRTs and LMRTs.
Need courses custom to X-ray work? We’ve got you covered with our Continuing Education Courses for X-Ray Technologists.
No matter which license type you hold, understanding your specific requirements is crucial. The Texas Medical Board takes compliance seriously, and meeting these standards isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about ensuring you’re equipped to provide the best possible care to your patients.
Understanding the Texas Medical Board Radiology CE Requirements
Once you know how many hours you need, the next step is understanding what actually counts toward your texas medical board radiology ce requirements. The Texas Medical Board isn’t just looking at quantity—they care deeply about the quality and relevance of your continuing education. After all, these requirements exist to ensure you’re providing the safest, most up-to-date care to your patients.
‘Directly Related’ vs. ‘Indirectly Related’ CE
Here’s where things get specific. The TMB divides continuing education into two categories: directly related and indirectly related. Understanding this distinction is essential for staying compliant.
The golden rule is simple: at least 50% of your total CE hours must be directly related to ionizing radiation. This means the courses need to focus on how you actually use radiation in diagnostic imaging or medical treatment. Think radiation safety, patient positioning, exposure techniques, or emerging imaging technologies. These are the bread and butter of what you do every day.
What qualifies as directly related? Courses covering radiation safety, biology, and physics are the obvious ones. But it also includes anatomical positioning and radiographic exposure technique, emerging imaging modality studies, and patient care directly associated with radiologic procedures. If you’re working with contrast media, radiopharmaceutics, or specialized applications like mammography, nuclear medicine, or radiation therapy—those all count too. Even computer function and application in radiology falls into this category since modern imaging is so technology-dependent.
On the flip side, indirectly related courses are still valuable for your professional development, but they’re not tied directly to ionizing radiation. These might include general patient communication skills, computer literacy, management and administration topics, or professional ethics. While these subjects make you a better healthcare professional overall, they can’t make up more than 50% of your CE hours.
Think of it this way: the TMB wants to make sure you’re staying sharp on the technical skills that keep patients safe from unnecessary radiation exposure, while also recognizing that soft skills and broader healthcare knowledge matter too.
If you want to dive into the technical details, the Official TMB rules on CE content spell everything out. We know regulatory language can be dense, so we’ve tried to break it down in plain English here.
Mandatory Human Trafficking Prevention Training
This one’s non-negotiable: every Texas radiology professional providing direct patient care must complete human trafficking prevention training before every renewal. Yes, that means every two years, not just once.
Why is this so important? Healthcare workers are often the first people who might encounter trafficking victims. Knowing the signs and understanding how to help can literally save lives. The training must be approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), and fortunately, many approved courses are free and available online.
The good news is this training counts toward your total CE hours. It often qualifies as medical ethics or professional responsibility CE, so you’re not adding extra hours on top of your existing requirements—you’re just making sure one of those hours addresses this critical topic.
You can find approved courses on the HHSC Training page. Most take just an hour or two to complete, and they provide valuable information that could make a real difference in someone’s life.
Using Acceptable Credits and Online Course Flexibility
Let’s talk about the flexibility you have in meeting your CE requirements—because honestly, this is where things get easier than you might think.
You can complete 100% of your CE hours online. There’s no requirement for live seminars, in-person workshops, or conference attendance. Whether you’re learning at 6 AM before your shift or at midnight after the kids go to bed, online courses give you the freedom to learn on your schedule. This is especially helpful if you work irregular hours or live far from major cities where in-person training might be offered.
If you hold a current ARRT® certification, there’s even better news. The CE credits you complete for your ARRT® renewal typically satisfy your Texas state requirements too, as long as they meet or exceed the Texas hour requirements and were completed during your biennial renewal period. Just remember that the human trafficking prevention course is a Texas-specific requirement, so you’ll still need to complete that separately even if your ARRT® credits otherwise cover everything.
Hold another Texas health profession license? CE activities completed for that license can count toward your radiology requirements, provided they meet the TMB’s criteria for radiology professionals. It’s worth checking if any of your existing CE can do double duty.
For those hours beyond your required Category A or A+ credits, you can even use self-study activities—things like reading professional journals, audio programs, or watching educational videos—as long as you can verify that you completed them. Just keep good records, because if you’re audited, you’ll need to show proof.
At Scrubs CE, we’ve designed our courses specifically to meet both Texas TMB and ARRT® requirements, so you can check both boxes at once. Our Radiology CE Course Combos bundle everything you need for a complete renewal cycle, including courses that qualify as directly related to ionizing radiation. You get instant certificates, so there’s no waiting around wondering if you’re compliant.
