Why Free ASRT Approved CE Credits Matter for Your Radiology Career

Radiology technologist reviewing digital imaging - free asrt approved ce credits

Free ASRT approved CE credits are available from multiple reputable sources that help radiologic technologists meet their ARRT renewal requirements without spending money. Here’s where to find them:

Top Sources for Free ASRT Approved CE Credits:

  1. ARRT Guide to Ethics in Imaging – 1 free Category A credit through April 2025 (available at ASRT.org/store for $0.00)
  2. ASRT Membership – Instant access to 17 CE credits from 600+ courses
  3. Rotating Free Courses – Various online education platforms offer 0.25 to 1.25 free Category A credits
  4. Unlimited Access Plans – $44.99-$49.99 per year for unlimited credits covering two bienniums

Important Note: California has specific approval requirements, so always verify your state accepts the credits before completing them.

Maintaining your ARRT certification means completing CE credits every biennium—and that requirement never goes away. For busy radiologic technologists juggling patient care, irregular shifts, and personal responsibilities, finding time and money for continuing education can feel overwhelming.

The good news? You don’t always have to pay for quality CE credits. Several legitimate providers offer free ASRT approved CE credits that count toward your Category A requirements for ARRT renewal. These aren’t trial offers or low-quality courses—they’re fully approved educational activities that help you stay current in your field without draining your budget.

The challenge is knowing where to find these free resources, how to access them, and which ones actually deliver on their promises. Some providers rotate their free course offerings monthly. Others require memberships. And a few have state-specific restrictions that could affect whether your credits count.

I’m Zita Ewert, and I’ve spent years helping imaging professionals navigate the CE landscape through SCRUBS Continuing Education. Throughout my work with free ASRT approved CE credits, I’ve learned which sources consistently deliver quality education that meets regulatory standards. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly where to find legitimate free credits and how to make the most of them.

Infographic showing the Radiology CE credit cycle: Complete 24 Category A CE credits during each 2-year biennium period, including 16 hours of structured education, then report credits to ARRT during annual renewal, and maintain records for verification - free asrt approved ce credits infographic

The Ultimate Guide to Finding Free ASRT Approved CE Credits

When we talk about free ASRT approved CE credits, we are referring to continuing education that has been vetted and approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). This approval is the “gold standard” because the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT®) accepts ASRT-approved Category A and A+ credits for your biennial renewal.

Professional certification certificate for a Radiology technologist - free asrt approved ce credits

To stay compliant, most R.T.s need 24 Category A or A+ credits every two years. Finding these for free is a bit like a treasure hunt, but the rewards are well worth the effort. You can learn more about the specifics of these credits in our guide on asrt-approved-ce-credits or dive deep into the full requirements with our asrt-ce-requirements-complete-guide.

One of the most reliable ways to secure a large chunk of credits is through professional organizations. For example, when you Join ASRT, you don’t just get a membership card; you get instant access to 17 CE credits from a library of over 600 courses. While the membership itself has a fee, the “instant” credits included often make the cost-per-credit much lower than buying individual courses elsewhere.

Finding Free ASRT Approved CE Credits for California Technologists

If you practice in the Golden State, you know that California has its own set of rules. The California Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch (RHB) has specific criteria for what they accept.

When searching for free ASRT approved CE credits, California technologists must be extra diligent. Not all Category A credits are created equal in the eyes of California regulators. To make things easier, you can CE approved for California by visiting the ASRT CE Library and using the “California” filter under the approvals section. This ensures that the time you spend studying actually counts toward your state license renewal.

Benefits of Rotating Free ASRT Approved CE Credits

Many online CE providers offer “rotating” free courses. This means they might offer a 1-credit course on MRI safety this month and a 1.25-credit course on Mammography dose next month.

The primary benefit here is variety. By checking back regularly, you can slowly chip away at your 24-credit requirement without ever opening your wallet. This is a fantastic strategy for arrt-ce-renewal because it keeps the material fresh and prevents the “last-minute scramble” at the end of your biennium. We’ve seen R.T.s successfully complete nearly half of their requirements just by taking advantage of these monthly freebies!

Top Sources for Completely Free Radiology CE Courses

Ready to start earning? We’ve rounded up some of the best current offerings for free ASRT approved CE credits. These courses cover a wide range of modalities, ensuring there’s something for everyone, whether you work in CT, MRI, or general radiography.

Currently, you can find free courses such as:

  • Advances in Liver US, CT, and MRI: A comprehensive 1.0 Category A credit course.
  • Atomic Bomb Radiation: In Utero Dose / Mortality: A fascinating historical and biological look at radiation effects (1.0 credit).
  • MRI of the Thumb: A specialized 0.50 credit course for MR technologists.
  • PACS Systems & Quality Control: Essential knowledge for the digital department (1.0 credit).
  • Radiation Dose in Mammography: A critical 1.25 credit course for breast imaging professionals.

For a curated list of these opportunities, check out our resource on free-ce-Radiology-credits. If you prefer the convenience of working entirely on your phone or tablet, explore arrt-continuing-education-online options that fit into your break time or commute.

