Radiology is supported by a global network of professional societies, accreditation bodies, government agencies, and licensing authorities. These organizations set standards for education, certification, safety, ethics, and clinical practice across all imaging modalities.
This page provides a structured directory of major radiology organizations, including U.S. and international societies, radiation protection agencies, accreditation bodies, and state licensing boards, plus a practical guide on how to become a licensed radiologic technologist.
Summary: A complete guide to radiology professional organizations, regulatory agencies, and licensing pathways for students and imaging professionals.
American College of Radiology — clinical guidelines, accreditation, and radiology leadership.
American Roentgen Ray Society — oldest radiology society, research and education.
Radiological Society of North America — global radiology conference and research leader.
American Society of Radiologic Technologists — education, CE credits, and advocacy.
American Association of Physicists in Medicine — medical physics standards and TG reports.
American Healthcare Radiology Administrators — imaging leadership and management.
Society for Computer Applications in Radiology — imaging informatics and PACS.
Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging — nuclear medicine and PET.
International Society of Radiology — global radiology collaboration.
European Society of Radiology — hosts ECR, major European radiology body.
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists — radiology and radiation oncology.
Canadian Association of Radiologists — national radiology leadership in Canada.
Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists — technologist certification.
British Institute of Radiology — UK radiology research and education.
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists — national certification for RTs.
American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography — ultrasound credentialing.
Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board — nuclear medicine and PET.
Cardiovascular Credentialing International — cardiac and vascular imaging credentials.
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology — program accreditation.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs — sonography accreditation.
Canadian technologist certification and licensing.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission — regulates radioactive materials and nuclear medicine.
Food and Drug Administration — regulates imaging equipment and radiation-emitting devices.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration — workplace safety standards.
Environmental Protection Agency — radiation protection guidelines.
International Commission on Radiological Protection — global radiation safety standards.
International Atomic Energy Agency — radiation protection and safety training.
National Institute of Standards and Technology — radiation measurement standards.
National Council on Radiation Protection — U.S. radiation safety recommendations.
Licensing requirements for radiologic technologists vary by state. Most states require ARRT certification plus a state-issued license. Always verify current requirements with your state’s health or radiologic licensing board.
Ohio Department of Health — Radiologic Licensure Section. ARRT plus state license required for RT practice.
CDPH – Radiologic Health Branch. State exams and permits required in addition to ARRT for many roles.
Texas Medical Board / Department of State Health Services. MRT license plus ARRT recommended.
New York State Department of Health. Licensure required; ARRT accepted as part of the process.
Florida Department of Health. State certification required; ARRT credentials commonly used.
Oregon Board of Medical Imaging (OBMI). Licensure for radiography, CT, MRI, and other modalities.
Radiology is supported by a global network of regional and national societies that promote education, research, safety, and professional development. This section highlights major organizations by world region.
ACR – American College of Radiology
RSNA – Radiological Society of North America
AAPM – American Association of Physicists in Medicine
ASRT – American Society of Radiologic Technologists
CAR – Canadian Association of Radiologists
CAMRT – Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists
ESR – European Society of Radiology
BIR – British Institute of Radiology
EFOMP – European Federation of Organisations for Medical Physics
UEMS – European Union of Medical Specialists (Radiology Section)
RANZCR – Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists
JRS – Japan Radiological Society
KSR – Korean Society of Radiology
APSR – Asian Pacific Society of Radiology
CIR – Interamerican College of Radiology
SBR – Brazilian College of Radiology
SMRI – Mexican Society of Radiology and Imaging
PAARS – Pan African Association of Radiology and Imaging
RSSA – Radiological Society of South Africa
ESRME – Middle East Society of Radiology
This quick directory summarizes common patterns in U.S. radiologic technologist licensing. Always confirm details with the official state board.
Most states require graduation from an accredited program, ARRT certification, and a state-issued RT license.
A few states have minimal licensing and rely on ARRT plus employer credentialing and hospital privileges.
Some states require separate permits for CT, MRI, mammography, or fluoroscopy in addition to RT licensure.
Most states require periodic CE (often aligned with ARRT’s 24 CE credits every 2 years) to renew licenses.
This step-by-step guide outlines the typical pathway to becoming a licensed radiologic technologist (RT) in the United States.
Enroll in a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (certificate, AAS, or BS). Focus on anatomy, positioning, physics, and clinical rotations.
Complete all required clinical competencies in general radiography as defined by ARRT and your program.
After graduation, your program verifies completion and you apply to sit for the ARRT Radiography (R) exam.
Pass the ARRT Radiography exam to earn the RT(R) credential. This is the national standard for RTs.
Submit your ARRT credentials and required forms to your state licensing board. Some states may require additional fees or jurisprudence exams.
Complete continuing education to maintain both ARRT certification and your state license. Track renewal dates carefully.