Your Texas Radiology License Renewal Guide
You’ve put in the work to complete your CE hours—now it’s time to make it official. Renewing your Texas radiology license is actually pretty straightforward once you know the steps. Let’s walk through the process together, so you can check this box with confidence and get back to what matters most: caring for your patients.
Navigating the Texas medical board radiology ce requirements for renewal
The good news? The Texas Medical Board has made renewal mostly a digital experience. No more mailing forms or waiting weeks for processing. Here’s how it works:
Your renewal journey starts about 60 days before your license expires. The TMB will send you a friendly postcard reminder—though we always recommend marking your calendar independently, just in case that postcard takes a detour through the mail system!
When you’re ready to renew, head to the TMB online renewal portal. Have your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security Number handy. Once you log in, you’ll see your current information displayed. Take a moment to review everything carefully—your name, address, and contact details. If anything’s changed since your last renewal, now’s the time to update it.
Here’s where those texas medical board radiology ce requirements come into play: you’ll be asked to attest that you’ve completed all your required continuing education hours, including that mandatory human trafficking prevention training we discussed earlier. Notice we said “attest”—you won’t actually upload your certificates during the renewal process itself. You’re essentially giving your professional word that you’ve done the work. (But keep reading, because those certificates are definitely important!)
After confirming your information and CE completion, you’ll move to the payment section, which is handled through Texas.gov. Choose your payment method—credit card or electronic check—and submit your renewal. Most online renewals process within two business days, which means you’ll have peace of mind almost immediately.
If you hit any snags with the online system, the TMB’s helpdesk is available at registrations@tmb.state.tx.us. They’re there to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
Renewal Fees and Record Keeping
Let’s talk about the financial side first. Medical Radiologic Technologists (MRTs) and Limited Medical Radiologic Technologists (LMRTs) pay $66 to renew their licenses. Non-Certified Technicians (NCTs) pay $56 for registry renewal. These are the base fees set by the Texas Medical Board. Texas.gov may tack on a small processing fee depending on whether you pay by credit card or electronic check—usually just a few dollars, but it’s good to know ahead of time.
Now, here’s the part that really deserves your attention: keeping records of your completed CE courses. We can’t stress this enough! While you don’t submit your certificates during the online renewal, the Texas Medical Board conducts random audits. If your name comes up, you’ll need to provide documentation proving you completed every single CE hour you claimed.
Think of your CE certificates as your professional insurance policy. We recommend keeping them organized and accessible for at least five years. Your records should clearly show the course name, the provider who offered it, when you completed it, how many credit hours you earned, and what category it falls under (Category A/A+, directly related, indirectly related, etc.).
The TMB has partnered with CE Broker to help licensees track and report their continuing education more easily. This platform can be a helpful tool for staying organized. That said, we always recommend maintaining your own backup copies of certificates. Technology is wonderful until it isn’t, and having your own files means you’re never caught off guard.
When you complete courses through Scrubs CE, you’ll receive instant certificates that include all the documentation details you need. Save them in a dedicated folder—whether that’s a physical binder or a digital file on your computer—and you’ll be ready for anything the TMB throws your way. It’s one of those small organizational habits that can save you from major headaches down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions about Texas Radiology CE
We know that navigating continuing education requirements can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when your career depends on getting it right. Let’s tackle some of the most common questions we hear from radiologic professionals across Texas, so you can approach your CE with confidence.
What happens if I fail to meet the CE requirements?
Let’s be honest—this is the question that keeps many professionals up at night. Failing to meet your Texas medical board radiology ce requirements isn’t something to take lightly, as the consequences can significantly impact your career.
The most immediate consequence is that the Texas Medical Board will deny your license renewal. Without the required CE completed, you simply won’t be able to renew, which means you can’t legally practice until you resolve the issue. This isn’t just a formality—it’s a legal requirement that protects patients and maintains professional standards.
Beyond renewal denial, the TMB can take disciplinary action against your license. This might include suspension or, in severe cases of repeated non-compliance, even revocation. These actions become part of your professional record and can affect future employment opportunities, insurance coverage, and your professional reputation.
If you find yourself in this situation, the reinstatement process can be both lengthy and costly. You’ll need to complete all outstanding CE requirements, potentially pay penalty fees, and possibly appear before the Board to explain your non-compliance. Some licensees are also required to complete additional education beyond their standard requirements.
We understand that life happens—unexpected circumstances can derail even the best-laid plans. If you’re approaching your renewal deadline and haven’t completed your CE, don’t wait until the last minute. Reach out to the TMB early to discuss your options, and consider using online courses that offer instant certificates so you can complete your requirements quickly. At Scrubs CE, we’ve helped countless professionals get back on track with flexible, self-paced courses that fit even the busiest schedules.