Accessing the ARRT Ethics CE Credit Through 2025

This is one of the best deals currently available in the industry. To celebrate their 100th anniversary, the ARRT created a “Guide to Ethics in Imaging” training module.

This isn’t just a “read and forget” PDF. It’s a high-quality video module featuring insights from the ARRT CEO and VP of Compliance. It connects professional ethics principles directly to the ARRT Standards of Ethics, explaining the review process and common rule violations.

How to get it for $0.00:

  1. Head over to the ASRT store.
  2. Add the “Guide to Ethics in Imaging” to your cart.
  3. Complete the checkout process (the total will be $0.00).
  4. Watch the video and pass the short quiz.
  5. Boom—you’ve earned 1 free Category A credit!

This offer is available through April 2025, so don’t wait until the last minute. It’s a great way to stay ethical and compliant at the same time. You can find the link to start by visiting the Join ASRT portal or searching the ASRT store directly.

Free Resources and eBook Bonuses

Sometimes, “free” comes as a bonus with something you were already going to do. For instance, many providers offer a “Test-Only” option for courses. When you purchase the test, they often bundle the eBook or PDF study material for free.

This is a great way to build a digital library of reference materials. You can learn more about how these activities get their “stamp of approval” in our article on get-your-ce-activity-approved-by-asrt-what-you-need-to-know. These bonuses often include:

  • Downloadable PDF study guides.
  • Virtual CT Trainer manuals.
  • Software demos or access to imaging simulators.

Maximizing Value: Unlimited CE vs. Free Individual Credits

While free ASRT approved CE credits are wonderful, they do require a bit of “hunting and gathering.” If you are nearing the end of your biennium and still need 15 or 20 credits, individual free courses might not be the most efficient route. This is where unlimited subscriptions or bundles come into play.

Feature Free Individual Courses Unlimited CE Subscriptions
Cost $0.00 $44.99 – $49.99 per year
Effort High (search and track multiple sites) Low (all credits in one place)
Credit Volume Limited (usually 0.25 – 1.25 per course) Unlimited (access to 200+ credits)
Biennium Coverage One course at a time Can cover two bienniums
Bonuses Rarely included eBooks, manuals, and priority support

For those undergoing the arrt-renewal-process, an unlimited plan for around $45 is often seen as a “sanity saver.” It allows you to grab all 24 credits in one weekend if necessary. If you’re looking for more specific information on ARRT-related topics, check our tag/arrt section.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing and Tracking Your Free CE

Completing a course is only half the battle; you also have to make sure the ARRT knows you did it! Here is our recommended workflow for managing your free ASRT approved CE credits:

  1. Verify Approval: Before starting, ensure the course is Category A or A+ and approved by a Recognized Continuing Education Evaluation Mechanism (RCEEM) like the ASRT or AHRA.
  2. Complete the Material: Read the text or watch the video. Most free courses are self-paced.
  3. Pass the Quiz: Most providers require a score of 75% or higher to earn the credit.
  4. Download Your Certificate: Do this immediately! Don’t rely on the website to store it forever.
  5. Track and Upload: If you are an ASRT member, use the ASRT app to Check Your CE Record and upload your certificates. This is the “fast, easy, and secure” way to transfer your credits directly to the ARRT.

For more tips on navigating the ASRT ecosystem, visit our tag/asrt page.

Frequently Asked Questions about Free ASRT Approved CE Credits

Can I use free CE credits for my ARRT biennium renewal?

Yes! As long as the credits are designated as Category A or A+ and are approved by an ARRT-recognized RCEEM (like the ASRT), they are perfectly valid for your biennial renewal. The ARRT does not care if you paid $100 or $0 for the credit, as long as the educational quality meets their standards.

Do free Radiology CE courses work for CQR or structured education?

In many cases, yes. Continuing Qualifications Requirements (CQR) and Structured Education (for post-primary certification) have specific “content outline” requirements. Many free courses, such as those on CT Image Post Processing or Pediatric Radiation Safety, align with these outlines. However, always check the “Content Specifications” of the course to ensure it fits the specific sub-category you need.

Are there any restrictions on how many free credits I can earn?

There is no “cap” from the ARRT on free credits. You could theoretically earn all 24 credits for free. However, the biggest restriction is the “one and done” rule: you cannot earn credit for the same course twice in the same biennium. If a provider offers the same free course for three years, you can only use it once in your current two-year cycle.

Conclusion

Professional development shouldn’t have to be a financial burden. By strategically using free ASRT approved CE credits from sources like the ARRT Ethics module, rotating provider offers, and ASRT membership benefits, you can maintain your credentials while staying at the forefront of medical imaging technology.

At Scrubs CE, we believe in making high-quality, self-paced learning accessible to every technologist. Whether you are looking for a single free credit to finish your biennium or you want to dive into a comprehensive 24-credit bundle, our goal is to help you advance your career with ease.

Ready to see what’s available for your next renewal? Explore Radiology Continuing Education for ARRT Biennium and take the stress out of your CE requirements today!