Are there specific CE requirements for modalities like MRI or Mammography?
This is a great question, especially as radiology becomes increasingly specialized. The good news is that the general TMB rules apply across all modalities, but there are some important nuances to understand.
For MRI technologists, while the TMB’s standard requirements still apply, many employers and credentialing bodies recommend (or require) at least 16 hours of MRI-specific education every four years, with at least 8 of those hours focused on clinical applications. If you’re ARRT® certified in MRI, you’ll want to ensure your CE meets both the TMB’s “directly related” criteria and ARRT®’s specialty requirements. Fortunately, MRI courses focusing on safety, physics, and imaging protocols clearly count as “directly related” to ionizing radiation use when they cover the full scope of your practice.
For mammography professionals, courses focusing on mammography applications definitely count as “directly related” CE under Texas law, since they involve ionizing radiation for diagnostic imaging. If you hold an ARRT® Mammography (M) certification, you’ll need to ensure your CE is relevant to that specialty for both your state and national requirements.
The key is to remember that national certifying bodies like ARRT® often have more specific requirements for maintaining specialty credentials than the TMB’s general rules. You’ll want to check both sets of requirements and choose CE that satisfies all your obligations. We always recommend selecting courses that align with your actual day-to-day practice—not only does this help you stay compliant, but it also makes the education more relevant and engaging.
How do I prove I completed my CE hours?
This might be the most practical question of all, because having completed your CE is only half the battle—you need to be able to prove it when the TMB comes knocking.
Your primary proof is your certificates of completion. Every time you finish a CE course, download and save that certificate immediately. We recommend keeping both digital copies (in a dedicated folder on your computer or cloud storage) and physical copies in a binder. Think of it as your professional insurance policy—you hope you never need it for an audit, but you’ll be incredibly grateful if you do.
When you renew your license online, you’ll attest that you’ve completed all required CE, including the mandatory human trafficking prevention training. While you don’t submit certificates during the renewal process itself, you’re making a legal declaration of compliance. This attestation is your official statement to the TMB that you’ve met all requirements.
Here’s where it gets real: the TMB conducts random audits of licensees. If your name is selected, you’ll receive a notice requesting copies of your CE certificates, typically within a specified timeframe. This isn’t a sign that something’s wrong—it’s just their quality assurance process. But if you can’t produce the documentation, you could face serious consequences, even if you actually completed the courses.
Using a CE tracker makes this whole process much easier. The TMB has partnered with CE Broker to help licensees track and report their continuing education, which can automatically compile your records. At Scrubs CE, we also provide a personal dashboard where you can access and download all your completed course certificates anytime, anywhere. Many of our customers tell us this feature alone saves them hours of searching through old emails or files when renewal time comes around.
The bottom line? Keep meticulous records from day one of your renewal period. Set up a simple filing system, whether digital or physical, and add each certificate as soon as you earn it. Your future self will thank you, especially if you’re one of the lucky ones selected for a random audit!
Conclusion
You’ve made it to the end of this guide, and hopefully, you’re feeling a lot more confident about tackling your Texas medical board radiology ce requirements! Whether you’re an MRT needing 24 hours, an LMRT working toward 18, or an NCT completing your 12 hours, you now have a clear roadmap for staying compliant with the Texas Medical Board.
Meeting these requirements isn’t just about checking boxes or avoiding penalties—though those are certainly important! It’s really about something bigger. Every course you complete, every new technique you learn, and every safety protocol you review makes you a better radiologic professional. Your patients benefit from your updated knowledge. Your colleagues benefit from your expertise. And honestly, you benefit too, by keeping your skills sharp and your career moving forward.
We understand that juggling work schedules, family commitments, and continuing education can feel overwhelming. That’s exactly why we’ve built our course library to fit your life. You can learn at midnight in your pajamas or during your lunch break—whatever works for you. No driving to seminars, no rigid schedules, just high-quality education when and where you need it.
From understanding the difference between directly related and indirectly related CE to completing that mandatory human trafficking prevention training, you’re now equipped to handle your renewal like a pro. Remember to keep those certificates organized, mark your renewal dates on your calendar, and don’t wait until the last minute to complete your hours. Your future self will thank you!
Ready to knock out your CE requirements with courses that are actually relevant, engaging, and convenient? Discover the benefits of Texas Medical Radiologic Technologist Continuing Education with Scrubs CE and make your next renewal the easiest one yet. We’re here to support you every step of the way, because when you succeed, healthcare in Texas gets a little bit better for everyone.
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